SSJRuss Posted April 28 Read Aloud Posted April 28 Walk Free The fluorescent lights buzzed in the cold, sterile corridors of Belle Reve Penitentiary as Martian Manhunter led the way, his calm demeanor radiating a quiet authority. Behind him, Hank McCoy—also known as Beast—walked with measured curiosity, his sharp, analytical mind already dissecting everything J’onn J’onzz was telling him. Flanking them was the Warden. Trent Mauser. He was a grizzled ex-mercenary who had seen more violence in his lifetime than he cared to recount. His career wasn't as decorated or unique as the previous individual who held this position before him, but it was a comfort to know that at least he hadn't been tried for war crimes. Now Trent oversaw this program for the government, wrangling killers and monsters into something resembling a special unit team. “I still can’t believe a place like this still is operational,” Beast muttered, his voice tinged with curiosity. “Considering all of the controversy surrounding previous operations.” Mauser chuckled, “Days of the Past, Mr. McCoy. Welcome to the new Belle Reve. We're still working on the official program title, but some of the boys have come to call it the Homicide Squad. Fitting, huh?” “That’s a charming introduction,” Beast quipped, raising an eyebrow. Martian Manhunter didn’t look back but spoke as they continued down the hallway. “The program was initiated out of necessity. These individuals… were beyond rehabilitation. They are killers, monsters, and remnants of a darker powers we still do not fully understand." Beast adjusted his glasses, glancing at J’onn. “And you believe we can control them?” “Not through force,” J’onn replied. “Through understanding. Each of them has a reason they are here. A purpose they’ve long abandoned or forgotten. My goal is not merely to wield their abilities but to guide them toward something greater. To solve problems too dangerous for others to handle alone.” Mauser snorted. “I’ve seen these freaks. They’re not here for group therapy. They’re here because no one else wants ‘em. But hey, if they get the job done, who am I to argue?” The trio reached a heavy steel door, which Mauser keyed open. They entered the room which overlooked a large empty chamber. Below, reinforced glass windows on either side revealed the prisoners beyond: the recruits for Dark Squad Alpha. One by one, Martian Manhunter began introducing them to Beast. The first cell contained Roy Burns, standing in the corner, his expression unreadable though his hockey mask. “Roy Burns,” J’onn began. “A man driven by grief to mimic a legend. His mind is calculating, like any serial killer. He has no ties to the supernatural, but we think he may be an asset in a team setting.” “Great,” Mauser muttered. “Another wannabe Jason. That’ll go well.” The next cell held a figure as still as a statue. “Michael Myers,” J’onn continued. “A force of nature. He doesn’t speak, has no allegiance, and does not die so easily. He follows patterns, however, and patterns can be guided.” Beast’s fur bristled slightly as he regarded the silent killer. “And you’re confident those patterns won’t turn on us?” J’onn didn’t reply, moving to the next cell. The cell shimmered faintly, as though reality itself bent around its occupant. The Spirit’s dismembered form hovered in place, her spectral limbs tethered by pure rage. “Rin Yamaoka,” J’onn said softly, addressing her by name. “Living vengeance holds her together, but also empowers her. She can phase through walls and space. She makes a formidable tracker.” In the next cell, Elvira reclined dramatically on a makeshift throne of bundled blankets. She smirked as the trio above, tossing her hair just so. “Elvira,” J’onn said, ignoring her playful demeanor. “She holds knowledge of the occult, and has a deep understanding of the supernatural. She is here because she knows the darkness—and we hope that she can manage these men.” Elvira winked at Beast through the glass, making it just that much more uncomfortable. In the cell next to hers was The Crypt Keeper. He was a tiny and skeletal man, sat cross-legged with a book in his lap. “The Crypt Keeper,” J’onn intoned. “We know very little about him, but he came here willingly. He seems to know more than he lets on.” “Essentially annoying,” Mauser quipped. "And you just let him in? That doesn't seem suspicious to you?" Beast asked. "I've given them all a complete psychometry scan in addition to reading their reports in full. We are fully prepared if something were to be missed, but nothing so large as a secret such as that. They all wish us harm, that is in their nature," J'onn said. Beast analyzed that answer for a moment, then rebutted, "Are they aware of any safeguards that have been placed against them?" J'onn answered honestly, "I implanted their brains and nervous systems to react negatively to causing purposeful harm to their handlers. They are also aware of the bombs that are inside of them. That is the best we can hope for at this stage." He finally pointed toward the last cell. “Carly Beth,” J’onn said gently. “A victim. She is bonded with the cursed mask that she first wore when she was a child. The mask gives her power, but it is a power she has struggled to control. Here, I hope she will learn to wield it.” Mauser folded his arms as they reached the control panel. “So, what now, Manhunter? You really think this ragtag group of psychos is gonna play nice?” J’onn’s crimson eyes glowed, “Release them.” "What?" Beast questioned in surprise. The heavy doors slid open with a metallic clang. One by one, they stepped out, stretching and assessing their new surroundings. There were no exterior doors. No grates on the floor and no way out. No physical weapon in sight. The tension was palpable. J'onn communicated to them all through telepathy, "You wish to be free, so you all may walk freely. Do what is in your nature." Elvira sauntered over to the Crypt Keeper. “Looks like it’s you and me, bones. Stick with me, and I’ll keep you from getting squashed.” The Crypt Keeper cackled. “Ah, a deadly duo! Let’s make it a killer partnership.” "What are they to do?" Beasted asked. Mauser raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, what is your big plan, Manhunter?” J’onn watched impassively. “The room they are in built to mimic simulations by altering reality and reseting them all to their standard base. What that means is, they can kill each other as much as they like because the room will reboot them to their cells. It is a chance room for them to find their balance. Let them fight and find their own order.” Carly Beth and the Spirit gravitated toward each other. Carly’s monstrous voice rumbled, “You’re like me…” The Spirit tilted her head, her fragmented form flickering in awe and confusion. Michael Myers and Roy Burns remained silent but drifted closer. Roy took a swing at Michael, testing his reaction. Carly lunged at Elvira, who sidestepped with a laugh. The Crypt Keeper leapt onto The Spirit, only for him to phase through. The battle royal had begun. Though this is a free-for-all, I had to work within the options available to me. That said, I think teams will form almost naturally over time, since they’re fighting to the death in a best-of-10 series of brawls. Hope you all enjoy! Quote
Callisto Posted April 28 Read Aloud Posted April 28 Learn More About Elvira (Mistress of the Dark) Read more about Elvira (Mistress of the Dark) at Wikipedia Official Site: Cassandra Peterson Links: Wikipedia IMDB: Mistress of the dark The Manor Macabre The Crypt Keeper Read more about The Crypt Keeper at Wikipedia Official Site: Warner Video Links: Wikipedia Wikipedia retrocrush Michael Myers Read more about Michael Myers at Wikipedia Official Site: Universal Studios Links: Michael Myers Wiki entry IMDB Page Official Site Roy Burns (Fri. 13th: A New Beginning) Read more about Roy Burns (Fri. 13th: A New Beginning) at Wikipedia Official Site: Paramount Links: Wikipedia IMDb Wikipedia The Haunted Mask Read more about The Haunted Mask at Wikipedia Official Site: Scholastic Links: Wikipedia Wikipedia- The Haunted Mask (TV Special) Goosebumps Wiki- The Haunted Mask The Spirit (Rin Yamaoka) Read more about The Spirit (Rin Yamaoka) at Wikipedia Official Site: Behaviour Interactive Links: Wikipedia Quote
JohnnyChany Posted May 3 Read Aloud Posted May 3 Was wondering how some of these teams would form when I saw the match. It makes more sense now. Fun setup. I'm going with Elvira and the Crypt Keeper. I think Crypt Keeper can find different ways to outsmart Michael and Roy and turn them against each other, and Elvira can use her occult knowledge to trap the Spirit. Then the two of them together can take down Carly Beth. They will fail sometimes in the best of 10 but their brain power will win out while Crypt Keeper makes puns about the damage they are causing. 1 Quote
SSJRuss Posted May 3 Author Read Aloud Posted May 3 1 hour ago, JohnnyChany said: Was wondering how some of these teams would form when I saw the match. It makes more sense now. Fun setup. I'm going with Elvira and the Crypt Keeper. I think Crypt Keeper can find different ways to outsmart Michael and Roy and turn them against each other, and Elvira can use her occult knowledge to trap the Spirit. Then the two of them together can take down Carly Beth. They will fail sometimes in the best of 10 but their brain power will win out while Crypt Keeper makes puns about the damage they are causing. That's honestly probably how I could see a lot of these matches going. None of the others are as clever to outsmart they're opponents but are still pretty dangerous if they catch you. I think your argument has swayed me Quote
Callisto Posted May 3 Read Aloud Posted May 3 Match Final Results Member Ratings:5.00 - JohnnyChany FPA Calculation:1 Total Votes cast 5.00 Total Combined Score 5.00 / 1 = 5.00 Final Rating on the match MATCH SCORE The Crypt Keeper and Elvira (Mistress of the Dark): 3Roy Burns (Fri. 13th: A New Beginning) and Michael Myers: 0The Haunted Mask and The Spirit (Rin Yamaoka): 0 Quote
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