The light came down from all directions, blinding Governor Prokop as he walked to the podium. Everything in his sight seemed shrouded in a panoramic splash of color. Absently, he recalled a picture in his history textbook of a Mardi Gras festival, taken back in the 21^st century. The light, as it struck his eyes, caused Prokop to blink and squint for a few seconds. As he shaded his face with his hand, however, the haze he felt around him faded. To his left, a sprawl of glass and plastic, long and sinewy like flames in a fire, came into view.

            Welcome to Haventon, he thought. The pinnacle of modern man. On the other side, hundreds of cheering people gathered before him, mostly dressed in orange or cyan, with a few reds toward the front and greens dispersed among the crowd. No one would have the tastelessness to wear brown or gray to such an event. The faces Prokop could make out were lit by smiles as they beamed at their speaker. The governor’s people seemed genuinely glad to see him.  At this moment, however, Prokop saw a sinister tinge to their expression. The brightness of their clothes seemed too bright, the smiles too wide. I must be getting paranoid, he thought as he scanned the public for a familiar or comforting face. There was none. His gut began to sink.

             A whirring interrupted his thoughts. The microphone, which was now below his chin, adjusted itself so it pointed just above his chin. Supporting the microphone was the podium, a round, metal base with its own wires and gears hidden from view. Prokop raised his hand and waved to the crowd. After some cheering and clapping, the crowd fell silent.

            Clearing his throat, he began: “My brothers and sisters. . .â€

            The sound of laughing interrupted him. A single snicker, having no source but loud enough to clearly tell, burst from the crowd. Nothing changed on Prokop’s expression, but he felt a cold drop of sweat in his brow.

            “I came here with a message, one from the depths of my –“

            He was deafened by the sound that came. Hundreds of voices, all at once, cackled with maniacal glee. Alarmed, Prokop scanned the audience. Every once-smiling expression had morphed into the same, despicable smirk. The sound of his mockery built up as more people joined. Even more, each individual voice increased in volume, becoming bolder.

            Prokop looked down, unable to bear the sight of his audience. Suddenly, he turned to look behind him. The podium had adjusted itself to trap him, surrounding him with a steel barricade. If he tried hard enough, he could climb over the five foot barrier and run. These were his people, though; he must face them as his comrades.

            As he looked up from his enclosure, he heard the sound of footsteps. Before Prokop could register what happened, several members of the crowd rushed to seize him. The governor had no time to escape his assaulters before they grabbed his arms. In a few seconds, dozens of people reached for Prokop’s arms. He could only see the outstretched hands at his sides, closing anywhere from his wrist to his bicep. None of them pulled or pushed, only groped, searching for something. Suddenly, a hand to his right reached above the rest—

            Prokop woke up drenched in sweat.

            It took a few seconds for him to notice a staccato ringing filling his ears. Almost by reflex, his right hand rose to his phone’s digital display beside him, pressing against the cover. The beeping faded, leaving the room in silence. Prokop sat up in his bed and looked around him. On the opposite wall, a red satin curtain covered a floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, darkness shrouded his neighborhood, as it was still night. To the window’s left hung a portrait of his father, staring into the distance with a proud and stern face. As he looked to his left, he saw the stucco walls with various scenes of trees and foliage painted onto them. Despite the beauty of the scenery, Prokop sometimes felt a sense of regret upon seeing it. If the house’s builder had not convinced him that pictures of nature were necessary to fit with the “new†and “fresh†wave of this century, he would never have painted the walls.

            He looked at his hand. It still rested on the phone, which itself laid flat on a mahogany bed stand. Dropping his arm, he read the display: 4:35 AM. He sat in his bed for an entire five minutes. Throwing down the covers, he jumped onto his feet, almost running to the bathroom.

            As he got ready in the morning, he prepared himself for the day ahead of him. Today, the Prime Minister himself, Michael Alonge, had invited Prokop as a guest to his speech. Prokop had met with Alonge in a couple of Alonge’s campaigns. The governor admired the man, but had so few opportunities to be with him. He was, after all, the prime minister, and a quite busy one at that. Already, a mental checklist began to form in his head:

            Script for my speeches? In the binder in the living room.

            Phone? Beside the desk.

            Wallet? In today’s pants pocket.

            Are my license, ID, and credit cards still in the wallet?

            Yes.

            Prokop continued this throughout his morning routine.

Biography:

The heat wave was hitting Khazan hard. Blocks of Lowtown have been without power for days now and nobody really seemed interested in getting down there and fixing the problem. No one wanted to get their hands dirty…

It’s been said that true heroes are the ones that do the little things for the people and don’t expect, nor need, the recognition for their good deeds. He always agreed with that sentiment. It’s one of the reasons The Conspiracist despised the idea of the “Alpha†Sentinels. He never really trusted the Sentinels much in the first place, but their insisting to stay in the limelight is what really put him off of them, only gracing the world with their presence when there almost isn’t a world. While their members are dedicated and undeniably renowned for the crime-stopping and world-saving, they seem to bask in the fame and glory of it all too much.

He threw the vice grip to the floor and it clattered noisily amongst the trash. He winced as he bit the covering off the final wire before intertwining it with the copper wire of another. He watched the bare bulb up above flicker hesitantly before humming to life. He then wiped the sweat and dirt from his brow before picking up his toolbox and heading for his car.

The mustang had to get a total overhaul after his last case. It seemed that was the case after every case lately. It had taken him long enough to fine the right parts, but the actual repairing of it was a whole other ordeal entirely. However, he got it done.

The streetlights were on now and, like roaches, the scum scattered about the streets. He kept out a watchful eye as he placed his toolbox in the trunk and soon saw exactly who he was looking for. Frank Cecily. He was a syndicate lowlife that never learned how to keep his mouth shut. It made him a quite good informant, after you roughed him up a bit.

The Conspiracist reached into his pocket and pulled out a white cloth. He shook it out before placing it over his head. He then nonchalantly placed on his fedora and stepped out the alleyway, adjusting the pistol that was concealed in his blazer.

Personality:

He cried every time. The whimpering, it was really pathetic. The snot and tears mixed in with the blood from the hemorrhaging wound at the back of his head. This all dripped and swirled together into a vile puddle that grew under his head.

“This would go by much quicker if you would just talk.â€

The monotone but rasp voice bounced among the shadows.

“I’ve already told you everything I know you freak! All I know is that the boss has been freakin’ out about missing street walkers and…†Frank, hanging upside down, yelled as he forced his body to swing in his chains.

“And?!â€

“I don’t *vulgarity*in’ know… There’s something going around about a big shipment coming in for something. All I knows is the freaks are messin’ with the bosses’ business. Now cut me down, I’m not *vulgarity*in’ with you anymore!â€

“Now that wasn’t very nice.†The Conspiracist said as he loomed forward into the light. He adjusted his fedora upon his head and pulled down his white mask further. “Now you stay put, wouldn’t want you getting yourself in any trouble.â€

He moved out of sight momentarily and a switch was flipped. The rest of the lights in the garage turned on.

“There’s a sandwich and some drinks in the fridge, make yourself at home.†He said as he bypassed the dangling man and opened the door to the mustang and got in.

“What? Aren’t you going to let me down first, man?†Frank yelled over the roar over the starting engine.

The Conspiracist waved as he pulled out the garage and the garage doors shut themselves and the screams of Frank inside.

.

Powers:

Agility:

The water boiled softly as two bottles of baby formula was slowly warmed. Jenny was preparing dinner, rapidly chopping carrots to add to a heating pan, searing and ready for the veggies. The carrots sizzled and darkened as she pushed them about the hot pan. She slowly opened a drawer and reached inside before feinting and pulling a glock and aiming into a shadowed area of the apartment. 

A masked figure slowly stepped forward. "Conspiracist. You bastard, I almost took your head off." She placed the safety back and put the gun away. 

"Your draw is getting slower."

She turned back and began stirring the vegetables. " I just put the babies to sleep. I didn't want to spend an hour putting them back to sleep." 

"How sweet. How is it, being a housewife and all?"

Jennifer placed down the wooden spoon she was stirring with and finally turned back to the masked man. "What do you want? I know you didn't come just for a house call." She said suspiciously. 

"No, no I didn't." He said inspecting a trinket upon the coffee table. "There's been some rumbling. The syndicate have been making some big moves as of late. Large shipments. Old names coming back into play. I fear they may be planning something."

"That still doesn't explain why you're here. You know I'm retired, John too, for now. I assumed you were as well after that Sayang debacle." 

"No I never stopped. I just wasn't needed. But now, I fear we don't have the manpower to stop the growing syndicate..."

The baby monitor makes a stirring noise, and Jennifer reaches for the bottles testing their heat before turning the burner down. 

"I'm tired Conspiracist. You know i would help if i could. You'll have to scarce up the rest of the Angels." She felt a sudden draft and Conspiracist had a leg out the window, he paused before turning back to her. 

"Hopefully, it'll be in time... Tell Reynolds I said hello." 

He then silently and effortlessly scaled the complex. 

Willpower

Information will always be a powerful weapon to wield. It can build up the people, making them strong and assured, or it can tear down a nation with lies and mistruths. It’s a versatile beast and whoever masters it rides high. At the moment, The Conspiracist was unarmed. All he knew was that ‘something’ was coming in and it was going to be big.

The Syndicate had been quiet for years, ever since the cigar wars, but there had been a sudden breath of life. Someone new had been appointed to take the reins and he had to know who. Luckily, he knew exactly where to go to find out.    

Dawn was creeping upon the night with pinkish rays above the horizon. Ezekiel sat alone in the park, the stone chess board set before him. He studied the board intently, his silver eyebrows furrowed in concentration. The Conspiracist then sat before him.

“You’re late.†He said matter-of-factly, moving a piece forward.

“I know. I had some things to take care of.â€

“You’re still looking for Roscoe?â€

“Yes.†He moved his knight, capturing an opposing pawn. “Him being back in Khazan is another reason we should be taking a closer look at the Syndicate.â€

“What do you mean we? I’m retired.â€

“I know I lost my cell but there’s still a war to fight. I still have some ties in the Angels. I had visited one earlier.â€

“And how did that go?â€

“Not well, but there are others.â€

“At least you’re realizing that you can’t do these things by yourself.†He moved his queen, capturing an opposing rook. “Checkmate.â€

“You win again.â€

“You’re still trying to win the game on your own, there is more than one piece of the board, remember that. Trusting in every piece is the only way to win. Don’t give up.†He then reached below his chair and pulled out a tablet. He tapped it several times before turning it over to The Conspiracist.

“Her name is Alma Notch. She’ll have all the dirt on the going-ons of the Syndicate, if you can afford it that is. Since you’re still wearing the same fedora I met you in, I’m guessing not.â€

He laughed, “I suppose I’ll have to use my wit and charm then.†

.....

He then would've proceeded to bash in Alma's skull until she told him where to find the syndicate. Then he would've went and raised hell with a couple cameo characters.

Bergy_Berg

He turned off the television, 11 hours of it had been enough for the day. His cane was leaning on the arm of his oversized chair. He grabbed it, and painfully rose to his feet. 'Why do I even get out of bed, if this is how I'm spending every day?' he thought as he hobbled back to his bedroom, past a mantle that supported no pictures of family, no trophies, only his purple heart and a medal of valor. “Only thing I've ever been good at is getting hurt,†he mumbles to himself, the pain in the right side of his hip pulsing. “Nothing to even show for it.â€

______________________________________________________________

     “MOVE MOVE MOVE!!†The sergeant was screaming. The platoon had been trudging through the dense jungle, struggling just to get through the vines and foliage, when the enemy ambushed. “GET SOME COVER!†Bullets filled the air like a swarm of locusts, waiting to pierce the skin.

      Danny dived behind the trunk of one of the large jungle trees. He raised his rifle, firing back. The sergeant rallied his men, forcing the enemy to flee into the depths of this wooden hell. Danny rose from his position. “Are they gone Sarge?â€

      “Stay sharp private, bastards aren't known for being this easy.†The sergeant motioned for his platoon to move on. They kept their heads up, watching for the enemy force to return. Eyes scanned the thick jungle, but one spot went entirely unnoticed: the ground beneath them, a mistake that would not go unpunished in this harsh land. In front of Danny, a corporal with his eyes on the undergrowth a few yards away put his foot down, triggering a click.

      The corporal heard the sound, and as is natural among those who have just stepped on a landmine, he began to panic. “Keep it together Corporal,†the sergeant said with a rare calming tone.

      “Reeds, can you take care of it?†Danny stepped up. “Make it quick,†the sergeant continued, “we can't afford to stay here for very long.â€

      Danny knelt by the shaking corporal. “Try not to move too much, you take enough pressure off these things and they'll blow.†Danny was doing his best to stay calm himself, but he knew the severity of his situation. 'Mines, I hate mines,' he thought.

      He dug into the ground by the corporal's feet, revealing the homemade explosive. “Sergeant, you need to get everyone back. I'll do what I can, but there's no telling with the ones they just throw together. Everyone needs to be away from this when he steps off.â€

      The sergeant took his men back as the private removed a plate of metal from the mine's side, exposing its innards. The firing mechanism was held in place by the corporal's weight, holding back the explosive charge.

      “Damn,†the private said. “Sarge, there's no way I'm disarming this thing without blowing it.†The sergeant swore heavily, asking the private if he had any ideas between the obscenities spewing from his mouth.

      Danny looked around him, and noticed a heavy rock a few feet away. “Stay there,†he told the corporal as he grabbed the large stone. “Listen to me closely. I'm going to put my hand on the mine, right by your foot. When I tell you, you will step off, and retreat back to the sergeant. Copy?†The corporal quivered. “I said, COPY?â€

     “Y-y-yes,†the corporal finally gasped out.

     “Alright,†the private said, putting his hand on the mine and leaning his weight into it, watching to make sure the firing mechanism stayed put. “Get back now,†he let out with a heavy breath.

      The corporal lifted his foot, and then quickly scampered back to the other troops. Danny placed the stone on the top plate of the mine, and slowly removed his hand, his eyes never leaving the the small metal rod that stood between him being able to walk away, or being dragged by his sergeant away from a crater in the jungle.

      His hand tentatively left the metal plate, and he grinned at the lack of a boom. 'Got it,' he thought, as he took a few paces back. “GOT IT!†he called to his sergeant.

      He turned, took another couple of steps, and then the grin quickly left his face. *click*

______________________________________________________________

     25 years after his discharge from the armed forces, and Danny Reeds found himself running down a punk matching the description of a suspect in an officer involved drive-by. His target had been running from him for two blocks when he turned a corner in an attempt to lose the officer.

      Danny kept up the chase, his gun in one hand, his radio in the other. “Officer in pursuit, corner of 33rd and Euclid, suspect is armed and dangerous.â€

      Rounding the corner, he saw the fleeing suspect duck into an alleyway. 'That's a dead end,' Danny thought, 'got him here.'

      He stopped at the edge of the alley, and shouted “James Meirrow! You're under arrest!†He poked his head around the corner of the alley, “Show me your hands!â€

      Danny ducked out of the way just in time. A bullet flew where his head had just been. He crouched, and entered the alley with his gun raised, quickly taking cover behind a dumpster before returning fire. A shot connected with the punk's shoulder, causing him to drop his weapon as he fell to the ground.

     Danny moved in on the bleeding suspect. “Suspect in custody, Euclid Avenue-†He was cut off by the sound of a door being kicked open behind him. He spun around, his pistol readied, and was greeted by the bang of a pistol.

      The shot hit him like a big league slugger, knocking Danny off his feet. The new thug screamed at James, “Get up man, we gotta get out of here before more cops show!â€

      The two were leaving the alley when Danny regained his composure. He got back to his feet, and stumbled after them. The two thugs were peeling out in a beat up car. Danny raised his 9mm, and while he steadied his arm to take a shot, was hit in the hip by a shot from the passenger seat.

______________________________________________________________

      He lowered himself into his bed, feeling the nagging pain of where the bullet had torn through his flesh, wrecking the bone beneath. 'A land mine couldn't take me out of commission, but a 9mm round makes me a cripple.' He turns off the lamp by on his nightstand, considers setting the alarm. 'What's the point? I have nothing to wake up for. Wasted my life protecting people, and I have nothing to show for it. What I wouldn't give to take it all back.'

     Danny woke up the next morning, the sun's beams finally prying open his eyes. He swung his feet to the ground, walked to the bathroom for the usual morning first. He washed his hands, and walked to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.

      'Water in tank, grounds in filter, brew button. Now, bagels, bagels...' He saw them on the marble counter, and set one in his toaster before going for his cream cheese. He opened the fridge, grabbed it-and dropped it immediately.

     He stepped back, looked down. “Where the hell?†he said aloud, shocked to see his feet below him and no cane in his hand. He rushed to the bathroom, an experience that served to further freak him out, as he hadn't been able to rush anywhere in the last few years.

      He looked into his bathroom mirror, blinked, splashed water in his face, and looked back. 'That's not me,' he thought. “That's not me,†again, but this time out loud. “The voice is mine, but...†He stepped back from the mirror, shocked at what he was seeing. Where he had seen a decrepit old man the day before now stood someone much younger.

      He examined himself in the mirror. 'Where the hell did all this muscle come from? Where did all this hair come from?' No matter how hard he looked, how many deep breaths he took, Danny couldn't quite wrap his head around what he was seeing.

      He ran back to his kitchen. 'That's different, haven't run since I was shot.'

      On his table he found a folded piece of paper. He picked it up, and found a short note on the other side. 'Second chance. Use it well.' Danny had no idea what it meant. “I need a drink.â€

     Finding only an empty bottle of Vodka in his fridge, Danny decided a bar was his best bet. He walked out of his house, and was again surprised. The run down neighborhood he had lived in was replaced by nice lawns, white fences, and smooth driveways. “Where am I?†Danny said, wondering if the senility had finally got to him.

      He plucked his keys from his pocket, and looked to where he had last parked his old, beaten up truck-or, now, his new Jag. 'When did I get a Jaguar?' He was puzzled for a moment, but then decided the appearance of a nice car in his driveway was not the strangest thing that had happened to him on that day. He got in, received yet another nice surprise when he saw his rather nice looking house, and then realized he had no idea where the bar was. 'Screw it, got a full tank, a very full feeling wallet. may as well drive until I find one.'

     He managed to make his way into the nearby town. 'Where is the bar around here?'

      He drove around for a little while, looking for a place to help clear his mind. He eventually conceded the fact that he had no idea where to even look in this new town, and stopped at a bank.

      He got out of his Jag, went to the door, and had yet another surprise in his day. A man with a hockey mask was inside, his gloved hands holding a gun and a duffel bag. Danny could hear the man yelling from inside, and stepped behind a wall. He instinctively reached for a pistol, and finding it to not be at his side, instead grabbed the phone from his pocket. He dialed 911.

     “1st federal bank on W Central Ave, armed robbery in progress... No, I'm not in danger... 10 minutes? What?â€

      “THAT'S NOT ALL OF IT!!†Danny could hear the armed man inside. He peeked in, and saw him grab a woman and hold the gun to her head. 'Walk away,' he thought to himself, feeling a phantom pain in his hip. 'Look at yourself, you can't do it again. When has helping anyone ever been good for you?' He pulled himself together, his course now clear in his head.

Where did that come from?

     Enhanced Strength: Ultimate (rank 4)

      And against his better judgement, entered the bank.

      The man with the gun turned to him. “Easy buddy,†Danny said. He motioned to the woman being held at gunpoint. “Just let go of her.â€

      “Shut up! Don't tell me what to do!†The man was jittery, ready to do something stupid.

      “Hey, let's just do a quick trade. How about I come over there-â€

      “NO! Stay right there!â€

      'This guy is really high strung,' Danny thought. I startle him, and this could get ugly.

      “Alright, no big deal. How about you just point that at me and let her go. You need someone to point it at, I'm your guy.†The gun shifted targets.

      “There we go. Now,†Danny motioned to the teller, “how about we go ahead and give the man what he needs.â€

      The teller started to put money on the table in front of her, a tense silence in the air. The man kept the gun trained on Danny as he funneled the cash into his bag, and made his way towards the door.  

     “There you go, nobody gets hurt, you just walk away,†Danny said. 'Too close. Glad that's done.'

      The thought was a bit too soon. As he opened the door, the burglar heard a siren coming closer. “Who called the cops! Who the *vulgarity* did it!†The man was just a couple of feet from Danny, and he was waving the gun wildly.

      “YOU!†He pointed the pistol at the teller. “It was you! You hit a panic button, didn't you?!â€

      Danny knew this was it. He lunged at the man, forcing the gun to the side-and snapping the man's arm. The gun fell out of his hand, but Danny's move wasn't finished yet. His shoulder had already dropped, and he shoved into the man, sending him flying into the drywall.

      Danny finished giving his statement to the police. They had asked to see his license, standard procedure in Khazan, and it was the first time he had really looked at it. It bore the same face he had seen in the mirror, his name, and a date he was no longer able to be surprised at. October 17th, 1986. 'Only a little over 26. Sure, why not?' The most surprising thing to him now was his bank account. The only thing Danny could even think of it was 'Whoa.'

      Danny hit a store on his way back to his house, picking up a fifth of whiskey to finally clear his mind. He got home, and after a few drinks, found himself extremely curious. He looked around his house. A kitchen full of stainless steel appliances, an entertainment room with a massive TV and various electronic systems, his bedroom with a smaller TV mounted on the wall opposite the bed, and finally a room filled with exercise equipment. A treadmill, various weights, and a few other nice pieces of equipment filled the room.

      Danny walked over to the bench press. 'No frickin way.' The press was stacked with weights. A customized set had a ton on each end. 'I couldn't even get that off the bar. No way.'

      Suspending his disbelief for a moment, he got into position under the bar. He put his hands around it, and-expecting the result to be rather unimpressive- pushed forward. The bar easily moved from its position. 'No. Frickin. Way.' Danny lowered it towards his chest, and then raised it back up. 1, 2, 3...

Where did all this energy come from?

     Enhanced Endurance: Supreme (rank 3)

      47, 48, 49, 50. He rested the bar back on the press and sat up. 'Wow. No sweat even.' He took a turn at most of the other pieces of equipment in the room.

      He made a few lifts here and there, until he finally came to the treadmill. “Let's do this.†He hopped on, put the speed at 8 mph, and started running. After 20 minutes, he ramped the speed to 12, then 15, 20, 25... "Damn," he said aloud.

      He checked his phone. 'Only 1 o'clock? Guess I could take this run to the street.'

      He ran through the town he had visited earlier in the day, past it to a more run down area. Had his hearing been affected the same way his arms were, he would have heard the following conversation.

      “Yo, that's him.â€

      “The one who snagged Lamar at the bank today?â€

      “Yeah bro. Heard he nearly killed him. Let's do our man justice.â€

      The two in the car tailed Danny home. Although he hadn't heard them, years of experience told him he was being followed. He got into his house, locked the door behind him, and pulled out his cell. 'Dead, great. Where would that charger be?'

      He ran to the bedroom, looking for the an outlet filled by the charger. 'Where is it?' He opened his nightstands, nothing. He then checked the drawers under the TV. Just clothes. Nice clothes, but not too handy here.

      He went to his closet, opened the shutter like doors, and looked inside. What he found wasn't at all what he was looking for, or what he expected, it was certainly something he could use.

      The two from the car got to the door. One of them, a taller man, pounded on the wood. “YO! Open up!†he yelled.

      “You two should really just turn around and go back to whatever hell hole you crawled out of,†Danny called back.

      The tall man clutched a pistol in his hand, and slammed into the front door. The heavy oak held firm through the first hit. He tried again, and the door began to give. He took a step back, and with as much force as he could muster, he again slammed the door, this time breaking through.

Are these even mine?

     Weapon Master: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack

      The tall man had barely regained his footing when the slug hit him. His partner, seeing the tall man's chest burst open, stepped back from the door. “SHIT!†he yelled. He poked his head around the wooden frame, and his head popped like a watermelon.

      “Great,†Danny said to himself, “that kind of gore takes forever to clean out.†He looked at the two bodies that now marked his doorway. The shots must have alerted a neighbor, as the sound of sirens was in the air and getting closer.

      I really hope this thing is legal. He looked at the weapon in his hands. A Mossberg 590A1 shotgun. I REALLY hope it's the only one in here.

      It wasn't. Escorted by two officers, Danny found a .357, an M9, an M107, and a G36. Thankfully for Danny, every gun was legal, registered, and he was fully licensed to have them in his ownership. Everywhere. How the hell does someone even get a license to carry an assault rifle on them at all times? Whose idea was that?

      He considered the fact that, in the last two days, he had been in two conflicts with armed aggressors. Maybe I'll keep the M9 on me...and the .357.

      In a less upscale part of Khazan than Danny's new neighborhood, a large man was being told of the recent events.

      “You say this same son of a bitch has killed 3 of my crew in 2 days?†he asked a nervous looking thug.

      “Yeah Blast, he took out Lamar at the bank job, and then Ty and Rags at his house in Pandora Falls.â€

      “So we know where he lives? Good. We're taking care of this.†He laid out a plan to a room full of his underlings. “This mofo is going to find himself against the full force of the Spades.â€

      Danny parked his Jag outside the local grocery. In the last few days he had discovered his new strength, stamina, and arsenal. He had also discovered that his house was not too well stocked with food. Pizza and Chinese were beginning to get a bit tired, and Danny decided it was finally time to try out his grill.

      He had just walked into the store, when he heard the loudest boom since a mine almost tore his face off. He turned to see a fireball on the single bridge entrance to the parking lot. What the hell?!

      Rushing in from either side of the lot were thirty armed thugs, with a large man walking away from the explosion. Everyone in the store, with the exception of Danny, ran as far from the doors as possible. Danny flipped a soda machine to its side, took his M9 from its holster, and leveled it at the entrance. This week is weird.

      The thugs funneled in through the doorway, and Danny was at first able to gun them down as they came. But a ten round clip can only go so far, and even with a quick switch to his .357, Danny soon found himself overwhelmed. A shot tore into his shoulder, then his throat, and finally into his chest.

      Shit, that's it. Second chance. Use it well. Does getting shot dead in less than a week count?

No idea what that's from.

     Regeneration: Supreme (rank 3)

      How am I still thinking? And where's the blood? Danny examined his shirt, the bewildered look on his face matched by the thugs surrounding him. The bullet holes in shirt told him he hadn't been missed.

      One of the thugs regained his composure, raised an Uzi, and unloaded on Danny. 20 rounds riddled his torso, but when the gun finally reached the end of its clip, Danny was none the worse for the damage. He looked around at the room full of startled thugs, and smirked.

      “Well,†he said, “aren't you all screwed?â€

      Blast heard the screams of his men from outside. “HEY!! What the hell is going on in there?!†One of his minions being tossed into the lot past him answered his question. The limp figure was followed by Danny. He made eye contact with Blast.

      “Who are you, and why did I just fight through a horde of morons just to see you out here?â€

      “Name's Blast. I'd ask you who you are, but dead men don't need names.â€

      With that, he let out a blast of energy that, upon connecting with Danny's chest, exploded like a stick of dynamite. “That was easy,†he said, turning to leave. He was a couple of steps away, when he was knocked back a few yards by a blow like he had never felt in his life. Blast rolled over, and looked up at the man who struck him.

      “Name's Danny. Now get ready for the beating of a lifetime.†Blast fired again at Danny, who simply took the shot and kept coming forward.

     “Fine,†Blast said, “let's do this the hard way.†Blast charged Danny, and with power that matched the now young man, dealt a harsh blow to his jaw. Danny was knocked backwards, but popped right back to his feet.

      Well then, this is going to be interesting.

Soldier and a cop. I know this one.

     Hand-To-Hand Fighting: Standard (rank 1)

      Danny moved forward, avoiding another shot from Blast's hand to keep from slowing him down in closing the gap. He reached Blast, and put forward a solid one-two combo. Blast swung out with his left, but Danny ducked his head under the blow. Another beam of energy started in Blast's right hand, and Danny lifted the arm, pointing Blast's hand towards the sky. Holding the wrist in his left hand, Danny jammed his right palm under Blast's arm, just behind the elbow, straightening it out and snapping Blast's arm. His cry of pain fell on deaf ears, as Danny, still holding the wrist in his left, jammed his right elbow into Blast's throat. The thug fell down, coughing heavily as he struggled to breathe.

      He looked up at Danny, and barely squeaked out ,“Mercy?â€

      Danny thought for a moment. A short moment. “Mercy?†Danny grabbed the aching throat of his opponent. “I don't think so.â€

PERSONAL

Character Level: Street Level

Gender: Male

Power Origination:

Location: The Ebony Oasis, Venus Junction

AFFILIATION

Alignment: Villain

Team: The Syndicate

VITAL STATS

Strength: Standard (rank 2)

Agility: Standard (rank 2)

Mind: Standard (rank 2)

Body: Standard (rank 2)

The Stygian Void is a realm of disorder where peace goes to die

It is deadly and dark, horrid and stark and so must be it's Magi

He must live for vice and dance with death as he spits in virtues eyes

To keep the balance he must revel in agony and laugh as justice dies.

                                                                                    Gaspar Torsten,

                                                                                     Magi Arcanus

It was another busy night at the Ebony Oasis; the seats were filled with fat cats with even fatter wallets, gold digging vixens were on the prowl for a sugar daddy, the drunks were at their posts and there was a line outside that seemed to go on forever. The Ebony Oasis is known for many things; it's beautiful waitresses, peerless cuisine, top notch booze and many other reasons that are whispered in the shadows. But above all there is one thing that people have come far and wide for, and that is the owner of the Ebony Oasis, Vincent Coal. A man whose voice is only matched by his ability to "get things done".

It was ten o'clock in Venus Junction which meant Vincent Cole was in front of the large mirror in his dressing room preparing to perform for his patrons. With meticulous precision he combed back his hair and fixed his bow tie as he ensured that his perfectly groomed face was blemish free. As he listened to the muffled melody of the neo-swing band in the club a loud series of knocks came from his door.

"Come in!" he shouted as he straightened his suit.

The door quickly opened as a tall brunette in a cobalt dress entered the room with a folder filled with documents "Sorry to disturb you sir but some papers just came in that you have to sign."

"Fans or business?" asked Vincent not bothering to hide his disdain.

"Neither sir, it's from the Order."

"Can't it wait Tiffany? I'm up in a few minutes." groaned Vincent as he checked himself over in the mirror "It's not like the world is going to end while I'm singing 'Fly Me To The Moon'"

"You know sir," sighed Tiffany "Sooner or later you're gonna have to stop being Vincent Coal and accept your responsibilities as the Magi of the Stygian Void."

Vincent walked over to Tiffany and kissed her on her forehead "Tiffy baby, even when the world ends and the Ebony Oasis is gone I will still be Vincent Coal." he winked at her flashing a mischievous grin and started walking out of the room "Besides, I'm sure you posses more than enough magical prowess to deal with what ever is in that folder." Vincent closed the door to his dressing room behind and started strutting down the hallway smiling as the statuesque emcee of the Ebony Oasis, Joey Salvatore, approached him.

"Da crowds all warmed up for ya Vinny."

"Good, how much time does the band have left." replied Vincent.

"They're just about done. There is one problem though. Mr.Styx ain't here."

"He's probably just late, he's a busy man." answered Vincent as the band finished their set "Now go out there do your job."

Joey ran out to the stage and started to introduce Vincent to the stage to an audibly enthusiastic crowd who's chant and cheers flowed into Vincent's ears "Ahhh, that sound, there's nothing like it in the universe." whispered Vincent to himself in self adoration. The Joey finished the introduction as he always did.

"And now ladies and gents here he is 'The Cupid' of Venus Junction, The 'Brightest Spark' in 'Star City' the man with the voice of a god! VINCENT COOOAAAALLL!!!!"

Vincent strutted out to the stage with effortless swagger as the roof rattling cheers of both men and women reached it's crescendo "That's right my friends, I'm here and you know what that means. Things are about to get blissfully hot and dangerously dirty."

Broken Connection

     Senses Manipulation: (rank 0)

As if held by some euphoric enchantment the patrons gyrated and cheered as Vincent flawlessly performed his set. Every soul within the club was in a state jubilant admiration of the man who danced and sang upon the stage, every soul but three.

In a shadowy corner of the club hidden away from the seemingly infectious fervor of the crowd sat three hooded figures engulfed in a brooding aura as they watched Vincent perform "Look at him, up there reveling in their adoration. As if being the Magi of the Stygian Void was nothing but an insignificant title." snarled the thickest of the trio in a voice that seemed come from the throat of a cave.

"He must feel like a god. He has money, talent and power; with no one to challenge him....until now" snickered a feminine voice from the slimmest figure at the table "It's a shame that such a handsome man has to die."

The tallest of the group stood up commanding the attention of his comrades "He getting ready to finish, it's time to go" he slid through the unknowing crowd followed by his two allies being careful not to slowdown or draw attention. When they reached the door to the dressing rooms the were met by an abnormally large man dressed in a sleeveless vest that exposed his huge inhuman muscles "No one goes in without permission." grunted the guard folding his arms to show his muscles.

"Will you deal with this Vlad?" sighed the tall figure as he halted his steps.

Without hesitation Vlad punched the muscle bound brute in the stomach toppling him to the ground "Pathetic." without hesitation the group went through the door just in time to see Vincent enter his dressing room.

"Your turn Lily." stated Vlad as he dragged the guard into a dark corner.

Lily threw off her cloak revealing a slim curvacious woman hugged in a scarlet dress with her blond hair flowing down her back. She strode towards the dressing room only to be stopped by another muscle bound guard who with one touch to the cheek and a whisper to the ear simply marched away from the door. As Lily opened the door a blast of smoky energy swarme towards her head "Shit!" she cried as she darted into the room zigzagging towards Vincent as he fired blast after blast.

As Vincent prepared one last blast Lily vanished and reappeared behind him quickly placing a large green leech on his neck. Vincent staggered and fell to one knee "What did you do to me?"

In a display of unusual strength Lily lifted Vincent up from the ground and threw him into his chair smiling as her partners walked into the room and locked the door behind him "It's a Mara Leech. As long as it remains on your body you will be unable to sense mystical energy or use that infamous sight of yours, which means you are no longer connected to the Void." answered the tall cloak man as he removed his hood.

"Flamel!" barked Vincent s he laid his weary eyes on the silver haired man.

"Yes Stygian. It's me.

The Allure

     Enhanced Charisma: Supreme (rank 3)

A myriad of emotions swarmed within the room as the three assailants swarmed Vincents trembling body. Flamel triumphantly walked over to Vincent and bent his towering figure so that his jet black eyes leveled with Vincent's platinums "You didn't think I simply gave up did you, Stygian? I will become the new Stygian Magi whether you hand over your Magi Seal willingly or through bloody lips."

"Ha!" snorted Vincent "Do you think torture will work Flamel? You obviously have forgotten who I am."

Flamel stood up and ran his long fingers through Vincents silky black hair "Oh I remember. Torture won't work on one who has been to the Stygian Void, especially not you Magi." spat Flamel as he walked away from Vincent "But there is someone who I think will be quite susceptible, and I will enjoy breaking her." Flamel and Vlad exited the room leaving Vincent in the care of Lily.

"You know" sang Lily as she glided over to Vincent "If you cooperate with him we wont have to kill you. It would be a crime for such a fine man such as yourself to die for a silly title."

"I have no intention of dying or helping you."

"Come on Vinny. You know your not getting out of this victorious." giggled the gold haired maiden "I know why you go out on that stage. Why you run this club and work with the Syndicate." she placed her hand on his face and rubbed his cheek "You're lonely. Being a Magi of any domain from the Stygian Void to Valhalla is a lonely, loveless life."

"You have no idea." whispered Vincent behind a mask of sadness.

"Maybe not, but I can help you unshackle yourself from the chains of responsibility." she stroked his lips with the edge of her soft fingers as he brought her lips closer to his "All you have to do is tell me where the Magi Seal is."

Vincent placed his hand on Lily's face and smiled "Is freedom all that I'll get?"

Lily moved her hand from his mouth and replaced it with her tender lips shuddering as their arms explored each others bodies. She was so engrossed in the embrace that she didn't realize that she had knocked off the Mara Leech from Vincents neck; so engrossed that she didn't realize the leech floating in the air towards her own neck and landing on her tender flesh. As the creature sunk it's fangs into her she pushed Vincent away and began grasping at it. By the time she removed it Vincent had already unleashed a wave of black energy that sent her flying through the door.

The Stgyian Sense

     Enhanced Senses: Superior (rank 2)

"Sorry hot stuff, bimbos aren't my type." Vincent stepped over Lily and straightened of his tie as the currents of infinite mystical energies revealed themselves to Vincent; the violet and azure smoke of astral energies, the silver streams of life and vitality, the erratic bolts of emotions and a plethora of energies known and unknown crashed upon him like a massive wave; and he loved it.

He exited the room bobbing his head to the band who's music was now bouncing throughout the building "Now where did those idiots go?" he mumbled as he sensed for trails of their aura to no avail "Hiding your energy huh? You should know better Flamel." the silver iris' of Vincents eyes vanished into a ring of darkness that infected the rest of his pupils with a caliginous glow. Before his shadowy eyes the veils of reality disintegrated revealing and tearing dimensions and planes away until the Void engulfed his surroundings.

"There is no hiding within the Void, Flamel." said Vincent to himself as he followed the grey images of Flamel and Vlad deep within the building."

One With The Void

     Energy Absorption: Superior (rank 2)

Vlad lifted the decrepit body of a janitor with vicious glee moistening his face as he shouted at him "Where is Tiffany old man!"?

"I-I-I don't know!"

"Don't lie to me, I will kill you!" barked Vlad tightening his grip on the elderly mans collar.

"He obviously doesn't know Vlad; put him down so we can move on." sighed Flamel as he disappointingly frowned revealing every crevice and wrinkle on his face.

"The only part of you that's moving on is that wretched soul of yours Flamel!" roared Vincent amidst the crackling of black energy that started to fill the hallway "If you want the Seal your going to have to kill me, and we both know that ain't happening don't we old boy?"

Flamel spat on the floor and turned to Vlad "Tear him apart." after he gave his command he strode down another hallway mumbling strange profanities under his breath.

Vlad dropped the janitor like a bag of garbage and snickered as he threw off his cloak revealing a shirtless body rife with muscles and crimson hieroglyph tattoos that radiated an eery glow "You ready to die bastard?" the light emanating from the tattoos intensified releasing random burst of energy with each step he started to take towards Vincent.

"Flamel does know how to recruit doesn't he?" mused Vincent unfazed by the violent surges of energy that ravaged the hallway "I wonder, did he ever tell you about the risks of utilizing Makhai Seals?"

"No, and I don't give a damn!" he bellowed as charged at Vincent stopping only when hes near enough to throw his massive energy laden fist at Vincent. Each powerful strike he launched at Vincent was easily deflected by the smaller man with ease and with each move deflected grew Vlad's rage and ferocity.

With each attack Vincents face morphed into a mask of boredom until instead of blocking the barrage of fists he caught both of Vlad's club like hands "You're particularly clever are you?" chided Vincent as the brute tried to wrench his fists from his grasps "Haven't you been noticing anything? Look at your tats big guy."

Vlad looked at his arms and slowly descended into a state of bewilderment as he watched the energy within the seals on his body ebb "What are you doing to me!?"

A dark aura formed around Vincent as Vlad's massive body began to shrink and whither "Makhai Seals are like vents taking in and releasing energy in order to enhance oneself. Problem is, it makes infinitely easier to siphon off that energy especially against a master of Stygian magick." he smiled as he heard Vlad's desperate grunts of mercy and relinquished his grip on the now emaciated man.

The Stygian Fiend

     Mythic Physiology: Superior (rank 2)

Flamel stood chanting ancient Egyptian incantations in front of a large lavender door decorated with numerous black markings and hieroglyphs. Desperate drops of sweat streaked down the worn face of the wizened mystic as he recited spell after spell seemingly to no effect.

"You know Flamel, some people would say you are quite cunning after what you did today." commented Vincent as he stepped into the corridor where Flamel stood "Using those novices to buy time while you obtained the seal was cowardly if you ask me. "

"As if you wouldn't do the same Stygian." snarled Flamel as the door swung open. He turned to Vincent with a deadly smirk and waved his hands as he muttered an incantation in ancient Sumerian. Out of the floor erupted a large black scaled claw which was followed by a large draconic head and eventually the rest of the creatures large scaled body "Have fun." chuckled Flamel as he walked into room and closed the door behind him.

"The bastard messed up my floor." mumbled Vincent amidst the guttural roars of the beast that focused it's serpentine eyes upon Vincent with primal ferocity. With a slight smirk on his face Vincent's body slowly transformed into a creature made out of black smoke and cimmerian bolts of energy that began to singe the air around him.

In a sudden burst of savagery the creature darted towards Vincent gnashing it's acid stained teeth at him as Vincent floated into the air and landed on his back "Now where is the weak spot on this thing?"

In a fit of rage the dragon flailed around it's poison tipped tail at Vincent which only resulted in Vincent phasing through his attacks or deflecting them with bursts of energy. As Vincent searched the beasts body for a weak point his foot sank into a supple area of scale-less flesh "There you go." he chimed as the rank smell of singeing flesh crawled into his nostrils"

I Am The Stygian

     Chi Manipulation: Supreme (rank 3)

• Ranged Attack
• Long Ranged Attack
• Area Affect
• Super Area of Effect
• Multi-Attack
• Target Seeker

The smell of burning flesh was soon followed by the frenzied cry of the beast as it began to thrash about the building sending tiles as dust into the air that mingled with ambient mystical energy that bounced around the hallway "Dammit, I just remodeled the building! I swear Flamel is going to pay for this." grumbled Vincent as he balanced himself on the creatures back and plunged his hand into it's soft spot sending gushes of indigo blood and charred flesh into the air.

As sapphire blood gushed out of the creature his movements became more sluggish and labored until it finally collapsed and breathed it's last trembling breath. Vincent reverted to his human form as he triumphantly walked towards the door being careful not to step in any puddles of blood "I swear if any of this stuff ends up on my suit I'm going to be pissed." The door opened of it's own volition before the presence of the master of the building revealing an unnaturally large room seemingly made of immaculate white light.

Vincent entered the vast room the sound of his footsteps bouncing off non-existing walls as he scanned the vastness for Flamel. He needn't search long for the coarse whisper of his foe's voice soon called out to him.

"What is this place Stygian?" Flamel was visibly furious as his age ravaged face twisted with each word.

"A pocket dimension that I use for a myriad of reasons, unfortunately the storing of objects isn't one of them." the glowing whiteness of the room withered away from Vincent amidst the nebulous aura that had started to form around him "It's a shame, you are possibly one of the greatest Stygian mystics alive, your death would be a tragic blow to the dark arts..........oh well." with a slight gesture of his hand bolts of energy ripped through the radiance of the room and would have struck Flamel if not for a swift wave of his hand that deflected the attack into the air.

Flamel hissed incantations which summoned a immense cloud of darkness that condensed into the form of a horned cyclops that towered over both men. With a echoing roar the giant charged at with unrelenting speed sending tremors through the area.

Unfazed by the colossal monster Vincent mad a sign with his hands and from them sprang a huge serpent of energy that wrapped itself around the cyclops and tightening it's grip until the giant exploded in a blast of shadowy energy. With out wasting a moment Vincent stretched out his hand and began manipulating the energy into chains that wrapped themselves around Flamel. As the last chain fell into place the serpent of energy slid over to the old man hissed sending drops of acidic venom unto his face.

"You know, after so many years one would think you of all people would understand how things worked." sighed Vincent as he began to turn towards the still opened door "There are countless Magi in the Omniverse and while we may differ on a myriad of things from morals to species there is one common aspect to us all. We never chose to become Magi; we were born to become Magi." with that said Vincent began to walk out of the room with silent pride.

"These chains won't hold me!" barked Flamel as acid fell upon his body.

"I know. Thing is, the door only opens from the outside." Vincent replied as he walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. He began to slowly walk down the dismantled corridor when the old janitor appeared "You know Tiffy, if you're going to walk around like that you should play the part and get this cleaned up."

The janitor chuckled as he transformed into the elegant form of Tiffany "As soon as you look through these papers sir." she replied as she followed behind Vincent.

"Now!? But I'm tired!"

Omega Dark
BIO
To the Cult of the Ineffable Theorem, she's the Persona Photonic, the bearer of light and the end of its absence. The Omega Dark.

To her parents who once lead the cult, she was the little bitch who would end up murdering them. Oh, it was a subtle thing at first. First her mother who died during her second pregnancy. No one ever quite figured out the exact circumstances of her death, which was unusual for a cult of crazy truth seekers.

Now with her father, it was slightly less subtle. But only slightly. She managed to convince the cult that he was evolving or that his soul was about to hitch a ride on an upcoming comet or maybe she just told them he was dead weight and needed to die. Either way, in a spectacular rainbow light display that cemented her place as the new leader of the cult, she excited every electron in his body until, well, until he dropped dead.

After that, things settled down into a humdrum of sorts. The cult would grow under her leadership, but all meaning to its existence would be slowly stripped away until it became nothing more than a vehicle to cater to her whims. Disgruntled senior members were disenfranchised or outright eliminated. Terror began to reign. In a handful of years, her leadership had turned into an outright regime... and then, like a switch finally turned off, she disappeared. Suddenly and without a trace. The many remaining cultists found themselves without their guiding light. The Cult of the Ineffable Theorem was left to fend for itself on the inescapable Isle of Obscured Gluon.

Elsewhere...

Like a switch that was turned on, the world suddenly found itself terrorized by Omega Dark, supervillainess extraordinaire!

PERSONALITY
My parents died when I was still so very young. Orphaned as I was, I became what you might call, a "poor little rich girl". For these tragedies, I held no grudge against the world.

After all, it was I who murdered my parents and my solitude was entirely self-orchestrated. I chose my life very early on and even if I were to have any regrets, I would still not hold the world accountable for my lot in it.

So why, you might ask, am I such an "evil bitch"? Simple. Because I am.

I do not have, nor do I need, any single traumatic event to shape my destiny. I was born into power and MORE power is the only thing I truly crave. I need no other motive and that in itself, is my motive.

Hello, I am Megan Thorne, the Omega Dark. And I AM an evil bitch.

Kirsten Kensington

Solo Hero

Suburban Khazan

Origin:

Stop straining and listen. I want you to know why I'm doing this.

We are crafted by our enemies. We make our weapons and design our tactics to best whoever threatens us. Thusly, we are improved only when our foes are powerful enough to change us.

And you, Miss Perfect, are a master craftsman.

Quit? Did you honestly think I'd let you? I, Dr. Mentis, mind-mastering eternal foe of Sollus? Sollus was a true hero. He was the greatest of opponents. I thought I'd never have so worthy a foe, thought that I would find no one else I could let change me, until you happened along.

And you wanted to quit, Kirsten? To finish your senior year and go off to college, learn and date and go back to the convenience store and all that? You're too good for that—you could be the next Sollus!

And yes, of course I know your name. Do not panic. If you believe one thing, believe that I am smart enough not to do anything with that knowledge.

The material in this high-powered syringe improves and enhances the effects of yttriphalene. Breathe in. You may feel a slight pinch.

Personality: 

About the Game:

The evil mastermind Web is at it again, and has assembled twelve of the most powerful supervillains in history to extend her influence to the farthest corners of Khazan—and the world! The superheroic teenagers known as the Extracurriculars are the only hope to stop Web's diabolical schemes!

Features:

Play as four Extracurriculars--Invincible blonde beauty Miss Perfect, mysterious Dreamtime warrior Shinigami Kid, energy-absorbing alien bo fighter Transistor, and sarcastic techno-warrior Electronica!

Utilize stunning superattacks!

Receive commands between levels from the enigmatic genius Datapoint!

Fight through fifteen levels of classic side-scrolling brawling action with up to four friends, either locally or over the internet!

Fly through special all-new aerial levels!

Classic 16-bit graphic style!

Music composed by longtime brawler composer Blaze Hunter!

Put your hard-earned score on national ranking charts!

Ultimate Enhanced Body: Monica James

Monica was boredly watching UFC in her garage on a very muggy Sunday morning, when very abruptly Kirsten hefted up the garage door so quickly the thing nearly leapt its tracks. “Whoa, what's up?” Monica gasped, but Kirsten said nothing and stomped to one of Monica's workbenches. She grabbed one of the katana lying on the workbench, and without a word, slammed it onto her wrist. The blade, rather than merely stopping on Kirsten's superhumanly tough skin, shattered.

Monica, concerned and confused, got up and began to walk to her teammate, but Kirsten grabbed one of Monica's gauntlets and activated the blade. The katana emerged with a 'snkt,' blue energy humming on the blade. To Monica's horror, Kirsten once again drove the sword onto her wrist.

This should have at the very least pierced the skin. Put that together with the fact her insides were no stronger than anyone else's, and her hand should have been cut off.

The blade, just like its sister, shattered into shards.

“Hey,” said Monica, unsure, “I don't come to your house and break your shit.”

“He...” Kirsten stammered, “Did something...made me...stronger.”

“Sounds awesome to me.”

Superior Enhanced Willpower:  Liaison

All of the Extracurriculars—Kirsten, Monica, Haruki, Elliot, and Dayna—assembled at Dayna's house after the SLJ had the best look at Kirsten they could. Liaison, the Extracurriculars' Sentinel contact, had contacted her via Skype.

“Simply put,” said Liaison, “whatever Dr. Mentis put in Miss Perfect worked. Where she was tough before, now she's functionally invincible. That aside, there's not a lot I can tell you. Twenty years later, we still don't know how yttriphalene works. We apologize.”

“Dr. Mentis said he wanted me to become the next Sollus,” breathed Kirsten.

“Dr. Mentis always had a particular vendetta against Sollus. I think Mentis was angrier than a lot of Sentinels when Sollus died. You could do a lot worse, Miss Perfect. Sollus was a good man.”

“He wouldn't let me quit,” Kirsten whispered, “I just wanted to study and get on with life...but...”

“Easy enough,” said Haruki, “We just track him down, beat him, and make him reverse it.”

“It won't be that easy,” said Dayna, “Mentis never makes something he doesn't plan on using. It's probably irreversible, right?”

“Correct,” said Liaison. “I wish I had better news. I'm sorry.”

Superior Enhanced Strength:  Haruki Kiriyama and Elliot Tobias Finn-Campion

Kirsten, Elliot, and Haruki, all decked out in their superhero costumes, spent the afternoon at a scrapyard, testing Kirsten. She was tougher, obviously, but she was stronger and faster. Not to mention, she had exerted herself all day, and wasn't the least bit tired.

“Ask me, this is a good thing,” said Haruki, as the trio took a break, “why'd you wanna be normal anyway? With great power comes great asskicking. Sure, you didn't ask for this. But now you got it. Use it.”

“She's angry, Haruki,” returned Elliot. “She doesn't have to be Miss Perfect for the rest of her life. Besides, that's doing exactly what Mentis wanted. I know I'd give up my powers for a chance to be normal.”

“Well we don't get to be normal—and that's a good thing!” yelled Haruki. “Wouldn't your dads say this is providence or whatever? We're strong, we gotta do all we can!”

“This is about Kirsten! She would rather be a doctor, rather help people much more than punching out Xoskeleton! Right--”

Both Haruki and Elliot looked up and, embarrassed, watched Kirsten quickly flying away.

Standard Empathy:  Dr. Augustus Baker

Kirsten pondered why the hell she was at work. Probably just to grab at some semblance of normality. As long as she was here, helping customers and giving out cigarettes (tax increase coming!), she could pretend--

“Excuse me.” Oops. Customer.

“Yeah, do you have any gas?” Kirsten muttered to the customer, a balding forty-something she recognized as a regular.

“No, I...” the man stopped. “Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, dropping a penny into the penny tray.

“Nothing...just...” the words spewed out of her. “I've changed so much I don't know who I am anymore.”

“That's how I felt in medical school,” said the customer.

“Ha. I've changed a little more than that.”

“Hmm. I doubt it. It seemed like my whole worldview switched up. But, everyone changes. To a point. Fortunately, X equals X. We're the same person no matter how much we change, I think.”

He paid for his purchases, told Kirsten to keep the change, and left.

Superior Flight:  Nathan Bayswater

Kirsten flew higher than she had ever flown, impossibly high above the buildings and clouds. The cold and thin air didn't even bother her. Well, she supposed, that was one thing that was alright.

It was these times she missed Nathan most of all.

Nathan, poor kid, who had figured out her superpowers and suggested they start crimefighting. Nathan did the research and found precedent, found the old group that had been at their school, calling themselves the Extracurriculars. He even managed to contact the Sentinels and recruit one of the old Extracurriculars to serve as their Sentinel Liaison. Nathan was the one who suggested the founding members call themselves what they had been called by taunting peers in the past. So he was Supergeek; Kirsten, Miss Perfect.

And then...when Web had kidnapped the two of them, and several others besides, in a elaborate plot to assassinate the Alpha Sentinels...Nathan and Alison had given their lives to stop Web and help others escape.

What would Nathan say now? The answer slammed into her mind. “Kay, as long as there are freaks willing to kidnap a girl and ruin her life to prove a point...I don't think you CAN quit.”

Superior Commanding Leader:  Dayna Watson

“Heya, Kirsten,” said Dayna, looking up from her research as Kirsten entered her room. “My mom okay downstairs?”

“Yeah, she's--” Kirsten stopped. Lying on Dayna's bed was a mask, just like the one Kirsten usually wore. Below that was a short leather zip-up vest, a pair of shimmering pants, and long boots, all in the most beautiful and purest of white.

“You knew I would be Miss Perfect again, didn't you?” asked Kirsten, smiling.

“We figured you needed a new and improved outfit,” Dayna responded.

“We?” Kirsten heard a moped park outside. “Why's Monica here?”

“'Cause we knew you were going to tell us not to fight with you.”

“Dayna! You—these are real villains, not the freaking Pangolin-Man! These are murderers and masterminds, the kind Sollus fought. You can't--”

“What, risk ourselves? We've fought worse than Mentis. Besides, do you think we want you to risk yourself either? As long as you're fighting, we'll be behind you. Trust us.”

Kirsten, Miss Perfect, bit her lip and looked out into the night.

PERSONAL

Character Level: Street Level

Gender: None

Power Origination:

Location: Khazan City

AFFILIATION

Alignment: Hero

Team: The Fallen

VITAL STATS

Strength: Ultimate (rank 5)

Agility: Standard (rank 2)

Mind: Standard (rank 2)

Body: Ultimate (rank 5)

Bergy_Berg

Larry was just back from school. Or, at least, Larry's version of school, which was more of an artificial reality generator Larry had built to resemble a perfect school since Larry was mercilessly mocked at his old school. Of course, when you're small, green, and odd, kids will do that. He may have just complained to his mom and dad, but they died when one of his earlier machines proved incredibly dangerous. Mombot and Dadbot, their replacements, lacked a certain amount of sympathy.

The 9 year old went to his kitchen and attempted to make a sandwich. After somehow causing a fire, his sandwich robot took over. He took his after school snack to the living room, and noticed his Sollus alarm going off. Somewhere on TV, someone was talking about who Larry saw as the greatest hero of all time. He flipped on the Tube, and was greeted by the crying reporter.

It wasn't rare for Larry to be at a loss of words. Between his stutter and crippling social inabilities, it was actually rare for him to speak. But the speechlessness he was currently exhibiting would still be unnerving to most observers. Of course, robots don't really feel unnerved, so it wasn't a problem for his robotic 'parents.'

“What's got you down son?†his robotic father asked.

“S-s-s...Sollus is d-d-dead†Larry responded, his voice somehow more robotic than his mechanical fathers.

His robotic parents calculated their response for a moment, and then exclaimed happily “Well, why not just build another?!â€

“But I already did-†the thought came on slowly, but it came. Larry had, indeed, already built his version of Sollus. Unfortunately, its first test run had been what killed his original parents, and had halted his ambition to have his bot out in the world. But with Sollus gone, Larry knew someone needed to be out there breaking cities in the name of justice. And now, the Sol-Bot was the only one for the job.

Enhanced Strength

    Of Sollus, 1: (rank 5)

“Khazan city is under attack tonight by an army of 40 story tall apes tonight...â€

The reporter continued covering the story as another massive figure landed in the crowd of destructive primates. The apes turned to the massive figure. It towered above them, as Larry hadn't really considered scale when he built the Sol-Bot.

Two of the apes launched themselves at the mech, and found their necks suddenly caught in the giant's hands. Sol-Bot bent them towards the ground, and with a sudden jerk, sent them flying out of the atmosphere. A horde of the apes fell upon the machine, and were similarly launched in every direction. Sol-Bot swung out, crushing bodies and lobbing off heads with every swing.

Another wave rushed Sol-Bot, and the robot lifted a fallen skyscraper. It swung the building, and knocked away the apes.

The former army was down to a small platoon that had hung back from the fight.

Enhanced Endurance

     Of Sollus, 2: (rank 5)

The apes howled, and as they did they raised another of their kind from the ground: The Silverback.

It stood as tall as Sol-Bot while on his knuckles.

The Silverback reared its head, and inhaled deeply. As he did, a great ball of energy formed between its massive fangs. The ball reached critical mass, and an incredible beam shot at Sol-Bot. It hit the robot square in the chest, the focused force of multiple nuclear warheads propelling Sol-Bot backwards. The apes howled again, and descended on what they saw as a weakened opponent.

They could not have been more wrong. The robot had easily shaken off the attack, and when the apes reached Sol-Bot, they were smashed by the full force of the robots attacks.

Flight

     Of Sollus, 3: Superior (rank 2)

What few of the great apes remained, save the Silverback, fled from Sol-Bot, but they wouldn't be fleeing very far. As they climbed skyscrapers and scampered away, the robot armed the jets under its feet and on its arms, then launched.

Sol-Bot caught the apes with ease, chasing down the few minion apes that remained and eliminating the threat. Sol-Bot then switch his attention to the Silverback, the one remaining ape of the bunch.

The two squared off against each other, and charged. Massive fists went back and forth, the towers of man shook from the impacts.

Gadgetry

     Of Sollus, 4: Ultimate (rank 4)

The ape raged at Sol-Bot, but his strength wavered and his body tired while the machine continued to pound away. Feeling his life fading away, the ape focused all of its energy into one final energy blast. Sol-Bot's scanners picked up the unusually high energy signature, and grabbing the ape, flew out of the Earth's atmosphere where the blast couldn't harm anyone other than the ape and Sol-Bot.

The explosion was incredible, as was the sight of a slightly singed robot descending into the ruined city.

Now the final influence of Sollus on Larry's design would shine through. The machine lifted its hands, and the rubble began to swirl upwards, forming a cloud in the sky. There was a blinding flash of light, and where before the city had lied in ruin, the Skyscrapers stood tall, the damage unnoticeable.

Perhaps it was the simple misspelling on the robots back, maybe the fact that it showed up when the city so desperately needed it, or perhaps its act of restoration on the lesser beings of the world. Whatever it was, in the eyes of all who saw what it had done, it had earned its “Soul.†And so the name stuck.

The armada slowly falls through the mesosphere and enters the shadows of the dark world. This endless night blankets this half of the globe. Below, they no doubt can feel their impending doom looming, running their veins cold and causing their hearts to stutter. The night that once concealed them, hid them from the empire now envelopes them.

We descended further, into the stratosphere, and that’s when something went wrong.

The hull shook and the sirens blared. We were taking fire. From where, I didn’t know. This planet was barely military capable, according to Empire Intelligence. It was then when I could see the lights of a fleet in the distance. Their numbers in the myriads. Someone called for a retreat. I killed him where he stood.

Personality:   

My vision was hazy and all I could feel was the clutch of my father’s calloused hand and the cool foliage under my feet. We were running, the whole world was running. Some fled underground; others took their chances and fled to Igneous 3, but we had nowhere to go. We were moving on a primal instinct to survive. No destination. One thought had overtaken us, survival.

We were miles from the city, but we could still hear the fire of their incinerator weapons, the gust of their shuttles flying above.  Our group slowed simply to count numbers to ensure everyone had made it. Through my vision at the time I could only recognize N’Cari, the marketer’s daughter. She was crying and by herself.

I squeezed my father’s hand as he spoke in hushed voices to the other men.

It was then when a bright light beamed down from above us along with a powerful gust. Blinded, I called for my father and my mother. All I needed was the sound of their voice for comfort, but instead I felt the sudden slip of my father’s hand. I called out again, my voice now hoarse, until I was overtaken.

Strength (Ultimate):

The metal crumbled under my fists as I tore through the hull’s casting and broke out its side. I watched the craft plummet into the dark world, flames overtaking it. My resolve was simple. Defeat was unacceptable. I would not lose this world, not to such meager might. My armada was heavily outnumbered but my strength was matched by none. This I knew. I pushed further through their numbers, casting their crafts aside and taking the brunt of their onslaught, carving a path for my armada to follow. There numbers were waning, and we had them on their heels.  

“Sir, we have something big incoming.â€

The black sky boiled with anticipation and the mountainous craft loomed above. A Behemoth.  I turned and headed back for the ship. The men were waiting on my orders, eyes gleaming and ready for me to see give the signal to retreat. The bitter words left my mouth and they too quickly obliged.

The Behemoth fell into pursuit picking off ship after ship, its destructive weapons barely on display. The hull rattled and the prospects of out running the Behemoth were waning. We had to jump into hyper-space or join the dead space as wreckage.

Endurance(Supreme):

The rising sun was obscured as a spark captivated the sky. This falling star was unrivaled as it grew louder and it's flames more volatile, licking but not burning skin. I streaked across the sky before skidding into the Earth, shaking its surface. I laid in the hole my body crafted of the earth, not being able to feel anything. I didn't feel the pain, nor did I feel up or down. It felt as if my body floated in a purgatory, an in-between. I might've laid there forever if the rustic voice didn’t call for me.

"How’re you doing down there son?"

At the edge of the pit was a cane holding up a wizard of a man.

It was at this question I could finally feel my body, as if he reminded me. He must've noticed my confusion.

"You fell out the sky son, a magnificent fall I gotta say." He spoke with his hands. Still I said nothing. "You must be one’ them heroes?"

"...I'm not sure."

"Then a villain?"

My head began to pound in my attempt to recall my name, anything. Was I a villain? Nothing was clear.

"Let's get you out of this hole."

Chi Manipulation(Superior):

The hymns were beautiful. The way the voices of the congregation rose and fell together sent shivers down my back. The painted light that fell into the carefully architected building fell onto their faces, exposing the wrinkles of sorrow that grew on their face, seemingly overnight. The emotion they had for this man, this Sollus, was incredible. It made me tremble with a surreal glee that I genuinely feared.

I looked over to Troy and Merrin, the old couple that took the man who fell out the sky into their home. Their hands were clasped and theirs head bowed, deep in prayer, and I realized the real love they had for this man whom they never met. They were in love with the idea of him. The idea of a fallen hero. My stomach plunged in a feeling I didn’t understand.

It was then when someone crashed into the church.

"They’re attacking the vigils!"

Combat Planning

It was on every channel. Half the town was huddled around the television. No one moved, or dared to breathe even, as these almost unearthly beings tore through Khazan without any concern of consequence. Leveling buildings with ease until the Sentinels of Liberty and Justice finally responded, but they weren’t enough and their body language said they knew it.

They flew in in a formation that was distantly familiar to me, for some reason, but as soon as the fighting started, it wasn’t a fight, it was a bloodbath. Those monsters took everything that had to dish out and there was no Sollus here to save the day.

I was behind the crowd; looking over their heads at the TV they were transfixed with. Outside looking in, that’s what I’ve been since I deemed this a place I could stay with Troy and Merrin. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve grown to love them and their undeserved kindnesses but, at the end of the day, to these people I’m still simply the man who fell from the sky.

Flight(Supreme):

I pushed open the double doors to get a chance to breathe and think. The headaches were coming on. I could feel it in the back of my head. I let the warm breeze fill my nostrils, letting it expand my lungs in a moment of tranquility.

When I opened my eyes Manny was sitting at the bottom of the Church steps. He was looking up at me with tear dried eyes. He idolized these heroes. Certainly he saw one he held dear get torn asunder.

I didn’t know what to say to console him but words spilled from my mouth.

“It’ll be alright.â€

“How do you know?â€

I was lost for words, and there was a solemn silence. His voice was full of defeat, unlike the kind of hope that Troy and Merrin seemed to hold at all times. He let his head hang for a moment, and in that moment I dreaded my existence. I realized then I needed to be more than “the sky manâ€, more than an extra machine to till the fields.

I was unsure if my strength would be enough, I’d been living carefully for so long.  It didn’t matter they needed a Guardian. 

Mr. Destiny

BIO
The 1st Wonder of the world is not an "it", but a "he". "He" being our grandfather, the great Mr. Wonder; author, archeologist and all around  adventurer. And of course, the greatest "wonder" of his life, would be our father, Dr. Wonder.

Hi, I'm Frank Vunter. Formerly one half of the once Team Wonder. Guess which one I was. But these days? You can call me Mr. Destiny.

Yeah, so Jeans and I, we broke it off to do our own thing a ways back. She went all goth on us, while me, well, I was in a band for awhile. Did the whole celebrity hero thing, even teamed up with Sollus and Crow-Man a couple of times. After that it was bouncing around with a lot of hush-hush secret organizations and saving the world from the shadows and stuff. Can't tell you who I was with of course, not because I don't want to, but I'm pretty sure I had my memories of them wiped. Whatevs. These days, I'm more of a solo act.

So meet Mr. Destiny. Superman of science, skill and sure, I can even sing. Bad guys beware, 'cause my wonderful personality aside, I'm kinda kick ass.

PERSONALITY
Well golly gee willickers, seriously, I used to talk like that. That was before the whole pop-rock star and vagrant days. Now, I just talk like me. Frank frikkin' Vunter. International Man of Destiny, just like grandad.

Yeah, I ain't like Jeans... err, that's Dr. Genie to most of you. She took after dad more with the books and the studying and all the other boring things from Dullsville. Me? I'm all action. I might use a lot of tech and I'm pretty savvy with this stuff too, but those are just the tools, I'm the MAN. I gotta get out there. The world's my oyster and I gotta eat it. I'm a great guy, so it's my destiny to do great things. Save the world, that kinda thing.

Call me self-centered, but don't worry, when the chips are down, the balloons are up and you're face to face with a mutant albino tiger named Certain Doom, Mr. Destiny will be there to catch you just in the nick of time. Because at the end of the day, what's greater than the saving a life?



The Enemy of Adventure is Apathy
Weakness: Power Negation
So as awesome as I am now, that hasn't always been the case.

There was a time when Mr. Destiny, for all my heroic pedigree, was just plain ol' Francis. A kid who was born into situations way over his teeny lil' head. Back then, me and Jeans had this total badass named Tanin protecting us. The guy was awesome made into the shape of a man. I can't count the number of times he saved and protected us.

'Cause when you get down to it, eventhough we'd go on to be Team Wonder, in the end, we were still just kids. We weren't born with super powers or anything. It took me years of training so tough, I used to puke from it every day, before I got to be as awesome as I am now. But I did it anyway, and I did it all of my own free will. Because... well, because I just can't stand the idea of ever being as powerless and helpless as I used to be.

I don't EVER want to be "Francis" ever again.


Destiny Suits the Strong
Ultimate Strength - 6
Technically, it's a Density Suit with like, a buncha inertial dampeners and multipliers and other sciency technobabble. Dad made it using alien specs that grandad thought was just mythological mumbo jumbo. I used to just call it a Super Suit. That is, before I had my buddies from the... the err, well, I can't remember where they're from, but they helped me splice in tech from TIAMAT. Yes, "that" TIAMAT. Look, the point is, this baby's clocking a whole lot more horsepower than it used to. It's practically a bonafide Strength Suit. But that's way too underwhelming a name that doesn't even begin to imply how awesome it is.

So now I call it the Suit of Destiny. Because it totally is. And yes, it makes me hella strong.


Unmoving Heart of the Juggernaut
Supreme Juggernaut Momentum
But that's not the only thing that the Suit of Destiny does. Like I've been saying, I'm just a man. A really awesome man, but I'm still just a man. The suit changes that. It gives me the chops to hang in there with the heavy hitters. It's not the most powerful super suit ever, but when you add it's superness to my manliness, I pretty much become an unstoppable force.


Trials of Fire, Burn Their Verdict
Supreme Combat Planning
Your average flying brick is basically just that, a flying brick. All the Suit of Destiny does for me, is turn me into a brick. Not even the hardest brick either. But that doesn't matter, because how many bricks do you know, who know kung fu? Well, if you know me, then you already know one.

I might not have any memories of who I used to work for, but all that combat training and experience didn't just up and disappear. Being in life and death situations ain't something your body will forget like you'd forget the stuff you read in a book. This stuff is ingrained in you.

And kung fu isn't the only way I know to beat a guy senseless. I pretty much know it all. I trained and practiced a boatload of fighting arts, not to mention a whole lot of military hoo-ha. Combat planning, psychological warfare, weapons usage; you name it, I'm still alive to show it. Heck, I even throw a mean boomerang.

Yeah, you can call me Mr. Destiny now, but before, you could call me, the Flying Fox.

Knick Knacks and Tchotchkes and Geegaws Oh My!
Supreme Gadgetry w/ range w/ multi - 8 (10)
So I said they used to call me Flying Fox right? Yeah, that's my code name. It's just about the only thing I can still remember from when I used to be a super spy rather than a super man. Your code name's pretty important, which is apparently why I never let myself forget it. It's a "your words is your bond" kind of thing. What I did, even if I don't remember what they were, it's linked my code name.

But that's all old hat. I mean, sure I got a buncha guns and gadgets from back when I was with 'em, but nowadays, I use gear that's a hybrid of what's in dad's vault and what my tech guys, whom I still don't know, can cobble together from all the schematics and leftover TIAMAT tech I have lying around. Oh, and whatever my man Mack can hook me up with. Oh and double oh! Whatever still works whenever we thwart a scheme from that Moth guy who has it in for dad.

So yeah, bottom line. I have a whole whack of lovely toys, and I know how to use 'em!

Flight of the Superman
Standard Flight - 2 (24)
Two words: Rocket. Pack.

'Nuff said.

“To Fianna,

I think I’m writing this for you, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit for myself. You’re growing up so fast, and I’ve already told you what you need to know on a lot of this. Your heritage, my family, why my family no longer speaks to us, and of course, my time as Steel Maiden. But I’ve glossed over a lot of things. A lot.

However, that video is resurfacing on youtube, and you have to understand; it’s all a lie. Whatever people want you to believe, you need to trust me on this. I knew him, and Sollus was better then that. I had hoped to tell you all of this when you were older, but that may not be possible. I’m trying to protect you from my past, but just in case I can’t do that, and I’m not there to tell you, well, at least you’ll have this.

There were bits I never told you. The bits that happened behind the scenes, the instability after the Jupiter League fell, the rise of the supermen (and women), and of course, your father.

But to understand all of that we have to start a little earlier…

Personality

I won’t cover Avalla too much, except to say that it is neither the puritanical island convent of Arthurian Legend, nor the glorious barbarian afterlife of Norse mythology. They both got parts right, and they both gloss over the rest and fill it with their own misogynistic religious bias, making the perfect woman either a humble symbol of purity, or a busty bar wench in Valhalla’s the Great Hall. And don’t even get me started on the Greek interpretation. 

It wasn’t a bad home mind you, but some of us weren’t always comfortable with the arrangement. Due to The Divide we could observe the World of Men, but were forbidden from interfering with their affairs; I’m not sure how it was done, I think a magical girl was involved.

Men were only brought to the city if they were great warriors. They would be dragged off battlefields before they could die and brought to Avalla for certain purposes, (which I will explain to you when you’re old enough for that conversation). But aside from that, the World of Men was  ‘look but don’t touch’ only. Well, I wanted to touch, and that’s where Sollus came in.  

--Charisma /Superior: Gift of the Goddess I

Here’s what your generation will never understand; feathery hair and lip-syncing does not make someone a sex symbol. No, a real man is raw power, confidence, courage, and Sollus, oh Goddess, there is no comparison that I could make that would do him justice. He was a God among boys, he was like Jagger and Beowulf in one. He was the kind of warrior that would make your knees wobble and your, well, I had to meet him.

As you’ve probably noticed by now we all have a sort of ‘effect’ on men that makes them slightly more pliable.  (Speaking of, you are FORBIDDEN to use this on your classmates. I raised you better then that). Unfortunately, I hadn’t exactly been raised quite as well. I offered him the chance to join us as the greatest warrior mankind had to offer, and promised that I would ‘personally’ accompany him upon the Far-Shore. It was a schoolgirl’s crush on her idol, he knew that, and I’ll always be grateful for the decency he showed.

Though, at the time I was pretty pissed off, and if it wasn’t for Magic Mike’s banishment spell I probably would have demolished the rest of Newcastle.

--Endurance/Supreme: Gift of the Goddess II 

I spent some time in Avalla licking my wounds, but I couldn’t stay away for long. I thought if I could just get him to notice me it would all change. With a little apology I became their envoy to Avalla, and when that didn’t work, I tried dating his best friend. Some childish part of me figured a little jealousy would somehow make a God get down on one knee and propose. I was young and stupid; don’t follow my example.

Still, the Stormriders were good fun for the time being, and we had a nice balance; I was the token blue-eyed blonde who could take the Chicago L-train to the face and stop it on a dime.

And Wally was a fine guy. Witty, resilient, and had enough internal resolve to put up with silver-tipped bullets in his gut, while still dealing with my drama and bullshit. But in the end I was still too young. Not jailbait I mean, but naïve. Wally wasn’t. Beneath the bravado and charm there was doubt and a sadness that would never leave, only grow. We both knew it couldn’t work, so when the time came, I just, moved on. 

--Strength/Ultimate: Gift of the Goddess III  

Then there was Beacon; that man was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. People said that he was a necessary evil, the league’s dark side. He was an absolutely amazing vigilante, and an absolutely monstrous human being.  And there I was next to him, backing up every monstrosity with a smile. I can’t defend or explain it really. It was the early Nineties, and I had a bad boy phase.

But there’s a difference between bad boys and sociopaths. For a while I just wrote off his sadism as the price of warfare, that sometimes people suffer in the glory of battle. But he wasn’t content with just persecuting the criminals; he had to make everyone close to him weak in order to feel power. With me it wasn’t anything physical, he couldn’t do anything to me that way and he knew it, but he didn’t have to.  He knew what to do instead.

I don’t think I can share all of it with you, but you need to know, if anyone makes you feel worthless, they are wrong. You are my daughter, I love you, and no one has the right to treat you that way.

--Flight/Superior: Gift of the Goddess IV   

I never found the courage to leave on my own, I was called back home before that happened. I think it might have saved my life.

There were rising doubts in Avalla about the League’s trustworthiness in the World of Men, and after Beacon started the shootout with the NYPD, I don’t blame them, but I still tried to convince them to let me stay. They were not persuaded.

And so I left, soaring above their cities, across our shared ocean, over the bleak of The Divide, to land on the sands of the Far-Shore. For the first time in years, I was home. There was something of a spectacle for a time; I was the woman who had left for their world, fought amongst their greatest heroes, and returned to tell the tales. Even as I resettled into our isolation, I’d still occasionally look beyond the fog and across The Divide, just to see if their world was safe, if they might need me. But the League kept them the safe.

Then those bastards killed him, and I flew back across The Divide as the righteous battleaxe of vengeance upon mortals who would dare kill a God.

-Weapons Master/Ultimate: Gift of the Goddess V 

The thing to remember is that Excalibur was basically a letter opener. Sure, it was a nice letter opener, but it was basically a cheese knife someone slipped into Uther’s gift basket.

Now me, I always preferred axes. You get more heft on the blade then with a greatsword, and the force is focused on the point. Some people might try to steer you towards hammers, which have their advantages, but you don’t want some little punk knifing you in the gut on your upswing, do you?     

I took  â€˜Sweet Gwendolyn’ from the armory; now there was the perfect weapon for vengeance, and I was in a dire need of her talents. I knew Sollus couldn’t just die. Gods don’t just die. One of those lesser men dragged him down, and I swore to find out who.

Interfering with men once more would guarantee that I could never return home, but I wasn’t sure I would survive let alone return. They called it the Rise of the Supermen; vampires, undead spiritual conduits, and an honest to Goddess living suit of armor. It is also where I met your father…"

PERSONAL

Character Level: Street Level

Gender: Male

Power Origination:

Location: Ekhidna Labs, Moebius

AFFILIATION

Alignment: Villain

Team: The Creed

VITAL STATS

Strength: Standard (rank 2)

Agility: Standard (rank 2)

Mind: Supreme (rank 4)

Body: Standard (rank 2)

"Well senator I'm glad you reconsidered, in light of the current......'atmosphere' your presence at the conference will help to reassure our friends in the elite that they have nothing to worry about. Good luck in your re-election campaign." Felix Friendly exhaled as he slipped his phone into his pocket and fixed his tie within the large elevator "Now for the hard part." the elevator shuddered as he slowly came to a stop and snapped open it's doors. Felix's footsteps could be heard as he briskly walked down the stone grey halls of Ekhidna Labs, with each step a faint sound of indistinguishable music began to increase until the familiar sounds of jazz instruments could be made out.

By the time Felix had reached his destination the sound of a saxophone was blaring into his ears. He pushed opened the large doors that stood in front of him and stepped into an expansive laboratory filled with bubbling glass containers filled with strange liquids and dismembered body parts, chiming computers and walls decorated with liquid filled beakers. In the midst of the chaos sat Dr.Dagda intently dissecting what seemed to be a shaved monkey.

"You know Felix, if you're going to visit you should at least call first," the music within the lab dwindled as Dr.Dagda threw a white sheet over the creature and turned to Felix brandishing large immaculate smile "I'm a very busy man."

Felix took a seat on a nearby chair while he stared at Dr.Dagda's slightly unkempt afro, large tinted glasses and snowy white grin "How often do you get out Dagda? Mingle with the other intellectuals and scientist to share ideas?"

Dr.Dagda blurted out a loud laugh and adjusted his glasses "Share ideas? With who, the so called brilliant minds of twenty first century? his smiled broadened and lines formed at the sides of his face as he continued speaking is his Cajun accent "I prefer to keep company with beings who are at least half of my intelligence. As far as I know there very few meta-humans who fit the bill much less half-evolved morts."

"Trust me Dagda I understand you completely, that is why I'm inviting you to a conference that I'm hosting. Only the brightest and most accomplished minds will be there, both human and metahuman. Who knows, maybe you'll happen upon some with a mind equal or maybe even greater than yours." Felix paused and tried to gauge Dr.Dagda's reaction to the request but could find nothing behind his dark glasses and persistent smile.

For a few seconds the only sounds that could be heard were the beeps and bubbling of the lab, then Dr.Dagda spoke "A mind greater than mine you say, I highly doubt it. In all my years as a scientist I have never met a being with a mind equal to mine. Save one."

Felix leaned forward as Dr.Dagda's words floated into his ears and grabbed his interest "Only one, and who may that be if you don't mind me asking?"

Dr.Dagda's smile shrunk as he responded in a slightly graver tone "Dogma."

"Dogma?" retorted Felix as his brow lowered "So you've actually met the leader of the Creed? I had presumed that only the chairman had that 'honor'."

Dr.Dagda sat back into his chair and adjusted his glasses "It was a long time ago before I joined the Creed, when I was just a boy in Louisiana."

Felix Friendly leaned back into the chair and folded his arms "You were recruited by Dogma himself, you must have been quite impressive when you were a boy. What did you do to catch his attention?"

"Who knows why Dogma does what he does? But if you want to know how I met him I'd be happy to tell you the tale."

(Thirty Years Ago In Louisiana)

"Marie! MARIE!" shouted the young spectacled boy as he stumbled into the living room of the old wooden house "MARIE, WHERE YOU AT!"

The old floor vibrated as the sound of running could be heard rushing towards the living room "Fait pas une esquandal!" whispered Marie as she entered the living room in a blue night gown and matching scarf wrapped around her long black hair "You'll wake up Ma and Pa. By the way, Amos, why you in your huntin clothes at one o'clock in the mornin?"

Amos clutched her arm and pulled her towards the front door "You'll find out soon enough, now come on." Amos opened the door and a brisk gust of pungent swamp air entered the house "Forget your boots Marie come on." Amos hauled Marie on to the cold damp dirt and closed the door to their home.

"I can't see nothin, where are we goin Amos?" groaned Marie as she followed Amos through the murky darkness "I've got things to do in the mornin."

Amos stopped in front of a large dilapidated coop and lit a lamp that hung next to the door "Now listen Marie, don't run and don't scream understand?" he picked up the lamp, opened the door and slowly walked inside with the lamp stretched out in front of him.

Marie entered the rickety coop and approached what sounded like a purring cat "Qui C'est q'ca, a cat?. You woke me up for a cat?" she was about to turn around when what she thought was a cat stepped into the dim light "What the hell is that" she exclaimed as a large feline covered in grey alligator scales came into view. She ran behind Amos and clutched his shoulders "Where did you find it?"

"Find it? I made it." replied Amos proudly.

Marie slowly stepped away from Amos and shook her head as tears filled her eyes "I thought you promised to leave that voodoo work alone Amos? Now you done conjured up some demon on our land!"

"It ain't voodoo Marie! Now calm down."

Marie let out a heavy sob and ran out of the coop screaming on the top of her lungs "PA! MA! Wake up, wake up!!"

Amos dropped the lamp and ran after his sister in desperation "Marie no, stop!" when he finally caught up with his sister she was standing in front of a man and woman both armed with shot guns "Ma, Pa."

"Whats this I hear about witchcraft boy?' growled Pa as his fingers ran up and down his gun.

"It ain't voodoo Pa, it's science like what I tried to show you in that book by Darwin. Voodoo and witchcraft ain't got nothin to do with it, they don't even exist.

I'd Rather Die

     Power Negation: (rank 0)

Marie stepped forward spat in Amos' direction "Liar! He has a demon locked up in the old chicken coop, I saw it myself."

Amos ran up to his father grasped his shirt "Don't listen to her Pa, ain't no such thing as demons." Amos tugged on his fathers shirt as hot tears streamed down his face "Come on Pa, lets go back inside."

"THERE IT IS!!!!!" shrieked Marie prompting everyone to direct their attention to the old coop. Out of the darkness the shape of Amos' creature came into view, first it's glowing green eyes then it's feline figure and then finally it's crocodilian scales.

"Zeerahb! Amos what have you done!?" cried Ma as she stepped behind her husband.

Pa pushed Amos into the wet dirt and cast a look dripping with rage and disappointment "You gone and thrown your lot with the the devil boy? Well after I deal with your demon Imma purge my family of your stain. You ain't my son no more." he turned his sights on the creature and raised his gun.

Amos shouted "NO!" and shoved his father into the ground. He stood trembling and sobbing beneath the silver light of the moon that peaked through the clouds and then he ran into the darkness followed by his creation.

The chaotic sound of an enraged mob echoed throughout the bayou, shouts of "demon!", "Find the devil worshiper!" and " Filthy houngan!" tore through the peaceful darkness as Amos and the creature trembled within a fishing boat.

"I wish I never got these powers Remy. Then we wouldn't be in this mess, I would just be a normal gator hunter and you'd still be a house cat." whispered Amos as he stroked his pets head "At least I could turn you back, I'm stuck like this."

"What are you doing boy?" echoed a voice that seemed to come from the darkness its self.

Amos jumped in front of Remy trembling with fear as he struggled to speak "P-p-please sir I ain't no houngan, j-just let us go and we won't cause no harm."

A tall figure cloaked in a hooded robe melted out of the shadows and stepped into the boat causing it to lower into the murky water "You said you wish you never had your powers, so that you could be 'normal'?"

"Yes" replied Amos still trembling.

The figure stretched out his hand and Amos' body tensed as his mouth snapped open in agony "Do you feel that boy? That pain you feel is me taking your power away."

"Please, stop the pain!" cried Amos as he writhed within the boat.

"What you feel is death. I am not the one causing the pain, your psyche is. Your subconscious knows what is happening and is rejecting it, by the time I finish you will be dead, nothing but an empty husk.

"STOP!! Please." Amos' plea echoed throughout the swamp beckoning the attention of the mob which was now heading in his direction.

Endless Hunger

     Enhanced Intelligence: Supreme (rank 3)

The stranger lowered his hand and Amos' cries subsided into soft whimpers "I know all about you Amos, you were born with a voracious appetite for knowledge, while your friends played in mud you swam in the knowledge of great minds like Darwin, Delbruck and Haldane. You probably even improved on some of their work. Then one day you realized there was nothing left to learn from books and no one with whom you could share your knowledge with." the sounds of the mob increased as they drew nearer to Amos' location causing Remy to shuffle into the corner of the boat.

"But then," continued the stranger "something miraculous happened, it was as if God himself had answered your secret prayers by gifting you with the power to transfer your knowledge from the theoretical to the physical. But in the end you were still cursed by inferior beings who would never understand you or your abilities. You know that as long as you stay here you will stagnate and eventually go mad."

Amos' trembling subsided as he listened to the strangers alluring words "So let me guess, you want me to leave with you and forsake my family. If that's the case, you can stop talking now and take me with you."

Dagda Cometh

     Transmogrification: Supreme (rank 3)

• Ranged Attack
• Area Affect
• Multi-Attack
• Target Seeker

Amos and Remy timidly followed the stranger through the thick darkness as the savage commotion of the mob stayed steadily on their heels "Uhm s'cuse me sir," whispered Amos trying to break the tension "if you don't mind me asking whats yur name?"

"Dogma."

"Dogma? Impressive name." replied Amos as he stared at the strangers back in admiration "Way more impressive than Amos."

Dogma stopped and turned, setting his ancient eyes hidden within the shadow of his hood upon the young boy "Then why don't you change it to something more suited to the real you?"

"I always liked my last name, my family was named after a god with power over life and death. If I could change my name I would simply call myself Dagda." mused Amos as orange light of torches formed behind Dogma.

The roar of the crowd washed over Dogma, Dagda and Remy like a chaotic tsunami of rage and hate as the denizens of the bayou marched towards the trio "Well Dagda, it looks like your first night will be spent purging the world of these vermin, don't have too much fun." Dogma turned to the crowd and melted back into shadows leaving nothing but air between Dagda and the irate mob.

Dagda placed his hand on Remy's head and as his smile grew so did Remy. With each he grew, Remy's eyes grew more savage and wild, as if Dagda was infusing him with all his pent up rage. As the crowd watched Remy grow larger and fiercer their pace slowed and their shouts became whispers "Don't stop now!" jeered Dagda as Remy towered over him dripping sizzling spit from his massive maw "I'm just getting started." suddenly a swarm of giant insects with large pincers, huge wings and blazing hot bulbs erupted from the nearby foliage "Despair for Dagda has no pity for worms."

Dagda's Boon

     Healing: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack
• Multi-Attack
• Target Seeker

Horrid screams infected the blood tinged air as the monstrous creatures tore through the terrified crowd sending charred flesh and mangled limbs flying into the moonlit night. Dagda's smile glistened as he sat on Remy's back snickering with crunch that came from Remy's corpse filled jaws "Survival of the fittest. In the end all creatures are bound by that one supreme law."

The Calamity of Dagda's wrath spread throughout bayou as his creations hunted down everything that moved. In the midst of the screams and bloody cries, the weak sound of a girl crept into Dagda's ears "Amos, help us please."

Dagda jumped of his pet's back and followed the cries to a tree where Marie and his parents huddled together trying to tend to their wounds "So this is where you're hidin. I thought you'd be lunch meat by now." teased Dagda.

"Help us son!" cried Pa "Do your duty and protect your family."

A tear ran down Dagda's face and melted away his smile as he gazed upon his father and whispered to himself "Family." he stretched out his hand and the wounds that riddled his family's body slowly vanished "So much for survival of the fittest."

Dagda's Ire

     Disintegration: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack
• Multi-Attack
• Target Seeker

"What do you think you are doing Dagda?" boomed Dogma's voice from the shadows "Don't tell me you still harbor a connection to the pests." the air became still as Dogma gracefully descended from the night sky "You must choose where your ties lie. Do you want stay here and dwell with the chimps, or do you to ascend to new heights with the family I can provide you?"

Dagda turned his gaze to his family, wiped his eyes and placed his hand on his fathers shoulder "This could have ended differently but you chose ignorance over knowledge. First I will destroy your family, then I will purge the world of your stain. I am not your son." Marie and her mother let out soul scarring screams as their flesh and bones began to burn away is if they were sprayed by acid "Survival of the fittest."

(Ekhidna Labs, Present Time)

"After that night he brought me here to be taught by the greatest minds he find, until I was the greatest mind he could find. Then he personally put me in charge of this facility's R&D department and added me to the Council." Dr.Dagda adjusted his glasses "So, has your curiosity been sated for now Mr.Friendly?"

Felix stood up with a smirk on his face as he began to leave "The conference is two weeks from today. I'll need your answer before then." Felix slowly approached the large doors of the lab and started to open them when he got his answer.

"Fine, I'll come to your little soiree but I'm not cutting my hair. Maybe if you're lucky I'll bring a friend."

Name

Wyld Chyld

Alignment

Villain

Location

Pandora Falls, Khazan

Team

The Creed

Character Biography

Steve is amazing. He plays bass which is a totally underrated element of any band. He loves old punk music, video games that aren't first person shooters and draws comics based on new reports he sees on TV about the SLJ and the Angels of Mercy. His hair is brown and always in that perfect mess style. I've known him since we were four. He's seen me naked at least two and a half times; once when we were playing doctor when we were eight, once at twelve when he walked into me changing into my bathing suit while at Melissa Gentry's pool party and last year when I got my nipple pierced and crushed his hand in the process. So yeah we've been through a lot up to and including attending the Pandora Fall's autumn fair every year. I'm not sure WHY we come since we do the same thing which is some mix of making fun of people, freaking kids out in the "haunted house" and eating corn dogs till we puke.

The only thing that sucks about Steve is the fact that he's a star lacrosse player. I don't understand the damn game but apparently he's the reason why our high school, The Shady Oaks Ents (don't say anything about our damn mascot by the way. Apparently Shady Oaks has the right combination of pot heads and Lord of the Rings fans to get Ents voted in as a school mascaot) have been regional champs for the last 4 years and they say it's because of him. And while around me he is the usual dorky Steve I've known since we played Sentinels vs. Fallen make believe games in the basement he has become a bit of a jock which includes having a bleach blonde bimbo cheeleader by the name of Suzy Harlowe who couldn't tell you the difference between….

"Hey Katie you ok?"

I comically shook my head as I said "yeah I think I am."

"You had that glazed over deep in thought face again. What's going on your mind?"

"Um, you know, the usual, like what new deep friend concoction they’ve come up with this year.â€

Steve laughed as he said "well I thought I’d have to take you on in a wheel-barrow last year after the food baby you had in your stomach.

I nervously laughed while we paced around the midway games and food stands. Passing the food tent I contemplated ordering the deep fried butter I felt a tug on my arm. Steve had reverted back to his six year old self.

"Hey look Katie the Petting Zoo is back!"

"Considering what happened last year with the Boa Constrictor at Shannon’s Amazing Lizards I'm actually not shocked."

"We gotta go it use to be our favorite." Steve dragged me while I tried to handle the pain of his strong grip crushing my arm. I tried to casually slide my arm up, hoping to cup my hand with his as I closed my eyes and hated how desperate I was for this guy.

It didn't happen though. Before I could finish my foolishly school girl plan we were at what was probably the saddest petting zoo of all time. The sign was an old cardboard box ripped up with "PATTING ZOO" scrawled in sharpie. The animals were surrounded with chicken wire and those wooden stir sticks you get for free when you buy paint. Not like these animals needed corralling. The sad group of goats, sheep, rabbits and a single pony looked tired and lethargic as they lay in the grass.

"You want pat? Five dollars" said a man with a thick accent that can only be described as vaguely eastern European.

"Where did you get these animals from? Rehab? And are those dogs? Seriously we have dogs at a petting zoo. Come on Steve we're..."

Steve reached into his pocket as he pulled out some money. "Ten and two for you my good man."

"Haha ok you go and pat animals big spender."

We walked amongst the sad corrals when Steve decided to pick up one of the rabbits and stroked it in his arm.

"Steve I can't believe you paid that dumb ass twelve dollars. This place is depressing.â€

"Katie you are in desperate need of some cheering up. I mean lately you've just been so damn negative. How can you be mad around animals? You use to love going to the petting zoo. Come on, pet the bunny."

"It looks like it'll die any minute now."

"Katie, pet the bunny, it’s a mini lop!"

Chuckling as I said "*vulgarity* you know my weakness. Hand that furball to me."

I cradled the lethargic bunny in my arm and stroked its soft fur I did feel a sense of relief. The bunny burrowed its head into my body as I kept looking down at it. I started to feel a calming wave over my body as I felt the corners of my mouth curl in a smile.

Then the bastard bit me.

"Mother *vulgarity*!" I yelled dropping the little guy to the ground before he hopped away.

"Katie what happened?"

I looked at my arm as I saw where his two buck teeth jabbed into as I said "that little bastard took a... OW!" I turned back and saw the once lying goat now full of life take a bite out of my ass before I pulled away.

It seemed all the animals were becoming lively as they barked and howled and well whatever rabbits do all around me. The owner of the petting zoo was running as Steve tried to hide me behind him.

"Katie stay back."

I watched as their eyes fixated on me and I knew what was going to happen. Pushing Steve onto the ground I bolted the other direction as the animals started to give chase. I screamed and admit it was probably not my finest moment as the other fair goers watched. I kept my eyes on a tree but tripped over my big clumsy boots and for the first time in my life cursed a Hot Topic sale.

The animals descended upon me I put my arms up. As far as last thoughts go realizing you're about to die due to a petting zoo stampede has to be up there with one of the worst.

Personality

"Oh her eyes are opening up!" It was the voice I recognized first, that of my mother's.

When I finally came to my mom and dad were the first things I saw. They were sitting on each side of a hospital bed as they both came in to hug me. I wrapped my arms around them as I said "well I know I'm not in heaven because you two are the first things I see."

My dad sat back and punched me in the arm as she said "always the joker."

I let out a little nervous laugh as I replied "oh you know I love you two. So how long am I stuck in here?"

My parents looked at each other my mother said "well sweety we've just been waiting for you to wake up."

"Wake up?"

"You've been here for two weeks pumpkin. You were admitted with some pretty bad bites and broken bones but the doctors said you miraculously recovered in less than a week except for what they said was a coma though it wasn't the usual coma they had encountered. During your coma your internal body activity actually increased rather than slowed down. However they wanted to keep you under observation until you woke up."

 I tried to process what my dad said, scrunching my face while my mother chirped in and said "oh that's just stuff some doctor here gets to write about in a medical journal. We're still working on your release papers honey but there's someone else who I think wants to talk to you."

My parents moved aside and I saw Steve there sitting in one of the visitor chairs as my mother said "I'll leave you two alone now." She gave me a cute little wink as they both left my room.

"Hey there Katie Cooties."

"Back at you Septic Tank Steve."

"I'm happy you're awake, seriously."

Tilting my head I looked at Steve's face reading it like an open book. "You don't look happy."

"I’m a little conflicted emotionally. Suzy and I broke up yesterday. She complained about how much time I was spending here and that led to her complaints of the time we spent in general and we had a fight. Who cares? I'm just so relieved you're fine."

I guess a normal girl would be conflicted here about feeling sorry her best friend's relationship had just gone down the shitter while also feeling great about her best friend's relationship going down the shitter giving you the opportunity to hone on them.  That sadly was not what I was consumed with at that moment.

"Steve shut the *vulgarity* up for a second. Do you smell that?"

"Uh what? Latex gloves? Your bed pan?"

"No idiot." I took a long sniff while putting my hand up to Steve’s face. "There be Tacos lurking."

I jumped out of bed as I kept following the beautiful scent of spiced beef and corn tortillas. I raced the elevator as Steve was chasing his way behind me.  I ducked quickly into the elevator as I slammed my palm down on the close button, watching the doors close on Steve as he screamed "your gown!"

When we finally made it to the main floor I bolted out of the elevator as I made a bee line for the cafeteria. I might have shoved an old guy down as I grabbed a tray and went to the food lady whose faced resemble chiseled rock and had a demeanor to match.

"All the tacos! NAO!" I demanded as the lady shrugged and stated to load soupy loose meat into reheated shells.

Steve was huffing and puffing his way into the cafeteria as he walked up to me. His breath coming out in gulps as he said "gown... not... tied..."

Looking behind me I saw my bare ass hanging out for everyone to see. "Well sometimes the price of tacos is giving everyone a show of my fine ass." Steve slumped up against the foggy glass window of the hot table as I grabbed my tacos and looked for a seat.

Reactive Adaptation - Supreme

Getting back to school my existing persona of that "weird nerd girl" had been upgraded to "weird nerd girl who was in an unexplained coma for two weeks."  Suffice it to say I enjoyed the air of mystery I had about me as I walked through the halls and heard the faint whispers going on behind my back. Unfortunately this did not extend to the faculty who were hell-bent on making an example of the girl who always talked back in class.

 I looked out the window during algebra class thinking about something or other when all of the suddenly Mr. Stork broke me out of my mini daydream. He was a man who felt math was paramount over every other subject and has been accused of leering at a tenth grade student.

"Is there something more interesting out there then in here Ms. Winters?"

"Everything is more interesting Mr. Stork" I said as the class let out a collective "ohhhhhhh."

"Well that's too bad you're not into the subject because we're about to have a pop quiz. Now you can all just get your pencils out, bags on the floor because...."

Mr Stork's voice started to fade but not from my usual tuning out. I looked down and watched as my chest expanded and contracted. “Mr. Stork I think I need to go see the nurse.â€

"Ms. Winter let's not use 'the poops' as an excuse to get out of... good golly girl what's wrong with you?"

I started freaking out as I could hear t he thumping of my heart beating so fast the sound reverberated through my body into my ears. I began to panic as Mr. Stork grabbed my arm and guided me to the nurses office.

When we finally made it there the nurse told me to lie down as I did. She took her stethoscope to my chest. Mr. Stork paced in the room as he said “this better not be some elaborate scheme you got going on here.â€

The nurse turned and scolded Mr. Stork as she said “how dare you! Her heart rate is off the chart! It's beating so fast it's like you're a humming bird. We should send her to a doctor, at least send you home."

As soon as those words were said my chest sunk down. The constant beat from my heart started to slow down as I felt the sweat form on my forehead. The nurse kept her eye on me as I sank into the examining seat before she pulled her stethoscope off.

"It seems to be back to normal. Regardless I'm calling your parents and sending you home. Some rest will probably do you some good."

As the nurse left to get me a release note I looked over at Mr. Stork and his face red with anger. He put his fingers up to his eyes and pointed them back towards me as he stormed out. I on the other hand looked forward to my shortened day.

Natural Weaponary - Standard

"Mom, dad, I got sent home." As I entered my house I dropped my bag off in front of the door as I went into the kitchen. Grabbing a Coke Zero from the fridge and closing it I saw the note left there by my parents.

"Dear Pumpkin sorry but your mother's uncle has passed away and the funeral is back in America. We'll be away for the rest of the week. We've left some cash for you and for tonight there's a frozen pizza in the oven. We'll call you throughout the week. No parties. Love Mumsy and Daddykins."

While I was a little ticked off about the sudden disappearance I did see this as a bit of a blessing in disguise. Ever since I got home from the hospital mom and dad have been a little too smothering. I know, they almost lost their baby girl, but come on I'm also a *vulgarity*ing teenager.

Anyway I turned on the oven and get my home work started as I sat in my kitchen. My belly rumbled from the smell of pizza slowly cooking as I heard the bell ring. I wasn't sure why I was so famished but I just couldn't help myself as I pulled the pizza out and let it set as I rooted around the drawers for the pizza cutter.

"Where the *vulgarity* is it..." I muttered as I went through every drawer before opening to dishwasher only to see a pizza cutter sitting there encrusted with two day old pizza sauce.

"God *vulgarity*ing damn it how am I going to cut this..." I started my own personal mini rant when suddenly my right hand felt hot. Stopping myself a moment to investigate I screamed as I saw my hand had been replaced with a large lobster claw.

"WHAT THE *vulgarity*ING *vulgarity* IS THIS *vulgarity*! WHERE THE HELL IS MY HAND! WHAT IS HAPPENING TO.. oh wait..." In a strange moment of clarity I gripped the pizza in my grotesque claw as I snapped it down, cutting it in half perfectly. I continued as I cut the pizza into eight even slices. Calming cleaning off my claw I watched as it reverted back to my hand.

Grabbing a slice I leaned against the sink as I said “holy shit. I think I have super powers.â€

Burrowing (which is really swimming, it will be described as swimming, I don't care what you people think because we should have a swimming power before a burrowing power. Seriously iconic swimming super heroes: Aaquaman, Sub Mariner, Iconic Burrowing Superheroes: NONE) - Standard

Swimming in Phys Ed had to be some cruel joke devised by some bitter former cheerleader whose better days were served in high school prior to her constant need for botox injections and vomiting after dinner. I say this because it creates an environment where it’s impossible to hide whatever flaws commercials, boys or more than likely your own dumb mind makes you think you have. As I sat the water’s edge in my plain white one piece I noticed Suzy and her little band of cheerleader cronies in their breaking-dress-code-but-no-one-will-do-anything-about-it bikinis. After passing a few girls and making comments they decided to make a bee line towards me.

“So it looks like a coma did wonders for your waist line.†Suzy crossed her arms and titled her head as her friends gathered behind her.

I smirked as I looked back at Suzy “look I could insult you but that’s hardly a challenge given your C average.â€

“So what are you going to beat me in then? Being a freak? Playing video games?â€

Looking over at the pool I wasn’t sure why I was confident it would work but I just blurted out “swimming.â€

Suzy looked at me a she said “you do realize I am the captain of the school’s swimming team and if memory serves me correctly you spent all of Melissa Gentry’s pool party sitting in a Konnichia Neko! Floaty while eating chips.â€

“I know, so do you accept?â€

“What do I get when I win?â€

“I’ll be a slave for your little group of airheads.â€

“Fine I accept!†Suzy started to make her way to the water’s edge as I followed her.

“You didn’t ask what I get if I win.â€

“Somewhat irrelevant but make your token demand.â€

“You stop leaving creepy voicemails on Steve’s phone.â€

I watched as Suzy’s face turned into a deep crimson hue as she didn’t even wait for a countdown or anything. She dove into the water kicking her feet as I wasn’t even sure if we really started but sloppily belly flopped in after her. She was a good half second ahead of me and expanding the gap as I tried to swim after her. I felt my arms burning as I gulped in water with air. I could barely see in the blue pool water except for the flesh colored blob in front of me getting further and further away.

Suzy touched the wall as she turned and faced me, taunting me underneath the water as I finally touched the wall, turning around as I felt my legs taking over. Suddenly I was kicking as my body twisted up and down. I saw Suzy was far but instead of the blob getting further it started to get closer. My vision underwater started to get clearer as I noticed I was only half a body length away from Suzy. Gasping for a breath a different instinct kicked in as I leapt out of the water, squeaking as I did before crashing back down diving perfectly. The wake of my water slowing and confusing Suzy as I quickly over took the lead. Pushing harder and harder I stuck my hand out touching the wall as I threw my head out of the water as the other girls cheered. Suzy finally touched the wall as her underlings pulled her out of the water.

Looking over at her I smiled and said “you going to make good on your promise?â€

“Whatever Katie, you’re still nothing but a big freak†Suzy said as her entourage stormed back to the change room.

Enhanced Senses – Superior

The final bell rang for the day as I quickly tried to get my things in order. My backpack hanging off one arm I tried to balance myself as I shoved my books into the bottom of my locker. Turning around I watched with one of his lacrosse buddies walking by as I waved at him.

Steve stopped as he said “hey there, heard you kicked ass at the pool. I didn’t take you for the sporty type.â€

“Well you know, I can only gorge on so much junk food before it would catch up to me.â€

Steve smiled as he said “I like it. Maybe go out for the team this year.â€

“I just might. Hey do you want to hit up the comic shop later tonight?â€

Steve pulled away as he said “need to make a rain check on that. The team is going out for a team building dinner. See you tomorrow night?â€

I nodded as I said “ok see you tomorrow.â€

While I was putting my jacket on my ear started to twitch as I heard Steve’s voice with his friends as they turned the corner of the hall.

“So are you like dating Katie?â€

“What? No! We’re just good friends you know.â€

“Thank god! I know she’s your buddy but she’s kind of a weirdo. A little freaky even.â€

I heard Steve nervously laugh as he said “well she can be at time but…â€

As I slammed the door to my locker I stopped listening in on their conversation and made my way home.

Juggernaut Momentum - Standard

I started to storm my way through the halls as I burst through the doors to the quad. It was my usual shortcut turned into a mess by my own forgetfulness. The clubs were in full swing and had their recruitment drives as over eager students tried to get people to sign up for their teams, clubs and leagues.

“Shady Oaks LARP!â€

“Anime club! I saw you at the con last year!â€

“You shouldn’t waste those legs on swimming Katie. Track team is where it’s at!â€

“Debate club Katie! You’re always arguing!â€

I don’t know why they stormed on me this year. Or maybe they do this every year and I just had a better grasp at annoying all the chatter. The groups of people blocking my way as I shoved past them only compounded the problem as I heard her voice behind me.

“Aren’t you popular? Almost makes me want to ask you join the cheerleaders.â€

Suzy walked past me with her friends. Standing in my way as I said “hey not really in the mood for your crap right now so why don’t you just let me go.â€

The girls formed a human wall in front of me as Suzy said “sign up and we’ll let you pass. We promise we’ll make it fun for you.â€

Suzy kept shoving the clipboard against me as I slapped it out of her hand.

“Some is getting feisty!†Suzy and her friends kept laughing at me. I could feel my blood getting hot and flush in my cheeks as I shot my arm out and pushed the bubbled headed blonde onto the ground.

“I said get out of my way!†The other cheerleaders started to stand in front of me as I pushed through them. Keeping my head down while throwing my elbows I heard the little prissy bitches squeal as I shoved my way through the crowd.

“Someone stop that little freak!†Screamed Suzy as I felt the hands of her friends try and pull me back only for me to scream out again and free myself from their grip. Hapless kids who got in my way were knocked down as my eyes focused n the other set of doors on the other end of the quad. I finally made it as I pushed on the metal bar and pushed into the other end of the school running towards the exit.

Berserker Physiology - Standard

I kept hiking through the ravine wile kicking a pile of leaves formed from the tall trees shedding them in preparation for autumn. The Sunset Ravine was somewhere I always went when I “ran away†from home. I never really ran away, it was more of an idle threat I’d toss at my parents or my teachers when I wanted to get away and be by myself. While Pandora Falls changed from sleepy little town to bustling suburb Sunset Ravine remained constant. Even now I know where every worn path, every marked tree and every perfect photo spot existed.

Including my favorite spot to just sit and look at the sky. Dead Man’s point was a hike up the escarpment and had a breath taking view of the city and the entire woods around the ravine. I sat on my usual boulder as I looked out at now purple sky and the houses slowly turning on their lights in intervals all around the city.

“What the hell am I doing here?†I muttered to myself without really thinking what I meant by that question. I was shifting in my seat as I looked down at the boulder and saw something from my past; the scratched “Steve and Katie – 2005†we put on that boulder when I first took him here.

Jumping off the rock I walked around it, observing its shape and size before I got behind it. Gripping it tightly in my hands I started to push it, feeling the boulder first slide then roll in my effort as I pushed it closer and closer to the edge of the escarpment.  I gave the boulder one last heave before I sent it over the edge, watching it fall quickly through the air before landing with a hard thud.

“Katie what the hell are you doing?â€

I stopped and stood up straight as I didn’t say a word. Turning around slowly I saw Steve standing there.

“Everyone said you were pissed when you left class. I didn’t hear till one of the guys on the team got a text and I blew them off figured you’d come here and…â€

I didn’t let him finish his words. Instead I just ran up to him and wrapped my arm around him.

Armor – Standard

“Are you cold?â€

I shivered visibly as the autumn night descended on us. “No.â€

“I can give you my jacket.â€

“I’m fine Steve.â€

Steve started to try to put his jacket over my shoulders as I felt my skin grow tough and line itself with

soft white fur as Steve jumped back. I crossed my arms as I looked away from him.

“See I told you I’m fine.â€

Flight - Standard

“You know Katie it might not be my place to ask but I just saw you push a boulder and grow fur. Plus everyone was talking about how you swam like a dolphin. I guess I’m just due for an explanation.â€

I stopped walking as I tried to hold back everything inside me. “Steve, friend of mine, you think you’re due for explanations?â€

He walked beside me as he grabbed my hand, holding it and squeezed it tightly. “I’m you friend Katie.â€

“Well Steve let me answer your question. I don’t know what’s going on. I barely have a handle of what’s going on. I woke up from a coma and now my body is acting all weird. I mean I’ve already been through this ‘magical changes to your body’ bullshit once why do I have to do it again? Sometimes I think it’s cool and then someone calls me a freak and before it was just a word but now I actually AM one.â€

Steve squeezed my hand while he moved in to hug me “Katie you’re not a freak.â€

“Am I not? Then answer my question. Why this?â€

“Why what?â€

“Why the hugs and the hand holding and the waiting for me in the hospital? Why hang out with me? Why all this concern for me Steve? And then you go and date a girl like Suzy.â€

“Katie I didn’t…â€

“You didn’t know? You didn’t know I was crazy about you? I MIGHT believe that if you were some other guy but you’re not an idiot.â€

I pulled my hand out of Steve’s as I started to walk faster. Steve stood there for a moment as he said “I just thought you wanted, or we wanted to be friends.â€

“Well you thought wrong.â€

I kept walking faster as Steve ran after me “come on Katie let’s talk this through. I mean at least let me walk you home.â€

I stopped and turned around with Steve right in front of me. I looked up at him “no more of this. I don’t need you to be my white knight. Not anymore.†While I said that I felt my body growing weightless. Soon I was floating above Steve, darting through the air on my way back home.

The Night Of The Verocorin Attack

Gregory pushed through the crowd of reporters and spectators as he tried to reach the center of the crowds attention "Excuse me! Pardon Me!" his mood began to sour as the mob got thicker and more stubborn "Will you MOVE!" he shouted as a wall of photographers formed in front of him. Just as he was about to blow he heard someone shout his name.

"Hey Greg, over here!"

Gregory's face brightened as he heard the familiar voice "Dr.Vesper!" three police officers cut through the crowd and escorted Gregory to the blood covered doctor "Have you seen my parents Dr.Vesper? I've been to the hospital but they weren't there."

Dr.Vesper flipped through a clipboard and shook his head "Sorry Greg, I haven't seen them. Your best bet is to ask one of the medics from the SLJ." he pointed to a cluster people in doctor's coats "Good luck kid."

Gregory ran towards the medics and cleared his throat "Sorry to bother you but have you seen either the Grey Duchess or the Monarch?"

One of the medics turned his sweat and dirt covered face to Greg and sighed "Relation?"

"I'm their son." answered Gregory slightly agitated.

The medic ran his finger down his clipboard and when his finger stopped he looked up at Gregory with pity "Follow the yellow tape until you see a large white tent. You'll find them there."

Without hesitation Gregory ran off dodging and pushing passed crowds. As he sped through the chaos the top of a large white tent came into view, Gregory smiled as he ran as fast as his feet could carry him. When he finally reached the tent he was met by a tall burly man blocking the entrance "Excuse me sir, I'm here to see my parents, The Grey Duchess and The Monarch."

The man moved to the side and opened the tent. He looked at Gregory with sorrow in his eyes "They are at the end of row four."

As he slowly walked into the bright tent Gregory's smile shattered. In front of him were rows of bodies on the floor covered in immaculate white sheets "This must be a mistake." he whispered as he walked to the end of the fourth row. He stopped in front of two bodies laying next to each other under one sheet and crouched down next to them. He took a deep breath and slowly inched away the top of the sheet and feel backwards as he saw the scarred face of his father staring back at him.

Hot tears ran down his trembling face as he processed the situation in silence. He jumped as he felt a hand touch his shoulder. "It's me Greg." responded the deep voice that belonged to the hand "I got here as soon I could."

"They're gone Carlos!" Cried Gregory as he embraced he embraced him "They're dead."

"I know bro." shuddered Carlos as he bit back his tears "I know."

Four Days After The Verocorin Attack

"I Refuse."

"What do you mean you refuse? Do you know how many people pray for this chance Gregory" the SLJ officer was visibly puzzled as he looked at the emotionless teen.

"I don't want to enroll at the Sentinel Academy. In fact, I want nothing to do with the Sentinels." Gregory was stony faced as he answered the hoary haired man who sat in the couch in front of him. The living room went eerily quiet as the three men in Whint manor stared at each other

The officer turned to Carlos who was standing behind the sofa Gregory was sitting in with an apple in his hand "Carlos, speak some sense into your brother, please."

Carlos took a bite out of the apple and looked at the floor "I'm sorry Bill, but his mind is made up." he looked at Bill's surprised face and took another bite from the apple "And so have I. I'm leaving the SLJ."

Bill shot out of his seat visibly angry "You can't be serious! Out of all times you choose now to do this? What about your parents, are you just going to throw away everything that they died for!?"

Gregory launched out of the sofa and took a step towards Bill "What the hell do you know about our parents, huh?" he ignored the crackling of energy that formed around Billy's hands "They gave up everything for the Sentinels, everything! And what did they get in return? Their name written on some memorial and two days of criticism from the media!"

Carlos put his hand on Gregory's shoulder in an attempt to diffuse the situation but was quickly shoved away "Greg calm down."

"Forget that Carlos. They dedicated decades to these pompous pricks but when some shit faced journalist start criticizing them what do they do? Nothing! Well I'll be damned if I have anything to do with you bastards again."

The energy around the officer's hand dissipated "I understand how you feel, but your parents aren't the only Sentinels under fire fight now. We're doing the best we can."

Carlos walked over to front door of the house and opened it "I'm sorry Bill, but we've made up our minds. I'll be over at HQ to make it official."

Bill walked over to Carlos and sighed "What will you do?"

"Were going to to join the Angels."

A Blast Of Monochrome

     Psychic Blast: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack
• Multi-Attack

Storm City During The Ant-Metahuman Protests

The streets of Storm City were flooded with protesters shouting both pro and anti metahuman arguments at each other with only the presence of the KPD keeping them from becoming violent. The voice of one of the leaders of the AMA (Anti-Metahuman Alliance) could be heard blaring on a bullhorn "We need to purge our society from the impure blood of the 'meta-freaks'! If they can't protect us, what other purpose do they serve!?"

"NONE!!" Shouted his followers in rabid fervor.

Amidst the protesters the Angels Of Mercy patrolled the area ensuring things didn't get out of hand. Gregory and Carlos Whint slowly walked amongst the meta-humans keeping an eye out for any troublemakers.

"I don't get it Carlos, why aren't the Sentinels doing this? We should be in Lowtown dealing with the Bottom Girls or the Bolo Gang."

Carlos stopped and shook his head "Because, the SLJ is still recuperating. Plus, seeing that they are kind of the reason for this shitstorm, their presence here would only cause more problems."

John Reynolds pushed his way out and folded his arms as Gregory and Carlos came into view "Hey you two. Hurry your asses up. Things don't look so good."

Gregory stopped in front of John and put his hands on his hips "What do you mean things don't look goo-"

The ground shook as a large explosion sent everyone tumbling into one another. As the protesters came out of their collective shock pandemonium erupted as gunfire and varying energy blasts shot across Storm City. War cries from both sides could be heard amongst the screams of pain.

"What the hell happened!?" shouted Gregory as he dodged the frantic crowd but he got no answer "Carlos!? Reynolds!?" he pushed through the crowd looking for his allies while keeping his eyes out for stray attacks "This is ridiculous, where are they?"

A large horned man burst through a crowd of anti-metahuman protesters screaming on the top of his lungs "Death To Humans!" he turned to Gregory and snarled as he charged towards the teen.

Gregory looked for somewhere to escape as the beastly man charged towards him but couldn't move in time "W-wait I'm a meta-human. I'm a...." before he could be hit a man yanked him out of the way throwing to the ground.

"You o.k kid?"

"Yeah, but we still have a problem." coughed Gregory as he stood up and watched as the large metahuman turned around.

"Bullets won't work on him."

"Just stay behind me." warned Gregory as the man charged at them again.

"Kid, I think we should move."

"Don't worry, I have this." Gregory braced himself and released a gray wave of energy that knocked both the metahuman off of his feet "Take this!" another blast of gray energy hit the man sending him flying several feet backwards. Gregory turned to the crowd of people and smiled "Am I good or am I good?"

"What you are is a metahuman." answered the man who had saved him as he took out a gun "Sorry kid, but the purge has begun." as he finished speaking all the people behind him pulled guns out.

"Wait a minute. I just saved you." Gregory backed away as he heard the sound of guns cocking "I don't want to hurt you." suddenly Gregory was pulled away my an invisible force as he saw the mob fire a wave of bullets where he was standing.

Cinereal Command

     Mind Control: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack
• Area Affect

Two abnormally large hands stretched and caught Gregory pulling him into a dark alley way. They slowly shrunk as a group of people in red and old clothes emerged from the darkness of alley. The man who had caught Gregory dusted off his hands as he addressed the teen "That was very stupid of you kid. Next time you want to save an animal, make sure it doesn't bite."

Gregory placed his hand on his temple and stepped away from the group "Who are you guys?"

"Is that how you say thank you kid?" replied Gregory's rescuer "We are fellow metahumans and brethren. That's why we saved you kid, we're family which means we have to protect each other."

Gregory slowly lowered his hand as the chaos outside intensified sending vibrations throughout the alley "Family."

"Looks like we got company guys." chimed one of the metahumans as a gang of humans entered the alley way with guns pointed at them "Trouble seems to follow you around kid."

"Yeah, I realized." Gregory's eyes turned dark gray and the gang of humans collapsed as their noses started to bleed "Humans, they're so fragile." he turned around and cocked his head as they writhed on the ground

"Please, Stop!" begged one of the humans as their eyes rolled in their heads "The pain."

His head slowly straightened as he spoke "As you wish."

The humans trembled as they brought their guns to their heads. They began to beg as their fingers began to tense and then with a bang, silence.

"Nice work kid." snickered Gregory's rescuer as he and the gang started to leave the alley "If you get tired of protecting these chimps come to Apogee Towers in Electrum. Alone."

Monochrome Monarchy

     Illusions: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack
• Area Affect
• Multi-Attack
• Target Seeker

The Day After The Anti-Metahuman Protest

Carlos paced around the immense living room as he looked at the dark oak floor "Have you lost your mind!?" his fury drenched voice echoed throughout the large house "You want to leave the Angels Of Mercy, fine, be my guest. You want to move out, o.k, you need a little independence." he turned to Gregory with rage dripping off his face "But do you really expect me to allow you to just vanish into some secret cult! Have you lost your freaking mind!?"

Gregory gazed at the floor as his brother ranted trying to stay calm "It's not a cult."

"Then what the hell is it?! Let me guess, you can't tell me."

Gregory stood up, grabbed his bag walked over to his brother and embraced his trembling body as hot tears crept down his face "Carlos, I love you. But I have to go." he released his brother and started walking towards the door as he wiped away his tears. After he finished drying his eyes he was met with his brother standing in front of the door "Carlos, don't do this."

Black Butterflies started to appear around Carlos as stinging tears enveloped his eyes "I am not going to allow my little brother to screw his life up! Now drop that bag and sit down."

"Carlos, listen to me. I've made up my mind."

"I'm the big brother, you need to listen to me!" bellowed Carlos as the butterflies sliced through his surroundings "I'll force you if I have to Greg."

"You're not thinking straight Carlos. Don't make do this." a butterfly flew passed his face leaving a scar "Fine." his eyes turned light gray as the color in the house melted away "You forced me Carlos."

"Your illusions wont work Greg." shouted Carlos as he felt his feet sink into the floor. He tried to walk towards his brother but his feet were bound by the illusion. He gazed at his brother standing in front of him as his eyes released his tears "I won't allow you to leave."

"I already have.' answered Greg as Carlos heard the door close behind him.

The Lobby of Apogee Tower Later That Day

"I'm glad you decided to come kid" sang the metahuman who had rescued Gregory as he shook his hand vigorously "My name is Picasso. How about you?"

Gregory nervously shifted eyes along the decorated walls of the large room almost not realizing that he had been asked a question "Gregory Whint"

Picasso chuckled as he let go of Gregory's sweat soaked hand and wiped his palm on his pants "That's not what meant kid. Everyone from the execs at the top to us way down here renounce our birth-names and take up one that truly expresses who we are. So tell me, whats your name?"

A feeling of elation infected his body as Picasso's words sank into his brain "Monochrome. My name is Monochrome."

Picasso smiled and slightly bowed his head "Welcome to The Creed, Monochrome"

Name
The Amazing Shoshanna
 

Alignment: Villain

Gender: Female

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Character Biography

The reaction from the crowd is what I lived for. Even after hundreds of shows their emotions are what drive me to take the stage. The laughter as I spun my assistant around in mid air as the crowd laughed. I couldn't help but smile, it was all so entertaining as I decided to ham it up for the audience a bit.

"Now, my lovely assistant Bruce isn't exactly fond of heights, are you Bruce?"

Bruce was a large broad man, over six foot tall and yet he couldn't help but stammer "Please Shoshanna let me down!" He played up the act well though it did help that he was terrified of heights.

"First of all that's MISS Shoshanna to you, and audience should I let him down?"

Dead silence, the perfect set up as I smiled and yelled "or should I make him do some tricks?"

The ovation was deafening as I tapped my magic wands in the air a few times as three large hoops shot up from the ground and suspended themselves in mid air. "For my next trick I will guide my lovely assistance Bruce through these three rings using my powers of levitation."

The boos were audible as I pretended to act offended. Regulars, I love them, I love how they get into the whole act as I said "it seems SOME people were here for last night's performance. I guess guiding ol' Brucey here through a few rings is a little pedestrian. Danger is what you all crave? Well The Amazing Shoshanna is all but happy to oblige."

With a flick of my wand the rings suddenly burst into flames as I slowly guided Bruce through the three burning rings. I could hear Bruce scream in terror and to be honest we've done this trick so many times I can't even figure out if he's playing up the trick or is genuinely in fear for his life. My wand wavered in the air as I finally passed Bruce through the last ring, setting him down on his feet as the audience stood up and cheered.

Bruce and I took a bow as I looked out at the crowd "thank you, thank you, Bruce please take your leave as I prepare for the last trick of the night." The lights in the entire theater dimmed, a single spotlight illuminating myself as I pulled the top hat off of my head.

"For my final trick ladies and gentlemen I will pull a rabbit out of a hat." The crowd started to murmur, some hecklers even shouted out as I reached my hand deep down into my top hat. I felt around the empty space as I felt the pair of velvety ears. I tugged my arm out, only to see it pulled back, struggling as the crowd laughed.

"I got a big one here it seems." The crowd roared with laughter as I finally gave one last pull, the soft pink ears elicited a sentimental awww from the crowd that was suddenly wiped away by screams when the beast-like head with razor sharp teeth peeked out of the hat.

I dropped my top hat on the ground as the demonic lagomorph pulled its paws up and grabbed the brim of my hat, pulling itself up as it walked on its hind legs. It's roar was only beat by its stench as the spotlights turned red. The crowd screamed in fear as as I stood up the beast bunny, my wand waving as I screamed out "insidae!"

All of the sudden a large metal cage surrounded the monster rabbit as the lights switched from red to bright white. As on cue celebratory music rang through the sound system as the crowd cheered yet again. I took a quick bow as I said "see kids this is why you leave magic to the professionals. You never know what you'll..."

It happened quickly. The demonic rabbit swiped his claw through the opening in the cage as his razor sharp claw slide me in half across my waist. I watched my legs give way as the upper half of my body fell to the ground. My eyes scanned the crowd, the people grabbing their phones calling the ambulance. My assistants pulling the cage off stage as I let the moment linger for a while. Fear, I was drinking it all in as its taste was absolutely addictive. I knew though I had to let off the ruse soon.

Turning my head to the crowd I opened my eyes and said out loud "Hold on!"

Using my arms I slowly crawled toward my legs as I reached out for them, turning my body as I tried to re affix my lower half to match my waist. I pulled them up into me as I said to the crowd "this is always the tricky part."

I screamed as I felt the halves of my body fuse together. Wriggling my toes to make sure everything was fit properly I stood up as I was greeted with further ovation. "Thank you, I couldn't let myself go to pieces! I have paying customers for a show tomorrow!" I let the applause continue as I said "you've been a great audience! Have a good night and let the magic touch you!"

As the lights turned off, the crowds left and I exited the stage Bruce came up to me as he usually did after each show.

"Shoshanna can we talk about the flying trick. Like I trust you and all..."

I shoved my hand right in Bruce's face as I said "not right after the show you know this is me time." I Quickly dived into my private dressing room as I locked the door behind me. Having your own show in Vegas definitely has its bonuses. For one you got a place to yourself to get ready in that's bigger then most of the condos in the damn city. I walked to the open foyer area as I out lined in grounded lime stone a large set of intricate triangles. Pentagrams can only get you so far, you really need to study your ancient Egyptian arithmetic if you want to communicate with anything other then Hades.

When I was done I walked over to my own personal bird enclosure where my dozen white doves flew around. Reaching in and pulling one out as I cupped him in my hand I walked to the center of my symbol as I muttered "Vocat ad ostium mundos alios!" Snapping the bird's neck as I let the blood drip into the middle of my glyph as the lights went out, coming back on to reveal the dark portal that stood in front of me.

As I waited I watched as the figure in the distance slowly moved towards the tear in reality. Her face changed from that of a beautiful women to an empty skull ripped of all skin and flesh as it shifted its hand across the air and raised it up, a pillar of oozing black stone erecting itself as it sat down. I shouted "cathedra" as a large plush chair appeared behind me, sitting down and looking at my visitor.

"I take it you enjoyed the show mother?" I asked.

Personality

"It must be very boring out on the Psychic Plane if you're watching my little magic shows."

"Is there something wrong with a mother taking an interest in her daughter's profession? You seem to have a knack for it. You really take after your father you know. He was nothing more than a cheap conjurer but his flair for the dramatic, well, it did attract me didn't it? How is your father doing."

"Enjoying his retirement, critiquing my act and missing you. You should really visit him sometime."

"My little imp, the affairs between men and women and demons and mortals are always complicated. Imagine combining them together and you would realize why it is not easy for your father and I to just have a conversation. But do tell him I miss him dearly too. For all their power and prestige the men of this plane have always been dreadfully dull. Speaking of men, how are you doing on that front? Your new assistant is pretty well built as far as humans go."

I blushed as I said "strictly professional mother."

"Well i would set you up with a fine demon boy if bringing you to this plane wouldn't absolutely scramble your brains." My mother tossed back her head and laughed as I sat there nervous. I had always wished to go the Psychic Plane but even half demons had a hard time dealing with the intense mental trauma that can be experienced there.

"Mom I didn't summon you just to catch up."

"I know sweetheart, but one it's nice to just chat every once in a while. And two you know you can't hide anything from me. I made off well in the mortal with my knack for reading people till I was exorcised to this plane. So spit it out child."

"Well, the cravings. It's getting worse. You saw what I had to do today to conjure enough fear to feed off of. And I don't think this will last me for very long. I thought that doing the whole magical act like dad did would help but it's getting worse."

My mother sighed as she said "I told you, a little fear from each person is not the same as absolute terror. I blame my father for this and his lineage of terror feasters. Lust, lies, those things come easy but fear? Mortals fight it so much it's hard to get it in genuine quantities."

"So mother, what do you suggest?"

She tapped along her jaw for a moment before she looked at me and asked "have you ever considered getting a part time job?"

PERSONAL

Character Level: Street Level

Gender: Male

Power Origination:

Location: Ekhidna Labs, Moebius, Khazan

AFFILIATION

Alignment: Villain

Team: The Creed

VITAL STATS

Strength: Standard (rank 2)

Agility: Standard (rank 2)

Mind: Standard (rank 2)

Body: Standard (rank 2)

The hurried patter of footsteps echoed down the grey halls off the Ekhidna Research Facility as eager scientist congregated into a large laboratory. Murmurs laced with anticipation mingled with the beeps and chirps of the equipment as they craned their necks to see the subject that slept within the large glass cylinder in the center of the room.

As the crowd grew an old balding scientist timidly approached the tall afro-haired man who stood in front of the door to the glass cell "Excuse me Dr.Dagda, should I update the council on the situation?"

"Patience Dr.Clover." answered the scientist behind his tinted glasses as a pearly grin stretched across his face "Look, he's waking up."

A wave of tension swathed the room as the subject slowly sat up and clutched the back of his head and took in his surroundings "Where the hell am I?" his question went unanswered as all the heads in the room turned to Dr.Dagda.

"Amongst friends Don Yama." answered the grinning scientist in his thin Cajun accent. He watched as the subject slid off of the examination table and paced around the cell "Friends to who you owe your life."

Yama walked towards Dr.Dagda and peered into his tinted glasses "And who do my 'friends' work for? The Syndicate or......"

Dr.Dagda adjusted his glasses as he replied to the question "As far as the Syndicate and KALI are concerned, your body was cremated three months ago. We've been keeping you.....'alive' since then. So as I said you owe us your life."

Yama slammed his fist on the thick glass prompting all the scientist except Dr.Dagda to dress back "So that son of a bitch actually did it! Let me out of here now, I've got someone to kill, and do it fast or I'll use you as a practice dummy."

Dr. Dagda let out a chuckle and shook his head "So ungrateful, we go through the trouble of rescuing you from the clutches of death and making you a new body and in the end you threaten us?" he put his hand his chest and frowned mockingly "I'm hurt."

Yama's breathing subsided as he gazed at his hands "New body?" he looked back at the scientist's persistent grin.

"Don't get me wrong buddy, your old body was swell and all but we had to get rid of it in order to get your associates off your trail. Besides your new body lacks the weakness your old one had, you've been......evolved."

"Let me guess, you want me to work for you at the cost of and all that bullshit." Yama sat on the examination table and folded his arms "In the end its all the same. The Syndicate, KALI, the government. You don't care about anything but your agenda, I'm getting tired of it now." he looked at the mob of scientist who filled the room as they hung on to his every word "What do you guys want; world domination? Money? Or do you just enjoy the smell of death and chaos?"

Dr.Dagda opened the door to the container ignoring the protest of his subordinates as he walked into the cell "We don't want your life, money or servitude. All we need is your mutual trust, loyalty and brotherhood."

"To want ends?"

Dr.Dagda stopped an arms length away from Yama and finally allowed an appearance of gravity to mask his face "Evolution."

Yama's lips curled into a milky smile "Maybe you haven't heard, my specialties are death and drugs. You've got the wrong man."

"Yama. You are a powerful meta-human who has managed to live centuries destroying the lives of the weak and foolish, the only mistake you ever made was trusting a human with your greatest secret. There are very few people who are as qualified as you are in the art of evolution."

Yama stood up and folded his arms "Brotherhood and trust, I don't get much of either in my profession, a change of pace would be nice. What do you want me to do?"

A low buzz of murmurs filled the lab as Dr.Dagda's milky smile stretched across his face "Have you ever been interested in teaching?"

Adapt Or Die

     Reactive Adaptation: Superior (rank 2)

• Multi-Attack

One Month Later

"'Danger, High Voltage.'" whispered Yama as he read the sign hanging on the large chain-link fence that circled the compound in front of him "This is going to hurt." he grasped the cold metal and winced as electricity ran through his body. As he climbed the fence his twitching skin became hard and rigid and each link of the fence bent within his grasp "That's better."

He quickly scaled the fence and landed silently on the dry dirt. Without hesitation he darted into the shadows and took note of the various silver beams of light streaming down from several watchtowers scattered within the compound. His skin slowly reverted to it's normal state as he crept from shadow to shadow only stopping when he came near to an unsuspecting guard.

"Almost there." in one burst of speed Yama ran towards a small building and violently shook the the door to no avail "Dammit." he sighed as he checked his surroundings and cursed as a beam of light swerved in his direction followed by a shower of bullets. Each bullet ripped through his flesh with ease as he fell to the ground stopping only when Yama was surrounded by armed guards."

"Now how the hell did he get in here?" asked one of the guards as he approached Yama's body with his gun ready to fire, "filthy metahuman." he kicked Yama's body and yelped as his fit struck hard metal. Before he could react Yama tripped him, ripped the gun from his hands and fired on the other guards killing them all in one movement.

Without hesitation Yama searched the guards as bullets bounced off his metallic skin "There it is!" he exclaimed as he pulled a key-card from one of the guard's pockets and walked towards the door. He inserted the card into a slot and ran into the building as the door lurched open.

As soon as he entered the building and closed the door he was bombarded with a yellow mist. As Yama walked through the mist, a transparent film formed over his eyes while his mouth and nostrils were sealed by metallic skin. The clank of metal hitting metal rang throughout the building as Yama ran down the halls and out of the mist.

That's Gonna Hurt Later......Maybe

     Regeneration: Supreme (rank 3)

"WARNING! INTRUDER IN META-CONTAINMENT!" The alarm blared throughout the building repeatedly followed by the heavy drumming of footsteps rushing down the halls.

"Well that's not good." Yama mused as he turned into a passage blocked by guards armed with various weapons "You humans just don't know when to give up" his skin glistened as the alarm lights hit his silver skin "Well come on, fire away."

One of the guards shouted "fire!" and a barrage of crimson lasers erupted from their weapons and sliced through Yama's body severing one of his arms and leaving a gaping hole where one of his eyes once was "Hold!"

The barrage stopped and Yama's body slumped against a wall "Well that stung." he slowly stood up as his body regenerated bit by bit "If nothing else, you humans are quite resourceful."

"Fire!" once again a wave of lasers was fired at Yama, each bolt vanished as it hit his body which was now almost whole . The lasers increased as Yama's body became rigid then translucent, as his pace increased, the guards backed away from Yama until they came to the end of the corridor.

"End of the line."

A.K.A: Walking Death

     Disease Manipulation: Supreme (rank 3)

• Ranged Attack
• Area Affect
• Multi-Attack
• Target Seeker

Will you stop pacing Miasma?" droned Monochrome as he watched the short blue haired girl march up and down the small windowless room.

"There has to be a way out of here." She abruptly stopped and turned to the sullen eye-patched boy who sat in the corner "Ryft, see if you can overload the negation field."

Ryft threw a vicious glare in Miasma's direction as he answered her "How many freaking times do I have to tell you? The field is set too high, the only way to shut it off is from the outside."

Miasma slammed her head on the door to the room and let a a loud moan "We, are, doomed!"

"You don't have to be so pessimistic." replied Monochrome as he placed his hand on her shoulder "I'm sure they'll send som-" his face went blank and he quickly walked away from his distressed ally "Miasma, walk away from the door."

"What? Why?"

Ryft slowly stood up and turned to the door "Miasma move!"

Miasma scurried away from the door and crashed into Monochrome as the door flew of it's hinges and crashed into the floor "There you are" chimed Yama as he walked into the dank room "All of you are getting a D-minus."

"What? We did exactly what you told us to do. We infiltrated the compound."

"Actually, Monochrome.Your mission was to infiltrate the compound and find the meta-human prisoners. All you did was get yourselves captured and me shot at." he turned and started walking out the room "Hence the D-Minus. Now come on."

The three teens exited the room and gawked at the corpses that were strung along the corridor "Was all this necessary? groaned Ryft as he stepped over the oozing carcases "What did you do them?"

"Severe small pox." answered Yama dismissively as he led the group to a large door "They should be in there." he inserted a key-card into a slot next to the door which slid open to show a large room filled with meta-humans "Which one of you is the teleporter?"

A tall purple man stepped forward "M-me. But I can't carry so many people, a-and my range is fifteen feet."

"Don't worry about that, just follow my instructions. You're going to go blind for a few seconds. Wait until you go completely blind and feel a little nauseous, then teleport everyone you can as far as you can."

"W-wait, whats going to happen?"

Miasma slapped the purple man's back and snickered "Don't worry, just make sure you get everyone."

"W-when are you going to do it?"

Yama turned his back to the group as he answered "I already did, now just do exactly what I told you and we should all get out of this in one piece."

"W-what about the other guards?"

"Any humans left on the compound should be in the mid stages of the Ebola virus........or de-" the entire building shook as a large humanoid robot smashed through the roof "I should foreseen that."

A rancid sent struck the senses of the group as the purple meta-human emptied his stomach "I think I'm fully blind now."

"Then what *vulgarity* are you waiting for! Get us out of here!" roared Ryft as the robot fired a rocket "Now!"

Before Ryft could finish he was hit by a gust of wind and the smell of grass. The group looked around at their moonlit surroundings and sighed as their escape hit them "Good job." whispered Yama as he placed his hand on the purple man's head "Time to go home."

Some preamble. This is a pretty old idea, but I'm finally getting around to doing it. That said, this is the first draft and it'll probably go through a lot of trimming and streamlining. But initial impressions on the writing and stuff would be cool.

Originally, things woulda escalated to universal proportions, but I decided to pull things back to better fit with the current FPL. Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself 'ere. Anyways, presenting, More Dakka.

-----------
Maude Daqqa
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---
BIO
---
Life's a bitch and then you realize, so are you. That's what happened to Maude. As far as kids go, she used to be a good one. As in, a "good kid" from a respectable lower middle income family. But then shit happened.

She stood up to her kid brother's bully, whose own brother turned out to be a rapey delinquent. She defended her chastity with a lucky brick to the temple and a less lucky but more deliberate pipe to the balls. The next thing she knew though, the bastard brought some of his friends over to her house for some payback. Things got out of hand and her father was shot in the chest with a .22 cal; he died on arrival at the hospital. That should have been it, but the shooter didn't fancy the idea of going to jail for manslaughter, so he brought in his legit mobster buddies to make sure Maude and her family don't finger him. And that's when shit stopped happening and life took over.

Let's just say, little boys who saw their dads get gunned down by criminals, don't always act rationally. If they were mindblowingly rich, they could conceivably grow up to be Batman, but in Maude's little brother's case, he just got the crap beat out of him when he refused to back down. That was the trigger.

It all happened in a flash, but before she knew it, Maude found herself beaten, bruised and bleeding all over her mom's carpets. But hey, you should get a load of what happened to the other guys. Death, that's what happened. Maude fought them tooth and nail and kitchen knifes and daddy's wrench, and against all the odds, she came out on top. On top a blood drenched carpet strewn with scumbag corpses that is.

So that got the attention of the crook who ran her neighborhood. He tried to have her snuffed at the hospital, but as keen eyes were apt to observe, Maude was a "natural" who deftly defended herself. Particularly since a hospital's pretty much an armory for someone of Maude's emerging natural talents. However, circumstances were making it plain; she was going to have to bring the fight to "them". She couldn't just stay on the defensive and risk her family eventually falling prey to "retribution". But taking the offensive to the local boss led to the underboss and a bunch of made men getting involved, and that led to the boss getting involved and once she gunned him down in his own house, that's when the other crime families had to step in.

Suffice it to say, a roaring rampage of revenge soon ensued, especially after her mom and kid brother were finally killed. It took a surprisingly short time for the various families to suffer unacceptable losses and that's when life decided to *vulgarity* with Maude just a little harder.

One day Maude woke up, did her daily routine, had breakfast, turn on the TV and... well, it was perfect timing. She turned the TV on just in time to see her mug on it. The families pulled their strings within the law and now Maude was America's most wanted. It was a conspiracy; one that she would investigate and end up killing a bunch of corrupt feds for before almost exposing the conspiracy, only to be involved in a higher conspiracy, and a higher one, and a higher one, until...

"Hello Mr. President."

-----------
PERSONALITY
-----------

She's a natural, this one. Sure there are plenty of psychopaths and sociopaths loose on the streets with pretty impressive kill counts, but any nutjob without a conscience can take out a crowd of unsuspecting civilians. Not our girl here. She's like the Michael Phelps of murder. You all know Michael Phelps right? He's this swimmer who won a hell of a lot of gold medals at the Olympics. The thing is though, the guy's a genetic freak. His proportions are literally inhuman. He may seem human at a glance, but the guy's totally a mutant. It's just that his "mutations" make him one hell of a swimmer.

So this brings us back to Maude. The difference between her and all the other crazies?

She's not crazy.

She's mentally balanced and socially well adjusted with a firm moral character. It's just that some people are geniuses at chess; she's a genius at murder. And the truth is, like most geniuses, her potential should have gone unrealized. But like we said at the start, sometimes, life's a bitch.

The cosmos conspired to make this moment happen. The moment where Maude Daqqa, was one itchy trigger finger away from murdering the president of the US of A.

That's right, murder. The thing she's best at. Not an assassination; this was personal. And that's why... she didn't do it.

She just talked to him. They talked for several tense minutes. She told him how disappointed she was to have voted for him, because she truly believed in him. He told her to believe in him again; that he had no choice. That he was just a puppet whose strings were being pulled but that she wouldn't believe who were the puppet masters. She pressed him and pressured him and finally threatened him to tell her. In the end, he broke and he told. And then she left.

She believed her president. Even if he had turned out to be a spineless lying son-of-a-bitch, she believed him. Because she already knew the truth. The president merely confirmed it for her.

Maude left the Oval Office. Her parting words were entirely to herself. They were bitter, bitter words that made her seeth.

"*vulgarity*ing space vampires."

--------------

Physical Powers
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More Dakka (pt1)
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Supreme Gadgetry w/ range, super range, area effect, super area effect, multi attack & seeker
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In the immortal words of Sir Sean Connery, "They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue." Wise words to live by. It doesn't say much about what to do after they get out of the morgue and become the living dead, but the core concept's ageless.

Fortunately, the International Terrorists Network is pretty thorough with the gear it provides its beneficiaries. Holy water blessed by the dark gods, rune etched silver bullets and all that crap are just some of the many accoutrements the ITN can provide its members. Of course, Maude's more for practicality than tradition. A power drill to the heart or det-cord wrapped around the throat will kill most vampires. The actual space vampires are pretty rare, seeing as those have been mostly extinct for eons.

It all started around 67 million years ago when the impossibly arranged abominations we'd come to know as the progenitors of "vampires", traversed the void until they found an asteroid belt which they then used their awesome power to manipulate toward the Milky Way. 2 million years later, the asteroids finally reached the Sol System and one managed to hit the Earth dead on. It caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs and the "Space Vampires" gorged themselves on the life energies and psychic essences which flowed freely in the years that followed, before laying themselves dormant before re-emerging to completely devour all life on this world before moving onto the next.

As for vampires, they're just reeeeeeally watered down inbred descendants of the "Keepers" those "Elder Ones" left to tend to the "Garden". Or at least, that's what the prophecies say.

So no. Not many Elder Ones, aka Space Vampires, running around. Now werewolves and chupacabras, that's what Maude found herself dealing with once she started icing the so-called "Vampire Lords" who run the whole vampire scam. They even sent "Fingers" after her, a Moth-Man hitman from the Underworld Mafia who's a total son-of-a-bitch to kill. Those two tore the entire Dreamtime up.

Of course, that kind of thing's all old hat to Maude. She's pretty much just repeating the events of her mundane life on the magical one. The big twist is that in the process of wrecking the mystical wall between worlds, a cop got caught in the crossfire. A cop from space, who was stationed on Earth to keep tabs on the whole space vampire thing, and in true Maude fashion, that led to the MiB getting involved, then the Nibiru Ambassador being exposed in a conspiracy with the Dreamtime folks, then the Galactic Police had to jump in and so on and so forth.


Even More Dakka (pt2)
---------------------------
Supreme Reactive Adaptation
---------------------------
Meanwhile, Maude's brush with Dreamtime and the undead led her to knocking on the Pearly Gates as well as firing a cannon on the walls of Pandemonium. One to re-unite with her family, and the other to save the souls of those who died because of her.

Now, as fantastical and unbelievable as all that might sound... I mean, I know it's crazy. We went from America's Most Wanted to I dunno, an 8 year old's imagination. But then, you gotta admit, it's as good an explanation as any for Maude's current situation...


Most Dakka (pt3)
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Supreme Combat Planning
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Caught in a Mexican Standoff with Jesus, the President of the Galactic Council and Asmodeus.

Van "Vice Law" Hyde

PERSONAL

Character Level: Street Level

Gender: Male

Power Origination:Physical

Location:

AFFILIATION

Alignment: Hero

Team: The Angels of Mercy

VITAL STATS

Strength: Standard (rank 2)

Agility: Superior (rank 3)

Mind: Standard (rank 2)

Body: Standard (rank 2)

Background

"Well ain't this a surprise!" exclaimed a young scarlet haired woman as a tall raven haired man entered the boisterous saloon filled with gamblers, drunks, prostitutes and outlaws "Van 'Vice Law' Hyde!" every head in the saloon snapped towards the door as silence occupied the room.

As he strutted towards the scarlet haired woman every eye within the saloon nervously returned to their previous tasks and the sound of sliding chairs and murmurs could be heard as the more timid patrons began to leave, abandoning their card games, drinks and conversations.

Van Hyde walked over to the lady seemingly oblivious to the affect of his presence in the saloon or to the scowling face of the bartender. When he finally stopped walking he was so close to the ruby haired maiden that he could smell the orchid scented perfume in her hair.

"You know I hate when you do that Ruth. It's hard enough getting around without people announcing my arrival." whispered Van Hyde as he stroked the sleeve of her blue dress with the back of his hand.

"You ain't got nobody but yerself to blame honey. If you'd jus quit be being a road agent and give yerself to God maybe the folks roun town would be more friendly. It's time to stop being 'Vice Law'." purred Ruth as she sipped a glass of iced tea.

Van Hyde pulled out a near by chair and fell into it pulling Ruth down into his lap "When are you gonna stop trying to convert me and start loving me woman? replied the outlaw as he wrapped his arms around Ruth's slim waist "If it wasn't for me being 'Vice Law' you wouldn't be wearing those radiant pearls around your pretty neck nor would you be smelling so divine."

Ruth scoffed and put her hand on Van's face "Van, one of these days justice is gonna catch up to ya and throw a necktie party in your honor," she stood up and turned her back to the desperado " if that happened, the only way I could take care of ma-self would be to become a lady of the line. Is that what you want, me sellin my body and you swingin by yur neck?

"Now Ruthie. You and I both know that ain't happening anytime soon. More bullets have been fired at me than rain drops have kissed the ground, it would take Death himself to put me under and even that's not a guarantee."

As Van Hyde stood up to embrace Ruth, the doors of the saloon burst open and the ghastly shadow of a man crawled into the building "So it's true then, Vice Law has returned from the north. God must be happy with me today."

As the mans voice crept into Van Hyde's ears annoyance and anger painted his face "Ruth, get out of here, get as far away as you can." the saloons patrons lost as signs of bravery or bravado and began to flee the saloon in anyway they could, be it door or window.Van Hyde turned to the man and set his eyes upon his coal black hat and matching attire "Now what pray tell could the Cimmerian Cowboy want on this side of the west?"

The Cimmerian watched as Van's left hand clutched his revolver and reacted by clutching his howdah pistol "I was just passing through Hyde. If I knew you'd be in town I would've gotten a box built for you."

The deafening silence within the saloon soon infected the entire town as the gunslingers stood ready to draw their weapons and strike down their foe.

"I reckon you've gotten faster with that draw of yours." growled Van Hyde as he readied him self for the slightest movement "cause if you haven't, you were a dead man the moment you walked through that door."

The spirit within the Cimmerian's howdah shook with anticipation as it prepared to battle the man known as 'Vice Law'. A sharp sneeze echoed in the background and the men whipped out their pistols and fired them with deadly precision. An explosion erupted as the smokey black bullet from Van's revolver collided with the howdah's azure round sending both men flying. Van Hyde was launched out of the window behind him whilst the Cimmerian flew through the door and landed onto the hot dirt.

The Cimmerian quickly leapt to his feet and turned to face the sounds of foot steps and aimed his gun at Van Hyde's head "I see your deal with the devil is still in effect Vice Law. I ain't never gonna understand how a man can sell his soul."

Van Hyde's gun was aimed at his enemies heart as his dark brown coat billowed in the hot wind "My friend, you are one stubborn bastard. You know that? How many times do I have to tell you that I have no dealings with ol' Satan and that my soul is in it's right and proper place? Besides, I ain't the one using Indian magic."

"Shut up and die!" shouted the Cimmerian as he fired two shots at the smirk on Van's face.

Van reacted by firing two shots that once again collided with the howah's glowing bullets causing an explosion that shattered the nearby windows "Temper temper old boy" chuckled Van as he fired two bullets.

The Cimmerian barely dodged the bullets and watched as they entered a horse that was tied to the saloon. He spat as the horse's flesh started to rot away "Witchcraft."

"I said it ain't witchcraft!" shouted Van as he raised his gun to fire again. Just as he was about to fire, a loud bang echoed through the town and the Cimmerian's hat was sent flying off of his head. Van brought his gun closer to his face and frowned "The hell?".

The Cimmerian turned and scowled when he saw where the bullet had came from "God-dammit!"

Well Aint That A B!tch

     Regeneration: (Weakness)

In the distance the figure of a man who seemed to be swathed in despair was approaching the men. Dark clouds seemed to follow him as took each step filling the town with a sickly atmosphere. Upon his face was a skeletal grin that seemed to mock the dreadful mood that now permeated the town.

"Don't tell me that thing is following you?" Van said as he kept his gun at the Cimmerians head while he kept the grim creature in the corner of his eye.

The Cimmerian could barely mask the desperation on his face as he kept one eye on the Eidolon and the other on Vice Law "The Devil must awfully angry at me today. Looks like you're gonna have to share me with ol' bones over there, Vice Law."

Van Hyde spit on the dusty ground as he replied "Over my dead body. Now listen here you old coot, I'll help you best him this one time but after he's good and gone, you're next. Ya got me?".

The Cimmerian nodded and fire a sapphire shot at the Eidolon which vanished before the bullet could hit it. Out of nowhere the Eidolon appeared behind the Cimmerian but before it could shoot Van fired a caliginous shot that missed the grisly spirit as it vanished once again. The black bullet grazed the wheel of a cart which rotted away causing it to collapse and send dust unto the battle field.

The Eidolon once again appeared pushing away the dust around it. As if struck by lightning the Cimmerian instantly fired another shot that ripped through the spirits leg. As the Eidolon fell, Van Hyde fired three shots into and smiled as he walked away "Well that was easy wasn't it old boy?"

"It ain't over yet Hyde." replied the Cimmerian as he watched the Eidolons wounds repair themselves "Looks like even your devil weapon has its limits."

Van Hyde turned and cursed as he watched the Eidolon's wretched grin reform "Well ain't that a bitch." he spat as he pulled out a black and silver Bowie Knife from his back scabbard.

Like a Greased Weasel

     Enhanced Agility: Supreme (rank 3)

The Eidolon swung it's gun towards Van with unnatural speed only to see it's arm fly into the air as Van Hyde dodged and unleashed a counter attack with his Bowie knife. Without hesitation the ghoulish entity drew it's other gun but once again it's other arm was relieved from it's grotesque body and sent flying unto the dry ground.

"What the hell are you waiting for!?" shouted Van as he ran from the creature "Run! Hide!" he ran towards a house and shot the door twice causing it to rot away. As Van and Cimmerian entered the house Van turned to the occupants and put his finger to his lips "Now listen here Cimmerian, the way I reckon, there are only two ways to get rid of that thing. One, I kill ya. Two, I distract that thing while you hightail it out off here." he peaked through the window and watched as the Eidolon reformed "Now as much as I would like to put a hole in that skull of yours I'd prefer to do it on my terms."

"Well ain't that touching." scoffed the Cimmerian "One problem. You killed my horse."

"I'll distract him long enough for you to escape. Just ma-" before Van could finish, a dark figure appeared in the room and fired it's pistols at Van and the Cimmerian. Van dodged the attack maneuvering his body around the furniture in the dwelling and tackled the Eidolon while at the same time unsheathing his knife and severing the monsters head.

By this time the occupants of the house along with Cimmerian had evacuated the house and were heading towards the stables.

After a few moments of wrestling with the Eidolon Van was left shooting nothing but air. He darted out of the house just in time to see the Eidolon form from out of thin air. Van sheathed his dagger and pulled out his revolver.

Death's Double Action Revolver

     Weapon Master: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack

Van's arm seemed to disappear as he ripped his gun from it's holster and fired a shot that tore through the Eidolon's skull "Don't turn your back on me!" he shouted as a fired three more shots into the Eidolon.

Van fired another shot but his bullet only cut through air as the spirit vanished and reappeared on top of of house in the periphery on Van's sight. Without moving his head an inch Van's gun arm swung in the Eidolon's direction and expelled to dark bullets into the creatures legs. As the Eidolon fell and rolled off the roof of the house it vanished and reappeared on the opposite side of Van's sight.

In one fluid movement Van tossed his gun into his right hand and fired two more shots that launched his opponent of the house and out of Van's sight.

.450 Rounds Of Death

     Decay: Superior (rank 2)

• Ranged Attack

Van Hyde scanned the blistering terrain for the phantom while his trigger finger twitched in anticipation "Where the hell did it go? From the looks of things old Cimm hightailed it."

A blood curdling howl shook the town as the sky darkened and the shadows crept from their hiding places. Van turned as the Eidolon appeared on top of the church at the end of town and let out a wretched cry that shattered the windows in the church. As if set on fire, screaming people began flooding out of the church with either a child, bible or gun in their hands.

"Yep, the Cimmerian escaped alright." whispered Van to himself as a smirk crawled on to his face "You wanna brawl you son a bitch! Then lets brawl."

The Eidolon walked off the roof and landed amongst the fleeing people. The screams increased as the Eidolon began shooting down those who were in his way or fools who attacked him.

Van Hyde began walking towards the stampede, "Get out of my way!" shouted the outlaw as he turned every soul in front of him into a pile of rotting flesh and bones with each shot.He glimpsed the sight of a body on top of one of the buildings and fired a barrage of bullets. The Eidolon vanished and the rounds shot through the roof.

The sounds of screams increased as the wood and nails of the house rotted and rusted away causing the building to collapse on the occupants "Come on out you devil!"

Vice's Fang

     Weapon Master: Standard (rank 1)

One of the occupants of the collapsed building emerged from the rubble covered in blood and dust as he shouted at Van "Vice Law you heartless worm!" he ran through the crowd and lunged at Van and gasped as the honed blade of Van Hydes knife slipped into his heart.

Van Hyde pushed the corpse away and dodged an attack from another enraged man. As he evaded the attack Van sliced through the man's jugular sending blood spraying out on the panicking mob. As the number of his attackers grew so did the amount of corpses that surrounded him, until he saw the horrid grin of the Eidolon.

Van was to close to draw his gun but to far to strike with his knife "Not today!" shouted Van as he shoved the point of his knife into the muzzle of the Eidolons gun and maneuvered it so the revolver was sent flying into the air. He quickly closed the gap between them and decapitated his enemy.

To The Winner Goes The Spoils

     Necromancer: Superior (rank 2)

Without wasting a moment, Van severed the arms and legs of the Eidolon and frowned as it's body vanished once again "Listen up you yellow-bellied maggots! If you want to live I suggest you start kicking up dust now!"

The towns people who were left deserted their homes and evacuated the town as fast as their legs could carry them. The only bodies that stood on the town were Van Hyde and the Eidolon accompanied by the sickly silence that infested the area.

"Time to end this old boy." said Van as he stretched his arm in front of him and pointed the blade to the ground. A bolt of smokey darkness shot from the blade and entered the ground with a deafening crack that was followed a cacophony of wails and screams.

The Eidolon fired multiple shots at Van but each one was engulfed by a mist that now engulfed the town and never touched their target. Some of the mist separated into clumps that then formed into ethereal doppelgangers of the men who had been slaughtered by Van's blade. The Eiodolon fired at the specters but his bullets had no effect on the entities that now approached it.

The Eidolon teleported to another area only to be swarmed by more specters that emerged from the mist. It teleported all around the town only to be swarmed each time it reappeared.

"There is no escape monster." sang Van as all the mist started to congregate around the Eidolon "Since I can't kill you and you can't kill me at the current moment you have only one choice.

The Eidoln's eternal eyes met Van's gray iris's and then vanished taking the darkness with it.

Aint No Grave Can Hold My Body Down

     Regeneration: Supreme (rank 3)

Van slowly walked towards the stables passing each empty house with cold indifference as the mist slowly dissipated taking the wraiths with it. A brisk wind ran through the ghost town as storm clouds masked the sky and growled as they blocked the sun.

"I hope they didn't take all the horses. I'd be mighty pissed if I had to walk out of here." grumbled Van as he passed the remains of the house he had destroyed.

Among the sounds of rubble tumbling in the wind the cry of a trembling voice could be heard on the wind "V-Van, is that you?"

Van stopped dead in his tracks as the call seeped into his ears and clutched his heart.

The voice called out again in strained desperation "Van, help me!"

Van Hyde ran into the rubble with mad fervor following the familiar sound "Ruth!" he cried as he searched the rotted remains of the building "Ruth!" he cried again his voice soaked with dread.

"I'm here." she responded from beneath a beam of wood.

Van fell to his knees as his fell upon Ruth's crushed body, he crawled over to her and cradled her head in his arms "I'm sorry, Ruthie. This is all my fault." he held back bitter tears as each word whipped his heart.

"Don't worry about me honey." replied Ruth "I know where I'm going, just make sure you meet me there." she sighed and closed her eyes wincing with each breath.

"No, don't you dare close your eyes! The only place you're going is the doctor ya hear me." he pressed his dry lips on hers as he stroked her face "I'll be damned if you die here."

He gently placed her head on the ground as he stood up and walked over to the large beam "You ain't dying here." he mumbled to himself as he approached the beam only to see a murder of crows descend upon it.

A grimace of pain fell upon Van's face as he turned and saw the figure of a tall undertaker with a pitch black coffin slung across his back walk towards him "Stay back you bastard!" Van shouted as he fired round after round at the grim figure. Ho tears ran down his face as each bullet evaporated before they could strike their target.

The undertaker stopped in front of Van and put his bone white hand on his shoulder as he spoke with a voice that seemed to chill the air "You knew this day would come Vice Law."

"NO! No I didn't! You promised that you'd protect her from my enemies. You said she'd be safe and happy." replied Van as he shrugged the ice cold hand from his shoulder.

"Yes, I did say that, and i held up my end of the bargain. She was safe and had nothing to fear from your enemies. In the end, Van, it was you who did this.

Van tried to respond but could not. Silence ruled for a moment until Van spoke "You still owe me Azrael."

"Yes I do Vice Law, but not enough to bring her back."

Van clenched his fist "Then send me where she's going."

"You know that's out of my realm of powers."

"There must be something you can do god-dammit! You're the Archangel Death."

Azrael frowned as he looked down on Van's sullen face "There is something I can do, but it won't be pleasant and it will last for centuries."

"I don't care, just do it."

Azrael shoved his hand into Van's chest and gripped his heart " Van Hyde, I curse you. From this moment; you shall never die, sleep, feel love or lasting joy; until you redeem your soul and are deemed fit to join your love in the creators kingdom." Azrael pulled out his hand along with Van Hyde's heart "It is done."

The clouds released their burden as Van collapsed and watched as his wound healed "Be patient Ruthie. It might take awhile but I'll get there with you. I promise.

That morning he had slipped through the closing doors of the train, checking behind himself anxiously to make sure he lost his trailer. As he stepped inside however, someone had called him a ‘lucky duck’, but he started to feel really bad because he didn’t want to be a duck, but a dragon.

He wanted to be a dragon…

The blood and viscera was a darker, fuller red than he had remembered. The smell had filled his lungs and he suddenly felt sick to his stomach. He tried to take a step, but then suddenly he was on the floor. Blood now covered his face. His sight began to haze as he could finally hear the alarm blaring, then that was when he saw him, Agent Meryl was at the door…  

The tic toc of the standing clock rattled around Skylar’s mind, awaking him from his waking slumber. He sat aright in his chair and did nothing, said nothing, but just listened until he could decipher the strange language of the clock.

Think About Burning Everything to The Ground…

Meryl sat across from Skylar in the white room and said nothing. He nonchalantly scribbled upon his pad and stopped when he was done, staring into Skylar behind his black shades. Skylar then continued to sit as still as he could.

They had said he was a bad boy. A dangerous boy. One that did better not to mingle with high society at penthouse parties or scramble with the lowlifes in the alleyways and slums. He deserved only his room and his hat. That’s what they said. But he knew that was only until the next field trip, until the next assignment.

Meryl then looked at his watch, and then to Skylar before asking the same question he asked every assessment.

“How do you like Barrington, Skylar?â€

“I love Barrington. This is my home.â€

His assessment was over.

Later, Skylar found himself in the lobby, listening to the nothingness.

Don’t You Just Want To Escape This Place?

He didn’t answer, but pondered this predictable life that he lived. He knew one day he would have to leave, leave this place behind, but to go where he didn’t know. He spent most of his life behind these walls. It was in fact his home. Skylar’s train of thought then crashed as Bobby scuffled into the lobby, his nose running and hands wet. The front his white shirt, which was identical to Skylar’s, was also spotted with who knows what.

Bobby had been here before long before Skylar and was older than him by a couple years. Bobby was real slim and his clothes were always too big. Skylar always envied his red hair too, disliking his own dark brown hair. Bobby’s was also curly, while Skylar’s was straight. He pulled his hat tighter to head.  

“Hi Bobby,†Skylar greeted him.

“Skylar,†He was never much of talker.

They were the only boys left but there used to be more. There were six rooms attached to the lobby, but kids would sometimes go missing on fieldtrips. The last was Emily. Skylar hated her and her glasses and her stupid freckles and was glad when she went missing. Bobby said she ran away, but Skylar refused to believe it.

“Why did you have to kill all those people? Now we’re both in trouble.†Bobby pouted.

“I didn’t mean to… It just happened.†Skylar threw himself on the couch.

Nurse Gupta then walked in, eyeing both of the boys heavily, with much disgust in her eyes.

“It’s time for medicine.†She said, holding two paper cups.

Personality

Even with his medicine, sleep never came. The night took it’s time in passing. Skylar watched as the stars moved and then was outshined by the rising sun. He could still see the moon, though. He threw his covers off and slipped into his slippers that sat before his bed. He had already slept in his hat.   

He sat and waited for some time, for usually the door is locked, but after a while he stepped to the door. Listening, he slowly opened it, listening to every mechanism turn.

Bobby was already in the lobby, waiting by Nurse Gupta’s office.

“Something’s wrong.†Bobby said plainly before continuing to chew on his shirt collar.

Skylar listened closely and silently agreed. Simultaneously both of their eyes fell upon the double doors.

This Is Your Chance.

They were both hesitant. They knew the rules and even better the severe punishments. Skylar’s heart fluttered with the first step, and Bobby’s worrisome eyes blinked excessively as he seemed to flutter in and out of existence.

“This is our chance.†His second step was stronger, followed by another and another as he placed a hand on the cool double doors.

He turned back to Bobby who was still frozen in place, still flickering. And then with a push…

There was no alarm, but the emergency lights were on, flashing red. It made the whole corridor seem eerie and did not compliment the white walls. The two walked on, passing the metallic doors, until they came to a pool of blood which came around the corner.

Bobby bent down and touched it with the tip of his finger, staring at the crimson drip down his hand. His eyes held almost an excitement. Skylar turned the corner to find the pool’s owner, Agent Meryl.

He was alive. His fingers trembled weakly. Skylar saw no bullet holes in his suit or wounds but there still was the blood trail that was smeared down the corridor. He grabbed Meryl, shaking him until his eyes were semi focused.

“How do we get out? How do we get out?†He yelled, but Meryl was not in this world. He let go of the man and he slumped into his own pool of blood.

Skylar then looked to Bobby, bloody finger prints now covered his shirt, which the collar of was in his mouth. He then looked at the bloody trail. It had to lead to the exit. It had to.

“This is our chance.â€

Illusions

This night was specifically cold for a Khazan summer night. The sun seemed all too ready to fall beneath the horizon and allow the subtle moon to rein the sky. The stars played a part as well, twinkling especially bright as if making sure not to miss anything going on beneath them. It was a perfect night to go out, but it was a school night. A Sunday night at that. Eric was wrestling with his covers, as if trying to churn slumber itself out of them. It was then when he heard the footsteps, then a whispering. He immediately sat up in his bed, a cold sweat building on his back.

He listened.

And there it was again.

He wanted nothing but to ignore the sounds and go to sleep, but his curiosity was relentless. He leaped out of bed as quietly as he could, grabbing his whiffle bat as he inched towards the window. He pulled back his curtains slowly and there in his mother’s garden he saw a boy, munching away at some ripening tomatoes. The boy was dirty, in what was presumably used to be a white jumpsuit. Eric watched for a second as he ravaged the veggie. The boy was no older than him, what was he doing out there? He slowly opened the window, startling the boy.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you.†The wild boy’s deep brown eyes seemed almost feral, but had an innocent hue. “Are you hungry?â€

This was when another, redheaded boy, appeared.

Berserker

The two boys munched silently on two packs of lunchables as Eric sat curiously across from than at the dining table.

“Where did you guys come from?†The question seemed rude, but Eric didn’t know another way to bring it up. These two weren’t much talkers, but the question made them falter from their feasts. The second boy eyed the first cautiously.

“We…†Skylar began.

It was then when the voice startled all three of the boys.

“Eric! What the hell is going on in here?†It was his mother. She stood in the doorway to the kitchen, tightly holding her night gown to her body. Bobby jumped and Skylar glared at the woman. The look of disgust in her eyes met his grimace and floor of the kitchen suddenly gave way to darkness. She called for God.

Let Him Come.

The floor gave way to darkness and the lights were snuffed out by this sudden shadow that took over the room. Bobby still was visible. He flickered softly in the darkness, chewing on his collar and what now could be presumed to be blood, not tomato juice. Eric fell out of his chair in fear and clung to his mother as they joined in their desperate gasping. Their eyes were drawn to the flickering red head and his mouth slowly twisted into a devilish sneer. The room began to twirl and monstrous forms moved about freely. Eric’s mother grabbed his hand as she bolted for the door with him in tow.

Die Tired Then.

The floor seemed to stretch under their feet and the door seemed to shrink, their feet not quick enough to catch it. It was then when the mother felt the sharp pain through her middle. She looked down to see the long talon tear through her flesh and then disappear gruesomely allowing her innards to pour into her hands. Eric cried out, her splattered blood covering him.

“What are you?†Eric cried as the bloody talon caressed his face, mixing his salty tears with his mother’s metallic blood.

Transformation

Morning came. Grey skies loomed over Archer with clouds fierce and threatening. Skylar awoke groggily, the blood of his victims dried and chipping from his face as he smacked his lips. The metallic and stale taste still lingered in his mouth, upsetting his stomach.

He picked himself up. He could hear the sounds of talking coming from a room over. In the living room, Bobby sat, his red hair matted, but not in his dingy white clothes. He wore a vibrant polo shirt and a colorful pair of swimming trunks. His eyes were transfixed on the television which flipped through the channels as he blinked rapidly.

Skylar stood there for a moment. Thunder rumbled in the sky.

“Bobby.†He called.

Bobby snapped out of his trance, finally turning to Skylar.

“What?â€

“We’re free.â€

Bobby wore somewhat of a frown as he seemed to search himself before speaking again.

“What do we do now?â€

“Whatever we want…†He couldn’t help but smile. He knew now, he could be that dragon. He could be that dragon.

Skylar sat with Bobby as the news channel ran. The reserved newswoman relayed the news of how heated the debate of meta-human registering was becoming. How the recent slaying of in Central Archer Station was adding fire to protestors, making the movement more violent. More and more incidents began to occur. The segment ended with her questioning whether Khazan was ready for such turn on its trusted heroes.

Yes, Be Free.

The shorter character paradigm really helped me out in making this one. It's not a style I'm really used to though, so I would like some feedback, especially from Landon or Updatedude or The Rookie. Those guys who've been around for a bit longer'n I have.