Freedom League (See More than Mortal thread for OOC and backstory)

[HookerBoots]

She walked over to where he was, angling the flashlight into the drawer. "Okay, that makes sense." His expression when she'd told him her mother never talked about her time as a hero was interesting. Of course, his parents had been villains, so he probably had a different idea of what growing up as a metahuman was like.

Then something occurred to her, and she leaned back slightly, flashing the light on the little bracket. "Okay, this looks like old medical records. Let's see . . . ." The light traveled down the rest of the drawers in that cabinet. "So are these. I'm willing to bet most of these cabinets are old medical records," she said with a small smile. "It's a tough business, after all."

The light flicked to the other cabinets. "Medical records . . . medical records . . . ah, this looks like it might be what we need." She walked over to the cabinet in question and inspected the brackets. "I think this is it, actually." Celyn paused, studying it. "Should we try and sort of get the whole thing out of here, or just check it on a file-by-file basis?" Not that she'd mind leaning that close to him. But it might be easier to do the job they were sent to do if they had the cabinet somewhere that wasn't lightless and dusty.

 

[Armphid]

Hurricane and Lorelei

Luke moved to stand behind her, close behind her, so as best to see. Yeah...and for no other reason. She was shorter than him by a good bit, and at this angle, if he looked just right, he got a wonderful eyeful of cleavage and bunched up breast. But he only glanced, nothing more. It...wouldn't really be right, even though he wanted to stare openly.

Plus, she was pointing the drawer out to him. "Yeah, I think you're right. Sure are a lot of them, aren't there?" He looked around, "It'd be easier if we hauled it out, but...do you think the security program would think we're trying to steal it?" From what Burton had said, it was pretty sophisticated...which made THIS room even more of a crime than it was, but was it that good? "I mean, you'd be fine, but if it notices and checks me out...well, I don't belong, you know?"

He sighed, moving around to the other side of her, pulling one of the drawers out. "We may have to do it the old fashioned way. Uh, can you bring that light a little closer? Some of these labels have faded..."

She moved closer, so near he could just lean over and ki-no, no. He looked over at her, then back at the files he was flipping through. A lot of the names he recognized, but some were unfamiliar. "We should take the files out we want to look at, and then take those to someplace we can sit down and read." He began to pull a few out, stacking them on top of the cabinet. "Let me know if you see any that catch your eye or feel interesting." From what he'd heard, read, and seen, instinct was a good thing to use in this kind of detective work.

A few more files came out, and he paused a moment, "Lorelei, can I...ask you something? In the restaurant, when you came to talk to me...Celyn is that your real name?" He blushed a bit, hoping the dark would hide it. "I mean, you don't have to tell me. You just met me and it's a secret identity and all that, so...but if you did, I'd...like to know."

 

[HookerBoots]

She had tucked the flashlight between her teeth, freeing both hands for riffling through the files. Celyn pulled out two at a time, making sure not to leave any in the drawer that were marked "active". And then she looked at him, the grabbing the light from her mouth. "It - yes, it's my real name." She rolled her shoulders. "I don't know if I should have told you that, but . . . I believe that you're trying to change your family's reputation. Besides," she added with a small, sad smile, "I don't have family here, and the family I do have is with mum, so even if someone decided to hunt them down, I bet they'd be all right."

Another two files came out, and she shifted the flashlight slightly, then made an irritated noise. "All right, let's fix this." She set the flashlight on a nearby cabinet, and let it shine into the cabinet. "There, this'll be easier." This close, she could smell him, and was a little disturbed over how good he smelled. And how strong his jaw was, the way the shadows from the flashlight played over his cheeks . . . files. Looking for files.

"So, um, tell me," she said, grabbing the files on Darkmist and Octavian and adding them to her stack, "what about you? Is Luke your real name?" Oh, that's great small talk. "And, um, if it's not too personal, what made you get into the whole 'fight for justice'?"

 

[Armphid]

Hurricane and Lorelei

"It's better to be safe than sorry," Luke replied to her comment about her family. "Safety's an illusion." He said it with a little more force than he'd intended, and shook his head. "Sorry, just the way I came up...I guess I envy someone with a safe and happy family." He looked over at her, smiling a bit wistfully. "...Thank you for telling me your name, Lorelei. I meant what I said earlier, you know...it's really a very pretty name, and so suits you."

She did look very good right now. The black of the darkness and the leather of her suit made her pale skin and her reddish hair stand out all the more. It drew out the smooth lines of her curves where the suit showed her, and hinted alluringly at what it didn't. Her face was cast in shadows, emphasizing her budded lips and delicate cheekbones.

After a few moments, he realized he was starting, "Uh, um...anyway, just so you know, general etiquette is when in costume, use code names, if not then street names." Her questions caught him a bit off guard. Was she trying to pass the time? Or did she really want to know about him? "Lucas," he answered. "My name is Lucas, but I prefer Luke." He blushed a bit, "...Like Star Wars, you know?"

He saw a file, then pulled it out, "If you really want to know...look in these." He set two files on the cabinet by the flashlight. One was very thick, labeled Hurricane and next to it in much fresher ink and a different hand had been written I & II. The other was much thinner, and the writing on the label looking about as old as the addendum to the first file, labeled La Lunatica. He sighed, "That's my parents, right there. I don't know if they have anything on me and my sisters in there or not. Probably a little bit, depending on how old they are."

Without looking up, he knew she wasn't going to let him dodge her other question. "It's...complicated. There are a lot of reasons." He pulled out a file on the Human Howitzer, and smiled a moment, opening it, "Wow...he looks so young. He used to watch us sometimes, when our parents were off on a job or in jail." He sighed, then stuffed the file back into the drawer, "But he's dead. Anyway...like I was saying, it's complicated."

He looked at her a moment, "And I guess...that's part of it. I saw how the heroes lived and died, and I saw how my grandfather, his friends, and my father and mother's friends lived and died. I didn't want that life...or that death, and sure as hell not for my own kids, if I make it long enough to have them." He flipped another file out and opened it a moment, then closed it and set it on the growing stack. "There's other reasons too. I hated my father, and I wanted to do anything but become him. I never felt right with what my parents did, especially after...anyway, it didn't seem exactly right to me. And maybe too, in some way, I wanted to be my own person. Instead of just another super villain in the family."

 

[HookerBoots]

Brushing a loose strand of hair from her face, Celyn ignored the files on the cabinet and looked at him, her eyes traveling over his face before she spoke. "I'm not going to read those. I asked you because I wanted to know from you. When the files were written, a lot of the Freedom League probably felt the way Jack feels." Her fingers moved over files, going by a sense that wasn't one of the basic five, pulling out two and setting them to one side, her eyes never leaving his. "That isn't fair, and I . . . I'd rather know about you, not your parents."

She looked back at the files, trying to hide her embarassment. "Anyway. As strange as it seems, that's why I left home. I found mum's things when I was cleaning the attic - the suit, the mask, press clippings, the whole kit - and decided that it was time I did something more with what I was given than charming rich old guys for favors." She caught his startled look, and laughed. "No, I didn't really. Well, a little, for these contacts, but that was the only time." Her face turned serious again, and she shrugged uncomfortably. "But the Knights of Brittonia have rules, and my choice was to join up, stop being a hero, or leave the UK."

Two, three, four more files, and this drawer was done. Making sure their fingers were clear, she slammed it shut and opened the next one down. "Mum told me that I was going to stop all together, no discussion, because she didn't want me living the life that went with it. So . . . I decided to leave." File after file joined the others she'd pulled out, and a sigh left her lips. "This is probably the best thing I've ever decided to do. I don't know if I'll ever see mum or dad or my brothers again, but . . . I think it might be worth it."

She pulled out two more files and assessed their stacks. "Looks like we have a fair amount of potential here. Should we carry these out to the other room and look them over?"

 

[FenixZero]

Lionheart

"Ladies and Gentlemen we're just beginning our final approach. Current time is 7:23 pm. On behalf of the flight crew we'd like to thank you for choosing us and we hope you'll fly Air Albion again soon. We'll be landing shortly" The static filled voice of the pilot droned overhead as the plane began to its descent.

James Henry Lancaster peered out the small oval window at the city below. As the daylight faded the city began to glow and shine, a miniature galaxy of office buildings and streetlights coming alive. The city betrayed none of its darker secrets from this height, only light and energy and beauty.

It was as James' father had always said, "Any city is beautiful from far enough away"

The thought of his father brought Jame's attention back to the envelope in his hands. He must have read the message a hundred times and a hundred times again since his flight had left London. Each time his liquid blue eyes scanned the paper, he liked the duty ahead of him less and less. But it was his duty and like it or not, he had a job to do.

"For Queen and Country" He said to no one in particular.

He would have preferred to forgo the plane and just fly himself. At top speed James would've reached America much faster than the airplane, but that had been out of the question. Fearful of flying superhumans, the airspace over America was watched closely. Risking a run in with a squadron of US fighters or worse yet, some Star-Spangled hero looking for a fight was exactly what James wanted to avoid. His alibi required a low profile.

THREE DAYS AGO

"Your cover-story is that you are on loan, as it were, to the United State on behalf of the British government" The speaker was powerfully built, thick muscled arms connecting to a stoat frame. Dressed in an exquisitely tailored suit the man's well groomed mustache twitched and danced slightly as he read from a dossier. The man's eyes never addressed James, focusing squarely on the document before him.

"Officially you will work in tandem with American authorities assisting in any capacity they see fit. In so doing you will raise awareness of the Knights, as well as improving relations between London and Washington" The mustached speaker slid the dossier across the mirrored surface of the solid oak table that separated him from James.

"Unofficially your duty will be to retrieve a key asset to British security and return said asset to England. While this mission is your priority, it must remain top secret. Legally our jurisdiction does not extend to the United States, and it would be difficult to explain the details to the United Nations."

"Sir, forgive me for saying so, but doesn't this violate the United Nation's Non-Interference Treaty regarding superhuman activities?" James asked, his voice as smooth and calm as he could manage. He never found it easy to relax when speaking to this man, and standing on formality was almost always the easier path to take.

"All the more reason to keep your agenda a secret m'boy" The man answered back, stroking his mustache as his eyes finally rose to meet James'. It did not help relaxing the young man.

"Maintain your cover, protect your identity when there and try to remember...you're representing Her Majesty. You leave in 72 hours. Be ready"

"I will be. And I won't forget my duties Father. For Queen and Country"

"For Queen and Country James"

TODAY

As the plane prepared to land, James took one final moment to examine the face of the person he was to bring home. She was a pretty thing. He hoped she had enough sense to not fight him. Just once he wanted things to be easy.

 

[Armphid]

Hurricane and Lorelei

Luke couldn't help but smile. A girl this pretty, wearing that outfit, wanting to know about him, and then having to look away? Wow. Just...wow. If that wasn't a boost to the ego, nothing was. "That...means a great deal more than, I mean...thanks."

Her next speech though was more than a little troubling. She was doing this because her Mom told her not to? That was her motivation? ...Did she really understand what this life was or what it was about? She DID say she wanted to do something more with her powers...but that wasn't good either. She said she'd used them to manipulate favors out of people. Like she did to lure him into the back room with her deceit and lies. Although...she did seem genuinely lovely and interested in him...but then he'd thought that in the restaurant too...

Hell. Why did it have to be this way?

He reached out boldy, laying one hand on hers for just a moment. "You'll see them. I'm sure they won't be so arrogant as to make it so all or nothing, a visit wold be fine, I'm sure." He hoped, anyway. He really didn't know the international law on such matters. He pulled his hand back, then stood up and slid the files they'd selected into his arms. "I think we've got enough to start with. Let's go find a table or something and start looking at these. We can check in with the other two once we're done."

 

[HookerBoots]

She had noticed the troubled look on her face, and cursed internally. She'd misstepped badly there, and didn't know if there was any way that she could fix it. Of course, she could be imagining it, but . . . well, regardless, she shouldn't have rambled like that. But then he touched her gloved hand, and she almost started. It was very sweet of him, and maybe he was right. Though mum had still been very upset when she'd left. But it never lasted, her mother being upset with her. Maybe he was right.

"Okay, that sounds like a plan." Yanking the two files she had her hands on, she picked up the flashlight and the stack of files she'd pulled out previously. "I think I saw a table two rooms back. You first, lord of winds," she said, gesturing for him to go ahead of her. There hadn't been any security checks between this room and that one, so it should be fine with him leading.

They made their way back out, and sat down around the table in the dim light from the lone window high up near the ceiling of the room. Squinting in the light, Celyn flicked off the flashlight and set it on the table, tucking the heel of one boot on the edge of the seat of her chair. "Better than a dark, dusty room, innit?"

Picking up a file, she paused as her fingers opened it. Something had jogged her memory, and it just clicked. "I should tell you something." She waited until he was looking at her, and then swallowed. "After Columbia and I bested our attackers this morning, we tried to find out who sent them. They . . . well, I was worried I'd blanked their memories somehow, but I had only tried to knock them out long enough to restrain them. And I think if I'd blanked them, they wouldn't have said anything." Looking down at the file without reading it, she sighed. "The only thing they would say, any of them, was 'the wind'."

Her eyes flickered up to his face again. "I don't know how your powers work, but I don't think you have mind-control abilities. So someone's trying to set you up for this. It's more than just Tommy." Pressing her hands together, she bit her lower lip. "Whoever's doing this is trying to make you our enemy, and trying hard." Celyn snugged her gloves needlessly. "I just . . . thought you should know."

 

[Mephistophelily]

Morgana let out a soft sigh as she walked along the roadside, breathing rather heavily from the curious events of the evening. It was strange, but beautiful at the same time; the coursing of power that ran through her now. Mister Fafnir had returned her to NYC only moments ago, vanishing off in the same manner she had grown accustomed to with her darkly disturbing new companion. Her eyes drifted upwards as she noticed the streetlights starting to crackle to life, only to catch the loud sudden pop of the bulbs exploding.

Each light she stepped beneath copied this phenomenon. She realized then it was her own doing, the reaction of her abilities to the rather strenuous exertion they had had that day. She laughed at this, now proud of herself. The currents in the air could feel her as she felt them, and they submitted to her. She could make anything obey her if she wanted to...

Her fists tightened, seeking out the currents in the air and raising herself from the pavement, taking to the skyline of the city. She touched down upon a rooftop, settling next to the weathered gargoyle that stared down into the city below.

"They don't remember him," She said softly, her arm resting around the stone creature as though it were her faithful pup instead of an antiqued ornament. "They don't even care. I'll make them care, every last one of them. The only person I can trust anymore is Mister Fafnir... he understands, he knows the pain grandfather went through...."

She paused, a thought coming to her. He seemed to know a lot about Dynabolt. Quite a bit, really... and a fair amount about herself, as well. What she didn't understand, though... was why he hadn't helped grandfather. He had to have his reasons- and look how willing he was to help her seek the revenge she sought from his former allies. Guilt, perhaps? To know about his death; he had at least come to the funeral, then. That would explain why he knew her, and how he had so quickly found her. At least he had some remorse for a former ally.

 

[Armphid]

Fafnir

Blood red light gruesomely illuminated the bedside of Molly Malone, the old woman staring straight up at the ceiling. Fafnir stared down at her, a smirk on his face. "Not so bold now, are you, you bitch?" He reached out to slap her face, watching her head sharply crack to one side. "You vere a strumpet and a whore, you mick cunt, and now you vill be fodder for the true powers in this universe of ours. Betrayed and sapped, left helpless by one who should have been dear to you." The horrible dagger appeared in his hand again, and he loomed over her with that sick delight in his eyes...

She hadn't moved. At all. He frowned, reaching down to feel for her pulse. "...Mort." Fafnir, once called Thorsvald, stood. The episode with the girl had been too much for her frail body, it seemed. She'd been alive when he transported Seid back to New York. "A pity." And an outrage. Her soul was meant to HIS. His to torment, rape, tear apart in service to his Gods. The way the soul of the boy Jason was now. She had escaped him again, and for the final time. "...Well played, Ghost Gal. But I promise you, your comrades vill not be so lucky."

~~~~~​

Jack Burton and Columbia

"Just call him, Jack."

The mulleted trucker grimaced, "Ah, come on, why do I gotta talk to the spook, anyway? He liked you better 'n he did me."

Columbia smiled, "That's not saying much, Jack. Everyone liked me better than you."

"Yeah, well...well...shit." Jack sighed, picking up a phone and dialing in a number, glaring at the serene Columbia the whole time. "...yeah, let me talk to Cranston. You heard me, slick, I said I need t' talk t' Cranston. I don't care what he's doing, you get on the horn an' tell him Jack Burton needs to talk to 'im. He'll know who I am."

~~~~~​

Hurricane and Lorelei

"Marginally, at least." Luke then took a moment to look at Celyn, the dim light letting him see her even more clearly. One leg cocked up on the chair, leather stretching out tight...Mmm-mm! "On second though, yeah. It's a lot better."

He gestured, a firm wind blowing dust from the tables and chairs, then took a seat. He started sifting through the files they had, putting them into piles. One for names he recognized, one for names he didn't. Then he heard the strangeness in her voice when he started to talk about the restaurant attack. He leaned back in his chair, his face not troubled, but thoughtful.

"Minds blanked...that takes some doing." He pursed his lips a moment, "That's something to consider...could help us narrow down the list considerably." He shook his head then, "But you're right, I can't do that kind of the thing. Air is my power, and it's purely physical." He tapped one hand on the folders, "...Whoever this is...they really do have it out for me. They wanted us fighting each other, but...even though it comes from a lot of directions, this set up is pretty weak. I mean, no one who knows my powers would think I could have mind wiped those guys, and the thing with that kid was solved because we didn't just jump into a fight."

Luke leaned on the table, "Whoever this is...they don't think much of us, or think too much of themselves. They're so sure we'd fight, that they pulled this sloppy frame job. Arrogance as a defining trait...that'll help narrow it too."

He smiled slowly, "Thanks for telling me, Lorelei. That helps a lot." He grinned, "I guess you're not just a pretty face, or other things, either."

 

[HookerBoots]

She winked at him. "Not just a pretty face, or other things. One of the better compliments I've gotten." Scanning the file in her hands, she shook her head. "Well, this one's not it. File says active, but he died 25 years ago." She closed the file and set it to one side. "I wonder how long it's been since anyone looked at these things? That kind of record keeping is just sloppy."

Another file, and she scanned it, deciding to sort them into two piles, one where it might be possible the person might be the one they were looking for, and one where it wasn't. Then he could look through the possible pile to check for names he recognized. This seemed like an almost pointless exercise. There were so many possible files, and they weren't really capable for this job.

So as she scanned over the next few files, she covertly studied him. The dim light made his hair almost seem to glow, and his face was so serious and shadowed. It was curious how different he looked here than in the restaurant. Perhaps a different quality of light, or maybe it had something to do with knowing more about him now, that he wasn't a killer, and that he was a person.

"You know," she said, breaking the silence, "I really do like you."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Cranston had work to do. To appear affected distressed at the explosioon of such a classic automobile. Insurance to be called, and of course the attempt on his life and the damage that falling masonry had done. For such a large man he could seem a little bit of a whiner. In private with Detective Jones however Heinrich Stroheim cast off one illusion for another. "Frank tell me everything."

"There's well there's nothing to know. Some of these guys are Millenial Reich but most of them the ones alive anyway can't even tell us rank file and serial numbers. No ID in their pockets, just spare clips. These guys had to be dental records, they don't even know their own name let alone why they came. If they can talk at all. We got word of an assault like this same lack of any evidence or details in New York. Some people attacked Columbia in plain sight. Apparently got themselves a twofer."

"Is she dead?"

"Nah she and some new super chick took them all down. No casualties too. Impressive really. Other than that I got nothing. No leads, No checks. We only got this because of the old connection between The Shadow and her."

"Yeah Frank Thank you. You don't think he was involved in this attack do you?"

"No Mr. Cranston I don't. But if he was I'd thank him for saving a friend."

"I'm sure you would." The control over Detective Jones fell off and Heinrich slumped back into bed before he heard his butler Anton talking about a Jack Burton.

~~~~~​

Jack Burton and Columbia

"Just call him, Jack."

The mulleted trucker grimaced, "Ah, come on, why do I gotta talk to the spook, anyway? He liked you better 'n he did me."

Columbia smiled, "That's not saying much, Jack. Everyone liked me better than you."

"Yeah, well...well...shit." Jack sighed, picking up a phone and dialing in a number, glaring at the serene Columbia the whole time. "...yeah, let me talk to Cranston. You heard me, slick, I said I need t' talk t' Cranston. I don't care what he's doing, you get on the horn an' tell him Jack Burton needs to talk to 'im. He'll know who I am."

~~~~~​

"Messewer Cranston is being questioned by the police in his hopital bed at the momen' Messewer Burton. Is there a number at he can reash you at? Or is this a particula' mergency." There was a hush and a brief pause through which no sound could be heard. On the other end of the phone before the affable Jamaican butler returned. "Messewer Burton 'E will take your call now."

Hienrich Cranston felt everything now. The dive from the car, the heat from the gas tank explosion, every scrape and bruise, each twisted joint ached like he'd still been in the car. The police were of no help. No one could tell the Shadow anything about these men other than some scattered involvement in the Millenial Reich. Always the Germans it seemed. And he wasn't alone. Detective Jones had told him that Columbia, The Spirit of freedom in the West, The Liberty Lady herself had been assaulted in a diner in a situation much similar to his. It looked like a new Lorelei had been present too.

"Anton take the rest of the evening off and shoo the reporters out. Tell Forrest Lipsy I'll give him an exclusive interview about the attack later." Anton took the time to tell jack Burton on the other line that he was ready and Heinrich waited another moment before his air came over him. No longer was the pompous Henri Cranston answering a phone call, from some nervous stockholder or company employee, Nor was the cold analytical Heinrich Stroheim worrying about the ramifications of an attempt on the life of him and one of the only other links to his mentor. The Shadow picked up the phone in a voice that sounded of dark nights and cold vengeance. Necessary evil wafted through the phone lines.

"Jack Burton. It's been years. To what do I owe this phone call? If you're wondering why I haven't sent Columbia a gift basket of oranges and a get well card yet it's because I've had some interesting developments of my own. Be assured I send my best wishes to her, and some..." He paused "Regard to you as well. Now why are you calling?"

 

[Armphid]

Jack Burton and Columbia

Jack rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, I know the whole sha-bang already, Shadow, give it a rest, will ya?" He looked over at Columbia, now in her civilian guise, who was seated at a computer reading the responding e-mails. 'You believe this guy?"

"Of course, Jack," she said not even bothering to turn around. "Be nice to the young man, it's not easy to live up to a legacy like that."

"Young...what are you talkin' about, Bea?" He shook his head, turning back to the phone, "Look, while I outta belt ya fer talkin' about Bea like that, she's fine. Which you know already, so quit playin'. Look, somebody's gunnin' fer all o' us an' anyone close t' us. I was attacked, had my truck blown out right from under me, Bea an' Lorelei were attacked, an'..." He paused, pinching the bridge of his nose between two fingers. "...Tom's grandson, Tommy's dead. Murdered."

"Oh, no," the soft sound made Jack lift his head toward where Columbia was staring at a screen. "...two more, Jack. Johnny Lightning's grandson, Jason, and...oh...poor Molly."

"Son of a...." Jack spoke into the receiver again, "More bodies pilin' up, one o' Johnny Lightning's grandkids, an' Molly Malone. This is gettin' serious. I ain't gonna say you don' have your own stuff t' do or ya can't take care o' yourself...but all Ol' Jack knows is we got a lot better chance workin' together on this one."

~~~~~​

Hurricane and Lorelei

Luke laughed shortly, "Well, there hasn't been a Freedom League since the ban in the '80's, so...probably at least that long." He was a bit surprised to tell the truth. Particularly after the security system. "Still, there's a lot of information here...even on the ones who are inactive or dead...although depending on who it is, dead may not mean inactive." He shrugged, "Maybe you can get them to pay you to get it all in order so you don't have to not wait tables at a Chinese restaurant," he grinned.

For several minutes more, they worked in silence. Even as he sifted through files, he found himself glancing over at her from time to time, wondering what she was thinking about all this. From what she'd said, she knew nothing about this world of powers and madmen,and now she had been thrown right into the deep end. She was coping well...better than he might if their places were reversed. Celyn was a remarkable girl, in more ways that just her beauty.

Suddenly, out of nowhere she spoke. Of all the things she could have possibly said, the words that darted from her lips were not even close to being on the list. His eyes widened, and he actually blushed. He was so surprised that he couldn't stop from blurting out, "You do?" Then he grimaced, annoyed with the lack of control and the juvenile nature of his response. "Uh, I mean...I'm not sure what I mean."

Luke looked at her, and smiled, "...Thanks, and I'm glad you do. You might want to reserve judgment though, you don't really know me yet. And I don't know you." He paused a moment, feeling oddly nervous, "But I'd like to. And, um, for what it's worth...I like you too."

 

[Sky Jade]

A nearby police radio crackled to life, startling the young woman.

"An attempted assualt was reported at Regis's on Ninth street. No injuries were sustained. Witnesses were reporting that the attackers were after Colombia and another unknown young super girl. Waiting for further information."

The young police officer who was near her chuckled at her jumpyness.

"You ok? Sorry if that startled you."

Baby. Can't handle a sudden noise like that.
It startled me, that's all.

"It's alright sir. I had zoned out for a moment there. How far is it to that resturant? I want to see if I can help out any."

"You sure? You seem awfully young to being able to do anything. Although with that trick of yours, I'm sure you could help. It's only a couple of blocks from here."

Sinthia smiled and gathered up her backpack.

"Thank you sir."

Off to play nurse again? And when will it be my turn?
If you don't keep quiet, how does never sound, although we both know that isn't possible.
Haha, spoiled brat.
Hey!

Sinthia sighed as she continued to walk the two blocks, barely able to walk through the crowd without being jostled. She umphed as she was suddenly hit from the side by a young man. Well, it was more of a hard bump than a hit, but it was enough to snap her from her internal agruement. The young man just smiled for a moment.

"Sorry about that. I lost my footing for a moment."

He turned and disappeared into the crowd. He opened up his prize of her wallet, fingering through it. He scuffed softly, his only prize being a recipet from the internet cafe she was in earlier. The rest of her valubles were actually in a hidden pocket at the bottom of her backpack. Her parents had warned her a little about New York city so she could be safe, but one could never be completely safe.

She saw the crowd gathered at the scene of the crime a few feet away. She was just about to try and push through when a sharp pain flared up on her right shoulder. She gasped and held her left hand there for a few moments at the burning sensation continued for several seconds before going away. The burning was replaced by a dull throb before completely disappearing.

She carefully shifted her shirt so that she could look at her shoulder. A black spider birthmark covered the front of her left shoulder. She didn't know it, but it had been the mark used by her grandmother in the past, Dark Shadow.

That's cool. Although parents are going to jump you for getting a tattoo.
It wasn't my choice.
Sure.....

She sighed and let her shirt go back to it's original position and pushed her way through the crowd. Finding herself at the edge of the tape, she looked around quickly for an officer. Seeing one only a couple of feet away, she tugged on his sleeve gently.

"Excuse me sir, is there anything I can do? I can heal anyone who's been hurt."

The officer turned and looked at her, narrowing his eyes.

"What are you? Some kind of comedian? Not even the heroes can heal people."

"Honestly I can help people. Please, I want to help."

The officer frowned more, silent for a moment. He shook his head softly.

"Wait here."

The officer moved over to where the dectectives were gathered, waiting for the right time.

"I got a girl over there who's rather insistant that she can help and can heal people. She sounds like a nut job to me."

 

[Wyldfire]

Joshua looked into her bedroom, worry on his face. He had forgiven her for her betrayal of his trust, and taken her in after the batons had had their way with her. He knew she was paying for her crime, but there were times like this one, that he thought the price may be a little excessive.

Heather had shown up in her usual way, but this time she looked like she'd been in a fight with the business end of a lawn mower. She had already started healing so Josh knew she'd live, but that didn't mean she had enjoyed whatever had happened to her. She collapsed as soon as she had appeared, and Josh had put her to bed.

She awoke with a start. "Joshua, you know it's creepy to watch a girl like that don't you? I mean really, Do you like watching me heal?"

The older man laughed a bit. He hadn't meant to disturb her, but he knew he should have remembered how strong the senses were when you were those damned clubs' plaything. "I like seein that yer still alive, kid," he said keeping his tone light, "Sorry I woke ya up."

Heather "looked" at Joshua for a moment, then asked him "We've never talked about your father Joshua. Is he well?"

That took the older man back. Heather knew the answer just from Joshua's body's reaction. "He died back in the race riot in '68 kid. Why you so curious about my ol' man?"

"I just wanted to make sure he was safe. Some one's killing the old masks. I am going to have to come out of the background Joshua. The batons have let me know I am going to be involved. I just don't know how yet."

 

[HookerBoots]

Celyn found herself blushing as well, smiling shyly at him. "I'm glad to hear that. But you're right, we should probably not be so quick to like each other. Of course, since we both know each other's secret identities, we should get to know each other rather quickly." She looked back down at the file on her lap. "For security's sake, you know."

She kept sorting the files, stacking them on the table while she kept glancing covertly at him. It wasn't right that she should be so pleased that he liked her. Maybe it was just the day. It had been a strange day so far, and perhaps she was feeling a little vulnerable. She sighed as she looked through the files, eyes scanning the pages. "There are so many. I don't know how we're ever going to be able to find out who's doing this."

Picking up the next one, she opened it and blinked. "Interesting. 'Active, but not a danger.'" Celyn looked at him, the ocean-blue-green contacts swirling. "Lost his powers, dying in prison of last report." She closed the file and dropped it onto the 'possible' pile. "Ever heard of a Thorsvald? That was him."

 

[Mephistophelily]

Morrie's gone a wee bit crazy.

It hurt.

It actually... hurt. It had never hurt before. What the hell was this all about? Morgana winced as she stepped down the sidewalk, glaring at the old man who tried to help her regain her balance before she hit the brick wall beside her. As his hands approached, she immediately yanked away, growling at him. "Leave me alone," she snapped, tossing her hair from her eyes.

"Calm your ass down," The man retorted, giving her the same glare as he started away.

Morgana only grit her teeth, still trying to understand why there was a pain coming from all she had done. Had it been too much? her body felt as though it were on fire- no, not fire. Surging. That was more like it. Like an outlet overloaded, the power wanted to explode from inside her. She had to get it out, to release the pent up energy.

Well, she certainly couldn't just let it go to waste.

The city's power supply? Sure, it would be helpful. It would provide enough energy to keep the city flowing for weeks.... but did this arrogant assholes deserve a single lick of her help? If they were to see her powers, what would happen then? Treated the same way as grandfather, no doubt- locked away in a cell somewhere, used as their own guinea pig and treated like a mere animal. A freak.

Fuck that.
Something a bit more damaging was in order.

But perhaps the city power had a different use. She smirked as a thought came to her, realizing that the way she felt was giving her another option. A gentle flow would provide additional energy... but to overload it as quickly as she had done herself, it would take on the same effect she was feeling now. The surging... And cause the most beautiful blackout the city had ever seen.

"Morgana!"

Her eyes widened as she heard her name called, turning around long enough to spot her father running down the sidewalk towards her, the blue family Honda pulled off to the side of the road. "Morgana, wait! Please! I need to talk to you!"

"Screw you!" She began walking faster, not wanting to deal with him... She debated taking to the air, but that would only call attention to herself.

"Morgana, please, just listen to me! Please!" His hand dropped down on her shoulder, forcing her to turn around. "I know what's wrong with you. I know how you feel, and I understand that you're upset- but please, you have to listen to me!" his voice dropped slightly, glancing around before looking to her once more. "Honey, I heard it on the news earlier... What's happening to the former superheroes and their families. Morrie, I know you have powers too. I'm worried that whoever is doing this is going to find you..." As he spoke, he took her hands into his, clenching them tightly. "Come home, please... Until they find them..."

"Find them?" She stared at her father's bare hands as they cradled hers, remembering how often he had done that for her when she was little.. Whenever she was scared. But she wasn't scared now. He was trying to hide her away. For all she knew, he had the government waiting back at that damned house, eager for her to come home, for them to pounce on her and 'keep her safe'....

"But Daddy, we don't need to worry about finding them...," She said softly, raising her gaze to smile at him as she pressed her fingertips into his palms. The city's power wasn't going to be affected at all... She found another way to release. "You already did." Her smile grew as she tightened her grip on his hand, letting the electrical current inside her seep into him instead, giving him a shock enough to crumple him to the sidewalk- and provide Morrie with the relief she needed. She stooped down beside him, leaning to his ear a moment. "I do love you, Daddy..," She whispered. "And I'm sorry."

Straightening back up, she gave a shriek, hoping to attract enough attention. "My dad! Someone help, I think he's having a heart attack!"

As the group of people began to trickle in to help him, Morgana slipped away, trying to forget already what she had done.

 

[Sky Jade]

While Sinthia was waiting to be acknowledged at the police tape, she noticed two of the paramedics running towards the ambulance. She frowned and pushed her way through the crowd, getting a little bit forceful. She was within earshot of the paramedics when she heard the report.

"Heart attack at Grand and Central? We're on our way. Come on Joe."
"Right behind you."

Sinthia cried out as she ran towards the ambulance.

"I can help."

The driver stuck his head out for a moment, eyeing the girl coolly.

"And just what do you think you can do?"

"I am a certified nurse's assistant. And I can heal."

Joe poked his partner for a minute, pointing to the radio. The driver nodded and motioned towards Sinthia.

"The back's open kid. Get in if you really want to, but make it quick."

Haven't you played goody-two shoes enough for today?

Not even bothering to respond, Sinthia hopped in the back of the ambulance with barely enough time to close it before the bus was off. She held onto the rack above her head as the bus served in and out of traffic, making it to the scene in a record of six minutes. The two paramedics jumped out, parting the crowd as Sinthia followed behind them. She winced for a moment as a sharp pain went through her shoulder where the new birthmark was. Joe glanced back at her as they stablized Morgana's father.

"You ok girl? If you're going to heal him, let's go. The sooner the better."

Sinthia nodded quickly and moved to kneel beside the hurt man. She took a deep breathe for a moment before placing her hands on his chest. She went into a trance as she felt the power flowing from her into the man, her hands glowing a soft white. After a few moments, she pulled away, rocking on her heels.

"He'll be fine. All damage is gone."

"Let's double check to be sure."

The driver grabbed the gurney from the ambulance, the two paramedics putting Morgana's father into the van. Sinthia waited outside, looking nervously at the silent crowd. A couple of minutes later Joe stepping out.

"You did good girl. We'll just take him to the hospital to rest up. Thank for your help."

Sinthia beamed, blushing as the crowd clapped and cheered for her. The ambulance was good a moment later.

Quit showing off. That's my job.

 

[Armphid]

Blind Justice

Joshua was startled at that, then his expression became grim. The batons talked to her, did things for her and to her, they never did to him. But so far the damned things hadn't been wrong. Still..."Are you sure ab-"

His question was cut off as the phone rang. Rising to answer it, he almost smiled at the voice on the other end. Almost. The fact that she was checking up on him meant Heather was right. "Good to hear you too." There was a long pause as he listened. "Damn...yeah, I heard somethin' was goin' down. Nothin' yet, no. "fraid not, Columbia. I ain't Blind Justice anymore. Not fo a looong time." A question, and he looked back at Heather. For several beats, he said nothing. Then, "...Naw, I don' know anything 'bout it. Yeah, I'll be careful an' see what I can dig up. Right. I'll call back soon."

He hung up the receiver, walking back toward the room Heather was in, knowing she'd heard every word. "Batons're right. 'Cept it's not jus' old masks, it's their kids an' grandkids too."

~~~~~​

Sinthia

As the ambulance carrying the strangely stricken man she had healed pulled away, the crowd started to break up a bit. However, one man pushed his way out of it, toward her. "Uh, excuse me, Miss. May I have a few moments of your time?" He was of medium height, and slightly thin. The kind of thin that one got from forgetting to eat a lot of meals. His skin was pale as well, marking him as someone who spent a lot of time indoors. "My name is Jeff Johns, and I write the metahuman affairs blog, "Capes," maybe you've heard of it?"

He waited for her to respond for several moments, his eyes hopeful. Then he sighed, "Well, I guess maybe you're big on the Internet..." His expression however showed that he'd never met anyone who'd heard of his blog. "Anyway, I like to keep up on new emerging heroes and such, and I wondered if you'd like to do an interview for the blog? Maybe talk about what your powers are, what you're doing here, that kind of thing?"

He held up a hand, "Don't worry, I'm not some fan boy either. I've got some history with heroes myself. My grandfather was a hero, actually, back around WWII."

~~~~~​

Fafnir

The hospital room was clean and quiet. Morgana's father laid in the bed, his eyes staring out the window. They were keeping him a night for observation, though everything seemed to be fine. That strange girl's power had healed him completely...she'd saved his life, perhaps...

...And it was his own daughter who had nearly taken it. Why? His heart hurt, and it had nothing to do with the physical injury she'd given him. It was just broken. "Morrie...why'd you do it, baby?"

"Because, Mr. Hyades," came a firm and malicious voice that had a faint accent to it, "she needs any outlet for her hate, and the power she has stolen that she can get. And she wanted to hurt you." A man stood by the room's door, tall and imposing, his blond hair swept back to reveal a prominent widow's peak.

Morgana's father stared a moment, feeling suddenly in danger. He reached out , hammering the call button.

"Don't bother, it von't vork. I have set up apart from the rest of the hospital for now." Fafnir took a few steps forward, even as the man got up, fists ready to swing. "As I vas saying, she vanted to hurt you, because if she did, she could leave you behind and not think about vhat she has done."

"What do you mean...she hasn't done anything, she's a good...she's my daughter!"

"For now." Fafnir smiled, a sick grin that delighted in the concerned parent's anguish and fear for his child. "But she vill be mine soon. She already is, almost. All it vill take for her to gain a new father...is to lose her old one." he gestured, and Morgana's dad froze in place, all but his eyes, which moved about in his head as if trying to break free from the spell. "Oh, how delicious it vill be. She vill be unable to go home, unable to go to the law, only I vill be able to comfort and protect her. And I shall. The favorite grandchild of my most hated foe vill be my most loyal and bloody handed servant. How rich...how he must despise her now, her dear grandfather. And it is only beginning."

He raised a hand, and a gory bold of red, bubbling energy shot forth.

"Her being mine gives only a little more satisfaction than killing you. His son."

~~~~~​

Hurricane and Lorelei

Luke grinned that charming smile, "I'd be very happy to get to know you quickly, and slowly, and any way we feel like it." Idiot. Don't say things like that. Besides, you still shouldn't trust her. He was...but he shouldn't. "Besides, I still owe you a conversation so you're not alone in the big city. Even if it was a ruse, I did give my word."

At her complaint, he just shrugged. "It's not so bad. We'll look at 'em, one at at a time, discard the ones that don't match and then comb through the others. It seems like a lot, but it's not so bad. It's just research, you know? Haven't you ever watched a crime show or anything? Just takes time." He pointed at the growing piles of files that had been ruled out and those that were possible. "Gone through a lot already...I'd say you've got a talent for this kind of thing."

He wasn't just saying it to compliment her. Mostly, yes, but they were making good progress through the huge stacks they'd lugged in here. "Thorsvald...doesn't really ring a bell. Sounds German...probably one of the Nazi agents the original Freedom League fought. That would have been when my grandfather was starting the "family business" too." He picked up the file, getting ready to open it, "He was never a big player, really, just a thief and a robber with a wind gun and a goofy costume. He did do some henchmen work for bigger fish though." He set the folder down then. Time to go over it later, right now they needed to sort through.

A few more folders were examined, all going to the ruled out pile. "So, uh...as far as getting to know each other goes...maybe after we figure this all out, we can go somewhere. Get some food, or, uh, coffee, maybe?"

 

[Sky Jade]

Creep alert.
Huh?

Sinthia blinked as she turned around, noticing Jeff approached as she was warned by Sin. She shook her head for a moment as he mentioned the blog he was writing for.

"I'm sorry, but I usually don't look at blogs. I don't mind doing an interview, but I'm not really a superhero, not really I don't believe."

Sinthia had just turned 13, hitting puberty, a few days ago so her mother wanting to let her see the doctor to make sure everything was ok. However, Doctor Koth had decided to hold the check-up at the hospital because an emergency had came up that day. Sinthia's alter ego, Sin, had developed but hadn't decided to make herself known just yet.

Sinthia and her mother were sitting in the waiting room of the emergency clinic when a young girl came in with a broken leg. The young girl was being brought in on a strecther, crying with pain. Sinthia was almost in tears seeing the girl in pain and looked to her mother.

"Why won't she stop crying mom?"
"Because she is hurt dear."

Sinthia walked over to the girl while they were trying to get ahold of a doctor, whispering softly.

"Please stop crying."

It was almost like an instinct for her as she placed her hands on the hurt girl's leg, starting to heal it. Dr. Koth had choosen that moment to come out for Sinthia's apponitment, catching the "miracle" in the act. The young girl was all smiles at having her leg healed. Dr. Koth and everyone was amazed at what happened.

"What did you do Sinthia?"
"I just wanted her her pain to go away so she would stop crying Dr."

Dr. Koth took the mother aside and held a private conversation while Sinthia talked with the happy girl. Soon Dr. Koth returned to Sinthia with a smile.

"How would you like to make everyone's pain go away Sinthia?"
"I would be happy to Dr."

Sinthia was quiet for a few moments as she thought about his questions.

"I really wouldn't consider myself a superhero. I mean, don't they have more that just one power going for them? Like flying, superspeed, or a bunch of other things? I mean, my healing isn't that great. I'm just doing it to help people."

And what about me? Gonna tell about me goddy two-shoes?
Never. You know how I feel about you.
YIn and yang, sweetheart, yin and yang.

She bite her tongue for a moment at the thought of telling this guy about Sin. It was a little lie that made her control slip a little, but not enough to let Sin take over. People would have to find out about her on their own.

"I'm just here on a vaction. I only arrived here today. I don't even know about my biological family. My current family told me that they adopted me when I was a baby, but they don't know anything else about me."

She gave a little hiss as the birthmark throbbed a little hotter when the young man had mentioned about WWII. She reached up and sent a soothing flash of power, calming things down for the time being.

 

[Mephistophelily]

Tears were still resting in Morgana's eyes as she stepped into the hotel lobby, taking a soft breath as she attempted to calm herself. She had tried to keep it light, to just... make him leave her alone. She had to make the pain go away, it was driving her mad. It had just been too much- and Daddy had always said he'd do anything for her. He took away her pain. But if that was the case, why did she still hurt so much?

"I need a room." Her eyes stayed low as she spoke to the man behind the counter, approaching it gingerly.

"How long?"

"Whatever this gets me." Morrie flopped a stack of 20's onto the ledge before him, licking her lips. "The phones call out, right?"

"Sure do." He took the money, thumbing through it before whistling. "That's a pretty long stay, hun..."

"Hm." Payment for damages that'll probably happen... Morrie only shrugged at him, taking the key he held out to her before leaving the small office. Her powers were still fluctuating, and she doubted that controlling them would come any easier in the next few hours. Finding her room, she locked the door behind her, turning on the lights by simply resting her hand against the wall and increasing the currents.

Dropping onto the bed, she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to make sense of everything. The list... She reached to her pocket, taking the crumpled paper and holding it over her head to view it. Only two names, out of so many... All these people that hurt him...

And she had hurt her father. He wasn't on that list. But he had tried to stop her, to send her away. She couldn't have allowed that to happen. She'd find an excuse, apologize to him somehow...

She reached to the phone, dialing her parents' number and waiting for her mother to pick up. The soft click and her mother's weak voice finally sounded, a whispered greeting answering the line.

"Mom?"

"What did you do...?," her mother sobbed into the phone. "My god, why?"

"Mom, please, listen to me- it was an accident- he scared me and-"

"You didn't have to do this, Morrie. You- you didn't have to-"

"He shouldn't have followed me like that! I was scared, I just- reacted..."

"So you fucking killed him?!"

"...What?" Morgana's own voice dropped to a hoarse whisper with this, nearly dropping the phone. "Mom- Mom, wait-"

"Don't. Don't ever call me that again. He was calling for you, ranting on about how you were supposedly such a good girl- and you do this to him?! He loved you! We lovedyou- and you've done the unthinkable with what you have! My daughter would never do such a thing... but I have no daughter anymore." The other end of the phone was slammed against the receiver then, leaving Morgana with a dead line held against her ear.

"But- but it wasn't that much...," she whispered to the tone buzzing through the line. "It couldn't have been..." Her powers had been so unstable- even with her attempted containment, maybe- maybe she had overdone it... Maybe she had-

"Oh god.. What have I done...?" She dropped the phone, letting the receiver dangle to the floor beside her as she buried her head in her hands, sobbing at the unintentional death of her father. She hadn't meant to do this... and now her mother hated her, disowned her. Her fingers slid down her neck, delicately toying with her necklace as tears ran her cheeks. "Mister Fafnir... Please, I need you..."

 

[HookerBoots]

She smiled, setting down another file. "Or tea?" A date. Would that be so bad? He seemed nice enough, and he was certainly handsome enough. "I think I'd like that. You could show me some of the places you like to go for dinner, or for coffee." Celyn unfolded her legs, then lifted them, crossing her ankles as she set them on the table, shifting the diminishing stack of folders on her lap. "And we could get to know each other," she added, praying that the light was dim enough that he couldn't see the slight blush on her cheeks.

More files, only a few going into the possible pile, and when her last file was done, she stood and stretched. "What do you think? Go get more, or take what we've got up and let them handle these for now?" She wasn't a fool - odds were good that even if they went up there now, they'd only be sent back to look for more. But the fewer they had to carry in one trip, the easier it would be.

 

[Wyldfire]

He hung up the receiver, walking back toward the room Heather was in, knowing she'd heard every word. "Batons're right. 'Cept it's not jus' old masks, it's their kids an' grandkids too."

Heather rose from her bed like smoke. He wasn't spooked by the news he had received. He was taking it very well considering he didn't have the batons anymore. Heather hoped that whoever this enemy was that they would go after her before going after Joshua.

Before she could reach him she was gone in a cloud of scarlet smoke. Off and on the move "jump" by "jump" towards god only knew what.

She finally stoppped hopping in the shadows of a dumpster outside a hospital. She knew she had to get to someone inside and quickly. Leaping and scaling from window ledge to window ledge she began her ascent.

 

[Armphid]

Sinthia

The young web journalist was undaunted, "Don't be so sure it's all about power." He shrugged, "My grandfather didn't have ANY powers. He was just a guy in a domino mask and a minute man outfit how could shoot really well." He sighed then, "But it's not like I'll force you if you'd rather not talk. Are you su-"

Then she staggered a bit, grabbing at her shoulder. "Hey! Are you all right?" He looked around but the ambulance was long gone. "Miss, are you okay?"

Before she could answer, the area around them was brightly lit by columns of gory red light, looking for all the world as though fountains of blood had erupted out of nowhere. They faded away a moment later, leaving behind five men. Some were muscle-bound, others lanky and lean, all were wearing rough clothes adorned with swaksikas and white power slogans. All had their heads shaved. "Leave the girl alone, boys, but let's kill us this faggot!"

~~~~~​

Fafnir

The last of the men sent to kill the Minute Man's last descendant vanished. Fafnir nodded with satisfaction, striding through the halls of the old manor house. It had belonged to the Shadow once, this place. But it was his now.

He felt a surge and then Morgana's teary voice came to him, and he smiled wickedly. Even over this distance, her hurt was wonderful. So soothing and arousing. Magnificent. "Morgana, my child," he replied, "I vill come at once."

In a bloody flash, he was in her hotel room. Dressed in a currently unadorned black uniform. "My dear girl," he gasped, effortlessly seeming concerned, "Vhatever is the matter?"

He reached out to put his hands on her shoulders comfortingly. "I am vith you now, my dear. It is all right."

Inside, he exulted in her fresh and apparent agony. All the sweeter in person.

~~~~~​

Hurricane and Lorelei

Luke grinned, despite himself. A date with a pretty girl was no thing to look horse in the mouth. Even if the circumstances for their meeting could have been better. Or if they weren't possibly going to have to fight some super villain to the death first.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not anxious to go back in there." He stood, picking up the possible pile from her. "Let's go see what they make of these ones so far. At least it'll show them we're working on it, if nothing else."

 

[Mephistophelily]

Fafnir's voice called to her, promising he would be to her soon, and leaving Morgana to set on the bed to sob. She didn't understand; she had sworn it was only a soft jolt, just enough to make him go away, to leave her alone and to relieve the terrible pain that so much energy had left inside her. The energy was contained now, but the pain inside her was a thousand times worse.

Her mother had said such cruel things. She hadn't intended for this to happen...

As the dark red hue formed in her room, she barely glanced up, still staring at her hands as Fafnir arrived before her. With the sound of his voice, she gave another high cry, sobbing even more. "He's dead. I-I never meant for this to happen, I only wanted to be left alone... but he's dead- I killed him, I killed my own father-," she ranted, shaking her head into the palms of her hands. "I tried to tell her it was an accident, but she wouldn't listen... She said she doesn't have a daughter anymore. She just- she-"

Looking up to him once again with reddened eyes, she felt the weight of his hand on her shoulder, sniffling slightly as she wiped her eyes. "You believe me, don't you, Mister Fafnir? You're the only friend I have anymore, the only one I can trust... I just- I don't know what to do..."