Gods Among Us: City of the Gods (IC|Superhero|Closed)

[Remnants of Exilvania]

New York City
Sunset Park
Small Umbrella Shop
Aarav Chandran

The NYMD? Okay, that explained the looks of his visitor but murder? Aarav turned pale and stuttered:

"M-m-m-murder? Di-did you say murder?"

He quickly snatched the cap from her hand and put it back onto the blade as quickly as possible, almost as if he was desperately trying to hide it.

"I-I have nothing to do with murder...I think! I am just making and selling umbrellas and have a few special ones under my counter but that's it!"

When she mentioned the mafia, his face quickly turned red with anger though. What did that woman think who he was? Some weak little owner of a store who tinkered around with umbrellas in his basement just to be robbed of his money by the mafia? He for one was one of the most unlikely targets there was. Little income and a supersmall and inconspicuous storefront. And if there was someone, then he would show him just what an umbrella could do if wielded in the right hands and with one or the other gadget...

But he calmed down as he put things back together in his mind. This woman hadn't come here because somebody had recommended the shop to her. She was from the NYMD and investing in a murder case. And before she had asked some strange questions about his customers. So maybe this wasn't about him? Were his customers murderers? Well, can't trust people in tailored suits and gasmasks. Dealing with that type of people always gets you into trouble. His face's colour returned back to normal but his voice stayed a little reserved:

"No, I don't have trouble with the Italians. But you are investing in a murder case you say? And I guess your suspects are my customers from before, right?

I just remembered a little detail. When the well dressed gentleman left my store and opened the door to the car, a definitely young female voice remarked that she could already feel the sea. Maybe I'm just nitpicking some things but already sounds to me like they were heading in the direction of the sea. Maybe the nearby docks? Remembering the umbrella I sold and the clothing worn by whoever was in the car, I think it should be fairly easy to find someone who might've seen them."

[Granis]

Adrien looked down at his chest, eyes wide in shock. Slowly, he brought a hand up to where the rib had been piercing his skin, only to find that it didn't even hurt. Whatever the doctor had done, it had made him feel even better than one hundred percent!

Also slightly blue, but he was pretty sure that would wear off.

"Jesus..." He whispered to himself, before turning over to the... Person... Probably. "That was incredible! I feel even better than I did before! How is this stuff not in hospitals yet? It would completely eliminate the need for risky surgery!"

After a moment, he managed to bring himself down from his excited raving.

"Sorry about that... I got a little over excited there, didn't I?"

He looked over to the door he had noticed the others leave through, frowning slightly as he remembered just what they seemed to think of him.

"So, um, hey." He said to the doctor. "Before, the mushroom guy told me to never use my powers again, but did he really mean that? Like, do you guys want me and the other metas to stop using their powers, even if we can use them to save people? If people are in danger?"

His frown grew larger, sadder.

"Do you really hate the rest of us that much?"

[Primordial Luxa]

A Gang of Freaks

Elinor dived to the ground as Alice went on the offensive. The man she barreled into was thrown across the clearing and smacked hard into a nearby tree. The audible crack of bones could be heard as the man slumped forward into the bushes and began moaning.

As Elinor wrapped her hands around her neck, she glanced up momentarily. Alice had been knocked prone and the other mercenary was advancing pumping shot after shot into her shield. Each was muted by a silencer but still made their ears ring. None of them were powerful enough to break the shield but the soldier was clearly trained well in fighting meta’s and kept up the pressure while advancing.

Alices new recruit saw this too. A black-ops thug walking towards the woman who had shown an interest in her releasing bullet after bullet and intent on breaking her down. So she stood up and thought about lightning.

The explosion that rocked the park was audible for several blocks in every direction. Went the smoke cleared Alice’s shield had crumpled but the only thing left of her attacker were a pile of burnt black Kevlar and gun parts. As she blinked she could see Elinor appearing out of thin air like a ghost materializing. She was swaying and holding her head as though in the midst of a hangover

---

Downtown Manhatten

“We never forget,” Clinio said somberly. “No treacheries or favors are forgotten by the families. Especially not by the New Don.”

“Look Gio, I know you wanted to stay out, but this?” he motioned to the office. “This ain’t for you. We all knew you were destined for big thing, and this isn’t it. You had that god given gift buddy, wasting it being a doctor is a crying shame. I know, you know, the New Don knows it and every other mutha fucker in the city will know it soon. It’ll get out that you back in town. Then it’s just a matta of time before the Russians or the Police or god forbid the Knights show up.”

“But we, we could use you. You’re a trustworthy guy Gio, and with that gift we go places. The Boss is willing to pay big money and do bad things. He can make it worth your while Gio. Come to his house me he’s said already he’s willing to welcome you with open arms.”

---

Knights Headquarters

The temperature began to drop once Doctor Head Death left and it wasn’t long before Andrew’s physical discomfort faded.

“It’s good that you have a conscience,” Calamity said walking over and giving him a pat on the shoulder.

“No, it isn’t,” NUMB said with what might be a laugh.

She shot him a look before continuing. “But it’s a luxury that we can’t indulge too often. Some of time what’s best for the public and their safety isn’t always the most ethical or the most obvious. The difference between you and Adrien is that you are different now from back then and you didn’t act half as recklessly. Minor theft isn’t the same as battle royal in the streets.”

When Andrew brought up giving Adrien a job, Calamity looked at NUMB. “Adam wouldn’t allow it, he’d want us to put through the program like you were not hired spot on like Crimson. We need to call in a reserve team too, this attack shows that someone is targeting us and that means we need to go on the heavy offensive. I’ll find a job for Adrien instead of sending him to prison. But it’s important that you understand in the future, we will expect you deal with vigilantes our way understood.”

NUMB didn’t wait for a response and Calamity interjected to show one was not expected. “We will need support, this attack shows that someone is targeting up, that requires a full scale retaliation. We should call a reserve team.”

“Hyper and Muse?”

“No, too many founders in one location attracts more damage than it prevents. I was thinking Ris.”

“Okay take Snake Eyes with you, it’s about time he meets more members of the team before the yearly summit.”

Calamity nodded and escorted Andrew out of the room. Together they walked down toward one of the sub basements. “Do you like cats Andrew?”

---

Frozen Basement

“It’s not in hospitals because it takes about fifty years to learn,” the Doctor said in a decidedly spanish accent. “That an a procedure like this would cost half a million for the average person, those chemicals were far from cheap.”

The doctor took a final survey of the wound location before motioning that Adrien should lie down while he fetched another device.

“We don’t hate Meta’s. But we understand the risks that come with meta’s using their powers especially in dangerous ways. An analogy might prove helpful. On their own guns are not good or bad, most people use them for sport or hobby and don’t pose any kind of risk. But sometimes they are used to kill other people either for good or bad reasons. However, we don’t let just anyone run around shooting people who have committed crimes do we? We have police who are well trained and accountable. The same can not be said of most Meta’s.”

Concealed in his other handle was a powerful cryo sedative but the doctor ran a small computer device over Adrien for a while as he explained things.

“I can’t speak for you of course but we Knights have seen the harm meta vigilantes can do. Many don’t know the difference between a squatter and a thief, and most can’t control there powers well enough to avoid killing criminals who didn’t deserve it or civilians who just happened to be nearby. You might not mean to hurt civilians but tell me, did you evacuate the area before you showed up? Did you personally call the police for backup? Did you ensure that every building opposite you was most empty before attacking? This was a more clean cut act, but if you had used your powers on a common hood there’s probably a good chance they could die isn’t there? The Knights work well because we consider these kinds of things, vigilantes often don’t or can’t.”

Just as Doctor Heat Death was about to inject him the door hissed open and NUMB’s voiced echoed through. “Doctor there had been a change of plans can you bring Adrien in here?”

[Shadowwell]

Downtown Manhatten

“We never forget,” Clinio said somberly. “No treacheries or favors are forgotten by the families. Especially not by the New Don.”

“Look Gio, I know you wanted to stay out, but this?” he motioned to the office. “This ain’t for you. We all knew you were destined for big thing, and this isn’t it. You had that god given gift buddy, wasting it being a doctor is a crying shame. I know, you know, the New Don knows it and every other mutha fucker in the city will know it soon. It’ll get out that you back in town. Then it’s just a matta of time before the Russians or the Police or god forbid the Knights show up.”

“But we, we could use you. You’re a trustworthy guy Gio, and with that gift we go places. The Boss is willing to pay big money and do bad things. He can make it worth your while Gio. Come to his house me he’s said already he’s willing to welcome you with open arms.”

Gio's initial response was a small sigh. He gestured to the room, much as Clinio did before responding. "This may indeed be a far cry from what i had before, but still it is a nice thing to be helping people." He paused a bit before continuing. "However, there are times that miss what i had. Tell you what, before i make a decision, tell me about the new Don, what ahppened to his predecessor?" Gio leaned back into his chair slightly as he waited.

[Serah]

Yha-nthlei
The mouth piece sneered at Aacha’s hubris. Even a venerated one like him was not more worthy in the eyes of Dagon than any other Deep One, all of the Dagonites where holy and sacred in the eyes of the Great Father and the Grand Mother. To each other, they might make all kinds of judgments and ranks, but to the Patriarch and Matriarch, they were family and equal.

But it was not the priest’s place to pass judgment. Instead, he opened his mouth, and the sound of the void spilled out into the Sergeants mind. It was a deep thing, an impossible bass note that made even the sternest of minds reel at its touch. A shiver shot through Aacha, and he could barely imagine the power behind such a psychic sense impact.

“You waste your energy child,” thundered Dagon’s voice from the mouth of the priest. “You over estimate the power wielded by the defects of the humans. Mere protoplasmic traces left in their genes elder race and strange residue of the Outer Gods when they gaze on out Tomb World. Nothing more, nothing to threaten us.”

“You wish us to be feared by a race no more technically advanced than the coral we build our houses with. Would you wage war against the flounders who stray too close to our cities? Or the sharks we breed with for sport? No, my son, your energy is best retained here, one day the Sleeper will rise, and then the seas will rise as they mix with the blood of all land creatures. But do not let the humans occupy your thoughts any more than the dust beneath your feet.”

When the bass note rang, Aacha's body seemed to somehow shiver reflexively, Dagon's voice was an instrument that, for just about anyone that wasn't a Shoggoth to some degree would make them mad on the spot.
The sheer impossibility that someone may speak in such a way already made many of the more powerful Deep Ones cower. It was at this point that he knew he had cut down on showing any more hubris.

While Aacha may not have wished to bring that up, it seemed necessary to get permission to attack them.
To him, the humans were heretics, not just mere protoplasmic traces as The Father would say, one of them had beaten back invasions more than just once.
By two instances the Fool had beaten him back personally, something that should be inconceivable by any standards. No one really knew who the Fool was, and nobody truly wished to know. It was likely that any Deep One attempting to make contact with him, wherever he may be could be killed on the spot.
This human was essentially considered a match for the might of the Deep One empire, a single man.

Those were among the many things that unnerved Aacha about the Fool.
And one of the many reasons why he felt he should be eliminated.

"Forgive my insolence then, but remember that The Fool has beaten back our invasions several times. A being so powerful that isn't part of our race and capable of beating us back is inconceivable, he should be terminated. And while I do want to conduct an expedition on the drylands, it could be killing two sharks with one spear. I'd cut down their numbers, and also terminate The Fool."

New York City
Sunset Park
Small Umbrella Shop
Aarav Chandran

The NYMD? Okay, that explained the looks of his visitor but murder? Aarav turned pale and stuttered:

"M-m-m-murder? Di-did you say murder?"

He quickly snatched the cap from her hand and put it back onto the blade as quickly as possible, almost as if he was desperately trying to hide it.

"I-I have nothing to do with murder...I think! I am just making and selling umbrellas and have a few special ones under my counter but that's it!"

When she mentioned the mafia, his face quickly turned red with anger though. What did that woman think who he was? Some weak little owner of a store who tinkered around with umbrellas in his basement just to be robbed of his money by the mafia? He for one was one of the most unlikely targets there was. Little income and a supersmall and inconspicuous storefront. And if there was someone, then he would show him just what an umbrella could do if wielded in the right hands and with one or the other gadget...

But he calmed down as he put things back together in his mind. This woman hadn't come here because somebody had recommended the shop to her. She was from the NYMD and investing in a murder case. And before she had asked some strange questions about his customers. So maybe this wasn't about him? Were his customers murderers? Well, can't trust people in tailored suits and gasmasks. Dealing with that type of people always gets you into trouble. His face's colour returned back to normal but his voice stayed a little reserved:

"No, I don't have trouble with the Italians. But you are investing in a murder case you say? And I guess your suspects are my customers from before, right?

I just remembered a little detail. When the well dressed gentleman left my store and opened the door to the car, a definitely young female voice remarked that she could already feel the sea. Maybe I'm just nitpicking some things but already sounds to me like they were heading in the direction of the sea. Maybe the nearby docks? Remembering the umbrella I sold and the clothing worn by whoever was in the car, I think it should be fairly easy to find someone who might've seen them."

When Johanna noticed his reaction, she seemed to tense up, as if she was expecting him to lash out.
However, she calmed down as soon as he started giving away his information.

"The docks... Hm. I'll get there, I'll also take your umbrella, because why not. I did voice my interest for it, didn't I?
Just save if for me, I'll come back afterwards. I'd rather avoid dirtying it if things get messy." As she made her way to the door, she stopped for a moment.

"Do think about my offer though, while you may not get your money extorted, I'd like to help you make those types of weapons. It's interesting, and I'm sure you could find someone that could employ you, if not us.
See you once I'm done." And with that, she left the shop and got back to the park, where she had left her motorcycle.

"So, what do you think? Which one?"

Let's just get to the docks first. But avoid screaming: I'M SEARCHING FOR A GUY WITH A GAS MASK AND A GIRL WITH A PARASOL.
It'd attract unwanted attention. But in general I think searching for the warehouses could be good.
Maybe search for those Reich industries warehouses. I'd suggest getting in them stealthily though, so try to cover your traces once you're in. Who knows what something called Reich industries of all things may do to keep their security up.

"Alright I think I can do that."

[Dyelli Beybi]

A Gang of Freaks

Elinor dived to the ground as Alice went on the offensive. The man she barreled into was thrown across the clearing and smacked hard into a nearby tree. The audible crack of bones could be heard as the man slumped forward into the bushes and began moaning.

As Elinor wrapped her hands around her neck, she glanced up momentarily. Alice had been knocked prone and the other mercenary was advancing pumping shot after shot into her shield. Each was muted by a silencer but still made their ears ring. None of them were powerful enough to break the shield but the soldier was clearly trained well in fighting meta’s and kept up the pressure while advancing.

Alices new recruit saw this too. A black-ops thug walking towards the woman who had shown an interest in her releasing bullet after bullet and intent on breaking her down. So she stood up and thought about lightning.

The explosion that rocked the park was audible for several blocks in every direction. Went the smoke cleared Alice’s shield had crumpled but the only thing left of her attacker were a pile of burnt black Kevlar and gun parts. As she blinked she could see Elinor appearing out of thin air like a ghost materializing. She was swaying and holding her head as though in the midst of a hangover

While Alice's shield absorbed the worst of the blast it didn't hold and she still ended up getting flung a few feet back, landing with an "Ouch!" that, under different circumstances might have sounded quite funny.

What Elinor couldn't see was that when Alice's defences were shattered it tended to come with its own rebound pain and that hit her like a nail through her head. For a few moments she was unable to move, her eyes watering as the sudden agony snatched her breath again... though it passed fairly quickly, leaving her with an awful headache, rather than a crippling one. She pushed herself up to a sitting position, woozily scanning for other attackers. She smelt slightly of burned nylon, "I'm sorry." she croaked, "I'm not that much use at the moment. I didn't think they would do something like this. And I'm sorry that you had to use your power. I didn't want you to feel like you needed to use it."

"Listen." she added, "I've got a safe place for you to lie low if you want it. I just need somewhere where we aren't going to be attacked for a couple of hours until my head has cleared and I can use my powers properly again to get us there. Do you have somewhere we can hide out for a spell?"

[Remnants of Exilvania]

New York City
Sunset Park
South Brookly Marine Terminal
Reich Industries Warehouses

Ah, the Reich Industries Warehouses lay there, located at the South Brookly Marine Terminal. However, getting to them would prove difficult. They had been blocked off by police for several weeks now after information had been leaked to the police about bodies in the basement. No idea why the police was still sectioning that part of the Marine Terminal off, but it was obvious that Reich Industries had not been doing business there for a longer time.

However, Johanna was lucky. A pair of sailors just so happened to pass by her, talking about something that would probably make her instantly listen very carefully.

"...and she really had a parasol I tell you! And that even though there wasn't thaaaaaat much sun."

"You say so? Well, lots of strange people running around nowadays. As long as they remain peaceful towards me and I can profit from them, I don't mind."

"Ye, you're right. Still, I wonder what these strange people were up to. Ever asked the Captain?"

"Nah, didn't feel like it. Still don't feel like it. Some deals are better left in the dark. But ya mentioned the Captain which reminds me, we better hurry up else he will skin us alife for coming late again."

"Right, better hurry up."

The pair was heading towards the Bush Terminal Piers, hurrying just like they said.

[Serah]

New York City
Sunset Park
South Brookly Marine Terminal
Reich Industries Warehouses

Ah, the Reich Industries Warehouses lay there, located at the South Brookly Marine Terminal. However, getting to them would prove difficult. They had been blocked off by police for several weeks now after information had been leaked to the police about bodies in the basement. No idea why the police was still sectioning that part of the Marine Terminal off, but it was obvious that Reich Industries had not been doing business there for a longer time.

However, Johanna was lucky. A pair of sailors just so happened to pass by her, talking about something that would probably make her instantly listen very carefully.

"...and she really had a parasol I tell you! And that even though there wasn't thaaaaaat much sun."

"You say so? Well, lots of strange people running around nowadays. As long as they remain peaceful towards me and I can profit from them, I don't mind."

"Ye, you're right. Still, I wonder what these strange people were up to. Ever asked the Captain?"

"Nah, didn't feel like it. Still don't feel like it. Some deals are better left in the dark. But ya mentioned the Captain which reminds me, we better hurry up else he will skin us alife for coming late again."

"Right, better hurry up."

The pair was heading towards the Bush Terminal Piers, hurrying just like they said.

When Johanna arrived, the piers were mostly empty, for reasons unknown to her.
And while Carly was listening and trying to pick up everything and everyone talking, even though there weren't many, she checked left and right, noticing that the police were locking down certain areas.

Jo. Did you hear what those two were saying?

"Nope, I was a bit busy seeing that the police were blocking off my path." Johanna answered flatly.

They were talking about a girl with a parasol. Something about a Captain too.
Maybe we should check that out, yeah?

"Maybe we could. Or maybe we could also bypass the police and see what the fuss is all about." At an impasse, the two seemed to ponder their options. One way could be very direct and they could end up bumping into the people that were behind the murder, which would likely end in a fight. And the other implied more information, and a lessened probability to fight.
"Yeah, let's just go see the fabled Captain."

[Confederation of imperial states]

Redacted

[The Flutterlands]

Andrew "Snake Eyes" Marks

Andrew smiled upon finding success in his efforts to save Adrian from prison. Not to mention it was good to see that the guy who helped him against the frog will be given a job. He still disagreed that his actions were wrong no matter what the bosses say and would try to continue them. "I ssstill wouldn't say that Adrian and I are different, Boss." Snake Eyes hissed with a small smile, "I might not have gone on recklesss crusades like him, but I did take part in some underground battle tournaments for cash while out on the streetss. It didn't lassst long cause it turned out to be a scam and I stopped trusssting them."

Andrew then began walking with Calamity, interested in meeting this reserve team to help out against whoever's targeting them. As he walked, Snake Eyes had Rango look up at the older meta upon hearing her question. "Like Catsss?" he asked, "Sssure, I like Cats. The Orphanage I grew up in had a cat along with Rango. Though I didn't see him most of my time there due to my blindnesss, he was very sssoft and relaxing to touch. Why do you ask? Is someone on the reserve team a cat person in the ssame way I'm a snake person?"

[Confederation of imperial states]

Southern Manhattan

Silence was all that greeted the officers.

One cop would nod to the others. Whoever this guy was, he wasn't coming to the door.

As one officer tried the door knob, it was almost solidly kept in it's place, one kicked open the door and aimed their gun.

'Cops. They're not bad people' Laughtner thought having left the man in the basement, creeping up the back concrete stairs, making sure to leave only wind and silence in his wake. 'Only misguided, clouded, and bogged down by the too narrow, too constricted justice system'. He was a level above them as they entered through the main living room, their pistols and flashlights training all around. There was a dry, silence to it, and yet, when one of them heard a moan come from the basement and aimed their gun, they saw the basement door, it's heavy lock and knob seemingly ripped apart and broken.

The Hallway, which seemed to be opened and entered in a ruthless manner, was strangely damp and a distant light visible, as the small screams and yells from the man, coming from within.

[Granis]

Frozen Basement

“It’s not in hospitals because it takes about fifty years to learn,” the Doctor said in a decidedly spanish accent. “That an a procedure like this would cost half a million for the average person, those chemicals were far from cheap.”

The doctor took a final survey of the wound location before motioning that Adrien should lie down while he fetched another device.

“We don’t hate Meta’s. But we understand the risks that come with meta’s using their powers especially in dangerous ways. An analogy might prove helpful. On their own guns are not good or bad, most people use them for sport or hobby and don’t pose any kind of risk. But sometimes they are used to kill other people either for good or bad reasons. However, we don’t let just anyone run around shooting people who have committed crimes do we? We have police who are well trained and accountable. The same can not be said of most Meta’s.”

Concealed in his other handle was a powerful cryo sedative but the doctor ran a small computer device over Adrien for a while as he explained things.

“I can’t speak for you of course but we Knights have seen the harm meta vigilantes can do. Many don’t know the difference between a squatter and a thief, and most can’t control there powers well enough to avoid killing criminals who didn’t deserve it or civilians who just happened to be nearby. You might not mean to hurt civilians but tell me, did you evacuate the area before you showed up? Did you personally call the police for backup? Did you ensure that every building opposite you was most empty before attacking? This was a more clean cut act, but if you had used your powers on a common hood there’s probably a good chance they could die isn’t there? The Knights work well because we consider these kinds of things, vigilantes often don’t or can’t.”

Just as Doctor Heat Death was about to inject him the door hissed open and NUMB’s voiced echoed through. “Doctor there had been a change of plans can you bring Adrien in here?”

Adrien stayed silent throughout Heat Deaths speech, not sure what to say, really...

He wasn't really wrong, after all. He should have done a better job of securing the area before he had started fighting the thing, just in case.

Then again, he wasn't sure there would have been time.

"I would have tried to secure the area first." He said, realising all too well that he only had his word to give, rather than any actual evidence. Still though, he persisted. "I promise, if I had been able to, I would have. The only problem was that the toad had already begun killing people, and I had to make a split-second decision to protect as many as I could."

He looked to the side, a small, sad smile on his face.

"That and they'd probably try to attack me before anything else... It's a side effect of my power, after all..."

He trailed off for a moment, before shaking his head and looking back to the doctor.

"Anyway, while I'll admit, I would use Diz in any fight that gets bad enough, I have extensive experience in taking people down and incapacitating them without doing any permanent damage, in both this form and my powered form."

He would have continued, but before he could, he heard the fungus man calling from outside the room, asking for him. He turned to the doctor again.

"Is it ok if I go and see what he wants?"

[Primordial Luxa]

Downtown Manhattan

“Most of them have gotten wiped out by the Spics and Ruskies,” Gio said bluntly “He took over the Genovese clan because MS-13 hit him on the streets. But Lucchese and Bonanno both are scrambling to find a leader after a fight with the Columbians. The Colombo’s and Gambino’s have bosses, but they're just kids, promoted because their dads don’t want to deal with the FBI and Knights anymore. They’ll fold soon.”

It was clear a massive power vacuum was opening up. The sheer level of groups and powers organizing against them was staggering, but it seemed that The New Don had stepped up at the most opportune moment. No one would challenge him, who could when the wolves were at their door, and all of the soldiers were dead or too old.

“He’s brought over a bunch of purebloods. Made Men. Folks from Sicily with serious skill. Were training up an army and we’re ready,” There was serious excitement in Clinio’s voice. “And the boss is like you; he’s got powers. I don’t really know how to describe it. It’s like he’s got a guardian angel or something, every time someone's made a move they wind up dead and dismembered before anyone can blink.”

---

Yha-nthlei

“The Fool has repelled your invasions, minor actions in a grand scheme of things. The actions of the Arctic and Antarctic cities will ensure the melting of the icecaps and the eventual decimation of the humans. Let the current plans stand, drawing attention to our kind is pointless. The humans are already dead, if not by our flooding then by some future cataclysm and if not then when the Sleeper awakens.”

Dagon belched psychically. A subtle but powerful motion could be felt from the inner chamber of Dagon’s mobile palace. The god symbol stirred perhaps merely rolling over in his stupor, but the motion was widespread.

“Although I think your protestation betrays some desire for redemption, either that or a desire to attribute your failures onto a threat that doesn’t exist. Leave my son, think about your failures and seek to learn from them.”

---

A Gang of Freaks

Elinor shambled about for a bit. It took her a few second for every last molecule to find it’s way back and like a drunk, she blinked and swayed until she was whole again. When she was screwed her eyes close in anger and fear for a moment before looking at Alice with a cold expression.

“I don’t have anywhere but my flat. We can go there but I don’t really think it’s the safest but it should work.”

Finally regaining her balance, she walked over and helped Alice up, and together the two girls limped out of the parking lot. A short drive and a botched parallel parking job later the two stumbled into Elinor's mundane apartment, and Elinor helped Alice feel at home while she went to make coffee.

---

Calling for backup
Calamity smirked, “Yeah you could say there a cat person.”

Together the two knights descended into the depths of the subbasements to one of the many locked storage rooms and Calamity retrieved a small lock box with a series of long alphabetical codes. “If things ever get hairy know that the code is ‘Zoog Hater Moon Lander.' Feel free to use this just like I’m about to.”

The box popped open to reveal a single brass ring with a large black stone in the center. Calamity walked again with Andrew to a more open room and placed the ring on her finger. She read a small piece of paper also contained in the box and more importantly a printed translation as the paper looked to be ancient and written in a forgotten tongue.

“Ia. Ia. Yog-Sothoth. Shagg loth niggurath hai thog nilgh’ri fthatn ‘ai hafh’drn. Tulzcha na-orr’e li’hee Sathla by ei thog n’gha.” She croaked out apparently stumbling over the truly monstrous words as she did so.

Meanwhile in the air with the ring on here middle finger she traced a circle with a strange symbol that look at once like a womb, an astrological sign and a chemical symbol. As she discovered fire and sparks a pale green appeared in the air and flew around like a hive of hornets. As soon as the words finished the symbols flashed, and feline shape plopped wetly to the ground like some disgusting magical after birth.

---

Souther Manhatten
Romero moved forward while Nicholas covered her. Romero pulled the door wide so Nicholas could sweep his gun and flash light across it.

“Is anyone there?” He called out while Romero clutched her gun tightly.

Raide heard the call and screamed out as best he could. Seeing no one in the room, Nicholas descended with a racing heart. Romero picked up the pace behind him, and the two entered the basement quickly. Nicholas ran to the wounded Raide while Romero provided watch, her gun watching their backs.

“You’re okay now sir,” Nicholas said while Romero held the walkie talkie on her chest and asked dispatch for an ambulance. “Were gonna get you out of here just keep holding on to me.”

Together the two cops began helping the man upstairs keeping their guns trained on any dangerous spots as they did so. The Knights had been piling on the pressure; the Cops needed to be ready, they didn’t know if there were responding to a gangland incident or a Meta-human the Knights didn’t know about. Either way, they kept their wits about them as they escorted the man outside.

Meanwhile, on the nearby rooftops, Angel Eyes watched. His rifle snug on him while his camera gave him an enhanced view of the surrounding alleys and a different angle. He watched the police casually at any moment he could have dropped both and been out of there before another car showed up, but he waited. The New Don didn’t want trouble with the cops. Not yet. A punk is a mask was bad enough given their current state.

He watched the area and kept his eyes and ears open for the man who had been torturing Raide. He knew he wouldn’t just disappear. He knew how this would work; he would take a side exit and come out somewhere away from the cops likely exit.

But he was surprised when the figure appeared on the second floor above the cops. He breathed in deep straightening his aim as he lined up a shot on the figure above and squeezed the trigger.

[Shadowwell]

Downtown Manhattan

“Most of them have gotten wiped out by the Spics and Ruskies,” Clinio said bluntly “He took over the Genovese clan because MS-13 hit him on the streets. But Lucchese and Bonanno both are scrambling to find a leader after a fight with the Columbians. The Colombo’s and Gambino’s have bosses, but they're just kids, promoted because their dads don’t want to deal with the FBI and Knights anymore. They’ll fold soon.”

It was clear a massive power vacuum was opening up. The sheer level of groups and powers organizing against them was staggering, but it seemed that The New Don had stepped up at the most opportune moment. No one would challenge him, who could when the wolves were at their door, and all of the soldiers were dead or too old.

“He’s brought over a bunch of purebloods. Made Men. Folks from Sicily with serious skill. Were training up an army and we’re ready,” There was serious excitement in Clinio’s voice. “And the boss is like you; he’s got powers. I don’t really know how to describe it. It’s like he’s got a guardian angel or something, every time someone's made a move they wind up dead and dismembered before anyone can blink.”

Gio, nodded along as Clinio spoke. "Few not from the old country have respect for what we do. Fear has made most here in America, soft, it will be good for there to be proper leadership again." Gio paused in thought, before he continued speaking. "Normally, i would inquire as to the New Don's abilities, but i know what excessive curiosity gets in our line of work. Very well, I will come back, so tell me, what do we do first?" As Gio asked this last question, he rose from his seat, a glint of excitement, and something else could be seen in his eyes. Despite his words and reservations, he had truly missed this.

[Primordial Luxa]

Frozen Basement

Doctor Heat Death nodded and walked with Diz back to see NUMB. The brain in a jar sat there on a nearby table thrumming with power and malice. Sinister thoughts and designs conjured up from its dark depths.

“Adrien, I think you can still be of some use,” NUMB said. “Despite being a dangerous vigilante with a power that is bound to get you in trouble. I think you can do some good.”

A nearby computer flickered on to display a picture of women in her late forties. She had sleek dark hair and a hawkish nose. The picture looked like it was taken in an alley or perhaps a parking garage given the dark light. She was dressed in a suit but she was meeting with a person dressed in long flowing robes and a pointed inquisitional hat.

“This is Ann Drake. One of the United States main IMF representatives. She is also a member of the Illuminati and before you ask, yes. The Illuminati and the New World Order is a very real group who strive to limit and control the actions of the public. Ms. Drake here has been involved in setting up systems that will steal money from poor countries and put it into the hands of Satanic Magicians. Again, I am deadly serious.”

“She is meeting an informant near the 23 Street Station. I need you to be there at 10:00 and attack them both. Try to kill them if at all possible, and if not then try to maim and injure.”

---

-----Issue 6: Enlistment-----

---

Jack heard the bell ring but it wasn’t until the two men sat down at the table across from him that anything registered as amiss.

The first man wasn’t too eye catching a tall gentleman with a prominent widow’s peak and a clean pinstripe suit. He had that predatory look to him of a sharp eyed and savage lawyer or business man. As he sat down the man smiled, “You’re an interesting man Mr. Tassiter. Bugs, very clever.”

The man sitting next to him was much larger and had the bearing of a soldier, although his eyes looked down. A tall Black man he wore a hat pulled over his forehead that matched his dark grey trench coat. But there was something unnatural about him that seemed to seep and ooze out of his being. Like gazing into a black void or being slowly covered in oil, his presence was unnaturally unnerving.

When the second man looked up Jack recognized him. The third closed eye in his forehead was unmistakable as the image of Burning Eye one of the four remaining founding Knights of America. A figure with a serious but vague reputation.

“I assume you can recognize my good friend the Burning Eye,” the first man said. “My name is Adam Walter. I am the head consultant and manager of the Knights of American and I’m here to offer you the deal of a lifetime.”

[Granis]

Frozen Basement

Doctor Heat Death nodded and walked with Diz back to see NUMB. The brain in a jar sat there on a nearby table thrumming with power and malice. Sinister thoughts and designs conjured up from its dark depths.

“Adrien, I think you can still be of some use,” NUMB said. “Despite being a dangerous vigilante with a power that is bound to get you in trouble. I think you can do some good.”

A nearby computer flickered on to display a picture of women in her late forties. She had sleek dark hair and a hawkish nose. The picture looked like it was taken in an alley or perhaps a parking garage given the dark light. She was dressed in a suit but she was meeting with a person dressed in long flowing robes and a pointed inquisitional hat.

“This is Ann Drake. One of the United States main IMF representatives. She is also a member of the Illuminati and before you ask, yes. The Illuminati and the New World Order is a very real group who strive to limit and control the actions of the public. Ms. Drake here has been involved in setting up systems that will steal money from poor countries and put it into the hands of Satanic Magicians. Again, I am deadly serious.”

“She is meeting an informant near the 23 Street Station. I need you to be there at 10:00 and attack them both. Try to kill them if at all possible, and if not then try to maim and injure."

"You... want me to kill them?" Adrien asked. He stood there for a moment, a frown on his face, before he sighed. "Well, I won't lie to you, I really don't like killing. The idea of taking a life just because I have the ability to, just because I'm more powerful than others, really makes me rather sick..."

However, before any of the others could respond, he looked up again, a determined edge in his eyes.

"But, if what you're saying is true, then I don't really have much of a choice, do I? If these people are as dangerous as you say, then I can't just let them run around harming people. I'll kill them."

He sighed again, his determination visibly turning to worry.

"Hey, before I do this, could you attempt to keep people as far away from the area as possible?" He asked. "If this really turns out to be satanic magic like you say, then I can't really predict how far the fight might spread. Also, I don't want anyone to come charging in to the fight because they caught a glimpse of Diz and got affected."

He looked away, sighing again and rubbing his temples.

"Jesus, I'm gonna have to apologise to that homeless guy who shouted at me on the train about all this yesterday, aren't I?"

[The Republic of Atria]

Jack Tassiter

So far so good. Another day, another group of thugs being swarmed by enemies far too small for their guns to work properly, all from the safety of a sub par burger joint a few blocks over. Things were looking up. Well, at least until he caught some people who looked... Out of place for a dump like this. He had plenty of his tiny minions keeping watch outside around the parking lot when they caught sight of them. They were much too well dressed and their body language indicated that they were here with purpose. The fact that one of them spoke up, calling him out by his last name no less, pretty much confirmed that they were here for him. He kept quiet and let the man finish speaking, letting the velvet ants he kept along his legs get ready in the event he had to defend himself. Velvet ant stings were among the most painful stings from an insect, but beyond that had very little actual venom. Would cause intense short lived pain, but wouldn't do any lasting harm. Excellent for getting information. Even if he did fudge the truth about how deadly they were, which is not very at all.

"Yeah. I'm not going to lie. Guilty as charged." He said lifting his hands up like he was surrendering. "Our little winged friends are great. They're everywhere, and some even pack quite a punch despite being no bigger than a finger. As far as your deal of a lifetime goes, what kind of deal are we talking about here? The kind where I benefit greatly, or the kind that is going to involve the entirety of this half assed burger joint screaming and running around in circles like those idiots a few blocks over." Be defensive. Never reveal your full deck. Play along and don't start anything, let them do it. Self defense is much easier to use against other people. He had to bluff more than a little bit. He was inside a building, the only bugs that could actually help him were the ones stashed away in his jeans and on his back. Hornets and wasps mostly. Human fear instincts would buy him just enough time should he need it.

"So. Are you guys here to make a real deal, or are we doing the screaming? I'm happy to do both, but I'd much prefer the former."

[Remnants of Exilvania]

New York City
Sunset Park
Bush Terminal Piers
One hell of a shady freighter

Well, the pair of sailors did not notice Johanna following them. Not at all actually. They were in a hurry and didn't have time for hide and seek games. Besides, why would anyone follow them? And so they eventually reached a freighter which had docked at the pier. It was an old freighter, with signs of rust and neglect of repairs or maintenance clearly showing. Somewhere on it's front bow there was it's name, but the letters were barely readable, although they did look cyrillic. The freighter was in the dark, with little to no lights illuminating it and there generally seemed to be little life on it. Apart from a small ramp leading up on deck and a guard standing on the pier there seemed to be nobody else.

Now the pair of sailors remained shortly for a small and whispered conversation with the guard before they were let through and went onboard where they quickly went below deck. Now it was probably obvious to Johanna that she needed to get on that ship to get any further in the investigation. However, it was also pretty clear from the looks of that pretty bulky guard, who looked like he belonged into the deepest depths of prison, that she would not get on there with his consent. Or, well, she could just call the police but, well, that wouldn't be very useful as the approach of the police would probably be noticed, leading to the Captain and his thugs probably destroying all evidence there ever was on the ship.

[Dyelli Beybi]

A Gang of Freaks

Elinor shambled about for a bit. It took her a few second for every last molecule to find it’s way back and like a drunk, she blinked and swayed until she was whole again. When she was screwed her eyes close in anger and fear for a moment before looking at Alice with a cold expression.

“I don’t have anywhere but my flat. We can go there but I don’t really think it’s the safest but it should work.”

Finally regaining her balance, she walked over and helped Alice up, and together the two girls limped out of the parking lot. A short drive and a botched parallel parking job later the two stumbled into Elinor's mundane apartment, and Elinor helped Alice feel at home while she went to make coffee.

"Hopefully they won't try anything again before I can get us somewhere more secure." Alice mumbled. Now that she was moving without any telekinetic aids it was clear that she was limping quite badly and needed the support.

As they reached the car she took a moment to make sure her hood was still pulled up, then collapsed down into the seat with an pained "Oomph!" screwing her eyes shut against the pain in her head.

"Your place is probably bugged." she rasped as they drove along, "So I'll keep the conversation to a minimum until we can get to a better location. Pack an overnight bag when we get back. You might want to come back to your place after, its entirely over to you, but you'll have the option at least. Damn, I really wasn't ready to be attacked tonight."

When they got back to the flat Alice sank down into the nearest couch or chair that was facing the door and not too close to a window. The paranoid precautions came as something as a surprise to herself as well. Maybe she had been CIA before the accident that had left her nursing a sore head in a back-alley and with no memory of the life before...

After a few minutes of sitting with her eyes closed she opened them blearily, gingerly unzipping the front of her hoodie then undoing the top few buttons of her blouse so that she could, wincing, pull the fabric away from the bloody patch on her shoulder. The wound was, quite obviously, from a bullet and had been stitched together quite nicely although her exertions at Central Park had torn the wound open again, "The Doctor isn't going to be pleased." Alice commented before adding with a pained smile, "Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to sew it up for me. I'll get a Doctor to do it, it's all above board."

Now that she had unzipped her hoodie, the police badge on her hip was visible, though only for a moment as she quickly zipped her top back up again, keen to hide the identifier from any prying eyes, "So..." she said, her tone suggesting the question was going to lead to something else, "How are you with heights?"

Calling for backup

Calamity smirked, “Yeah you could say there a cat person.”

Together the two knights descended into the depths of the subbasements to one of the many locked storage rooms and Calamity retrieved a small lock box with a series of long alphabetical codes. “If things ever get hairy know that the code is ‘Zoog Hater Moon Lander.' Feel free to use this just like I’m about to.”

The box popped open to reveal a single brass ring with a large black stone in the center. Calamity walked again with Andrew to a more open room and placed the ring on her finger. She read a small piece of paper also contained in the box and more importantly a printed translation as the paper looked to be ancient and written in a forgotten tongue.

“Ia. Ia. Yog-Sothoth. Shagg loth niggurath hai thog nilgh’ri fthatn ‘ai hafh’drn. Tulzcha na-orr’e li’hee Sathla by ei thog n’gha.” She croaked out apparently stumbling over the truly monstrous words as she did so.

Meanwhile in the air with the ring on here middle finger she traced a circle with a strange symbol that look at once like a womb, an astrological sign and a chemical symbol. As she discovered fire and sparks a pale green appeared in the air and flew around like a hive of hornets. As soon as the words finished the symbols flashed, and feline shape plopped wetly to the ground like some disgusting magical after birth.

The feline form hit the ground, clawing, scratching at itself and hissing angrily. It was, more accurately, the size and shape of a particularly large grey bobcat - still small next to a human. It had the same tufted ears and the same short tail. After a moment it seemed to realise where it was, or more accurately that it wasn't where it had been before. It's tail twitched angrily as it sniffed around, searching to see if someone had tried to contain it within a summoning circle, "That was the single most disgusting summoning I've ever been subjected to." it said in a voice that seemed born to make snide comments. It also sounded distinctly male.

"I don't see a circle..." he continued, "Now why would you bring me here and let me out? That isn't an amateur mistake, an amateur would have tried to contain me in a poorly drawn circle. I'd humour them for a bit then eat their liver. I also can't smell Morgan's spawn around here so this isn't a poorly conceived attempt by her to get her own back for all the fun we had on the other side."

The cat sat down, licking filth off the back of one of its paws. It seemed to be waiting for something. Presumably to be told why it was here.

[Confederation of imperial states]

---

Southern Manhatten
Romero moved forward while Nicholas covered her. Romero pulled the door wide so Nicholas could sweep his gun and flash light across it.

“Is anyone there?” He called out while Romero clutched her gun tightly.

Raide heard the call and screamed out as best he could. Seeing no one in the room, Nicholas descended with a racing heart. Romero picked up the pace behind him, and the two entered the basement quickly. Nicholas ran to the wounded Raide while Romero provided watch, her gun watching their backs.

“You’re okay now sir,” Nicholas said while Romero held the walkie talkie on her chest and asked dispatch for an ambulance. “Were gonna get you out of here just keep holding on to me.”

Together the two cops began helping the man upstairs keeping their guns trained on any dangerous spots as they did so. The Knights had been piling on the pressure; the Cops needed to be ready, they didn’t know if there were responding to a gangland incident or a Meta-human the Knights didn’t know about. Either way, they kept their wits about them as they escorted the man outside.

Meanwhile, on the nearby rooftops, Angel Eyes watched. His rifle snug on him while his camera gave him an enhanced view of the surrounding alleys and a different angle. He watched the police casually at any moment he could have dropped both and been out of there before another car showed up, but he waited. The New Don didn’t want trouble with the cops. Not yet. A punk is a mask was bad enough given their current state.

He watched the area and kept his eyes and ears open for the man who had been torturing Raide. He knew he wouldn’t just disappear. He knew how this would work; he would take a side exit and come out somewhere away from the cops likely exit.

But he was surprised when the figure appeared on the second floor above the cops. He breathed in deep straightening his aim as he lined up a shot on the figure above and squeezed the trigger.[/quote]

The Revenant, crouched, seemingly hidden in the darkness of the room as he watched the cops move upstairs through the hole in the floor, suddenly lifted his head and froze. He then strafed to his right, as a sniper shot went through the boarded up window, missing him but grazing his left shoulder armor, tearing his jacket. His back to the wall, he chuckled, seeing that the shot lodged comfortably into an old, cushion chair. "Lucky" he shook his head. Taking a mirror fragment from a then dilapidated dresser next to him, he used it to peek out into the dark street infront of the apartment.

Behind a vehicle? no, even with the street barren all for save the still running police car, it'd be too exposed.

Maybe from a window, he used it to semi - scan the different windows. No, unless he was shooting from behind inches of blanket rigged window curtains, boarded up windows, or sealed off ones, he wasn't there.

That's when he peeked his fragment up, and with the light of the street lamps, both men's scope and mirror gave each other a flash.

'There you are....' He saw the Sniper, on a Roof, a few buildings down from his. He knew the Sniper probably had spotted him as he withdrew the fragment and casted it aside.

'But first, some buisness to take care of' he thought, holding one of his pistols beside his head as he took the covered stairway down.


--------

"He's-He's gonna kill us all" the crook jittered as the cops helped him upstairs. "Well who's this 'Guy' you keep mentioning" annoyed by the vagueness of the man's ramblings.

"The Man who....m-marked me" he said, the now red and blackening hand mark covering half his face present.

"he's gonna Kill us all" he mumbled as they approached the steps". "I doubt that" the other officer quipped as they started up. The Man they looked up, and had a panic attack as he stumbled backwards into the wall, causing one of the officers to stumble with him. The top of the steps, looking like some Neo - Grim Reaper, the skull, black eyes, in the darkness of the halls. Before any of them had any real reaction time, the door was shut, The Revenant took an old crowbar and shoved it through the broken lock, the end hooking onto the partially broken wall inside of the stairwell, giving a half sort of juryrigged lock.

One of the officers shouted, "STOP RIGHT THERE, NOW!" as he started off, he didn't worry for any real gunshots should they break out of the lock. It was the trap, the nearly hidden trip wire with the flashbang next to the door frame which was a 'solution' to the officers should they pursue.

[Whalestron]

Octavian Green

Octavian was busying himself by sitting on a rooftop looking around for trouble, as he usually did when he had nothing in particular to do. He was about to switch his position when the smell of smoke hit his nose. He turned in the general direction, cocking an eyebrow. The police scanner hadn't mentioned anything about a fire. He'd have to investigate, if only to move around.

Octavian arrived out of breath, looking down at the billowing smoke. "That can't be good.." He muttered. He took to the fire escape, jogged down, then jumped onto a dumpster. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. Then his mask confirmed the biotic signals. He grabbed his bow and nocked an arrow. Whatever did this was still around.

[The Republic of Atria]

Octavian Green

Octavian was busying himself by sitting on a rooftop looking around for trouble, as he usually did when he had nothing in particular to do. He was about to switch his position when the smell of smoke hit his nose. He turned in the general direction, cocking an eyebrow. The police scanner hadn't mentioned anything about a fire. He'd have to investigate, if only to move around.

Octavian arrived out of breath, looking down at the billowing smoke. "That can't be good.." He muttered. He took to the fire escape, jogged down, then jumped onto a dumpster. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. Then his mask confirmed the biotic signals. He grabbed his bow and nocked an arrow. Whatever did this was still around.

Gabriel Bridges

He was just finishing the gathering of the bodies of the thugs he had viciously tore through. As silently as he could, the bodies were stacked in front of the small monument he threw together to remember his adoptive father by. There was probably a good couple dozen bodies. He didn't want to look at the damage he had caused. Gabe never really pushed his strength, and only did he realize than even a small fraction of it was more than enough to tear a poor gunman to gibs. The thought that he had been so brutal was only suppressed by the fact that he did it to avenge his father. Otherwise he might have felt a twang of guilt over his igniting the bodies with a plume of flame from his maw. "Good riddance. Don't worry dad. I promise, I'm going to become the best superhero on the planet. I don't know how. But I'll find a way. You always said where there's a will there's a way. And I've got a will..." He trailed off, his eyes hot over his lost paternal figure. "It hurts. It hurts a lot. You were the greatest thing in my life. You took me in, taught me how to be a man..." He mumbled as he sat down.

The corpses burned to charred skeletons in a matter of minutes. With the flames being refreshed by him every little bit to ensure that it was done quickly and all the he tried not to cry. He had already gotten most of the frustration out on the poor bastards that made the mistake of shooting his father. He was tired and just wanted to take a few minutes or maybe even a few days to calm down. Unfortunately, he wouldn't get his wish as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. His emotions were still running quite high and he wasn't in the mood. His irrational thought led to him coming to the conclusion that whoever it was that was approaching his scrapyard had to work for one of the gangs that he massacred, probably a hitman of sorts. He jumped to his feet and approached the border fence to his scrapyard and shouted to the incoming man. "I am going to give you exactly one warning. You take another step towards this place, and you won't ever be leaving." He shouted, venom in his voice.

[Whalestron]

Gabriel Bridges

He was just finishing the gathering of the bodies of the thugs he had viciously tore through. As silently as he could, the bodies were stacked in front of the small monument he threw together to remember his adoptive father by. There was probably a good couple dozen bodies. He didn't want to look at the damage he had caused. Gabe never really pushed his strength, and only did he realize than even a small fraction of it was more than enough to tear a poor gunman to gibs. The thought that he had been so brutal was only suppressed by the fact that he did it to avenge his father. Otherwise he might have felt a twang of guilt over his igniting the bodies with a plume of flame from his maw. "Good riddance. Don't worry dad. I promise, I'm going to become the best superhero on the planet. I don't know how. But I'll find a way. You always said where there's a will there's a way. And I've got a will..." He trailed off, his eyes hot over his lost paternal figure. "It hurts. It hurts a lot. You were the greatest thing in my life. You took me in, taught me how to be a man..." He mumbled as he sat down.

The corpses burned to charred skeletons in a matter of minutes. With the flames being refreshed by him every little bit to ensure that it was done quickly and all the he tried not to cry. He had already gotten most of the frustration out on the poor bastards that made the mistake of shooting his father. He was tired and just wanted to take a few minutes or maybe even a few days to calm down. Unfortunately, he wouldn't get his wish as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. His emotions were still running quite high and he wasn't in the mood. His irrational thought led to him coming to the conclusion that whoever it was that was approaching his scrapyard had to work for one of the gangs that he massacred, probably a hitman of sorts. He jumped to his feet and approached the border fence to his scrapyard and shouted to the incoming man. "I am going to give you exactly one warning. You take another step towards this place, and you won't ever be leaving." He shouted, venom in his voice.

Octavian was expecting something a little less odd for his opponent. He figured it would be some amateur serial killer, or a gang of people. Not some dragon-looking thing. "You know- I think there's some truth to that threat!" He called over to the beast, raising his bow. He pulled the string back, leveling the weapon with the creature's face. His current arrow was a simple sharp one, which he began regretting immediately. The most he could do with it would probably wind up being a distraction. Octavian put on a cold tone. He couldn't identify the victims of the flames, but he figured they were innocents. The phrase 'never judge a book by its cover' obviously wasn't the first to come to Octavian's mind. He saw the dragon as a murderer, something that would try to get him as it had gotten those poor souls. Octavian wouldn't let that happen.

"Why don't you come over here to talk about this, I don't want to hurt you!" It was a stretch, one that made him crack a grin. Who on earth would believe that? It was the cheesiest line ever, and some psychotic monster, though Gabe had his emotions to blame, couldn't possibly fall for such a thing. Octavian took another step forward. He knew things wouldn't go smoothly, as they almost never did. But he could give it a try.

[The Republic of Atria]

Gabe

The man drew his weapon... A bow and arrow. Were his mind not in a frenzy he would have laughed. The true insanity of the moment had to be seen to be believed. The scene would not have looked out of place in some sort of fantasy novel where the heroic archer set up to slay the mighty dragon that had besieged some village or town. However this was not a fantasy novel, and Gabe had not besieged anyone who he thought didn't deserve it. This was the tale of a young man lashing out at both the people who were responsible for his mind falling into the state that it had, and anyone he believed to be helping them, whether they were or not. The fact that the man seemed to be taunting him as well certainly wasn't doing any favors. Gabe bent his legs and unfurled his large wings and jumped into the air, using his wings to balance himself in the air and diving at the bow wielding man, unleashing a torrent of flame from his maw at the man.

[Whalestron]

Octavian Green

Had he known the dragon was no more than a young man with emotional problems, Octavian would have probably set himself up a little better. But of course, he did not. He relaxed his grip on the bow string, then dived to the side behind a car. His head was turned away as the flames swept across the ground. "Come on, can't we be civil?" He demanded. But he didn't wait for an answer, Octavian grabbed for an arrow- any arrow. When he retrieved one and nocked it, he frowned. A smoke arrow. Luck wasn't in his favor, though he knew that an explosive one would have ended with him hitting a gas can and drawing more innocents into the area. Not that the gang members were good civilians, of course.

He got up and ran to his next piece of cover, a vandalized car. He didn't know just what to do. He was all out of options for protection, and that thing could just fly and burn him to a crisp from above. An idea struck him like a concrete block. He could attempt to reason with it! Octavian almost laughed hysterically at the idea, but it was all he had left. That, or he could shoot a smokescreen and get into the scrapyard. None of it was ideal. He poked his head up. "Hey! Hey, how about we discuss this? I'm being serious, we can sort this out!" It sounded as though he was pleading and, in fact, he was. Borderline begging on his knees. But he had a backup plan in case this thing was keen on killing him. He pulled the arrow back, aimed at the spot dividing the car from the fenced area. "Please?" He added.