Are we evolving?(IC)

[North America Inc]

Chapter One: Beginnings

The advance of genetic engineering makes it quite conceivable that we will begin to design our own evolutionary progress.- Isaac Asimov

Humanity when we entered this new millennium, were at the dawn of a Scientific Boom. With the advent of the Human Genome Project, the clone named Dolly, and the rise of Genetically- Modified crops, we were now the masters of the world. We were now God in human flesh, able to control the very environment with ease. We crossed the line of whether it was ethical long ago, in the name of scientific advancement. Now as we approach the year 2019, humanity now must face something that was created by very hands. Our creation was demanding recognition. This creation looked human, acted human, and talked like a human but they are not human.They came seemingly out of no where and have powers that can only be described as supernatural. They are either our way to transcendence or our horsemen of the apocalypse.People fear the unknown, what they can not understand, and that fear becomes hate. They are hunted by the authorities, tracked down, tagged, and then dissected. According to United States Government are known by the scientific name of homo mutans or Tier One Hostiles but the creations have come to called themselves the Forsaken.

These Tier One Hostiles are what we desired to be the perfect form of ourselves. Physically beautiful with increased intelligence, sight and hearing. They age slower than us, approx. 3 times slower after reaching the age of 25. However what makes them a threat to man is there "Unnatural Biological Abilities" what the average person would call supernatural powers. Although they are not hated by the average human and are being chased by a black ops divisions and shadowy governments, there is a growing amount of sightings.

History of Homo Mutans

Long ago in our pasts, these Forsaken existed. They were gods in our eyes, but for an unknown reason they died out.

It is well known that eleven million Jews, Communists, and Slavic People was massacred in the event that became known as the Holocaust. However the Operation known as Reine Aryan is what started this change of events. Led by Doctor Hanz Färber, and the secretive Ascension Group began to experiment on the possibility on creating an Aryan Race. Using varying amount of chemicals and formulas, the Operation was deemed a failure as many test subjects simply died from Genetic Breakdowns, however there was still some promising results on young children who had a one in 768 in not dying. After World War 2 ended in a German Defeat many scientists defected to the United States in Operation Paper Clip.

The Central Intelligence Agency in the 1950s took up the Operation an tested many State Prisoners. This ended in utter failure and the Operation disaster and had 98.5% fatality rate. However in 1953, with the discovery of DNA and the beginning stages of Genetic Testing, the project began to show promising results. An isolated gene of special importance, the German Scientists and Färber created a serum that could in effect activate the gene within our bodies. Children were way more likely to have the gene activate itself, but a few adults showed promise. While testing himself, Färber himself discovered that he could potentially activate the gene and soon after disappeared with vials of the serum. With his disappearance, poor funding, and questionable morality, the project shut down.

With the advent of Genetic Engineering in the 1980s, the National Security Agency(NSA) decided that the Program might be worth while. 250 hundred babies were extracted from their hospitals at birth and were exposed to a modified version of Färber's design. With the few that survived the exposure, their DNA was tested and it was later discovered that a certain few had that DNA Gene(known as the "God" Gene) were able to survive. This Gene appeared to have mutated during the exposure and was going to be manifested or activated during Puberty. It was theorized that the gene was once active in our gene pool, but since it was recessive gene, it slowly died out. But with Färber's serum, not only did it activate the gene, it made it a dominant gene. Adults were tested but only Färber had the serum that could activate it in a few lucky adults. The NSA Director excited by this development ordered a round a clock abduction and exposure of the genes to babies with the gene. However the NSA realized that they could not simply house the hundreds of Children Exposed between the periods of 1985 to 2000. So it was decided that they would live their lives until age 15 and then be extracted. All these abductions took place around the world and when it came time for extractions, it was an almost near success. But during their detention at Plum Island, the facility was attacked by an unknown third party in 2007, allowing the youth to rebel and escape into New York City.

Now we are back at 2019, the dawn of transcendence.

OCC: Will write first post in an hour

[Bering]

William Anderson found himself walking through a back alley to reach his favorite cafe. It was a nice day, the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, but he felt something was missing.

"Hey man, got some spare change?" Anderson turned around and found himself face to face with a man holding a knife to him, he felt another man come up behind him. "We could really use it," the first man continued.

"I see," Anderson said, more to himself more than to the muggers. "This is what I was missing, truly Veles is a good god."

"The hell? Man just gives us your damn money!" The first mugger replied more aggressively.

Anderson frowned, he moved his hand faster than a human eye could see and hit the man in the side of the head. The hit sent the man crashing into the wall, dead. The other man was horrified and tried to stab William, only to find the space in front of him empty and Anderson to his right, holding his arm. "Calm yourself," Anderson said. He smiled at the man, "this will only hurt for a second." The man attempt to pull away from Anderson, but could not summon the strength. He screamed before it was all over.

Anderson looked down at the corpse he had just fed on. He could not afford another ghoul running amok and attracting attention, he would need to get rid of it quickly. Rather than taking the time to dispose of the bodies properly, he choose to punch the man's throat in, killing him. He then pushed the second man's body off to the side of the alley near the first and take their money, make it look like a mugging gone bad. After all, that is what happened he thought with a grin.

A few minutes later he was at the cafe, a small family run place. What attracted William to it was that it was old. The cafe had been opened shortly after the first world war and the current owners took great pains to keep it looking like it was from that era Anderson appreciated these types of places. It reminded him of the old Parisian cafes he had frequented back in the early twentieth century. He absentmindedly walked over to his usual spot and sat down.

"Hello Mr. Anderson," a young voice snapped him out of his reminiscing. William looked up and saw it was the owner's elder daughter, Rachel. She smiled at him, "your usual?"

"Yes, thank you." he said, smiling back. He began reading the newspaper that he had picked up outside the store. Rachel returned and placed his coffee in front of him without a word. She knew that he knew it was there, he always seemed to. He took a sip of the coffee as he read about the National Security Advisor's visit to the city. Perhaps it has something to due with that island that dealt with mutants, Anderson thought. Suddenly he felt something was wrong. He put the paper down and began surveying the room, his senses enhanced, searching for his target before he settled on a man who had just entered.

[North America Inc]

Thomas Schuster always liked the look of the city. It was not like that little farm he was born at all those years go. It reminded him of progress, so he always enjoyed these drives where he can see outside the window. The Driver noted that he had a pleasant smile on his face and that he seemed to be at peace.He found his boss rather odd and elitist, but he kept such thoughts to himself.

"Everything alright sir?" he stated as he looked through the car mirror to look at Schuster's eyes. Schuster was too busy looking outside to actually notice him talking, and did not say anything for a few seconds.

"Did you say something?" Schuster said as he turned his head to face the driver. He knew that Negroe's true feelings about him, but did not tell him because he didn't give a damn what he thought.

"No, it's just that you seem to be more happy for the past couple of days."

"Yes I have been, my children have started to come back to me."

The driver didn't know he had children, he never called anyone from his personal life. He wanted to know more and press the issue, but they just turned right to their destination. Another time he will ask. The driver got out of the car and opened the back door for his boss. Schuster got out and examined the small cafe. Early Twentieth Century . He remembered a cafe he use to frequent during the Wiemar days, it served the best French cafe. It was also a hotbed of nationalist fervor and there he met the National Socialists.

"Will you like to wait outside the car for you?" the driver said as he adjusted and tucked in his shirt.

Without turning to face him and instead faced the cafe, "Yes, stay here and can you tell Mr. Blackwood to meet me in two hours. Tell him to be in the conference room and to bring no one."

"Yes sir. Is that all?"

"No, a young man will leave the building. Here is a picture" it showed a man in his early thirties, but what was rather odd was that it was his driver's license. "You are to give him the briefcase in the back seat. Do not in any circumstance open the briefcase. You are to only pass it on to him. Have I made myself clear?" Schuster demanded to know.

"Yes, you have sir". The driver walked back to the Sudan and pulled out his Android to call Blackwood's personal assistant, to set up the meeting. Schuster walked into the cafe and knew that almost immediately he had been spotted. The other man did not know he was coming, but he knew he would cooperate when enough money is offered to him. Schuster walked to where the man was sitting and casually sat down.

[Bering]

William Anderson stared at the man who had intruded onto his peaceful morning routine. The man, he smelled different, he smelled wrong. William had always had a bit of a sixth sense about these things, he smelled like he was similar to the others that he had met in his long life, but with other smells mixed in, blood and chemicals mostly. This nose could truly be a curse some days, especially when it got overly sensitive like it did now. Anderson did not say anything at first, he prefered to study the man in front of him. European features, west european features. French? No, more germanic, English? Maybe. German? Yes, that was it, he was a Nijemac. "Hello sir, I haven't seen you around here before and considering you decided to sit at a table with an occupant, you must be looking for me. What can I help you with?"

William hoped he wasn't another man looking to avenge his father, those types always seemed to track William down. Then again, considering the man's age, he could easily be here to avenge his son. The man proceed to talk, but before he could William interpreted him, "One moment. Rachel!" he called out to the daughter of the owners. The girl approached the table and shot a glance at the other man before turning to William.

"Yes Mr. Anderson?" She asked, "A refill for your coffee?"

"Yes, and give my new friend here the same," he nodded to the new man. The girl nodded and took the cup away. "Such a nice girl," William said when she was out of earshot, "Now, what can I do for you, my friend? If I may be so bold as to call you such."

[North America Inc]

"To answer your question I am German, well Bavarian. That is very perceptive of you." Schuster stated as he turned his head and faced to look at Rachael. She was making their coffee while also juggling customers at the cashier.

"Personally I prefer black but I will drink your type of tastes. Also I am not here for some sort of vendetta." Schuster looked around and adjusted his tie. He straightened it and used his hands to brush off the lint on his suit.

[Bering]

"I see." Anderson replied levelly. A mind hearing other, a problem, well let us hope you like Beethoven. He filled his mind with the music of Beethoven, letting it blast away all of his other thoughts. "Apologies for that, but I prefer to keep my thought to myself."

"Here you are Mr. Anderson, and one for your friend." Rachel finally returned with their coffees.

"Thank you. That will be all." He smiled as she left. He turned to the Bavarian. "Well you are not here to try to kill me, so you probably want me to kill someone for you. But, I am getting ahead of myself. Please, I am William Anderson, and you are?"

[Penguinia-Tempor]

Chinatown, New York City
Lewis Jenkins didn't come here for the cheap Chinese restaurants.
He came here for business.

Jenkins had heard of a drug deal going down in a small alleyway in Chinatown, and the dealers might have clues on the mobsters who killed his parents when he was 15. Already Jenkins had killed two of them in the past few years, and the last one was in New York, or so he heard from the gang members he put on ice.

Jenkins was strolling casually down the street, ignoring the cars and the hustle of the morning rush. Street vendors were all over the place, with lines of people waiting to buy their breakfast. Jenkins finally found the alleyway he was looking for, and he peeked around the corner. There were six dealers in total, examining the coke they were about to buy. All of them were packing pistols and knives.

Jenkins walked in, smiling.

"What are you doing in here?" one of the dealers asked. "Get out of here or else we'll shoot."

"I think you might know the information I seek. Tell me and shit won't go down."

"We don't know anything." another dealer snarled.

"In that case, this drug deal is over.'' Jenkins fired off some shards of ice toward the lead dealer. The others raised their weapons, and ice began to enclose around them, completely encasing their hands.

"What the..."

"It's one of those mutant scum! Get him!" The dealers ran towards Jenkins, their ice covered hands in the air. With a wave of his hand, Jenkins froze the ground in front of them, and all of the dealers slipped and fell on the ground. Ice began to enclose their torsos and legs.

Jenkins walked strolled over to the closest dealer. "I warned you. Now tell me. Where is Victor Collins?"

[North America Inc]

"I see." Anderson replied levelly. A mind hearing other, a problem, well let us hope you like Beethoven. He filled his mind with the music of Beethoven, letting it blast away all of his other thoughts. "Apologies for that, but I prefer to keep my thought to myself."

"Here you are Mr. Anderson, and one for your friend." Rachel finally returned with their coffees.

"Thank you. That will be all." He smiled as she left. He turned to the Bavarian. "Well you are not here to try to kill me, so you probably want me to kill someone for you. But, I am getting ahead of myself. Please, I am William Anderson, and you are?"

I always preferred Mozart . "You can call me Schuster. That should suffice." Dodging the question about the target, he sipped the coffee and put it down. He examined it and then said " You know you are a very resilient specimen. You are not like the rest of us, you are much older. Tell me, how is it possible that you have existed for a such long period of time? Yet not age a day. Regenerative Abilities Perhaps?

[Bering]

I always preferred Mozart . "You can call me Schuster. That should suffice." Dodging the question about the target, he sipped the coffee and put it down. He examined it and then said " You know you are a very resilient specimen. You are not like the rest of us, you are much older. Tell me, how is it possible that you have existed for a such long period of time? Yet not age a day. Regenerative Abilities Perhaps?

William took note of the fact that Mr. Schuster was avoiding the main question, instead preferring to talk about William instead. "Questions? Very well it is your life that you waste, not mine, I can always get more." William leaned back in his chair, "Regenerative? Yes, I suppose you could say I have that ability, but the means to activate it the more important part. You are correct. I am an old man, very old by any measure, save perhaps that of a rock. So old that you probably would not understand that reference. I am sure you know that our abilities are...genetic quirks, mutations if you will. Some people are born with this ability naturally. Many centuries ago we were very uncommon, not as rare as we have become. These others became the heroes of legend, Hercules, Siegfried, Gilgamesh, etc. These were wondrous times of battle and heroics, but like all thing, it ended."

William sipped his coffee and looked at Schuster, making sure the man was paying attention before he continued. "Do not misunderstand, this was long before my time as well, I was born long after the twilight of that age, one of the few others born naturally after it. I met a man who was even older than I am now, he taught me all this, all the wonders of the past age and I became his student, learning from him. I owe my long existence to this man. But I am rambling, I am an old man after all." William gave a little chuckle at his own joke, "yes it is my power that allows me to live for as long as I have, I know of perhaps, perhaps, one other with an ability that will let him live for a long time. It is all luck of the draw."

[North America Inc]

I always preferred Mozart . "You can call me Schuster. That should suffice." Dodging the question about the target, he sipped the coffee and put it down. He examined it and then said " You know you are a very resilient specimen. You are not like the rest of us, you are much older. Tell me, how is it possible that you have existed for a such long period of time? Yet not age a day. Regenerative Abilities Perhaps?

William took note of the fact that Mr. Schuster was avoiding the main question, instead preferring to talk about William instead. "Questions? Very well it is your life that you waste, not mine, I can always get more." William leaned back in his chair, "Regenerative? Yes, I suppose you could say I have that ability, but the means to activate it the more important part. You are correct. I am an old man, very old by any measure, save perhaps that of a rock. So old that you probably would not understand that reference. I am sure you know that our abilities are...genetic quirks, mutations if you will. Some people are born with this ability naturally. Many centuries ago we were very uncommon, not as rare as we have become. These others became the heroes of legend, Hercules, Siegfried, Gilgamesh, etc. These were wondrous times of battle and heroics, but like all thing, it ended."

William sipped his coffee and looked at Schuster, making sure the man was paying attention before he continued. "Do not misunderstand, this was long before my time as well, I was born long after the twilight of that age, one of the few others born naturally after it. I met a man who was even older than I am now, he taught me all this, all the wonders of the past age and I became his student, learning from him. I owe my long existence to this man. But I am rambling, I am an old man after all." William gave a little chuckle at his own joke, "yes it is my power that allows me to live for as long as I have, I know of perhaps, perhaps, one other with an ability that will let him live for a long time. It is all luck of the draw."

Of course the vampire knew he was stalling, he had heard in his head. "I did not mean to delay" sipping some more coffee. "I wanted to more about your abilities. You see not all of us have an eternity like you, so it is of course in our danger to wonder what can not be". He would need to dissect this man, see his genetic makeup. But that is for another day

"I need a man of your particular talents and finesse. If you accept, and you have no reason not too, an automatic 12 million dollars will be added to an account under your name once the job is done. However I need to be messy and one that will be bring a lot of attention."

[Bering]

William took note of the fact that Mr. Schuster was avoiding the main question, instead preferring to talk about William instead. "Questions? Very well it is your life that you waste, not mine, I can always get more." William leaned back in his chair, "Regenerative? Yes, I suppose you could say I have that ability, but the means to activate it the more important part. You are correct. I am an old man, very old by any measure, save perhaps that of a rock. So old that you probably would not understand that reference. I am sure you know that our abilities are...genetic quirks, mutations if you will. Some people are born with this ability naturally. Many centuries ago we were very uncommon, not as rare as we have become. These others became the heroes of legend, Hercules, Siegfried, Gilgamesh, etc. These were wondrous times of battle and heroics, but like all thing, it ended."

William sipped his coffee and looked at Schuster, making sure the man was paying attention before he continued. "Do not misunderstand, this was long before my time as well, I was born long after the twilight of that age, one of the few others born naturally after it. I met a man who was even older than I am now, he taught me all this, all the wonders of the past age and I became his student, learning from him. I owe my long existence to this man. But I am rambling, I am an old man after all." William gave a little chuckle at his own joke, "yes it is my power that allows me to live for as long as I have, I know of perhaps, perhaps, one other with an ability that will let him live for a long time. It is all luck of the draw."

Of course the vampire knew he was stalling, he had heard in his head. "I did not mean to delay" sipping some more coffee. "I wanted to more about your abilities. You see not all of us have an eternity like you, so it is of course in our danger to wonder what can not be". He would need to dissect this man, see his genetic makeup. But that is for another day

"I need a man of your particular talents and finesse. If you accept, and you have no reason not too, an automatic 12 million dollars will be added to an account under your name once the job is done. However I need to be messy and one that will be bring a lot of attention."

"I am afraid you misunderstand, I do not have an eternity either, merely however long I can last." William did not like how the other man was looking at him, he decided to remember the memories of a few man who had displeased him and were sitting within the distance that the other man was. One had his face ripped of before he could blink, another had his arms ripped off and was beaten to death with them, and the last, William had merely separated the man's head from his shoulders. "Apologizes, sometimes my mind...wonders..." William finished his coffee.

"Finally we get to the point. Money is not my major concern, but the job does interest me. Tell me who it is and I will accept it if I judge it worthy enough of my skill set. I prefer a challenge, which considering the amount you are offering, will not be an issue."

[North America Inc]

Of course the vampire knew he was stalling, he had heard in his head. "I did not mean to delay" sipping some more coffee. "I wanted to more about your abilities. You see not all of us have an eternity like you, so it is of course in our danger to wonder what can not be". He would need to dissect this man, see his genetic makeup. But that is for another day

"I need a man of your particular talents and finesse. If you accept, and you have no reason not too, an automatic 12 million dollars will be added to an account under your name once the job is done. However I need to be messy and one that will be bring a lot of attention."

"I am afraid you misunderstand, I do not have an eternity either, merely however long I can last." William did not like how the other man was looking at him, he decided to remember the memories of a few man who had displeased him and were sitting within the distance that the other man was. One had his face ripped of before he could blink, another had his arms ripped off and was beaten to death with them, and the last, William had merely separated the man's head from his shoulders. "Apologizes, sometimes my mind...wonders..." William finished his coffee.

"Finally we get to the point. Money is not my major concern, but the job does interest me. Tell me who it is and I will accept it if I judge it worthy enough of my skill set. I prefer a challenge, which considering the amount you are offering, will not be an issue."

"There is Black man outside next to a Sudan. Ask him for a briefcase, it has everything you will need. From name to the number of armed guards. But this can not be stressed enough, it must be bloody and it must display your powers." Yes, yes in due time, he will dissect him.

"I understand some people do not like doing jobs they do not know, so here is a hint." Then he gently slid his figures to the face of the National Security Advisor and smiled waiting for Anderson's response.

[Bering]

"I am afraid you misunderstand, I do not have an eternity either, merely however long I can last." William did not like how the other man was looking at him, he decided to remember the memories of a few man who had displeased him and were sitting within the distance that the other man was. One had his face ripped of before he could blink, another had his arms ripped off and was beaten to death with them, and the last, William had merely separated the man's head from his shoulders. "Apologizes, sometimes my mind...wonders..." William finished his coffee.

"Finally we get to the point. Money is not my major concern, but the job does interest me. Tell me who it is and I will accept it if I judge it worthy enough of my skill set. I prefer a challenge, which considering the amount you are offering, will not be an issue."

"There is Black man outside next to a Sudan. Ask him for a briefcase, it has everything you will need. From name to the number of armed guards. But this can not be stressed enough, it must be bloody and it must display your powers." Yes, yes in due time, he will dissect him.

"I understand some people do not like doing jobs they do not know, so here is a hint." Then he gently slid his figures to the face of the National Security Advisor and smiled waiting for Anderson's response.

William stared at the picture of the man then paused to consider it. "I have killed better, but very well. I have no reason to say no. I will leave the bill to you, Dr. Färber, consider it a business expense." He smiled at the man before motion to Rachel that the other man would pay. Before he walked out he turned back to the Bavarian, "If I run into a mutual acquaintance of ours I will be sure to mention that I saw you, he is very eager to see you again, I believe you two met in Poland."

He walked out the door and found the black man waiting for him outside. He nodded and passed William the briefcase. "Your boss is an asshole." William mentioned offhandedly.

"Got that right."

"One more thing, William leaned in and whispered something into his ear, the black man laughed. William whispered something else and then turned to the man ensuring that his ability was still active, "forget what I just said."

The man's eyes were glazed over, he merely nodded. William patted the man on the shoulder and waved goodbye. The seemed to snap out of his daze and waved back.

[BlackDeath27]

Echo grew impatient as she waited for the Italian mob boss to show up at Bar Masa restaurant. The young woman even dressed up for the occasion to claim her money for smuggling his illegal companions into the states. Folding her right leg over the left one smoothly the woman did seem to like the Japanese atmosphere the place had. The peaceful trance she was going into was shattered by the foot steps of many men heading her way. Slightly brushing hair out of her face Echo watch as men in suits surrounded her table. From the crowed of men one old geezer appeared who appeared to be in his late sixties wearing a gray pin striped suit. He casually sat down while placing a silver briefcase on the table.

"Ms.Blink, I would like to congratulate you on another job well done. Maybe you would like reconsider my offer about becoming part of the family." The Don pass the case to Echo for her to check the contents inside." I must say you do look lovely today my blue rose." He said in a flattering tone.

Opening the briefcase Echo found around forty thousand dollars inside in hundred dollar bills. Closing the case she smiled at the old man at his flirtatious comment." Well thank you I do try to look good when I am dealing business with you. I must decline your offer again Michael, but if you ever need my services again i am only a call away." Rising from her seat the woman began to walked away from the table. Leaving the restaurant behind to find her car only a few feet down the street. Climbing in the driver seat, then placing the key in the ignition to start the vehicle.

Driving around the city Echo stopped at a restaurant that she usually ate at when ever she was free from work. Parking the corvette in front of the store. It was a cute Little place that tried to recreate the ww2 era. She only really like the place for the food more then anything. Walking into the restaurant the woman noticed two men talking at a booth. One she recognized because he was a usual like her self the other man she had no clue who he was, but made her way to the bar stand. Placing her briefcase on the bar table she signaled Rachel to come over." Hay Ray here's forty grand for the next three months for my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So can I get some orange juice with pancakes and eggs."

[Bering]

Vampire

Anderson waited near the back of a crowd that had gathered to watch the advisor arrive. He saw four cars pull up and men pile out of them. The intelligence said he only had three cars worth. But that hardly matters to me. Oh, now I understand. Out of the third car came four members of the Orion Group. They must have been added in at the last second, that would explain why he had not been told that they would be there. He waited a few more seconds before he broke out of the crowd and started walking toward the entrance. Three guards out front.

One noticed him approaching and held out one of his hands to stop him. "I'm sorry sir, I going to need to s-" the man never finished. William had grabbed his arm and sent back into the crowd that William had just come out of.

The second man attempted to draw his gun, but William was already on him. he grabbed the man by the shirt and hurled him into the wall of the building.

The last man was desperately yelling into his radio "Mike Tango at the entrance! I repeat! Mike Tango at th-AHHHHHHH" William had picked up the final man and tossed him through the door into the meeting hall.

Gordon

National Security Advisor Scott Gordon adjusted his tie one more time in the sedan. He hated doing these press things, but he needed to make the rounds and ensure the public that the United States was dealing with terrorists and other threats. He nodded to his aide as they arrived. Apparently the NSA was still worried about the mutants and had sent two of their own to help guard him, they got out of their own car, flanked by two normal members of the Orion Group. The escaped mutants had mostly kept their heads down, so he did not see the need to send valuable assets to guard him.

The older of the two men smiled at the him, Murphy if he remembered correctly. They were wearing suits like the rest of the security detail, but were not wearing ties, not that Gordon blamed them. They had arrived early, the way Gordon liked it. They only had a few cameras set up and the seats were only beginning to fill up. Gordon started reading over his speech one more time, same old bull that someone had written for him, nothing to worry about, everything is under control. He saw out of the corner of his eye that the Orion Group guards were heading toward the entrance and one his own men was coming up to him.

The man was the head of his security detail, Frank Troy, “sir I think we should leave.”

Before Gordon could protest one of his men came crashing into the room and landed with a sickening crunch. A man stood at the top of the stairs, smiling. “Scott Gordon, I have come for your head.” he said in a loud, but almost matter-of-factly manner.

One of the Orion men, Benson, gasped out loud and shouted the man’s...name? “It’s Vampire!”

The other members moved immediately, the other normal member, Miles, screamed out “Covering Fire! Shoot!” The two mutant members sprung into action. One moving very fast and the other began pulling seats out of their holders and throwing them at the man. His own men were not as lucky, they immediately opened fire, but the assassin seemed to move even faster than their bullets, taking out his men one by one as he passed them.

Kovac

Kovac had not been expecting this when he and Murphy had been called in to guard the Advisor. Still Vampire was a Tier One Hostile and could not be allowed to leave. He and Murphy nodded to each other. Using his time ability he sprung to flank Vampire, moving faster than even the bullets were. Before Kovac could land a hit on him, Vampire turned around and threw a punch. Kovac dodged it.

“Pleasure to see you again Kovac.” Vampire said. “How is your Grandfather? Well I hope.”

Kovac said nothing as he continued attacking.

Vampire merely laughed, “still not much of a talker I see. Aren't you curious as to why I am doing this?”

Kovac activated his new ability, Acceleration Level Three as the scientist called it. At this speed even bullets seemed to stay still, with it not even Vampire would be able to keep up. However this ability had a price, the human body was not meant to go to this level speed, he already felt some of his organs failing, and he was sure there was internal bleeding in places, but his healing ability was already kicking in, allow him to continue fighting. He had about five minutes in this state before he suffered serious damage and his healing ability kicked him back to normal so that he would not die. He did not need that much time. He pulled out his knife and swung it at Vampire. It would cut deep into his neck, stunning him and allow Kovac to finish the job.

That was what was supposed to happen, unfortunately that is not what did happen. Instead Vampire stopped the knife. Kovac’s eyes widened in shock. “You are able to move this fast. Impressive.” Taking advantage of Kovac’s shock he crushed Kovac’s hand, forcing him to let go of the knife. Vampire leaned in to Kovac and whispered, “Dr. Hanz Färber hired me to kill that man,” and then he sank the knife into Kovac’s abdomen.

Kovac grunted in pain. It would heal, but Kovac would not be able to use his time ability until after it had. Just what Vampire wanted. His head started to hurt as we was abruptly slowed down to normal speed. Vampire had put him in a seat, from there Kovac dimly watched the scene unfold. Murphy screamed in rage after he saw Kovac’s wound and charged Vampire. The elder mutant simply side stepped the punch and using Murphy’s own momentum sent him flying into the upper stands. He turned and advanced toward Gordon and his remaining three guards. He was on them in a second. The leader of the security detail, Troy, tried to stop him, but he was thrown into Benson. Both were sent tumbling off the stage. Only Miles and Gordon were left. Miles knew he could not stop the man, but he still turned his gun to Vampire to fire off a few token shots. He never got the chance. Vampire picked him up and threw him into the stands, leaving Gordon and Vampire alone on the stage.

Vampire

William was impressed. despite seeing what had happened to his men, the Advisor did not look like a man afraid of death; merely one resigned to it. He looked up at William and asked a simple question, “Why?”

William shrugged, “Färber hired me to do it, sorry.”

Understanding dawned on the man’s face, “Ah.”

William nodded before he grabbed the man’s head, he twisted it killing the man and then he pulled it off. He had made sure that at least a few cameras were set up and enough people were present to make it public. Too many would complicate the hit. William was sure at least one of the cameras was still rolling. Most of the people had fled, but that was to be expected. He surveyed the carnage, he had not killed any of the others, merely crippled a few and wounded the rest. The normal guards were either on the floor in pain or strown around the stands. Kovac had finally pulled out the knife and the second other was trying to stand up. It was time to leave. William put the head on the podium and activated his enhanced abilities, they would allow him to literally walk past any back up sent to stop him. With luck the footage would be on news soon. With that last thought he left the room, leaving local police to deal with the scene.

[New Lucantis]

I was running through the forest, heading northeast. I've always been one step ahead of them, I thought. What happened now? Vehicles appeared on both sides of me. I picked up some of the Earth and started throwing boulders at them until they were destroyed.

I came to a river and stopped. I looked behind me. The agents were still some behind me. "Well," I said. "Let's hope I don't fail at it this time." I moved slowly on the water at first.

Before I knew it, they already caught up with me. One of them walked up to me and pointed a gun to my head. "Make a move," he said.

"Gladly," I said. All of a sudden, I made a mound of earth up towards his hand fast enough that he ended up aiming at the sky. I then made a wall when the others started firing and pushed the wall towards them. I made it into a ball, threw it into the river, and made a big enough wave that pushed it south. A piece of paper was in the water. It was a plane ticket. I looked at it. "Guess I'm headed to Manhattan." I put it in my pocket. Now let's make sure they don't try anything, I thought. I closed my eyes, raised my arms to shoulder height, opened my hands, and scorched the earth.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that I had actually set the forest on fire. "Ah, ****," I said. I then got water from the river and dumped it on the area I was in. "This always happens. Thought I had better control over scorched earth." I got out of there quickly and headed towards the airport.

[Bering]

Orion Group

“Today the National Security Advisor, Scott Gordon, was attacked at the DeWitt Clinton Hall where he was supposed to give a speech about the current state of the national security of America. The unknown assailant managed to overpower his security detail and kill the Advisor. Earlier today the White House Press Secretary, John Astin, said that the government was currently investigating the events. He also said he could not comment on questions that the killer was using some kind of experimental drug that allowed-”

Arnolds turned off the television and turned to the assembled Orion members. “Damnit, how could we let this happen on our watch? What the hell happened?”

“Calm down Mike,” Brunner said. “They acted to the best of their ability. No one saw Vampire showing up and wrecking the place. Not even Kovac could stop him with his new speed and we were basing our entire strategy against him on that. He got us good.”

“I know,” Arnolds sighed, “It’s just...damnit, three Secret Servicemen are crippled, another five injured and our guys couldn't do anything to him. Miles and Benson will need a few days to recover if they are lucky. Murphy was thrown around like a ragdoll. Kovac was stabbed and we couldn't even scratch him!”

“I know, but he caught us all by surprise,” Sobol said. “The best we can do is try to fix the issue.”

Brunner nodded, “Thank God Murphy destroyed the cameras in the meeting room or we would be in deeper shit. The drug rumor was a good call, but we still need to figure out why this happened. what about Vampire’s claim that he was hired?”

“I am inclined to believe him. Vampire has not lied to us in any of our previous encounters and he has no reason to do so now. We know that he would not risk such exposure for a personal vendetta. He would have been much quieter and brutal about it. The better question is, why would Färber, Loki, want to kill the Advisor. And all of us know that his list of reasons is much longer than Vampire’s would be.” Sobol said speaking.

“Agreed. But now we have to wonder, do we go after Vampire or Loki? any suggestions?” Brunner asked.

“Vampire,” Arnolds said.
“Loki,” Sobol advised.

“We have an issue,” Brunner observed. “We will look out for both and whoever we find first becomes our target, any objections?”

“No sir”
“None”

“Alright, you are dismissed.”

Arnolds turned to Sobol, “I will have my units start putting ears to the ground. Get Archer to the surveillance room and start scanning.”

“Good hunting my friend,” Sobol nodded holding out his hand.

“Same to you,” Arnolds grabbed Sobol’s hand.

Sobol left to collect his team, they head sat at the back of the room during the meeting and been the first to leave, He found them in their recreation room. Ibrahim was sitting on the couch no doubt reviewing the battle in his mind, trying to devise a new strategy to counter Vampire. Rayna was next to him, fretting about his wounds even though they were mostly healed. That was progress, she usually didn't show any concern for anything not machine related. Brian was using the punching bag to let out his anger. Ben was sitting on a chair in the corner of the room, fuming at not being on the mission. So eager to prove himself. Sobol hoped it wouldn't get him killed.

Sobol sat down in his chair, “May I have your attention please?” Brian moved away from the punching bag and sat down at his usual seat; Ben moved his chair into the little circle. “We have been tasked with finding the men who are responsible for Mr. Gordon’s death. Everyone should get ready, we are about to comb the city. I can't say it will be quick, or that we will find either of our targets, but we must do it.”

The team members gave various verbal acknowledgments and began to disperse, each knowing what their role was and how to prepare for it.

[New Lucantis]

I got to the airport late in the morning. OK, I thought. So far, no one recognizes me. Better safe than sorry. I gathered up different clothes, some shoes, a jacket, a scarf, and a hat. I went into the nearest bathroom and changed into the clothes I "borrowed". I looked at my watch and said, "Still time." I washed my face as someone came out of the stall. I didn't notice what the guy looks like.

"Time for what, Carl?" the guy said. I quickly turned to him and there was the agent from last night. "Yes, I survived. Others weren't so lucky. Now why don't you come with us?" Two other agents came out of the stalls. We were all staring at each other, just waiting for me or them to make a move. "Your choice: come with us or risk the lives of the people at this airport."

I turned on my stopwatch. "Fifteen seconds," I said. Then I took water from the toilets & from the sinks and smacked the agents against the wall. I sent a gust of wind and pushed them into the stall at the end. I closed the door and locked it from the outside with a small gust of wind. I stopped the stopwatch and looked at it. "Twenty seconds," I said. "Need to be faster." When I headed towards the bathroom entrance, there was a little boy there. Uh-oh, I thought.

"That was so cool!" he exclaimed. Then he walked up to me. "Don't worry... Your secret's safe with me." Then he gave me my hat and scarf from where they dropped. We walked out together and saw his parents. His parents looked a little worried when they saw me. "This man is cool," said the little boy as he sat down in between his parents. "He went up against bullies and won."

"Interesting," said the mother. "I am Lucy, this is my husband Bill, and this is Timothy." Bill was asleep and Lucy was hot. I shook hands with Tim and Lucy. "Where you headed? If you don't mind me prying into it."

"I am headed to Manhattan," I said as I looked towards the gate. "You?" I looked at my watch.

She laughed and said, "We have a few minutes before we board. We are headed to Manhattan as well." I looked anxious and in a hurry. "Come on, relax, sit." I did sit down, but I did not relax.

After a while, it was time for boarding. Just as I was about to board, I saw the agents come out of the bathroom a mess. I quickly ran inside and went into the bathroom.

[Penguinia-Tempor]

Jenkins was going on a jog when he heard the news. He was running past an appliance store with TVs in the front window. There was a breaking news report:

“Today the National Security Adviser, Scott Gordon, was attacked at the DeWitt Clinton Hall where he was supposed to give a speech about the current state of the national security of America. The unknown assailant managed to overpower his security detail and kill the Adviser. Earlier today the White House Press Secretary, John Astin, said that the government was currently investigating the events..."

Jenkins had heard enough. Now that the National Security Advisor was dead, there would be a public outrage. If the assailant was a mutant, then this could make his life even worse. No matter how many government agents that may be chasing him, he would still go to the abandoned warehouse in Staten Island where this drug supplier was. He would know where Victor Collins was. Jenkins knew it.

"In other news, 6 drug dealers were found in an alleyway in Chinatown, frozen to the ground in blocks of ice. It took the fire department two hours to pry them from the ice. The dealers say that they were attacked by a vigilante who had powers over ice, but police dismissed this outrageous claim and are investigating on the cause of the unnaturally tough ice. The drug dealers are to be transported to a psychiatric ward in a nearby hospital.."

Jenkins jogged away, smiling.

[Rupudska]

Ruby Hyeon was walking down the streets of central Manhattan, past the looming tower of the Empire State Building. Sure, she could've driven to where she was going: She had a car -

It's a bone-ass stock Hachi-Roku and the steering wheel's on the wrong bloody side, just like in every car in this country. They even drive on the wrong side. And the traffick here makes London's downright pleasant. At least the petrol here's peanuts.

- she could also have taken the subway -

It smells of urine and fags. Of course, so did the Underground, but at least it was cleaner. A little cleaner. The New York metro smells fucking beastly.

- she could always rent a bike -

Bicyclers are a cancer upon humanity.

- very well, she really didn't have much choice but to walk. Slowly, she pulled a cigarette (or fag, as she insisted on calling them, much to the shock of the members of the gay bar she frequented [she insisted it was for the alcohol]) and lit up, continuing down the street. After a few puffs, she made a disgusted face and nearly threw the cigarette out.

Even the bloody fags here are awful. I hate this city.

[Bering]

Phantoms

Frank looked at his younger brother, Jesse. “You ready for this?”

“You bet,” Jesse responded with a smile.

The brothers high fived each other before they put on their ski masks and grabbing a pair of duffel bags. They got out of their car and walked up to a wall. They nodded to each other before walking right through the wall as if it was not their. They emerged on the other side in a large room filled with money. “We caught a lucky break. Finding out about the extra money this place was getting. Jesse said to his brother as they began putting the money into their duffel bags.

“Yeah, sure.” Frank said, nervously glancing at the walls.

“You still think it’s a trap?” Jesse asked. “So what if it is? We can walk through walls! What are they gonna do? We'll hear them coming, they gotta open the door to get to us.”

“I guess you're right.”

“Course I am.”

The brothers continued to fill their bags with money, unaware of the fact that they were being watched by a very interested party through a camera.

“Doors opening,” Jesse shouted to his brother.

“Little slow today.” Frank observed. usually the security guards reacted within a minute of them popping into the bank vault. “We should go.” Suddenly he heard a thump behind him. Frank turned and saw his brother on the floor unconscious. “Jesse? Jesse! We have to go! Get up! Jesse! Oswald! Shit!”

Frank started dragging his brother when he started feeling light headed. He found himself losing all his strength. Before he knew it he was slumped on the floor with his brother, looking at the vault door opening. He saw two figures enter before it all went black.

Rayna

Rayna sat in a chair in one of the bank cubicles. She had tapped into the bank security cameras and was observing the vault. Next to her sat Dr. Sobol looking at her screen with interest. Ibrahim and Ben were standing next to the vault door, waiting to go in, they had their own laptop to observe the events. Brian was waiting outside.

“Are you sure you can catch them?” The bank manager, Mr. Thorn asked. “I mean we have a duty to our clients to protect their-”

Rayna cut him off, “We will get them, don’t worry. They won't be running off with your money.” She said, pride evident in her tone. “We will get them.”

“They're here.” Ibrahim said over the radio.

Rayna looked down at her screen and found that the two had indeed entered the bank vault. She could feel the manager tense up. She hated working with people outside of her team.

She closed the vault ventilation and activated the gas dispensers that they had laid out. She spoke into her microphone, “Herakles, get into position.”

“Roger that Athena. Herakles moving into position” Brian responded.

Rayna watched the countdown displayed on her laptop. Slowly ticking down until it finally reach zero. She spoke into her radio again. “The effects of the gas should start taking effect. Prepare your masks and get the door open.”

“Roger,” Ibrahim responded. the vault door started opening.

Rayna glanced back at her screen, one of the Phantoms was out, it looked like the other had noticed, but it was too late. Soon he was on the floor too. Ibrahim and Ben entered the vault and Rayna opened the ventilation once more. “We got them.” she said, pride once more evident in her tone.

Sobol

“Are they alive?” Sobol asked

Rayna hesitated before asking Ibrahim. “Get that Khronos?” She apparently did not care about the health of their targets. In character and something that Sobol needed to talk to her about, again.

“Yes, they are still alive.”

“Good, shall we go and take them into custody?” Sobol asked.

“Right, let’s go.” Mr. Thorn answered, apparently eager to make sure the money was alright. It was his livelihood after all.

“We shouldn't need mask, the gas should have dispersed enough, but it doesn't hurt to be safe.” Rayna said as she handed the manager a mask. Sobol smiled, that was progress.

Mr. Thorn smiled, “thank you.” They were walking to the vault when the manager suddenly asked, “what does the NSA want with bank robbers anyway?”

“Possible terrorist connection. They got those explosives from somewhere.” Sobol answered.

“Right, of course. That makes sense.”

They entered the vault and found Ibrahim and Ben putting the cuffs on the brothers. Sobol had not wanted to add a stronger sedative until after they had woken up from the gas, too risky. The brothers were not bad people, just trying to survive. “Good work team, I am proud of all of you.”

“Chalk one up for the good guys.” Rayna said, happy to have something after Vampire’s attack yesterday.

“Yup.” Ben said. Ibrahim just nodded.

“Hey,” Mr. Thorn said, getting their attention. “Where is the hole that they used to get in?”

“Ah, I almost forgot.” Rayna responded. She grabbed her radio, “Herakles? Now.”

“Got it,” Brian said over the radio before he smashed through the wall of the bank near where the brothers had parked their car.

Mr. Thorn practically jumped out of his skin. “What the hell was that? He came through the wall! The Wall! What's going on here?”

“Mr. Thorn,” Sobol said getting the man’s attention, looking him deep in the eyes. “Let me tell you what happened. The bank robbers used a new type of explosive to break into the vault. They attempted to use gas to put everyone else in the bank to sleep. Our agents followed them in and managed to subdue them. Then the rest of my team entered and apprehended them. We thank you for helping us, you did your country a great service. Understand?” Thorn nodded dazed from the telepathic commands that he had been given. Sobol turned to the rest of the team. They answered his silent questions.

“Security Camera data is erased, from all the buildings that saw anything. Official demands for any physical copies have been sent.” Rayna said, putting her laptop away.

“Gas cans are collected and all of them are accounted for. The ventilation will take care of the rest.” Ibrahim reported, holding a bag with the cans in them.

“The targets are apprehended and disabled.” Ben said motioning for the normal Orion members to carry them.

“Vehicle will be taken care of.” Brian reported as he spun the keys in his hand, glee evident in his voice.

“Good, let us leave before we attract too much attention.” Brian went out of the whole he made so that he could drive the car that the Phantoms had used. The rest of the team left through the door to get to the cars they had parked out front. Sobol moved to Ibrahim’s right side, “good work. I may have not liked all of it, but it was a good plan.”

“Of course it was.” Rayna added in from the left of Ibrahim.

“The risks were acceptable in the face of the reward. Capture is only recommended if possible. Agents are encouraged to use lethal force if the target threatens them, any civilians in the area, or has a record of aggression.” Ibrahim responded with his usual stoic demeanor.

Sobol disagreed, but the plan was very well thought out. If the brothers had not been knocked out then Ben would have negated their powers for a few seconds to confuse them before Ibrahim knocked them unconscious with his superior speed. If they had managed to escape through a wall then Brian would have destroyed their car and Rayna could have easily tracked their movements through the cameras. They would not have been able to escape.

“Well good luck.” Ben said as he split from the group to go into the van. They had taken a sedan and a van to the bank. The van would hold the phantoms, Ben to negate their powers, and three normal Orion members. One to drive, and one for each Phantom, a gun pointed at them if it seemed like they would not make it back to base with them. Ibrahim’s suggestion, he did not want something like Vampire’s attack ruining the entire operation. The rest of the team would go in the sedan.

“Good work, two more down.” The sedan’s driver, Agent Turner said as Sobol took his seat in the passenger side. Rayna and Ibrahim sat in the back.

“I suppose.” Sobol offered. “Let us just head home.”

“You got it doc.”

[New Lucantis]

At the gate, the three agents showed the people at the gate their badges. As you can expect, they boarded. "OK, Carl," said the main guy. "We know you're here somewhere. Don't try to pull a fast one on us or there will be trouble." He looked between the aisles and the seats. People were cowering in fear. "Come on and play, Carl." Carl just stayed in the bathroom trying to figure out what to do. Then he had a plan: Blaze of Glory, he thought.

"You know what the difference between us and you is?" said Hill. "We are normal people trying to make a living while you mutants are making a mockery of us. You're a Tier One Mutant; power over the elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire. I have to admit, it is bad***. However, we can't have you freaks wondering around." All of a sudden, Carl blew down the door.

"Tim," said Carl. "Duck." Tim, along with the rest of the passengers, ducked. Then Carl unleashed his Blaze of Glory and nearly burned the agents to nice crisp, as did much of the interior of the plane and his hands. He then collapsed, only to somehow awaken in a hospital in New York.

"Where am I?" he asked a nurse who was checking his papers.

"The St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center," said the nurse. "All the way in New York."

"How am I here?" said Carl. "Last thing I remember, I was in Memphis. Any government agents?" The nurse nodded. Carl sighed. "Alright, help me up. I need to use the bathroom."

[Bering]

Vampire

William sat in home watching the news, he had decided to lay low of a while. No need to bring any more attention to himself than was necessary. The attack meant that he was a wanted man. From how many groups, he did not know. The NSA was not quite willing to release his picture, probably did not want people to try and stop. It would only lead to more corpses. But the news media was resourceful, they had managed to get a nice composite sketch of him from the crowd that had seen him outside the hall.

He sighed, it was a shame. “Oh well, time for a new name,” he said thinking aloud. “Hmm, This is an English country, so maybe another Anglo name? No, I think it is time to get back to my roots. Podimir? No, too old fashioned and far too odd. Stanislav? I used that back in Yugoslavia.” This might be harder than he thought.

He switched the channel to a boxing march. He enjoyed a good fight. Fight, battle, bor, Borislav! “I have not been a Borislav in a while, though maybe Boris would fit in better. Still a last name to fit into society would be nice. Perhaps something like Jackson, No Johnson. Yes that is a good name, Boris Johnson.” He patted himself on the back until he remembered another Boris Johnson.

“Okay, Boris is out, maybe...Vladimir? No, too many Vlads running around as it is.” Veles curse you Putin!

“Okay, time to leave it up to luck.” He grabbed his laptop and randomly picked a key...v...how ironic. “Okay, Vladimir is out, Vseslav? That would attract more attention than my current name. Victor?” Not really Slavic, but considering the luck he had with Slavic names, it was for the best.

“Victor…” His surname should still be English. “Powers? No. Prince? Too pretentious. Poe? Like his style, but the name is not for me.” William/Victor had quite the issue on his hands. “I can kill the National Security Advisor like it was nothing, but gods help me when I need to pick a name!” He sat in silence for a few moments before it finally struck him, “Perch! Victor Perch!” A nice nod to both Veles and Perun, they would be pleased.

He looked at his watch, it was probably time to call the Bavarian. Why could he not be more jolly like the rest of his people? Too much North German influence I guess. He picked up the phone and waited until the ringing stopped. “Hello, what did you think of my work?”

[BlackDeath27]

It had been a day since the death of the NSA big shot. Feeling a grate uneasiness come over her when she head this news. Ever since yesterday the bark haired woman began to prepare to face the NSA operatives who would retaliate to this mans death. Before walking out of the door Echo looked into the mirror one more time before she left the house. The events of the past day made the teleporter paranoid. Even leaving her apartment she made sure not to leave a trace of where she was going or what she had been doing. Teleporting inside her car the woman left her home behind in the rear view only heading to the docks for a drug trade. She had been paid to make sure that everything went well and to protect some mob boss by the name of Victor Collins. Obeying none of the speed limits as she drove towards Staten Island the woman opened her glove compartment that revealed two .custom made revolvers. Each gun was able to fire six 50 caliber bullets each. Parking three docks from the meeting place Echo placed the guns in their holsters on her thighs. She was early to the meeting so she walked towards the building while listening to pandora through her earphones.

After about a hour of waiting the proclaimed Victor Collins showed him self after exiting his black Rolls-Royce with Crome rims. Unlike most mob bosses he was young about in his early thirties. Taking one earphone out of ear she shook the mans hand the pointed at the top of the building." I'll be up there, if anything happens I'll see it and protect you Mr.Employer." Putting the earphone back in her ear Echo walked round the building then made her way to the top of the building.

[Nekronia]

In the dark room, the spotlights came on. In the crudely-constructed fighting cage, there were two men. One was a giant mass of muscle and some fat that looked like a lumberjack got busy with a bear and a bulldozer then gave birth out of his pecs. The other was a scrawny guy that looked like he should be running a marathon or sitting on the bigger guy's snack tray. The bell rang and the unseen crowds of rowdy thugs and spectators roared as the fight began. The two exited their corners as the fight began, the Goliath having a stern expression of determination and intent, the David having an expression of 'alright kiddo simmer down you might shoot your eye out'.

After circling for a few moments, the juggernaut flung his meaty gauntlet at the rabbit's center at a surprisingly fast speed that could kill someone. In a blur, the rabbit had casually dodged out of the way, flipped around, and was standing casually upon the mountain's peak. "Really now big guy, you think you can hit someone with a punch like THAT? Come oooon, get your head in the game!" The runt slammed his shoe into the base of the giant's skull, then slid down his back and faced him again. The strongman was hurt, but even moreso he was pissed off. The Goliath gave an angry grunt and tried to attack again, yielding an unbalanced position from the David easily dodging out of the way. "Ohohoooo, good one buddy! Grandma told me that joke a loooong time ago." The giant spun around again, red in the face and almost visible snorting out steam. "Oh, what, that was serious?" Another punch, this one hitting the chainlink fence that formed the crude cage and almost ripping a hole in it, left the giant with a bloody hand. "Mommy doesn't understand you, that why you're cutting yourself? Boohoohoo! Oh, boooohooooo. Go write edgy poetry in your parents' basement, jerkoff!" The mountain made a valley of muscles to try and catch the flowing river, and failed again. "...You know the bell rang, right? We're kinda dyin' a' boredom over here." The titan tried to slam his arm down to hit the runt again, and cracked the concrete along with his own hand. He grasped his hand as the speedster sat in the other corner tapping his foot. "C'mon, c'mon! We don't have all day! Fiiiine, I'LL throw the first punch since you're bein' such a baby about it." The smaller fighter ran straight at the larger one with raised arms, and the elephant tried to kick the mouse. The mouse rolled inbetween the elephant's legs, and jumped up onto the fence and back up onto the mountain. The monkey kicked the gorilla in the back of the neck this time before his flipped off the front, facing the pained animal. David charged at Goliath again and slammed a punch right into its stunned throat and palm-struck it right in the nose. A few moments of rapid weakspot striking later, the tree was felled and the vermin stood supreme. "The bell rang, right?"

The seedy crowd roared at the champion 'Scratch' and his successful defense of his title, and the victor was let out. He gloated for a while, then took his briefcase of fight money and left. He walked out of the 'abandoned' warehouse and into the alleyway where a man was waiting for him. Scratch looked at the poor fellow wearing a conspicuous coat.

"You were supposed to lose. I thought we had an arrangement."
"Nah nah nah, you tried to MAKE a deal. I never accepted. You were all 'here's a fuckload of cash, if you don't lose I'm gonna kill you aauuugh' then ran off as I gave you the finger. So yeah, fuck you too."
"Look, just give me the case and we'll call it even. Deal?"

Scratch reached into his jacket and pulled out a middle finger for the seedy fellow, prompting an irritated response and a pistol aiming at his face. Nicolas raised an eyebrow at the person now trying to mug him, and continued sassing him. "What are you gonna do, shoot me? Pffft, try harder." The man rolled his eyes at the stupid remark and fired at the person who had just deprived him of a fortune. Scratch covered his face as the man's firearm exploded due to the bullet suddenly stopping in the barrel and causing the pressure to build up and ruin the whole day for the criminal. A piece of the weapon was trapped in his throat, and would certainly be the death of him in a few minutes. Even less than that if he tried to rip it out.

"H-how... wh-what are... th-the odds of... wh-..."
"SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SOOOOON, BOY!"

The victorious asshole quickly scampered off into the busy city to head home, double-checking to make sure no one was following him. He arrived at his apartment without incident and opened the briefcase full of fight money. He smelled the green paper and touched it before storing it in a small safe. The man known as Scratch walked over to his expensive computer and turned it on and checked up on what was happening. He logged on and found out about the superhuman incident from earlier and shouted "YES" before spinning away from the desk in his chair. "YEEEES! Whoo! We're going somewhere, baby! Ye-hah-haaaaaah!" He rolled back over to the computer and studied the composite sketch of the killer who was clearly a mutant like himself. ...Damn, this prick's familiar. Like, REALLY familiar. Oh well, I'll remember later I guess. He clicked away from the news article and went to playing some video games idly, blatantly abusing his powers to get better reaction times and speed.

"Fucking aimbotting hacker I sw-"
"I'm not hackiiiiiiing!"