[URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neuq3p3IyP4][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]F L A S H B A C K:[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][sup][color=silver]A Night in April 1985 | [i]New Lilith[/i][/color][/sup][/INDENT][/URL]
[INDENT][INDENT][I][COLOR=BLACK][B]"Thought you said you were the pro."[/B][/COLOR] Came a cry from above as IllAdvised suddenly appeared, a cloud of smoke suddenly emitting from a small pellet thrown from his hand.
 
[COLOR=BLACK][B]"Or do you have back up coming?"[/B][/COLOR] The masked vigilante asked as he pulled down his face wrap to speak. The pair didn't have time to discuss strategy however as Tony rushed through the smoke cover. Blind fists swung as IllAdvised found himself spinning around to avoid the Hyperhuman blows before suddenly switching from defense to offense. Using the momentum of Tony's punch, IllAdvised directed the blow away from his body while using the Behemoth's arm as a direct route to the man's through. Sliding a baton under the larger man's chin, the vigilante wrapped a hand on either side of the man's thick neck and heaved as he tried to pulled the man down.
 
The attempt was futile however as a large hand reached back and plucked the vigilante from his back, slamming IllAdvised to the ground in front of him. Dust rose into the air as cracks ran through the marble upon the vigilante's deafening impact with the ground. Raising a fist, Tony launched another blow towards IllAdvised as the vigilante raised his hands to block the incoming attack. As the fist collided with outstretched hands, IllAdvised felt his arms almost immediately compress to his chest, but suddenly a new strength began to swell within them. Pushing back with all his might, IllAdvised managed to throw the Behemoth off him, sending the hulking man into the air as IllAdvised return Tony's favour from earlier.
 
[COLOR=BLACK][B]"Ace."[/B][/COLOR] 

[B][COLOR=GOLD]"Bitchin'." [/COLOR][/B] Came Angel’s own single word reaction as he had watched IllAdvised’s surprising reversal against the hulking man.  [B][COLOR=GOLD]"Have to say, I'm kinda impressed."[/COLOR][/B] He added, cracking his neck before turning to see Tony crawling back onto his feet. With a growl, Tony started a crawling on all fours before breaking into a sprint as he charged the two vigilantes. With a flash of light, Angel’s wings appeared as the hulking man hurdled towards him. Moving forward, Angel broke into a run as he returned Tony’s charge and at the last possible second, moved into the air as he crashed into Tony and carried him across the bank before smashing him against the reinforced vault door. 

A fist flew through the air, grazing Angel’s jacket as he dodged Tony’s wild throw. Moving in closer, the winged vigilante delivered four swift, but immensely powerful blows against the massive Hyperhuman. Arms crossed to protect himself, Tony fought against Angel's assault, throwing a knee at the vigilante. The desperate attack caught Angel square in the chest, sending the warrior sliding along the floor back towards IllAdvised, holding the point of impact.
 
[B][COLOR=GOLD] "Y'know. He's really strong, but he doesn't actually know how to fight." [/COLOR][/B]Like a mad bull, Tony charged towards the two vigilantes again.
 
[COLOR=BLACK][B]"I do."[/B][/COLOR] IllAdvised stated coolly as he broke into a run towards Tony, at the last second, IllAdvised feinted a leap only to drop to his knees, sliding through Tony's legs as he delivered two newly super-powered blows to the massive man's kneecaps. A sickening crack echoed through the lobby as the Behemoth howled in pain, dropping to his knees, bracing himself on all fours as he struggled to stand against the immense pain.
 
[B][COLOR=GOLD]"Think he's had enough."[/COLOR][/B] Angel chimed in, as Tony was panting on the floor, one hand supporting his body while he was cursing rapidly, the other arm slamming repeatedly against the marble flooring. 

[B][COLOR=BLACK]"The cops are outside, I think it would be best to round up his gang and split."[/COLOR][/B] IllAdvised stated, the reflection of red and blue appeared on the marble floor as sirens could be heard outside. Suddenly a large roar echoed through the bank’s lobby as Tony tapped into his last reserves. Charging the pair of vigilantes, Tony caught IllAdvised with a wild arm, tossing the first vigilante aside before his hand found Angel’s throat. Smashing the winged vigilante against a nearby wall, Angel’s wings quickly found their way through Tony’s fingers. Glowing a bright orange, the wings suddenly became hot, searing Tony’s flesh as he cried out, releasing his grip. Seeing his opportunity, Angel reversed the hold, grabbing Tony by his throat before pushing off the wall, spinning around and carrying the gangbanger into the air. 

The darkness of the blackout was broken only by flashes of red and blue as Angel and Tony exited the bank. Angel’s glowing wings caught the officers’ attention before the pair came crashing down, sliding across the pavement. Coming to a halt in the middle of the cruisers, Angel straddled Tony’s chest, delivering blow after blow to the mountain of a man’s face. Struggling to pull the vigilante off him, Tony’s arms went to reach for Angel only for the glowing wings to retaliate, pinning his limbs and searing his flesh. Delivering one last blow, Tony collapsed, the fight leaving him as he lost consciousness. Standing, Angel stepped off the Behemoth. Looking towards the officers who surrounded him, guns drawn, Angel coolly lowered his shades as red and blue reflected off the one-way glass. 

[B][COLOR=GOLD]"I think you can take it from here."[/COLOR][/B] A small smirk moved the corners of his mouth up, before he took off into the night like a shooting star. Watching from t the shadows, IllAdvised followed suit and made his exit. The sound of his grappling gun catching the attention of the police as they watched the second figure swing off into the darkness, flipping onto the nearby rooftops and running away into the night.[/I][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_9Kf0D5BTs][COLOR=DARKCYAN][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]J O S E P H   T H O R E A U:[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][sup][color=silver]Friday, April 07, 2017 - 10:16 PM | [i]Rhodes Lighthouse - New Alexandria[/i][/color][/sup][/INDENT][/URL]
[INDENT][INDENT]The odds were not in his favour. 

Joseph gripped the cane tightly as he looked around at the various members of the Harbor Kings that had surrounded Charles and himself. There had to be at least ten of them, not exactly a number a mere mortal could fend off. If he had Hyperhuman powers sure, ten might be fair. But Joseph wasn’t exactly bursting with power. 

A group of about four of the Kings rushed forward. A loud revving echoed out suddenly as Joseph was splattered with mud by the Bentley suddenly reversing into the gang members. Their bodies rag dolled into the dirt as they fell like dominos to the black car. 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“You do that?”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph asked incredulously to Charles before realizing there was no way a man in his condition was controlling the car. [COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Wait, there’s a damn A.I. in that thing!?”[/B][/COLOR] 

[COLOR=ORANGE][B]“I’d appreciate it if you could make use of the opening I’ve provided you, Joseph.”[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Y-yeah, sure thing.”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph stammered as he shook his head in disbelief. [COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“I’m taking orders from a damn car.”[/B][/COLOR] He added under his breath. Lifting Charles onto his shoulders, Joseph began to beeline towards the car only for gunfire to ring out. An audible [I]‘POP’[/I] could be heard as one of the tires began to deflate as the shots ceased, no doubt for the shooter to reload. 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“I’m so glad none of these punks know what they’re doing with a weapon.”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph stated as he took cover behind the Bentley.

[COLOR=ORANGE][B]“It would appear my ability to escape has been compromised.”[/B][/COLOR] Serenity’s voice was becoming something of an annoyance to Joseph at this point. 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Yeah thanks, Tips.”[/B][/COLOR] 

[COLOR=ORANGE][B]“Sarcasm doesn’t seem like a helpful tactic at this time, Joseph.”[/B][/COLOR] The A.I. retorted as Joseph let out a small snort at the ludicrousness of the statement. 

[B]“I’m out of fuckin’ ammo!”[/B] 

Joseph felt a small sigh of relief upon hearing the frustrated words of the gangster.

[B]“I told you not to waste it on skeet!”[/B] Came another angry voice. The two continued to bicker leaving four assailants coming towards Joseph and Charles. With the car out of commission, that left the Durango as the choice escape vehicle. Hauling Charles onto his back again, Joseph began to sprint towards the other vehicle, using his shoulder to push through two of the assailants. As he pushed them out of the way, Joseph let out a gasp as something dragged through his side. The familiar warm trickle of blood began to run down his side as he continued forward before stumbling and taking a knee. 

Rolling Charles under the SUV, Joseph quickly turned to raise his arms as three of the Kings descended upon him. Protecting his head at all costs, Joseph kicked out with his legs as he managed to trip up one of his assailants. Rolling on top of the fallen King, Joseph used his momentum to carry the man over, using him as a shield as another of the Kings stabbed their fallen comrade. Pushing the wounded man forward, the stabber tripped on the body as Joseph rolled backwards before standing up.

Unable to react fast enough, the last assailant landed a blow to Joseph’s side. Wincing, Joseph weakly swung a right hook as it connected. A pulse went out from his hand as the other man suddenly went as stiff as a board, as though his nervous system had been neutralized. Dropping to the ground, Joseph looked around for Charles noting that the older man was no longer under the SUV. 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Serenity?”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph called out as he held a hand to his side. [COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Where is he?”[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=ROYALBLUE][B]“Get over here.”[/B][/COLOR] The gruff voice called as Joseph spun around to see Charles standing beside the lighthouse, leaning heavily on the wall. 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“It’s boarded u-”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph began as Charles placed a hand on the wall.

[COLOR=ROYALBLUE][B]“Access code, iota-alpha-zero-zero-one.”[/B][/COLOR] With a hiss, the sealed wall opened as Charles hobbled inside, Joseph quickly following on his heels. 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“What about the cars?”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph asked.

[COLOR=ROYALBLUE][B]“Kings won’t take them, not their M.O.”[/B][/COLOR] Charles stated, a smirk appearing in the corners of his ragged beard. [COLOR=ROYALBLUE][B]“Besides, they’re about to leave.”[/B][/COLOR] He added. 

[COLOR=ROYALBLUE][B]“Destiny, active defensive measures.”[/B][/COLOR] Charles croaked as he suddenly grabbed at his chest again.

[COLOR=SPRINGGREEN][B]“Defensive measures activated. Deployed security drones.”[/B][/COLOR]

Joseph looked around as the now illuminated room. Spiral staircases lead both up and down the lighthouse. Furniture filled the center of the room, covered, having not seen use in years as an old television sat in the middle of a semi-circle. An aged Nintendo laid on the floor, controllers still connected. Buzzing could be heard from above as the drones deployed out into the area around the lighthouse. A display screen suddenly came to life as Joseph turned to watch. The drones began to disperse a chemical into the air leading to the Kings covering their faces, screaming as they ran from the area. A haunting moan could be heard coming from the drones as fog was vented into the air to continue the legend of the lighthouse.

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“What is this place?”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph asked, clearly in awe as Charles collapsed into a chair. 

[COLOR=ROYALBLUE][B]“A safe house.”[/B][/COLOR] He answered, slurring as his eyelids began to close. 

[COLOR=SPRINGGREEN][B]“Charles needs medical attention. Serenity has informed me that you are a Paramedic. There is a medical room in the lower level. Please take Charles there.”[/B][/COLOR] Destiny requested as it dawned on Joseph this was a second A.I.

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Right, medical attention.”[/B][/COLOR] Joseph said as he gently lifted Charles and moved towards an elevator that appeared. [COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Who paid for all of this?”[/B][/COLOR] 

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“Charles did.”[/B][/COLOR] Came the answer as the elevator began to descend. Looking down, Joseph’s eyes widened. The lower level was even larger. As the elevator came to a halt, Joseph was shocked by the size of the bunker beneath the lighthouse. A vehicle bay led to a tunnel on the far end of the bunker while a small staircase led to what looked like a massive computer. Lockers lined one wall while a display case held what looked like various armored suits. Moving to the medical bay, Joseph placed Charles on one of the beds before scrambling through the cupboards for what he needed.

[COLOR=SPRINGGREEN][B]“This is what you need to do.”[/B][/COLOR] Destiny’s voice caused Joseph to turn around as he came face to face with a holographic projection. 

[COLOR=SPRINGGREEN][B]“Charles suffers from a unique condition that causes stress on his heart.”[/B][/COLOR] She explained before pointing to a cupboard to Joseph’s right. [COLOR=SPRINGGREEN][B]“The necessary medication is in there.”[/B][/COLOR] 

Opening the cupboard, Joseph found the medication in question. Administering the dosage, he paced back and forth until he saw the pained expression leave the older man’s face. Relief washed over Joseph as he sunk into a nearby chair, pushing his soaked hair from his face as he did. His side began to burn as Joseph suddenly remembered his own wounds. Peeling off his coat and shirt, Joseph rummaged around the room, finding clean bandages to dress his own wound. Wincing as he cleaned the cut, Joseph thanked his lucky stars the wound hadn't been deeper as he sat on the edge of a bed and applied the bandage.

Taking a deep breath, Joseph stood up, leaving the medical room to explore the bunker as his curiosity got the better of him. Walking over to the locker area, Joseph approached a display case as he felt his heart began to beat faster. Emblazoned on the chest of the long coat was a red ‘IA’. Beside it, another outfit with a belt buckle bearing the same insignia. Joseph could barely contain the amazement and excitement he felt as his brain began to register exactly what he was standing in. Turning back to the display case, Joseph put his hand to the glass as a single word left his mouth.

[COLOR=DARKCYAN][B]“IllAdvised.”[/B][/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT]