[hr][h1][i]January 9th, 2022, Prague. Five Months Ago...[/i][/h1][hr] [i]In a city burned to ash, one could hear the whispers of the fallen. One man, donned in black armor, a trench coat over that, had a holster at his hip with a massive revolver, and had a black mask that covered his face, walked among the ruins of this once proud city. With every step he took, it was illuminated by the fires around him.... and every step he took, he was disturbing the grave of someone unlucky enough to fall. He took one step, and he crushed the remains of a woman who was burnt to a crisp. He didn't flinch. There was a dark cloud over this city, as this genocide took place. The buildings were burning, the streets were flowing with lava, and the battle that would decide what would happen to Prague raged in the background. The man kept walking, heading straight for the battle. He was alone on the streets - as everyone who survived the Beast's initial attack had long fled... everyone who didn't, littered the streets. The man heard a distinct sobbing sound coming from his side, and then he came to a stop. He turned his head, and saw that a mere[/i] child [i]was in the middle of the street, half his body burnt off - he was missing an arm. He was reaching out to the man, as if it was a desperate plead for help.[/i] Of all people. [i]Staring at him blankly, the man only stood there. Not showing a hint of emotion. He took a few steps towards the young Czech boy, who got much more frightened as he approached. Almost like he saw a[/i] grim reaper [i]before him. Tears started running down his face as he put his hand up. The strange man in armor reached for a pouch within his armor. He undid the pouch, before he reached in and pulled out a vial with a purple liquid. He knelt down, grabbed the child by the head, and turned his head up, before he poured the strange liquid down his throat. The child tried to fight it, but he barely had the strength. What the liquid[/i] did [i]do to him was that it[/i] restored [i]him. The black charred burns across his flesh were being rejuvenated with fresh cells. The burns were quickly being mended, and the sensation within his body quickly began to return. It wasn't long until the boy was good as new. The stranger got up, turned around and walked off. This was an admission of [/i]guilt. [i]The man kept walking through the burnt streets of Prague, and the sounds of the battle before him was starting to get louder and louder. He could feel the shockwaves of the Beast's terrakinesis vibrate the ground before him. The man walked up a hill... and he could see a giant orange figure standing before a group of people. He was at least twelve feet tall, glowing like he was made of lava, and had no face. Only a mouth that was grinning wide. Both hands were leaking lava, and he was laughing. He took a mighty bolt of yellow lightning, which made him stumble back. He recovered from the move, and raised his hands up into the air, and stone fissures came rising out the ground and made the resistance scatter. He is[/i] The Beast. Everything [i]is going according as plan. The man in the armor watched the battle from a distance. A finger lazily wandered towards his helmet. "... It worked."[/i] [hr][h1][i]December 15th, 2021, Baybridge. Six Months Ago...[/i][/h1][hr] [i][u]Hailey Boulevard, Silver Hills.[/u][/i] Inside a dark room within the ISD's main lab, Tabitha Crest, a woman known for her head of short, dark curly, hair, sat in a chair. In front of her was a metal table with a technological orb in the center of it, and around it, sat various members of her organization. Top-Scientists, shareholders, and other people who maintain a major presence within the ISD. She held a glass of red wine in one hand as she took a sip of it. "... You know, Ms. Crest, you shouldn't drink on the job." A scientist said to her - a Caucasian man in his fifties, wearing a lab coat, having squared glasses, and having a bald head - from his part of the table. This only earned a roll of Tabitha's eyes, as she set the glass of wine down on the table. "... It's my company, I can drink if I God damn please." She hissed at him, before she put her elbows on the table, and looked between her [i]business[/i]. She pressed the tips of her fingers together to form a tent. "Now, are we going to stare at each other, or do you want me to make [i]magic[/i]." They all looked between each other for a moment. "... Very well, Ms. Crest." "Good, now enough pussyfooting." Tabitha pressed a button on a remote, and the projector on the center of the table began glowing as it displayed a massive green globe that shined a bright green light all over the room. Tabitha didn't even flinch as she leaned forward. "Recently, I've been devoting a great deal of the ISD efforts towards figuring out just [i]why[/i] more Metahumans have been appearing since the Verthaven Disaster." She grabbed her wine, and took another sip of it. "The ISD has, under the watchful eye of DOVE, [i]extensively[/i] examined Metahumans that manifested before the Verthaven disaster, and [i]after[/i] it. There are no functional difference between them, other than the time they manifested. So, I had to dig a little deeper, and look at things from a global scale." Right now, Tabitha's breath reeked of wine. Yet, she was fully able to maintain a conversation. "I've been in contact with governments around the world... some have been less than receptive, but I've managed to gain enough information to come up with a theory." "A [i]theory?[/i]" One of the scientists said. "Come now, can't we expect [i]more[/i] from the great Tabitha Crest than a simple [i]theory?[/i]" [i]Idiot.[/i] That made Tabitha roll her eyes up into her head. "We have never been able to pinpoint [i]anything[/i] about Metahumans. The Black Fall Effect, Ashing. Forget what those mouth-breathers outside think, it's all just a bunch of [i]theories[/i] and ideas. There are currently no explanations on how [i]any[/i] of this works, and it's unlikely we'll ever get one. It's just that [i]my[/i] theories make the most sense given what we know. Now hush now." That made everyone be quiet. Tabitha pressed another button, and a massive of tiny dots appeared on the screen. Starting from one dot, a line formed in which connected one dot to another. It branched out in several directions as the dots all over the world were being connected. "My theory is that Metahumans are [i]much[/i] more connected than we once thought." Tabitha started off with her explanation. "That, and disasters and events all over the world have some kind of an impact on their manifestation rate. As if they are connected to the [i]world itself.[/i]" She raised a finger in the air. More of the dots - now an analogy for Metahumans - were connected than ever before. "Which brings me to two conclusions," Tabitha started off. "One; more people than we thought have the potential to become a Metahuman. And two; perhaps a [i]similar[/i] event has taken place in the past that caused the growth of Metahumans? We [i]know[/i] that there was only a small amount of Metahumans when they first started. Wouldn't it make sense that perhaps [i]something[/i] triggered further growth?" "I..." One of the scientists said. "Good." Tabitha said as she got up out of the chair. "I'm going to spend a few months studying this... I'll have something conclusive in a few months. Hm... perhaps I'll come up with a name for this new [i]effect[/i]. Perhaps the [i]"Verthaven Effect"[/i] would be a good name, ja?" "Understood, ma'am." One of the scientists said, before they all scattered. Once they were gone, Tabitha pulled a phone out of her suit and punched in a number.... [hr][h1][i]10:43 AM. June 12th, 2022. Present Day...[/i][/h1][hr] It was a great morning in Baybridge, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the many inhabitants of Baybridge were getting up. It was a great day indeed - because tonight is the night where the Liu Pharmaceutical Company finally opens the new Strong Gold Community in Silver Hills. There's going to be a big celebration in this new community hosted by the Company. There's going to be vendors, fun, games, and everything. This is easily one of the most anticipated event of the year. [hr][i][h1][color=dodgerblue]Lihua Zhao[/color], & [color=red]Meifeng Zhao[/color][/h1][/i][hr][hider=Kid Cudi - Going to the Ceremony][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbo3BA8jW84[/youtube][/hider][hr] [i][u]Outside Baybridge, approaching fast.[/u][/i] It's been so long. Meifeng's black motorcycle raged as it flew through the roads leading up into Baybridge. Instead of taking the bridge itself, Meifeng took one of the roads around the river. She just went this route because she thought it was a great view of Lake Fair Cove. The perfect view that made the roads less traveled so much easier. She went fast as she wanted to because there wasn't anyone on these roads (Not even cops, they already know it's a waste of time to patrol these roads). Meifeng just hated the fact that she spent so long away from Baybridge... even though she called the city home. She was out protecting it - or at least trying to. No matter who she fought, or who she killed, another just replaced them. She made no difference... She finally passed the sign that said "WELCOME TO BAYBRIDGE - WHITE COAST" Which meant she's officially in Baybridge. It almost brought a tear to her eye. She pressed the pedal even harder, and picked up speed. She started seeing buildings, and traffic started to pick up a bit, which is what Meifeng slow down. If she was correct, she [i]should[/i] be in Green Crest. However, if memory serves her right... she swerved over to the right lane, and took a right. After twenty or so minutes, she left the streets, and ended up on a boardwalk. She slowly rode along the boardwalk until she had finally come to a stop. She looked to the side, and there was a line of stores, she sighed as she walked up into a souvenir shop. A simple souvenir shop that sold beach-like, and beach-themed merchandise. Meifeng took a step inside, and picked up a large snow globe with a sea shell inside of it. Meifeng reached into her pocket, and then dug out her cellphone. Afterwards, she went through her contacts, and found "Mom." [hr] [i][u]Greencrest Heights, White Coast.[/u][/i] It's been another hard, lonely night, for the middle-aged Lihua Zhao. It's a Saturday, which meant that she has the entire day to herself. Though, the same went for the last night. She was in the bounds of her "office" room, doing what she usually did on a Friday night; decode Luis's diary. Except, this time, she spent a little too into it and ended up staying awake until three in the morning. The restless hard-worker she was made it difficult to simply "stop and go to sleep" when she's on the verge of a breakthrough! Luis was a smart man... He might have been a comedian in all but name, but definitely not stupid. This... tattered books has so many secrets in here. Answers that people have been searching for. And Lihua is no where [i]near[/i] done. She's been working tirelessly on this book ever since she got it seven years ago. Juggling several other responsibilities (Primarily her job and the young Lijuan), [i]and[/i] the fact that Luis wrote this diary in several other languages (Cryptically, at that), made it difficult to make real progress on it. She would have made some real progress on it by now if she had enlisted some help. However, the self-reliant Lihua Zhao never trusted anyone else with this information. Patience was key here, Lihua was willing to juggle all of her other responsibilities with her hobby of decoding Luis' diary. There was no rush... at the moment. Still, Lihua knew that developing an obsession over the diary would be counter-intuitive. She had much better things to do. Though, all that hard work meant that she passed out. The woman was spent her entire night sleeping on a keyboard rather than a bed. Her head was peacefully rested on the side of the computer table, and she was loudly snoring. She would have most likely been sleeping there for a few more hours at least. [i]Would have.[/i] There was a loud knocking at her door, which awoken the sleep Lihua. She raised her head up, and started rubbing her eyes as she stared at the door. She usually locks the door because she doesn't want Lijuan poking around in her office (Where she keeps the backup key for her power suppressant collar, and she doesn't want her messing with her work anyhow). Which meant that it had to be Lijuan at the door. A yawn escaped her lips as she pushed herself away from her desk, and started taking slow and deliberate steps towards the door. Before she opened it, she looked down at her white bath robe just to check if she was appropriate. She realized that her strap was open somewhat, and a little bit of her skin was exposed. Lihua quickly tucked it in- "Mommy, are you okay?" The highpitched voice that belonged to Lijuan. This time, a sigh escaped Lihua's lips. "... It's okay, Lijuan." She answered as she finally strapped her bathrobe tightly. After she was done with her adjustments, she unlocked the door, and turned the door open to see a child that was roughly [i]half[/i] her own height. With a black bowl cut that looked almost exactly like her own hair, this child was Lijuan Zhao. Second daughter of Lihua, and held quite closely. Lihua always told herself that Lijuan was going to do [i]great[/i] things. The child, wearing pink pajamas with Princesses on them or something simple, looked up at Lihua. The mother responded by ruffing her hands through Lijuan's hair. "I was just asleep." Lihua answered with a disarming smile on her face. "Is everything okay?" "I'm [i]hungry[/i]." Lijuan answered, clenching her fists, getting on her tip toes. Which exposed the power suppressant collar around her neck. She put her hand on her daughter's shoulder, and began guiding the child towards the kitchen. "Alright, let me make you some oatmeal." [hr] After getting her Lijuan some breakfast, Lihua went out to her living room floor with a mat. Wearing a T-shirt, and some yoga pants, Lihua grabbed the remote and turned the TV on, and the first thing she saw when the TV was on was a news report. A CNN reporter was standing in front of a camera holding a microphone. [i]"... It has been five months since the Metahuman known as the Beast showed up in Prague and went on a rampage. He served to be too much of a problem for the Czech military, so they sent out a desperate plea for the world to come help. And many answered. Including the American RAVEN."[/i] The screen changed to an image of the Beast - a tall man that was made out of a bright glowing lava, he was faceless other than his wide mouth - firing a blast of fire at a building and knocked it over. [i]"He was battled fiercely by the combined efforts of European and American Metahuman Regulation forces."[/i] A video was displayed of the Beast getting struck with a missile - which harmlessly exploded inside of him - and he reformed after the explosion. He roared as he pointed both hands forward and created a sweeping inferno that raged through the group. A Metahuman from France slammed his hands into the ground, and created a massive ice barrier which converted into steam on contact. Another Metahuman jumped from behind the shield and fired a laser beam which hit the Beast in the chest, and a flying Metahuman flew in and punched the flaming Beast like it was nothing. Sending the brute flying. [i]"Many RAVENs have been commended for their outstanding heroism defending Prague, among them are agents Jacqueline Mason, Braden Sneed, Ronald Fox, Cora Haas, Alejandro Fairchild, and Meifeng Zhao."[/i] "Oh?" Lihua raised an eyebrow as she paid attention. [i]"Meifeng Zhao in particular has been making rounds all over Prague for risking her life to save a group of civilians - including children, elderly, and pregnant women - from the Beast when he got away from Meta-Regulation."[/i] The screen showed a news feed from out of the way of the fighting of Meifeng and the Beast on a street, and behind Meifeng was a building full of civilians that were quickly running out. Meifeng was surfing on an orb of water to quickly dip and dive out of the way of the Beast's fireballs. He slammed his foot onto the ground and covered the ground in spikes, which Meifeng hopped up into the air to dodge. She fired a barrage of ice blades at the Beast which immediately evaporated. He pointed both hands at Meifeng, and managed to catch her with a fireball which knocked her down. The Beast was about to fire another barrage of fire at her, when he was caught with a missile, and a barrage of bullets. Lihua shook her head. She heard about this months ago, and all she could say was that child was foolish. Headstrong. Overly heroic. [i]I hope she's okay.[/i] [i]"Meifeng Zhao has earned the title of "Hero of Prague" for her actions, and was promptly healed after the incident by a metahuman that was helping in Prague."[/i] The male reporter nodded his head. [i]"This has greatly bolstered relations between America and Europe. Currently, regulation agencies, military offices, and intelligence agencies all over Europe have been attempting to track where the Beast came from. Which is unfortunately hard since there are no discernible leads. Extra-Sensory type Metahumans are being called in to gather information."[/i] He nodded his head. "Recently, Maximilian Cornell, Chairmen of RAVEN, has released this statement," Standing in front of the RAVEN/DOVE Joint Headquarters in Black Fall was a tall man with European features, wearing a black suit. He was muscular, and sported a black beard from his time in Verthaven. He crossed his arms. At his side was a wheelchair bound woman with a head of black curly hair that almost looked like an afro. She wore a similar suit and sophisticated squared glasses. "First, my heart goes out to the people of Prague who have suffered - I heard what was going on in Prague, and immediately sent some RAVENs over there to assist the moment I could. After the Verthaven Disaster... in which I was personally apart of, I just couldn't stand by and let other people suffer. I wish I could have been there personally. Now, me, RAVEN, and the brave DOVE will be doing all in their power to stop a disaster like this from happening again-" [hr] That was when Lihua changed the channel, and instead changed to her yoga instructor. She, honestly, had little interest in that at the moment. What she [i]wanted[/i] to do was get this yoga out the way so she can start her day. Lihua grabbed the table, and gently slid it to the side as she put her mat down. She laid down on the back of the mat, as her "instructor" told her what to do. First thing that Lihua did was lie down on her back, and then brought her feet up close to her body up until her knees were up in the air, her feet firmly placed on the floor. She gently rocked her hips towards her face, and felt her back touch the floor. After a few brief seconds, Lihua inhaled and let her hips return to their normal position. Doing this was so good for her back - better than those pills. After a break, she did the same thing. Up until she had done this motion like ten times. She let out a sigh when she flipped over and reverted to another yoga position. Getting on all fours, Lihua stood with her back in a neutral position, hands aligned with her shoulders. She took in a breath, before she arced her stomach in, and curled her back. Raising her head up slightly as she looked up at the ceiling. She then reverted her back to a neutral position after a few minutes- Lihua's phone started ringing with a generic ringtone. She rolled her eyes as she was being utterly [i]interrupted.[/i] She would have been content with ignoring it, but Lijuan walked into the room and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. "Just leave it alone, sweetie-" "It's big sis." "Give it here." Lihua was quick to answer, putting her hand out as she [i]desperately[/i] tried to maintain her balance. Lijuan walked over, and handed Lihua the phone, who quickly pressed answer, and tucked the phone under her neck. [i]"Hey, Mom."[/i] Meifeng lowly said in Chinese. [i]"Hey, yeah, how are you?"[/i] [i]"Perfectly fine."[/i] Lihua answered as she arced her back upwards. [i]"I haven't heard from you ever since the Battle of Prague. How [/i]have[i] you been?"[/i] Meifeng was silent on the other end of the line, which concerned Lihua for a few moments. [i]"I've been taking a few months off just to... see the world. I felt like I was getting a little out of touch lately."[/i] Meifeng said. [i]"Just to remind myself."[/i] [i]"If you ever feel that way, a break might be necessary."[/i] Lihua nodded her head as she arced her back downward again. [i]"Perhaps we can talk more? You haven't been calling as of late. Though, I have to commend you for what you did in Prague."[/i] She let the words hang in the air for a moment. [i]"I'm even more proud of you than ever before."[/i] Meifeng nodded her head. [i]"It was the right thing to do."[/i] She took a step around, and grabbed that snowglobe. [i]"Quick question; doesn't Lijuan like snow globes?"[/i] [i]"Right."[/i] Lihua answered. [i]"Alright, I'll be sure to give this to her when I get there." [/i]Meifeng said. [i]"Wait, you're-"[/i] Lihua quickly answered. [i]"Yeah, I just arrived in town...[/i] surprise." Meifeng said in a deadpan way. [i]"I was assigned back to Baybridge, I wanted to keep it a secret... up until I'm here." [/i] [i]"Good, we have much to talk about."[/i] Lihua said. [i]"Lijuan hasn't seen you in years... she's grown a bit, yeah."[/i] Lihua was quiet for a second. [i]"... She looks up to you, you know?"[/i] Lihua said. [i]"Up until you teach her to look down on people."[/i] Meifeng said with a cheeky grin. [i]"Yeah, I'm going to swing by and we'll chat, yeah?"[/i] Lihua nodded her head. [i]"Yes."[/i] [i]"Good."[/i] Meifeng said. [i]"I'll be off."[/i] [i]"I have to finish my stretches anyway." [/i]Lihua said, in Chinese.[i] "Goodbye."[/i] Meifeng paused for a moment. [i]"Goodbye."[/i] She answered in her native tongue. They both hung up the phone. Well, Lihua can always skip yoga today. She got up off the ground and stretched her neck to the side (Depressing her shoulder in the process). She took a few steps into her kitchen, and saw Lijuan finishing up her oatmeal. The child looked up at her, and briefly scratched at the skin underneath this black collar of hers. "Lijuan," Lihua said as she walked up the table. "Get dressed..." The child raised an eyebrow. "... We're going to have a guest." [hr][i][h1][color=skyblue]Wendy Emily Lucker[/color][/h1][/i][hr][hider=Darius - S/Ash][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1sAT7ACHqA[/youtube][/hider][hr] [pre]Welcome to the Metahuman Scene: A free online discussion board concerning discussion on Metahumans, or Metahuman related events. ➤ Login? Username: PaperSister_07 Password: ******************* You are now logged into the Metahuman Scene. [hr] You are viewing: Boards ➤ Metahuman Discussion ➤ Metahuman Experiences ➤ Questions ➤ Topic: Paper Manipulation AMA by PaperSister_07 Posted on June 11th, 2022: Hi, I'm PaperSister_07, I'm, as the topic suggests, a paper manipulating Metahuman that currently lives in Stadium City. I had the ability to manipulate paper since I was like eleven years old, and I've gotten pretty good at it. I can control paper, transform into it, store it inside of me, and can manipulate ink to a limited extent. Does anyone have any questions? I'd be glad to answer. [hr] ➤ proudfire Posted on June 11th, 2022: Paper manipulation, that is a neat power to have. It must make carrying books a breeze? [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: Yeah, I'm a big book nerd - it's funny isn't it? I don't use it all the time, but sometimes I use my ability to move a book around, arrange my collection, etc. [hr] ➤ Beachchikk Posted on June 11th, 2022: Can you show me an example of your ability? Like can you take a picture of some constructs? [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: @Beachchikk: Sure. I'll make an art piece and take some pics, okay? [hr] ➤ JusticeWunder Posted on June 11th, 2022: Sounds like a lame power. [hr] ➤ SexualChurchgoer (Moderator) Posted on June 11th, 2022: @JusticeWunder: Such comments aren't welcome here, please ask a constructive question or receive a warning. [hr] ➤ JusticeWunder Posted on June 11th, 2022: Okay, okay... Have you ever gotten into a fight with your paper power? [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: I've gotten into a few practice fights with my older sister... but nothing real. Tbh, I don't want to piss off DOVE or RAVEN and have them bang down my door. lol [hr] ➤ Beachchikk Posted on June 11th, 2022: Understandable, there was a RAVEN who broke my brother's nose when he got into a fight with a member of the Allegiance. Bastard even had the nerve to say that my bro was "threatening" him. Half these RAVENs need to get their badge taken from them, and a shift kick in the ass. [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: Yeeeeeeah, the RAVENs are a bit... overzealous. I don't really want to tangle with them. I just keep my head down and worry about myself. I thought about joining DOVE, but as much as I love "Meta-Politics" I'm not really interested in being tied down to them. Though, the DOVE that I know is really nice. [hr] ➤ 52Pickup Posted on June 11th, 2022: The DOVEs are the sane ones, as much as good old Maximilian Cornell likes to talk big, he's just turning a blind eye to all the REAL problems going on in RAVEN [hr] ➤ JudoChick Posted on June 11th, 2022: @52Pickup: C'mon, you can't say that about ALL the RAVENs. Some are really nice. [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: Gotta agree with @Judochick here. There's going to be good, and then there's going to be bad. That's just a simple fact of life. [hr] ➤ 52Pickup Posted on June 11th, 2022: @JudoChick: You're just saying that because your mom's a RAVEN. Sucking up to mommy, eh? @Papersister_07: And in this situation, there's a LOT more bad than good. [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: I can't believe I'm the one that's defending this group; but can you REALLY say that? You're not a RAVEN, you don't know what's going on in there, and who's good or not. Stop accentuating the negatives. [hr] ➤ JudoChick Posted on June 11th, 2022: @52Pickup: This isn't JUST about her, Maximilian Cornell saved me and my brother during the Verthaven Disaster. He has my respect forever. [hr] ➤ 52Pickup Posted on June 11th, 2022: Or so you say. I see a LOT of people saying they were a "survivor" of the Verthaven disaster on this forum, and lots of those people are full of shit. [hr] ➤ SexualChurchgoer (Moderator) Posted on June 11th, 2022: Remember to STAY on topic. This isn't a discussion on RAVEN, Maximilian Cornell, or any of their actions, this is merely a Q&A and it better go back to that. @52Pickup: This is your second warning for derailing threads/flaming, one more and you'll be banned from the site. [hr] ➤ JudoChick Posted on June 11th, 2022: Um, yeah, Papersister, you said that you can turn into paper? How's that like? [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: @JudoChick: It's certainly odd to say the least. Very hard to describe unless you're a Meta like me. Like, I'm a hundred fluttering pieces of paper and I can control each of them at once. It's... an experience. Flying like a flock of birds. It can feel quite liberating. Long as I hold my breath... I am limitless. @Beachchikk: Also, I got you the pictures you wanted. [VIEW LINK] [hr] ➤ JudoChick Posted on June 11th, 2022: @Papersister_07: So it's connected to your breath? [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: @Judochick: Yup, long as I hold my breath, I can be one with the paper. Heh. [hr] ➤ Countless_Fool Posted on June 11th, 2022: Oh! How far apart can you spread yourself? [hr] ➤ Beachchikk Posted on June 11th, 2022: Thanks, that looks really good. You should put that up in a Museum! :D [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 (Original Poster) Posted on June 11th, 2022: @Countless_Fool: lol I never really tried it since I USUALLY just reform a few seconds later. I never really tried to see how far I can spread myself, but I know it's like a cluster - one piece can't go that far away from the cluster... If that makes sense. Page 1 - 2. [hr] Boards ➤ Metahuman Events ➤ Prague NOTICE: DUE TO A MASSIVE FLAMEWAR, THE PRAGUE BOARD HAS BEEN LOCKED. 1/24/22 [hr] ➤ Topic: What's Going on in Prague by Dead_Editor [LOCKED] Posted on January 10th, 2022: Okay, this so called "Battle of Prague" has been making the rounds lately. Like, everyone is talking about it now. To sum it up, there's a big ass lava meta going on a rampage in Prague and the Czech Republic had to call in the big guns just to save the day. What we know: 1). The Meta in question is called "The Beast." 2). He has high-tiered Pyrokinesis, Terrakinesis, and most likely Geo-Thermokinesis. Far stronger than anything else we've seen thus far. Is also apparently invincible because he tanked a 50. cal like it's nothing. 3). He has killed thousands already. 4). He was killed by a joint attack by everyone hitting him with everything they got. Just use this thread to discuss the battle of Prague. Who the Beast is. And whatever. Just keep the hysteria to a minimum. [hr] ➤ Iron_Hound Posted on January 10th, 2022: First the Devil of Verthaven, and now this? It feels like these Metas won't stop popping up until one gets lucky and finally kills everyone. Or blows up the universe. [hr] ➤ Judochick Posted on January 10th, 2022: Do we know who this Beast guy is? People don't just get up, get superpowers, then go on rampages. [hr] ➤ Red_Knight Posted on January 10th, 2022: No, but I got a feeling the Hands of Science have SOMETHING to do with it. Their magical potions already created one pain in the ass. [hr] ➤ Dead_Editor Posted on January 10th, 2022: I probably should have said to keep the whole ordeal STRICTLY fact based. I don't think ANYONE has time for finger pointing, and these stupid "portents of doom" that everyone insists on posting are seriously getting annoying. Like seriously, some of you are starting to sound like The Order. [hr] ➤ Girlidot Posted on January 10th, 2022: @Dead_Editor: At this point I'M ready to accept Metahumans as my God. [hr] ➤ White_Glint Posted on January 10th, 2022: We can't HELP but entertain the idea that SOMEONE OUT THERE created the Beast. Can @Green_Bird care to comment? [hr] ➤ Green_Bird (Verified DOVE) Posted on January 10th, 2022: DOVE, RAVEN, The KMD, the DGMHS, or the MISW have no evidence that confirms the Beast was "created." As far as the collective agencies are aware, The Beast is simply a "Prime" Metahuman that appeared. We also have no evidence that leads to his identity, his affiliations, etc. [hr] ➤ Iron_Hound Posted on January 10th, 2022: That's even worse if he was just a random dude who got that kind of power. [hr] ➤ 52Pickup Posted on January 10th, 2022: Great. The mighty "Metahuman Regulation Agencies" of the world - who are supposed to keep on top of this - have their heads shoved so far up their own ass that they can watch their food digest. I'm starting to get the idea that you guys aren't even TRYING - or better yet, benefiting from it. You need your job security, after all. Also @Green_Bird, is it you talking, or is it your boss talking? Tell her to stop being a pussy and come out and say something to the press instead of getting her patsies to speak for her. [hr] ➤ Green_Bird (Verified DOVE) [DELETED] Posted on January 10th, 2022: I was POLITELY asked, along with many other trusted DOVEs, to pass this information around. The combined Agencies are STILL investigating this matter, but there's no DNA on the Beast or any other way to identify him. There's no signs that he was affiliated with anyone. So that makes it IMPOSSIBLE to determine who he is, or where he came from. You know what that word means? Here let me google it for you: Impossible im·pos·si·ble adjective able to occur, exist, or be done If you want to insult us, fine. If you want to think less of us for not being able to pull a lead out our ass, that's fine too. But don't EVER say we're not doing the best we can. RAVEN helped eliminate the Beast, DOVE is trying to do damage control for the inevitable backlash when it reaches American, and if that still isn't enough for you people, then I speak for every DOVE when I say we don't give a shit about your backassward opinion. [hr] ➤ Judochick Posted on January 10th, 2022: Whoa, a little testy there @Green_Bird? [hr] ➤ Green_Bird (Verified DOVE) Posted on January 10th, 2022: Sorry, but I have a friend that got injured in Prague... I should definitely delete that before I give them more fuel. lol [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 Posted on January 10th, 2022: I wouldn't say that you were THAT out of line. What I'm curious about @Green_Bird is this "Damage control" you spoke of a few posts up. Is DOVE going to do damage control in Prague? [hr] ➤ Green_Bird (Verified DOVE) Posted on January 10th, 2022: No... The usual stupid bullshit; hysteria is just going to ramp right back up here in the states when we managed to get it to calm down just a LITTLE. Even though it happened all the way in Europe... well, just look at the news. But I should probably take the time to say that my heart goes out to the people of Prague, and everyone in it. I hope peace returns to the Czech republic soon. [hr] ➤ Papersister_07 Posted on January 10th, 2022: Yeah, it sounds rough. Do you know how long the RAVENs there are going to stay in Prague? [hr] ➤ SexualChurchgoer (Moderator) Posted on January 10th, 2022: Locking this thread. This is the EIGHTH thread about what's going on in the Czech Republic. Take any discussion about the Prague incident here: [LINK] Page - 1 [/pre] [hr][i][u]Academy 61, Roseview.[/u][/i] Sitting down in skyblue pajamas, Wendy browsed her Academy provided computer... she should be using this for school purposes, but she couldn't be bothered with that right now. It's a Saturday, and a very special day at that: the Strong Gold Community is going to open! While Wendy wasn't excited for the community itself, there was going to be a big celebration that could have plenty of opportunities for pictures to be taken (Without looking weird). She didn't know what kind of party it'd be, but it should be family friendly. If the Allegiance doesn't come in and destroy everything, that is. Wendy scratched the side of her leg as she got up out of the chair. It's already ten and she hasn't showered. She better fix that or else she'd receive even [i]more[/i] teasing from her friends. She stepped over towards her dresser, and then looked at the stack of paper that she kept next to it. It's usually something that she keeps laying around for practice (and to take pictures of power demonstrations for Metahuman Scene). She swiped her hand across, and the paper went flying up into the air in an elegant display. Once it was in the air, it floated for a few seconds, before it quickly flew down and formed a identical copy of the Academy. Perfectly constructed out of paper. She smiled at the progress she made for a moment. Afterwards, she dug through her dresser for a moment before she chose her clothing for the day: a white blouse with a brown skirt, and a brown trench coat. She held her clothes in one hand as she stepped into the bathroom. She placed her clothes down on the sink as she stood still for a moment. That was when her skin took a paper white color and texture as her body quickly began turning into paper. She transformed into a cloud of paper that floated with her pajamas on top of it. The storm of paper wrestled it's way out of her clothes, and it hit the ground just as it gathered back together and reformed. Impractical? Yes. Flashy? Yes. But it sure was cool. With that out the way, Wendy took a few steps into the shower and then turned it on. She stepped inside and felt the hot water splash against her skin... Though, she didn't shower for that long. She is a pretty cleanly person, after all. Wendy made sure to clean her hair above all else. After she was done, Wendy turned the knob, and turned the water right off. She took a step out, dried herself off with her towel, and placed her clothes on. Now, she was... Aw, damn it, she forgot her satchel. Feeling annoyed, Wendy stepped outside of the bathroom, back into her room, and then looked around. Wendy quickly walked over to her precious satchel, and opened it up. She checked and she found her camera, some books... and much more. Feeling delighted she found it, Wendy put the satchel over her shoulder, and started pacing her way out of the room. She didn't know what she was going to do up until this big old party. Maybe she'll find Jade. [hr][i][h1][color=firebrick]Auri Auclair[/color][/h1][/i][hr][hider=Massive Attack - Black Milk][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li-adM-qOwI[/youtube][/hider][hr] [i][u]Strongriver Plaza, Hedgemount.[/u][/i] Groaning as Auri suddenly came awake. She felt something disturbing her bed as she turned her head. She saw a girl getting dressed the moment she blinked - the girl sliding on her underwear. Auri tried to lift her head up, but she had a [i]pounding[/i] headache. She grabbed the side of her head, and clenched it a little bit as she looked around. Every light felt like it was a literal sun, and every small sound was pounding on her ears. Despite her years of drinking alcohol heavily, and partying like she just didn't care... ... Hangovers were still a bitch. After gathering her bearings, Auri reached over towards her apartment window and closed the blinds which made the light a little bit more bearable. Thank God. With what little light was seeping in, Auri turned her head and tried to get a good look at the woman - It was Lupe Bellasquez, one of the strippers at her aunt's clubs. An average heighted Spanish woman (She was like five different countries), which curves in all the right places. The perfect well-built stripper body. Though, she was an on and off thing for Auri. No real relationship. When Auri groaned, Lupe looked back at her and winked. Auri then remembered what happened last night. "That was fun, right?" Lupe said with a cocky smile on her face as she put her jean shorts on - sticking her butt out for Auri. "But I gotta go... perhaps we can do this again tonight?" She winked at Auri. "... Yeah." Auri groaned into the pillow, painfully hung over. "Alright, then," Lupe said, as she started walking out towards the door, "I'll see ya' at work." Lupe stepped out the door, and Auri couldn't even be bothered with getting up and locking the door to her own apartment. She wanted to just put her head down and try to get back to sleep.... Her phone started loudly ringing. Auri almost cried as she flipped over and grabbed it... the light it was giving off made her squint because of how [i]sensitive[/i] her vision is right now. [i]Viollette Croquetaigne.[/i] Oh no... Please. It was her [i]boss[/i] slash [i]aunt[/i]. She was now remembering everything she was supposed to do last night - instead going to play around with Lupe. As much as Auri wanted to hang up the phone, that would just cause her some more problems. She pressed the answer button, and pressed it against her ear, "[i]Hello, miss Auclair.[/i]" Auri heard the thick, French, voice of her aunt as they spoke in their native language. "[i]You know what you forgot to do last night...?"[/i] [i]"Yes..."[/i] Auri awkwardly answered in French. [i]"Oh?"[/i] Viollette said in a mock tone. [i]"Then why didn't you close up the club after I left like I asked?"[/i] [i]"It was just that... miss Bellasquez..."[/i] Auri trailed off. [i]"Me and Lupe had a chat... and then we started kissing, and then it ended up back in my apartment...."[/i] [i]"I understand that you are in touch with your sexuality - but don't forget that you are still a member of the Society."[/i] Viollette sternly said in French. [i]"You have responsibilities if you still wish to enjoy our benefits.[/i] Do you understand?" Auri sighed. [i]"... I understand."[/i] [i]"Good, because you'll have to bring this party-girl nonsense to a close. There is a time and place for everything, Miss Auclair."[/i] Viollette said. [i]"Goodbye."[/i] Auri found herself sighing yet again. [i]"Goodbye."[/i] Viollette hung up the phone, and Auri feels annoyed... She's always being treated as a child. Nothing but a patsy. When she was the one who was the diplomat for the Society, more or less. However, as annoyed as she is at the moment, she chose to just lay her head down, and go back to sleep. She needed to be ready today. [hr][i][h1][color=springgreen]Cindy Gabrielle Keagan[/color], & The Agents of DOVE/RAVEN.[/h1][/i][hr][hider=Zhu - Cocaine Model][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThUtI7LB17Y[/youtube][/hider][hr] [i][u]West Woodlake, Hedgemount.[/u][/i] Dressed up in a nice suit with the DOVE badge on her chest, the dashing Cindy Keagan stepped out of a DOVE cruiser that had the logo on the side. She was wearing round glasses, and she adjusted them as she looked up at the house - a simple two story house with green siding that you'd expect a middle class family to have - and reached back inside the vehicle and pulled out a black suit case. She walked up the stairs to the household, and then knocked on the door. She held the suit case in front of her as she heard footsteps quickly come towards the door. The door swung open, and Cindy was immediately greeted to a sight that was best saved for a circus. A woman with curly red hair was absolutely [i]covered[/i] in a thick, glowing green, goo, and had a infant that was covered in the same goo in one hand. Behind her the furniture was coated with the same goo. She looked exasperated for a moment (A little confused, too), then she smiled. "Hello, ma'am, I am Cindy Keagan with DOVE." Cindy greeted the woman. "Thank goodness, did Ralph's collar application get approved?" The woman asked. "Yes, ma'am." Cindy said with a cordial smile on her face. "Thank [i]goodness.[/i]" The woman said in pure relief. She basically dragged Cindy through the house the moment she latched onto it. "Come on, I[i] quarantined[/i] him in the bathroom." "Hey, wait, ma'am, you don't [i]have[/i] to drag me." Cindy said as she tried to squirm out of the woman's grasp, but she was so [i]bent[/i] on dragging Cindy to her son. You see, Ralph was a Metahuman that manifested an ability so harmless that he would likely stay off the DOVE radar for months. While it was harmless... it made up for it by being incredibly annoying. Which prompted this desperate woman to apply for a power suppressant collar, which was [i]gladly[/i] approved. The woman finally lead Cindy into the bathroom. Which was barricaded with a chair, the woman quickly kicked it aside with enough force that it looked like she was going to break her own foot. She stood at one side of the door, and said, "He's in there." With a thick Irish accent. She started knocking on the door. "Alright, Ralphy, a nice lady's here to stop your little problem, okay?" She said, obviously strained. "Please don't vomit anymore goo. [i]Please.[/i]" "Mhm." A young voice said on the other side. Cindy was tempted to use her glass powers to create a shield, but she knew that long as this little boy kept his mouth close, he couldn't use his power. He was a nice little boy, and Cindy trusted that. She nodded her head towards the woman as she opened the door and got a full view of a tiny bathroom with blue tiles - which was hard to really see due to being coated with a glowing slime. Sitting on the toilet (the one place that wasn't slimed) was a young boy that had to be eleven with a poorly maintained head of red hair that needed to be cut. He was wearing a simple t-shirt and some athletic shorts. "[i]Please[/i] keep your mouth closed, Ralph." The mother said. "Or you're grounded" "Hey, Ralph." Cindy said with a disarming smile as she set the briefcase down outside the bathroom. She unhinged the locks, and opened it, and inside was a power suppressant collar that was strapped down. She undid the straps, and grabbed the collar. Carefully holding it in her hands. "This is going to make everything better, baby. Just keep calm...." While she was talking, she was taking careful and deliberate steps towards Ralph, keeping that disarming smile on her face. It was the worst thing ever stepping on each pile of the goo, but she can clean her shoes off later. She was more worried about slipping and landing face first into the stuff - that, fortunately, was not a problem. Cindy was taking closer and closer steps towards the boy, and then she was mere [i]inches[/i] from grabbing him, when she tried to put the collar around his neck- Then the boy opened his mouth wide and Cindy felt like she was staring into the abyss. An absolute [i]storm[/i] of the green goo came flying out of his gullet and engulfed Cindy's upper body in it. [i]Literally[/i] the worst thing that could happen in this situation. When the boy closed his mouth, Cindy just stood there. [i]Shocked[/i] because that just happened. She couldn't see anything but green, and she could feel it [i]all over her.[/i] In her hair, on her clothes, even seeping through her clothes and touching her skin. It was wet, slippery, and it was very foamy. It felt [i]awful[/i]. While she was trying to wipe this stuff out her eyes, Little "Ralphy" started laughing, and Cindy was [i]this[/i] close to strangling a little boy to death. It would be worth every second of it. She gave the boy the worst death glare of his life - and his mother was concerned that Cindy would do it. However, she grabbed onto his shoulders, and snapped the power suppressant collar right around his neck surprisingly roughly. The boy opened his mouth, and nothing happened. His mother sighed in relief... before she exploded into pure rage because of the actions of her son. [i]"RALPHY! I [b]CAN'T[/b] BELIEVE YOU DID THAT! YOU ARE GROUNDED FOR A MONTH!"[/i] She screamed at the very top of her lungs, and took in a deep breath. All while Cindy was trying to wipe herself off. "Oh, miss, I am[i] so[/i] sorry. Here, let me get you some towels." The woman said as she went through her cabinets. "Yeah, yeah, it's cool." Cindy said. "Just... let me go." She said, completely [i]humiliated.[/i] She took a few steps back, and then knelt down and grabbed the suitcase. There was supposed to be some paperwork she's supposed to fill out. But the only thing on her mind was getting the hell out of here. [hr] [i][u]RAVEN/DOVE West Coast Joint Headquarters, White Coast.[/u][/i] Cindy ran through the doors of the headquarters with an id card in hand. When she made it through the metal (And Metahuman) detectors, she slid a card into the slot and kept running. Certainly catching odd looks from everyone else as she took every step. She passed a tall African-American man that she barely recognized in her sprint. She merely pushed him aside and kept running. Up until she made it to the locker rooms, she charged her way inside and quickly started disrobing. Unzipping this uncomfortable suit, leaving it on the ground, as she quickly made it over to the stalls. She bent forward a bit as she took off her underwear and quickly went through the various stalls. Cindy thought that one stall was free, threw it open, and was immediately greeted to a naked redhaired Agent. "Oh! Sorry!" Cindy apologized as she quickly went to the next open stall. Cindy quickly turned the shower tall on and immediately felt relief as the hot water washed this glowing green goo crap right off her. She let out a long "Ahhhhh" as the water simply hit her skin. She grabbed a sponge, and soaked it with some water and then went to work. Scrubbing herself up until the green goo was cleansed from her skin. Cindy nodded her head as she put her hair directly into the water. [i]That[/i] was what she was most concerned about - Oh! She forgot she had special shampoo for when things like this happened... it's only in her locker. She poked her head out her shower stall. It's only a brief run - though, she's just now realizing that she basically ran all through the locker room with her ass out trying to find a stall. Cindy also realized that, out of all the things she grabbed, she didn't grab a towel. God damn it. Well, might as well give the lesbians in the agency another show. Blushing, Cindy quickly ran to her locker, and then grabbed everything she needed (A few towels, a few shower caps, and of course, her shampoo) after she opened it. Mostly her shampoo. Despite her overreactions, no one really paid any mind to her. She went back to her stall and quickly wet her hair again before she applied the conditioner. She lightly rubbed the shampoo into her scalp as slowly moved downwards and applied the shampoo onto her braids. After she was done cleaning her hair, she turned off the nozzle, before she grabbed her shower caps. She wrapped her braids into neat buns as she put the shower caps over them. Content, she wrapped the towel around her head and stepped out of the stall. She found herself a bench, and sat down on it. Patiently waiting twenty minutes. She gently patted her head with her towel, trying her best to get the water out her hair. Cindy repeated this for a little while as she drained her hair. Then she just sat there. Waiting for her hair to dry. Cindy simply got up, and grabbed her spare clothes out of her locker. A simple blouse, and some pants. She let out a sigh... and wondered if she could bug Deborah to get DOVE to buy her some new glasses. Since they [i]were[/i] gooed on the job, after all. After she had put her top on, she shook her head, and stepped out the locker room (After picking up her clothes) a well dressed woman. [hr] After that debacle, Cindy figured that it was time to get some R&R. She filled out all the necessary paper-work and she got a pat on the back. Cindy stepped into the break room, and immediately saw the well furnished room with carpet on the ground, nice furniture, and a few TVs that were currently in use. Though, she saw familiar faces all over the break room. Most notably, Drake and Samson were playing pool. Cindy didn't bother with them, she merely found herself wandering over to the sofas, and sat down. Though, she turned her head and saw an African-American woman with odd looking limbs underneath her clothes. Lynette, of course. A RAVEN that didn't exactly have the best social skills (Or past). She merely nodded heads at each other as they silently watched TV. Some gameshow. "Yo, Cindy!" A voice called her, and Cindy turned around and saw the tall frame of the RAVEN Samson Jeross. He looked at her, holding the pool cue in hand. While Drake had a cheeky grin. "What was that green shit all over ya'?" Cindy rolled her eyes up into her head. "You [i]saw[/i] that?" She said like she couldn't believe her eyes. "Well, yeah," Samson started off. "Err'body did when you were running around." He finished his statement with a chuckle. "I'm sorry, but some [i]little asshole[/i] sprayed me with goo." Cindy said in irritation. "I just [i]had[/i] to to get to a shower." "... That sentence doesn't sound right, now does it, Samson?" The other person Samson was playing pool with spoke. He was Drake Blackmore, young, arrogant, and had a head of black hair. Wearing a casual uniform. He had a cocky look on his face. "Hm, an [i]asshole[/i] sprayed her...." Samson whimsically said as he put his hand on his chin. He grinned. "Nope, not one bit." He started laughing. "You want to get smacked?" Cindy answered, putting her hand on the back of the sofa. "Because this is how you get smacked." They both started laughing. Samson threw his hands up. "Oh no, I'm already getting slapped around enough by the monsters." He started laughing. "Don't sweat it, Cindy. We all get nasty shit on us." He shrugged. He looked over his shoulder, and saw Scarlet sitting at the table far away from them all by herself. "Hey... you friends with Scarlet, yeah?" Samson asked, nodding his head towards her. "Yeah, a childhood friend of mine." Cindy answered. "She's been acting a little strange lately... mind havin' a word with her to see if she's okay?" Samson said, concerned. "We'll stop makin' fun of you if you do." He said with a wide smile on his face. Nodding her head, Cindy wordlessly walked her way over to the table. The first thing she caught eye of would be the redhair tied into a bun that she always associated with Scarlet. She was sitting at the table far away from everyone else, eating some sushi (Well, a [i]lot[/i] of sushi). Cindy gave her a disarming smile, as she sat across from her. "Yo, Scarlet," Cindy said as she sat down. "Thought you looked a little down, so I wanted to ask what was up." Cindy put both hands on the table. For a moment, Scarlet was saddened. "I'm still... just... a...." "Yeah... Girl, you know you can pour that heart of yours out to me." Cindy said with a smile on her face. "After everything that happened... you're a friend of mine. Remember that." She put her hand forward and touched Scarlet's hand. "It's..." Scarlet shook her head. "I still... I... I know it may sound like I'm holding onto things...." She started nervously scratching the side of her neck. She shrugged. "But, sometimes, I still think about.. you know." "Trevor." Cindy blankly said. "I know... it's been years now... I should just stop thinking so hard about it and just move on." Scarlet somberly said. But Cindy leaned forward, and said, "It's okay." "Huh?" Scarlet said. "It's okay." Cindy answered. "You'll feel bad sometimes - I know all about that being strong bullshit... but sometimes you just... well, grieve some more. I don't think you'll ever really get over it." She shrugged. "I know. I just feel like I'm being immature when I get reminded of him, and then start thinking about what life could be like if he was still here." "That's okay, too... sometimes I feel the same." Cindy answered, shrugging. "I wish he was still around, too. I feel like I should have given him more credit." "Yeah..." Scarlet answered. "There's more I want to talk about... but thanks for coming over and at least trying to hear me out." She nodded her head. Cindy smiled. "That's what friends do." Scarlet smiled back. "Now, let's continue...." Cindy said. [hr][h1][i]...[/i][/h1][hr][hider=Jin - Star Platinum (Instrumental)][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR3FgsvjnpE[/youtube][/hider][hr] [i][u]Five disgruntled eccentrics heading to Baybridge.[/u][/i] A Ford explorer hit a bump in the road so hard that it knocked all five occupants. In particular, a redhaired teen in the back nearly dropped his laptop, he only managed to catch it after desperately trying to grab after it. "Hey!" He hissed as he caught it. "Drager. Must you hit every bump? At high speeds? Irritating." The young man at the wheel, who was really short, but muscular, and had a head of spiky black hair. He wore a red t-shirt with some black jean pants, and most of all, he wore black oil rig sunglasses. He shrugged "Well, Megan wants us to take the "back route" so badly, so take it up with her." He said, before raising an eyebrow and turning his head over to the side, "Actually, why [i]are[/i] we taking this road instead of one of the bridge, Megan? We would have been in there by now." "C'mon, Ray, you're smarter than this!" Megan said from the passenger seat, waving around her burgundy red hair, and gave Ray a look that just said "are you stupid?" Ray didn't appreciate that. "We can't take the bridge, it's too conspicuous, we'd get noticed in a second." "... By who?" Ray asked, raising an eyebrow. "You haven't told us [i]anything[/i] about what we're supposed to be doing here." "Well..." Megan shrugged. "Remember that little thing I had to do seven years ago while in Verthaven?" "Destroy the Hands." Ray said. "NEST - Er, RAVEN - did a [i]great[/i] job of that. I applaud them." Megan said in a very cheery, enthusiastic tone. "Just that they forgot the few big wigs." "Let me guess," Ray said, sighing, "You, for some odd reason, have tracked them to Baybridge, or something." He said it in a tone that implied that he didn't believe her. "Yes!" Megan said with a wide smile on her face. "An old contact of mine has tracked them here." "Alright, two things; first, [i]who[/i] are we tracking? And two; how reliable is this information?" Ray asked, raising an eyebrow. "Trust me my contact is one [i]hell[/i] of a man." Megan winked at Ray. "You know... all the Hands Executives that RAVEN let go into hiding, y'know. Dr. Cross, Suan-Ni, Nathaniel Thorne, Eliza... And [i]don't[/i] get me started on Ignatius. I was [i]hoping[/i] that they'd get killed during the Verthaven Disaster, but that's just how the cookie crumbles." "How aren't you sure that they're dead or something? Or even here." Ray shrugged. "Maybe they were killed - that's why we didn't hear about it." "Don't be silly, Ray-Ray... I'd know." Megan said with a goofy smile on her face that almost made Ray want to wipe it off with his fist. "Drager." The redhaired occupant from the back stated. "If killed. Detained. Et cetera. Do you believe. DOVE. RAVEN. Would stay quiet?" "Rush..." Ray groaned. "Travis Irons. Hands Executive. Ran the east Canadian Branch. When killed. His death made national news. Front page." Rush stated in his usual, fast, and oddly robotic voice-tone. "Dexter has the right line of thought!" Megan added. "Yeah, but-" Ray tried to inject. "... How about you shut up, Drager." The fourth occupant, a bony girl who was wearing a big hoodie that covered most of her features. She was rather curvy, and had blue eyes.... and a surgical mask. "We have a job - we gotta do it. Stop complaining all the time." The woman adjusted her surgical mask. "Missy," Ray sharply replied. "[i]You[/i] don't know Megan like [i]I[/i] do. You'll learn to question [i]everything[/i] she says and does- actually, where did [i]you[/i] come from?" Missy didn't reply, she merely turned her head, and slid her surgical mask up closer. "Besides..." Megan tried to inject. "They're going to be more concerned about RAVEN kicking down their door - a small group of five Metahumans? We'll be able to slip through the cracks and hit them where it hurts like it's nothing!" She started off. "With Dexter's technological prowess, my shapeshifting and limitless espionage, Missy's biological abilities, [i]your[/i] lightning fast and strong telekinesis and...." Megan turned her head back, and saw the [i]fifth[/i] member of their group. A massive man that was adorned in a massive long-coat, he had a helmet on, and a hat on top of that. He sat in between Rush and Missy. Slouched forward and his arms on his knees. "... Nemy's strength, we should have [i]more[/i] than enough to take on whatever the Hands have if we hit them hard and fast." "... You have a point there." Ray said. "Maybe, we'll just see about this source... but don't go doing anything stupid, okay?" "Punch a RAVEN in the face? Okay." Megan said with a toothy grin. Ray rolled his eyes. The truck was finally crossing into the borders of the city... The sign announced it: [i]WELCOME TO BAYBRIDGE: WHITE COAST[/i]