Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by RBYDark
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Good morning, Kingsport! It is currently 4 AM and welcome to WKXZ News Radio, your local station for all the things happening in this amazing city of ours! Our top story for this morning: last night around 10 PM, an apartment on West Gay Street caught on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene after a neighbor reported a sound like an explosion to find the top half of the six-story building burning up. One fatality has been reported so far, and eight people are in the hospital for related injuries. There is no news as to what caused the fire or the explosion-like sound. Anyone with possible information is encouraged to call the police station. Personally, I'm trying to remember off the top of my head if any of our local supervillains are known arsonists. But that may just be me.

The weather for today is predicted to be a wonderful seventy degrees Fahrenheit, partly cloudy with winds under five miles per hour and no chance of precipitation. Humidity will be only 37%. Listeners, if you want to see the sunrise, it's predicted to begin at 4:37 AM this morning, so grab your coffee and cameras and get ready for a wonderful start to a wonderful day!

Onto the traffic: Highway 40 is currently clear. We- Hm. We seem to be experiencing some technical difficulties with the drone, we'll get back to you on that, but your commute should go smoothly. No accidents have been reported yet and with the weather the way it's been, there are no hazards to warn about.

Onto the other stories for the day!


-kzzzt-

Good morning Kingsport! It is currently 4:30 AM and welcome to WKXZ News Radio, your local station for all the things happening in this amazing city of ours! The sun should be rising soon - on our sponsor break, I decided to take my own advice and prepare my camera for the sunrise. I think our friend Matt in Weather may have made a few wrong predictions - the sky seems to be blanketed in clouds this morning. I couldn't even see the stars! So that's your weather update, first of all. Secondly, I apologize, but it seems the traffic drone is still out of order. I sent Clara out to report on the roads herself, so don't worry, we'll have information to you all in good time! Everything you need to know to have a wonderful morning!

-kzzzt-

Listeners, I believe Matt has made another mistake. The sunrise seems to be a bit late this morning. Our apologies from everyone here at WKXZ News Radio, particularly those looking forward to a beautiful sunrise. We are trying to correct this error. In the meantime, on with our coverage that will affect your morning commute!

-kzzzt-

I... Good morning, Kingsport. It is now 5 AM - I think - and and welcome to WKXZ News Radio, your local station. In especially local news, we are examining the clocks in our station. The sunrise seems unusually late, as verified by our callers, but it's possible we've ignored Daylight Savings Time or something similar.

Clara has been reporting in - roads are mostly clear. We have our outbound traffic as usual, heading off for that forty-minute commute - we wish you luck from here at WKXZ News! Inbound traffic seems to be moving slowly, though there are no accidents. Probably some rookie drivers. More on this as it progresses.


-kzzzt-

Listeners, the sunrise is over an hour late now. We can't find anything wrong with the clocks. I went outside - the sky is still black, with no stars visible. Matt is calling the National Weather Center in the event we are experiencing strange meteorological phenomena. However, I also received a call from Clara - she's now inbound to Kingsport. She doesn't know what happened, and, frankly, neither do I. Each of her reports indicated she was headed straight out of the city. She says she's going to try to turn around and exit the city.

I- excuse me, we just received a call. One moment.


-kzzzt-

...Listeners. We have an exclusive story from Mother Mercy General Hospital. According to the employee who called me - after they'd calmed down enough to tell me the story - all of the comatose patients have awoken. There was no warning, just, suddenly, everyone's awake. Of course, families are being contacted and many of them are apparently well enough now to return home. It's as if nothing ever happened to them.

Afterwards, Clara called - she managed to turn around and kept me on the line as she drove outward - only to return into the city. She told me what she was doing, and I don't think she's trying to trick me. Listeners... she sounds scared. I'm going to call Meridian County Police, try to get some help here. I think something terrible may be happening. If any of our local superheroes are awake, I will also plead for you to help find out what's happening.


-kzzzt-

..........

-kzzzt-

Listeners. The Meridian County Police answered when I called, and promised to send out a car to get a sense of the situation. That seemed reasonable to me, since no one's getting hurt yet, as far as I've heard. Just a lot of callers confused and scared since, well, the sun appears to be missing and so far we have a looot of late employees unable to leave Kingsport to go to their place of work. It's very bizarre to say the least. But anyways.

The Meridian County Police sent their car.

Their car came back.

Listeners... they can't find us. It's as if Kingsport has been plucked off the face of the earth. They've sent out three more cars, to no avail. They're working on escalating to state and even federal assistance. In the meantime they, and I, advise you all to stay indoors unless necessary to go out and call the station if there are any more updates to report. Again, if any superheroes are listening to us at... 7:45 AM, please, help us.

What is going on here?
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Rica
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Sarah stared at the radio in silence, she had woken up to the alarm and the soothing voice of the morning radio host blaring through her small room alongside the loud obnoxious beeping of the alarm. And what she heard as she pulled herself from her half-awake doze was troubling. Normally she only listened for a few minutes before going on with her morning....

This morning she quickly flicked it off and turned on the radio in her main living space. It was 5:30 am and the..sun was late?

Unable to completely comprehend what she was hearing, the young woman quickly scrambled to put together some coffee. Her ears strained to pick up more information, trying to understand completely what was being said as her coffee brewed. The sun was missing. A peering look out of her slightly dirty windows told her that. It was late this morning.

People couldn't leave town. That was troubling as well.

Drinking her coffee and trying to remain calm, she listened to the radio. Listened to the slow advance of news that told her more and more...and left her with more questions than answers. She grabbed her phone and called Sakura, her best friend and the only one who knew…

Well...everything.

For Sarah wasn’t just Sarah Quick, IT technician to Kingsport Media and News (KMN). She was also Sparks. Superheroine with the power to control and manipulate electricity.

“Sakura I swear to god. Pick up.” Sarah hissed as the ringing drew on more than twice. Eventually Sakura answered and between the two of them they worked out what their next step should be. The debated between listening to the news. No one could leave the city. Everyone was turning right back around somehow. And no sun? And then the coma patients waking up.

The churned out one idea after another, who could be behind this. Why it’s happening and they found nothing worth noting.

Eventually it was decided, the city needed Sparks right now, a somewhat familiar face hopefully on the streets will ease some hearts and minds as she went looking for answers.

Draining the last of her coffee, she heard that final question. “I’m hoping to find out.” Sarah said to no one and everyone all at once, before disappearing in a bright flash of lightening and electric energy into the outlet. She’d start with the cops.

Whether they liked her or not, they could use all the help they could get at this point.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by PopeMaddi
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"Hm. No sun..? That's weird." Adelaide thought, extinguishing the small flame in her hands. Her cat Sammy jumped onto the couch, meowing a few times to show that he was hungry. "Yeah, yeah, I know. One sec."

After giving Sammy a bowl of food, she sat back down on her couch. "Wait. The... people in a coma are awake? Damn, I kind of wished that Jakob would die. He's such an asshole." The radio went silent again, until that annoying news guy came back, this time with news about the Meridian county police cars or whatever.

She felt oddly calm about all this.

"Hm.. the police will probably take care of this. Or some of those 'superheroes' people like to talk about."

Adelaide stood up from the couch, and went into her room. It wasn't anything fancy, she mostly just slept on the couch anyways. She went to her closet, taking out a dark green tank top and shorts.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by effervescentF
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"Five more minutes, please," grumbled Accalia, even though there was no one to hear her. Her ringtone was playing, and it wasn't very loud, but she had one sensitive pair of ears––which made that, and the accompanied incessant buzzing of the phone on the nightstand that much more annoying. Eventually it stopped.

Then it started again. She answered with her mouth curled into the slightest of snarls, a fang sticking out onto her lower lip. "Yes, what, hello? What time is it?"

"It's seven in the morning!" answered her mother.

Incredulous, Accalia looked out the window––not that she needed to. It was utterly dark out, which must have been why she hadn't woken up at her usual time. "Stop playing with me," she grumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Look at your phone. Look at the time."

She did, and for a minute she didn't say anything. It was too early for this. "Okay, what's going on?"

"Turn on the radio. It seems like, um, the sun is missing. No one can get out of Kingsport and people in comas are waking up!"

Accalia turned on the radio with her free hand and listened. "What in the fresh Hell?"

"You have to go out there and help them, you have to do something."

"Mom I thought you hated my, er, lifestyle. Plus, what am I supposed to do?"

"Get out there right now, young lady!"

Accalia yawned loudly and nodded, even though there was no way that her mother could see it. "Okay, okay, I'm on it, I'm getting out there. Love you."

"Love you." Click.

Well, that was possibly the most unusual thing that Accalia had ever woken up to. She rolled out of bed with a low noise that sounded like, but wasn't quite, a growl, and got dressed in her superhero getup. Much too early for all of this. She ate a hasty breakfast consisting mostly of lunchmeat (she'd make up for all the calories transforming took later) before she turned into her lupine form: a large, bristling black wolf, and exited through the doggy door installed in the back door.

After trooping through several backyards and the somewhat scenic surroundings of a biking trail, She-Wolf emerged onto the street with a determined trot. She didn't actually know whether it would do any good to talk to anyone about this whole issue, least of all the police, toward whom she had mixed feelings. Contemplating this, she shifted back to her human shape, standing on a sidewalk. Her transformation had startled an already panicked passer-by, who she just waved at.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by RBYDark
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Well, listeners, Clara made it back safely. A round of applause for her, coming back alright. So far, we haven't received any calls of injuries or car accidents. I'm also glad to report there has been no news of riots. Way to go, Kingsport! Staying calm in the face of absurdity and adversity is a powerful trait to have. That said... while I agree with Meridian County police to stay indoors until we have more information, it seems so... odd, seeing our beloved city look so empty from the drone's camera. There are gatherings of cars, of course - it looks like some people are currently taking refuge in Kingsport's library, Pottsmouth's Coffeehouse, even a 7-11. I do hope they're all safe.


-kzzzt-

Officer Barnabe had the night shift for patrolling Kingsport. It was tough dealing with the superpowered criminals who seemed insistent that Kingsport was theirs to command through right of power; a little worse dealing with the inflated and wounded egos that were bound to show up afterwards. He'd been putting up with it for almost twenty years. At least this most recent generation seemed a little more toned down. Of course, maybe this would change all that.

His night shift became a double shift as the news rolled in and, rather than bring out even more people, Chief Pierce thought it safer to just keep everyone on duty, and stay by the station unless someone called for help. The fewer people on the streets, the less damage could be done until this event could be understood. Hopefully, even the supervillains might realize going out could endanger them as well.

And what was Officer Barnabe doing out in such worrying conditions?

Smoking a cigarette.

Goddammit, he needed his nicotine. Besides, as he reasoned with Chief Pierce, the radio host Gaulton had put the plea out for the superheroes to help. Might as well make sure they knew the station was in fact open.
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by PopeMaddi
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After changing into her outfit, Adelaide heard this.. voice. From the radio? No.. that didn't sound like the news guy.

"Hello?" She asked, looking around the room. No one was there, so.. how?

A few minutes passed, and after hearing nothing new, she couldn't help but agree with the voice "Maybe.. maybe it's right." Sammy started meowing, making her realize what she was doing. "Oh, right. I need to get more cat food." She thought, then grabbed Sam's little cat-carrier, placing the cat in it and going outside.

"Yep, still pitch black." She mumbled, walking down the sidewalk and into the nearest store. She used the flashlight on her phone to see through the darkness. "Wow... can't even see the stars. I actually kind of liked looking at them."

They reached a CVS which was just a few blocks away from her house. It looked open, so she went inside.

Inside, the whole building seemed empty except for a cashier at the front desk. She nodded her head at him in greeting, then went to find the cat food.


After Returning Home

Angrily, Adelaide turned off the radio. "Sam, you idiot, go poop in the litter box next time!" She yelled after finding cat poop in the cat-carrier.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Rica
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Sarah darted her way through the wires and power lines leading through the city, everyone connected to the same grid. She had full access to the city, able to get from one side to the other in minutes. Sure enough, she dropped right in front of the officer smoking outside within a couple minutes. Her travel through the power lines given her more than enough time to swap her street clothes for the outfit for Sparks.

She stood up and smiled easily, just a touch cocky. Always make an entrance. Superheroes are supposed to be larger than life. She heard Sakura's voice ringing in her head. The sarcastic tones ringing true.

Well sarcasm or no, she was right.

"Looks like you guys need a hand." The crackling electricity in her voice disguising it easily, she even let some buzzing electricity linger and jump off her shoulders.

This was ridiculous but it helped make people feel safe. So it was worth it in the end.
Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by PopeMaddi
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Oh, a pity it is to be ignored, to be silenced by the one you need to listen to you. I'm hurt, I really am.

One moment, the radio had been playing a commercial jingle; the next, Adelaide had turned it off; and then the very next, a voice spoke. Had she just changed the station? The radio didn't look like it was off.

"...Who are you?" She asked, her anger ebbing away, turning into curiosity. "And... how are you in my radio?"

Firebird - can I call you that? - I'm not in your radio. I'd hardly fit in there. And it'll make it rather inconvenient if you have to lug this around every time we need to talk. The voice chuckled, no malice or condescension in its - his, it sounded masculine at any rate - words. Just talking through it, that's all. The energy had drained - but only a little, an attempt at calmness and care instead of presentation. Who I am isn't particularly important. If you must have something - FM will work, don't you think?

Adelaide was silent for a moment. Firebird..? How did he know that name? Slowly, she went back onto the FM radio. "What's so special on there?" She asked, her voice quiet.
"And.. why are you talking to me of all people?"

Me! The laughter sounded genuinely delighted and now devoid of the radio's staticky clicks and hisses. It was if the voice's owner - FM, he was calling himself - now stood in the same room. Still speaking into a microphone, though. But, that's enough about me, dear Firebird. Why you, you ask? I've got a better question: why not you? You've got great potential, and there's no time like now to act upon it. City Hall is filled with cowards, police and firemen can't stop your blazes, and the heroes are going to be too busy chasing smoke signals to interfere. The city is yours to do with as you please - and the longer you wait, the harder it'll become. Do you understand, Firebird?

Adelaide waited a few seconds, then replied, "I... you're right, City Hall is filled with idiots and cowards, but... I'm not that strong. I can't even make a real fire!" Slowly, she could feel her hands start to heat up, but she started pushing it away.

Because you don't let yourself? FM clicked his tongue, the sound moving left to right - or FM himself, invisible but present in Adelaide's home. It was hard to tell. All you have to do, Firebird, is set your mind to it. Do you want me to help prove it to you?

"..Sure." She mumbled. The way he sounded like he was in the room with her started to freak her out a bit. "What are you going to do, if you're just.. talking to me through the radio, though?" Sam jumped up next to her, also a bit freaked out by his voice which seemed to be coming out of nowhere.

You can call it part of my powers. As long as we have even a conversational connection, I can... let's say, turn up the volume a little? Make your fire a bit louder. The rest is up to you, of course. He seemed to have walked back a little, facing the radio. Respect or a further part of the presentation, it could've been either. But of course, if you don't think I can, it makes it pretty tough. Almost impossible, even. So, Firebird, do you think I can do that?

"..Yes?" She continued, "I'll go outside and try, then." Standing up, she walked into her backyard. Aiming at a small tree, she drew her arm back, her palm facing a small tree, then thrust it forward. Fire spewed out of her hand, setting the tree on fire. The fire's light lit up the area around her as it started eating away at the bark. "Well.. I admit, I do feel stronger now."

FM laughed, loud enough to startle Sammy. Excellent job, Firebird! Time is short, but do you think you'll be ready to try burning something a bit bigger than a tree? he asked from inside the house. Clearly, he was still tethered to the radio - if there at all.

"...Of course I am. I'm only just getting started." Adelaide smiled, going back inside. Sammy was in a corner, startled by FM's laugh. "So, what will I be doing next?" She asked.

Hmm... well, either I suggest a bit of practice in your own backyard.... or I think I heard dear ol' Gaulton mention something about the Pottsmouth's Coffeehouse?

Adelaide paused for a moment, thinking."Hm... how about while I practice, we can make plans on how to...what, kill them? Or just scare 'em?"

That, dear Firebird, is your decision. But practice sounds good. A portable radio may make this easier?

"Oh, yeah, I got another one, I'll go and get it." After going upstairs and rummaging through a few boxes, she walked back down carrying a small, blue-green radio. "I got new batteries for it, so it should work."

And such a nice color too! See, this is why I'm talking to you. There was the hiss of static before the living room radio resumed playing music. Yes, this works juat fine. He now spoke from the portable radio in her hands.

Adelaide carried the radio outside, setting it on a bench. "Should I just start doing some random moves and you tell me how to do them better?"

That sounds promising. Whatever comes naturally first, of course. Don't want to make a misstep in your big debut, right? It was easy to imagine FM - whatever he looked like - sitting on the bench, leaning forward to eagerly watch Adelaide's moves.

First, she took a deep breath. Then, she slowly started creating a fireball in her hands. It grew bigger and bigger, until finally, she threw it towards the same tree that was burning. After she did that, she threw two more at the surrounding trees.

Oh, wonderful! Fireballs are always a classic staple - spread out the fire, make it grow, too big for anyone to put out. There was a moment of silence from FM. Anyways, your aim seems rather good, but it'll never hurt to practice. Do you think you could 'stretch' the ball out? Take a pinch, pull it apart, make it into a rope? His enthusiasm bubbled over again. Clearly, Adelaide's radio demon had ideas.

"Hm.. maybe. Lemme test it out." She created another fireball, and slowly, with a few twists of her hands, made it into a whip-like shape. "How's this?"

Oh, you're a natural! FM sounded like he was beaming. And can you use it?

"I've never used a whip or anything before.. but I could try." After spotting a tall, thick tree, she used the fire whip on it. It created a large, black gash on the bark.
"I guess that's good enough, It's just like waving a rope around."(edited)

We can work on it. We have a little bit of time. FM seemed to approve. Practice just for the sake of aim, make sure you've got that down. Then off to the coffee house before the supers can scramble?

Adelaide nodded, then continued to practice. After around thirty minutes, Adelaide felt like she could do anything. "I think I'm ready." She said to FM after one last attack. The tree she practiced on was now unrecognizable.
"Also.. do you have an explanation on why it's been dark the whole day? I like night and all, but I need my daily dose of sunlight, y'know?"

FM laughed. Oh, marvelous. I'm looking forward to seeing your work once it's through. With nothing to see, instead it had to be imagined he was eyeing the devastated tree and the smoke billowing off in thin tendrils - smoldering to charcoal - as he spoke. Then Adelaide asked her question. There was a brief hum from the radio, as if it were trying to play music. Perhaps FM was channeling it, but no lyrics could be heard. Finally, the hum stopped, replaced by the radio spirit's voice. Nope, can't say I have an explanation for you, dear Firebird. Perhaps the sun will come back later today. Perhaps not. Who can know? He almost sounded teasing. As it were, I wouldn't worry for now. If it can't be changed, don't waste your energy worrying. You have better things to focus on anyways, wouldn't you say?

"Hm... I suppose so." She mumbled, but still wondered why the sky seemed to be gone. It's not just the sun, but the stars too. Is there something covering the sky?

Adelaide walked inside, carrying FM's radio with her. "So, FM, when should we leave? Right now?"

Of course! Everyone's still trying to figure out what's going on. You'll be able to get the drop on them, as it were. There was a hint of a smile in FM's voice - if he could smile. Did he actually have a form? Should give you enough time to wreak destruction and escape before a hero can do anything.

"Hm. Alright, lemme go and find a different outfit. Gotta make a big entrance, right?" She smirked, and headed upstairs.

A few minutes later, she came back down wearing black leggings with a dark green stripe going down the sides, a dark green shirt that matched the stripes, and a mask that she wore for Halloween when she was younger. Which, was also, dark green,

I have to say, your taste is just excellent, Firebird. The compliment sounded deeply genuine. Now, think you'll need this for me to tag along? Or should I meet you there?

"Meet me there? Like, in a radio or something, or in person?"

Radio, of course. I've no intention of getting set on fire, if all goes well.

"I'll take your radio just in case." Adelaide picked up the radio, putting it in one of her pockets. "To be honest, I never really imagined myself actually... doing this, y'know? I thought about it, but never really.. put my ideas into action."

isupposeyou- mmph. The voice was indeed muffled. I suppose all you needed was just some support then. Goodbye, Sammy! FM called after the cat as they passed.

Sammy's ears flattened and he trotted off into the kitchen. They walked outside and into the dark streets, only illuminated by the few street lights that lined the road. Adelaide lit up a small fireball in her hand for light, and continued to walk until they were just a few streets away from the coffeehouse.
"Alright.. What's the plan? Do I sneak in, or go in there, guns blazing?"

Personally? I've always favored guns blazing. Should I announce your arrival, or shall you? I do detect a stereo system in there, after all....

"Ooh, how about I go in there with fireballs in hand, and you announce me on the stereo once I get in there?"

Sounds like a plan! See you in there! And with that, the radio in her pocket went silent.

Adelaide smiled devilishly, the flame in her hand getting slightly larger.
Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by RBYDark
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To his credit, Officer Barnabe didn't drop his cigarette upon the arrival of the electrical superheroine. Maybe nearly pinched it off at the filter, but otherwise he managed to maintain his composure.

"Can't really argue that point, Sparks." He admitted, he liked her alias. He was terrible with names, but 'Sparks' seemed like an adequate nickname for someone who cackled with electricity, and it lacked the mild condescension of 'Sparky'. It was pure luck that it was actually her name.

"If you've been listening to Gaulton, you know as much as any of us. Only thing he hasn't shared is the fact that northwest sector is out of power. Attached to a grid outside the city borders." He took a drag on his cigarette and exhaled, watching the smoke float away from his face. "Right now, conserving manpower in case of riots so no time to figure out yet what's causing all this. Though pretty sure Chief's also worried people might start disappearing next, so he wants us close." He may as well let her know what was up - there were thankfully no reports of a shapeshifting supervillain, so he felt confident doing so. Better her than the other one, to be honest. Even if she was a hero, decades of horror films still made him wary (even the good ones seemed prone to lash out at others in those movies. Even if she unnerved him, he was glad she wasn't like that). "Seen anything on the way over that we should know of?"

Speaking of how things were, maybe it was time to check in on the radio soon.
Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by Rica
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Sarah, or rather Sparks, frowned slightly, "No. Just..empty streets for the most part." She looked behind where she came from. "Fortunately it seems people are staying inside for now."

For now anyway. Who knows once the panic sets in.

Sarah looked over at Officer Barnabe, tipping her head slightly, "Seems the only way for it is to explore where the power is out." She admitted then, she didn't like the idea of going there without back up. But she should, ideally, have enough charge in her to handle any threats on her own.

"Let your Chief know, I'll contact him if something comes up." Sparks said before disappearing into the power lines once more, she could gather a little extra while making her way there.
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Even in human form, Accalia's pupils shone occasionally in the dim light as her retinas reflected it back. Her posture could easily be mistaken as relaxed by someone who didn't know her–– in reality she was balancing caution with an instinctive refusal to show any sign of weakness. Even with her incredible senses, after all, she couldn't truly know if she was being watched. This city was full of weird people with weird abilities, and it didn't seem at all out of the question that one such ability would be to dodge the olfaction of a werewolf somehow.

Her surroundings got much darker as she approached the sector of city whose power had gone out, though her eyes had little trouble adjusting to the lack of street lamps. It smelled of fading car exhaust, and faintly of fear. The place was almost ghostly in its emptiness. With a nervous yawn, she pressed on, making note of the one or two windows from which light was emanating, probably because a couple of smart folks had generators.

Time to head to the city limits, she supposed. Maybe she'd get some answers out there. Accalia cracked her neck as she trotted in almost-silence.

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Inside the Pottsmouth Coffeehouse, the barista looked over the crowd of nervous people. Some were, in fact, customers, sipping from painted mugs or nibbling on the breakfast pastries the coffeehouse offered. Others, however, had joined the patrons once it became clear the situation wasn't going to blow over anytime soon. WKXZ was still playing in place of the normal 'alternative rock' station, with no real updates. One area was without power, water wouldn't be an issue for some time nor food though the latter would blow through the city government's budget if things didn't improve. She couldn't say she blamed the non-customers for huddling in the coffeehouse, not with the way shadows loomed outside and the sky stayed blacker than espresso.

Though she would admit, she at least wished they'd consider buying something.

The station abruptly cut out and fizzled with static, grabbing everyone's attention. Was the radio station hit with a blackout? Were signals getting jammed now?

Ladies and gentlemen, and others! Children of all ages! A-ha, how y'all doing? The barista squinted as the unfamiliar voice spoke over the Pottsmouth Coffeehouse speakers. WKXZ radio had never been her favorite station, but she couldn't imagine them abruptly pulling the host off the air for some... weird... game-show-sounding guy. I'll be your host for a while. Just for today, we'll be hosting a very special game, in honor of our newest contestant in the race to control Kingsport! The barista felt her face grow pale. What the hell was this? And all of you have been chosen to participate! Congratulations! Oh god. Oh no.

"Everybody, we need to go!" Panicked, maybe, but there was no way this could end well.

Presenting our newest contestant: FIREBIRD!

Before anyone could escape the building, Firebird threw down her fireball, creating a wall of flames that surrounded the entire building. The flames lit up the surrounding area, and made it so no one could get in or out. She strutted inside, creating another large fireball in her hands. "Did I hear someone say my name?" She asked, her smile growing wider. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she stared down all the terrified people. She felt so powerful.

Someone tried running past her to the door, but before he could get there, she stuck her leg out and kicked his legs, making him drop to the floor. Firebird then grabbed him by his shirt, pulling him up off the ground. The man started to scream as her hand grew hotter and hotter. "What? Too hot to handle?" She smirked, then dropped him back on the ground. The man desperately crawled back to the back of the room, a nasty burn on the back of his neck. "Now, have I made my point clear?"

-kzzzt-

Sparks darted toward the power outage but was distracted on her path when a coffeehouse literally went up in flames. As much as she wanted to keep going to figure out what was happening, the lives at risk mattered more than anything. She redirected herself and disappeared into the building's electrical. She stopped briefly at one of the many cameras hanging in the building to get a better idea of the situation, seeing what the camera could see...

Someone was taking advantage of the situation to have fun.

She scowled and launched herself out of the camera, landing between the people and the woman. Eyes narrowing behind the mask, "What do we have here?"

Adelaide jumped a little, her eyes widening at the woman in front of her. But she quickly regained her composure."Oh, Sparks, is it? I've seen you around before. On the news, mostly. You're here to stop me, I'm guessing?" She smirked, taking a step forward. Her hands were visibly glowing from the amount of heat radiating off of them. "Well, hun, I suggest you-" Before she finished her sentence, she thrust her hand forward, palm outward, and fire spewed out of it, kind of like a flamethrower.

Fortunately Sparks had been at this for a while, seeing the heat glowing off her hands meant the movement pinged off something in her head when her hands moved in her direction. "It's not going to be that easy." She warned, electricity jumping off her body before she launched a ball of sparks at her, a small attack. She needed to conserve.

Adelaide jumped back, creating a small barrier of fire, blocking the attack.

Careful, Firebird. What you have in power, she can make up for in experience. See if there's anything you can use. It seemed like Sparks couldn't hear FM. He punctuated his advice with the crunch of popcorn.

Firebird's brow furrowed as she thought of something. Suddenly, she threw a fireball into the crowd behind her. Screams were heard, and she smiled. "For each attack you throw at me, I throw one at them." There, that'll have to work.

Sparks' eyes narrowed, "And what? I stand here and wait for you to do it anyway?" She retorted instantly. Couldn't exactly hold the people over her when she was going to go after them anyway. "Why are you doing this? She asked, electricity building in her hands, sparks dancing between her fingers.

There was a crackle from the coffeehouse's speaker, somehow apparently functional despite the blazing inferno below. Oh, Sparky - can a friend call you Sparky? - tell me, what's going to happen when this doesn't end? When we run out of food and water? What will we do then? Why not buy us some time?

-kzzzt-

Accalia, who had been pressing on into the blacked-out area, noticed a change in the wind, and with it, an unmistakable scent; one that made the alarm bells of instinct in her hindbrain ring. She stopped, turning her head and angling her nose. She had to be sure, though her superior olfaction didn't lie: she took in a deep sniff and then exhaled with a huff. Yeah, that was smoke. And now that the smell had hit her, her eyes picked up the change in light, the orange glow of fire cutting through the artificial night.

She turned, cracked her knuckles and stretched. It would take much too long to arrive at the scene on only two legs, so she transformed into her lupine form: She-Wolf loped toward the light, the acrid smell growing ever stronger as she approached. To her dismay, there was no way she could get inside, past the wall of fire. It drew a low, distressed whine from her chest as she heard screams from inside.

Okay, damn it. She would have to go human for a minute. She changed back and swore softly under her breath, knowing how much energy that would sap from her when she needed it. The building next door was locked, she discovered. Hoping whoever owned it would forgive her, she smashed the window with a blow of her foot before hopping in. Okay, look around, gotta be quick.

Where in the hell was a fire extinguisher when someone needed it?

Oh! There! Accalia rushed to the glass cage holding it, shattered it, and grabbed the extinguisher. Then back out she went, scrambling, nearly tripping over herself as she stood before the main door of the establishment and fired a stream of––what was it, carbon dioxide?-- at the inferno. Carefully, with her gloves, she pushed the door open. It was not the stealthiest of entrances but it would have to do.

"Can't leave anyone alone for a damn minute," she growled exasperatedly.

"Shut up." Sparks said simply, the electricity initially prepared for the woman instead being thrown much like a baseball, flying through the air and smashing into the speaker with enough force to jolt it in place, leaving the broken speaker hanging off the wall by a single corner.

Temper, Sparky! And the voice cut into static.

Sparks glanced in the direction of the smashing open of the front entrance, her shoulders easing just a smidgeon. Nigh unnoticeable unless you were observant enough. "It's Sparks. And one day I'll make sure you don't forget it...whoever you are." She said, knowing there was more to this voice than just a puppet trick.

"Aw, did you have to do that to my friend? My feelings." She tsked, shaking her head. "Temper like that won't get you anywhere."

Her eyes switched over to the woman, "I don't care about the feelings of those who want to risk others lives for their own sick reasons." She replied, firm now. Sarah had, had enough experience to know better than to buy that. Her own life had been played with enough by sick people who just wanted whatever they wished.

While the hero and the villain bickered, Accalia rushed toward the crowd of terrified civilians. Though she doubted Firebird would let her rescue anyone that easily, she could at least try to make sure they were alright.

Still, she had to be careful. The smoke was just starting to make her throat sore, and she felt much too hot, and she knew better than to turn her back on an enemy. She gave a cursory glance and sniff––someone had a blistering burn on his throat. She glanced toward Sparks and wished for a moment that her power could be telepathy. People didn't understand the wordless wolf-speak she would have used. Instead, she made a vague and subtle gesture with the fire extinguisher in one hand.

"Hm... you're brave, Sparky. But bravery can also be confused with stupidity." Firebird's hands began to glow once more, but this time, two whips of fire dropped from her hands. "Now, enough talking. Let's start talking my language." She drew her arm back, then started using the red-hot whip on Sparks. She struck a few times, at least one strike connecting with Spark's skin.

Whatever Shewolf was trying to say it seemed Sparks intended to continue fighting anyway. Even with the hit she barely flinched, even grinning brokenly, "Weak." Sparks taunted even as she blocked the rest, threw a ball at her to avoid then charged forward, getting in close while she was distracted by the ball of electricity to crack her along the jaw with a charged fist.

Firebird growled, wincing at the punch and electricity. Using the close proximity, she punched Spark's stomach with her red-hot fists.
Which ended up burning the shirt, creating a hole.

Okay, she wasn't sure if Sparks had gotten the message but in any case, she could work with this. She gestured at the most injured one––the man with the burn on his throat––to be silent, and scooped him up in her arms. He wasn't too heavy, and he tensed when She-Wolf lifted him up. She carried him to the door, managed to get outside. The fires outside had died down, if only a little, but it was still hot as hell and choked by smoke.

"Call some help out here, if you can," she said, in her usual, disguised growling tone, before turning around and going back inside.

Before she could throw another hit, Firebird threw another fireball into the crowd. Sparks flinched and gripped her at her arm before kicking at her legs, "What the hell is wrong with you?!" She asked, "You aren't going to get me to stop. I know your stupid game. If I fight, you attack them. If I don't fight you attack them." She warned before building up way more energy than in the hand that was gripping her arm, letting the electricity pulse right into her body directly instead. Firebird screamed, and her whole body started heating up. In just a few seconds, her whole body was glowing and now untouchable. She could only do this for a few seconds, though, as it took way too much energy to do that for long.

Accalia let out a bark of alarm as the fireball flew into the crowd and caused them to scream and whimper. The smell of fear was almost as strong as that of the smoke. She motioned toward three people at the front, who had clearly been burned by the most recent attack. "Go, go, go," she hissed, taking one by the forearm and herding her toward the door. The two others followed, their bodies low as they cowered.

It was probably not the greatest idea to keep sneaking people right past Firebird. She returned to the crowd and crouched in front of someone dressed in a work uniform. "Please tell me there's a back door," she whispered.

He nodded, eyes wide and face pale.

"Okay, cool." She glanced over her shoulder at the sound of the scream, and then focused. "Stay here while I put out enough fire to let you guys out. Okay?"

Another shaky nod.

"Right. Be good." She-Wolf forced a reassuring smile and then trotted to the back, quickly locating the door. She kicked it open and was, predictably, met with a scarlet wall of fire. Stepping back, she used the rest of the extinguisher and threw it aside.

She rushed back and crouched, tapping a young woman on the shoulder. "Go," she growled. "I'll watch your backs."

No one moved. Too scared?

Too scared. She huffed. "Come on."

One person scrambled to their feet and started running.

Sparks leapt back but not without throwing the leftover energy at the woman. She wasn't going to let her get away with this. She was far too willing to put her life on the line for everyone here. She'd willingly die fighting Firebird if it meant buying more time for She-Wolf to get the civilians out.

Firebird's eyes darted to the crowd, which seemed to look smaller. "Ah.. smart fella, aren't you?" She panted. "FM, I could use a little help right now!" She growled, pushing a stray hair out of her face.

FM? Sparks scowled, "You're done here." She said stepping closer, ignoring the flaring pain against her stomach. "I don't know what kind of garbage takes advantage of the disaster we're already dealing with to hurt innocents....but you aren't going to get away with this."

-kzzzt-

The barista forced herself to breathe - pulled up her apron to cover her mouth better. This was a nightmare. She had done her best to help with the burned victims of - Firebird, the station announced? Her accomplice, probably, hacked the signal detector. It'd be mock-worthy were it not for the smell of burning flesh and the panic of the patrons that had led her to believe, for a few terrifying minutes, they were all going to die. Thank god some heroes showed up. They were trying to contain the supervillain to the best of their ability, but it wasn't doing much for the fire that kept spreading. The Pottsmouth Coffeehouse wouldn't be able to be saved.

Better it than her, she supposed. But why wasn't the sprinkler system going off by now? This much fire and smoke...

She-Wolf was trying to escort some customers out while the barista decided to try to manually activate the sprinkler system. Besides stopping the fire, maybe it'd put out Firebird and help out Sparks. There was a lever on the back wall, behind the syrup bottles, that she could pull to activate the fire alarm and turn on the sprinklers. She hesitated before quickly jumping to her feet, pushing past the bottles for the level, pulling - and nothing. It still wasn't active. What even-?

-kzzzt-

Firebird, I've done everything I can. I even turned off the smoke detector for you. I said we ought to act before the supers scrambled, and well. They've scrambled. FM spoke very patiently through the portable radio. I'd say a retreat is in order. I'll do what I can to cover, but we need to call it quits here. And for a very long time, Firebird could not hear FM - but she could see the remaining customers cringing, covering their ears-

Firebird's brow furrowed, obviously disliking the option to run. "Fine. But next time, I'm not leaving. I'm not a coward." She hissed, turning towards the door. Flames surrounded her as she ran, but they didn't seem to bother her. After passing through the fire wall, she escaped through a nearby alley. The air was cold compared to the heat of the burning coffeehouse, but she didn't dare make a flame in case anyone was nearby.

-kzzzt-

And then the infernal squealing started on the busted speaker, something so loud and high-pitched that the barista didn't doubt her eardrums would burst.

Sarah flinched and covered her ears and instinctively looked for She-Wolf. She'd be the worst effected by this naturally. As little as they've worked togther in the past, she didn't want the other hero to be hurt either. Dare say it she cared, at least a bit.

If the situation weren't so serious, one could almost say the face Accalia made was comical. She grimaced, quickly clapping her hands over her ears as well as accidentally biting her tongue. The taste of blood would have bothered her, if it weren't for the much-worse screeching.

Oh shit, was Sparks looking at her? She felt a distracted pang of embarrassment.

The barista barely got an eye open to see Firebird fleeing - the flames still licking high in their creator's absence, there were still too many people to try to get out the back, even if she was gone. There was a creaking before part of the ceiling collapsed under the heat and smoke damage - thankfully, not on top of anyone, but she knew it was only a matter of time.

The screech sputtered, resumed, cut out, stammered back on, and finally, finally stopped altogether, replaced by a new sound. It was awful to deal with, sure, but not as loud, not as high-pitched and, to the barista's ears, may as well have been a song of triumph: the fire alarm. The sprinklers finally came alive, raining water down on the flames. The fire department would be by soon, hopefully, to help clean up and treat the several burn victims Firebird had left in her wake. Then-

Well, folks, apology for the delay. I hope there weren't any casualties? For a moment, fear froze her in place as a masculine voice spoke over the speaker. Common sense then reasserted itself: the voice sounded different, lacking the chilling cheer of the 'announcer' from earlier and deeper in pitch. It seemed blunted in emotion, but if the voice's owner had cut that sound and restored the sprinkler system, she wasn't sure she minded.
Hidden 6 yrs ago 6 yrs ago Post by Rica
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Sparks tensed slightly because as of late voices coming from speakers haven't exactly had anything good to say. Her eyes narrowed and she peered at the speaker, feeling her clothes getting wet under the sprinklers. "Who are you?" She asked instantly, this one was different. Or maybe the same. Maybe just another side of the same coin. She had seen enough people flip on a dime to know to never take anything first impressions.

There was always more underneath. And, she knew this could very well be a sick game just one person was playing. Either intentionally or unintentionally.
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Who am I? There was a pause from the speaker's voice. Hm, not really sure I have a name. Well, one I could give you all. There was a chuckle over the loudspeaker. I'll have something before you all go, though. But, seriously, is everyone alright?

"Not everyone," the barista announced. Two of the customers, she could now see, had been caught by the entrance when Firebird came in. She just hoped their ends had been quick. She looked to She-Wolf and Sparks. "Thank you. That crazy bitch was gonna kill us all if you hadn't helped."

Indeed, thank you! I only wish I could have been here sooner. I do hope it won't happen again - even more, that it won't be necessary again.
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A new voice replaced the horrible screeching coming from the speaker, and She-Wolf's shoulders visibly relaxed as her ears were no longer being assaulted. Though this was suspicious, and her instinct made the hairs on the back of her neck rise with nervous distrust. Had she been in her wolf form, her hackles would have risen.

About to speak, she paused when she followed the barista's gaze, and felt a sinking feeling in her chest. Of course, there was no hero who could save everyone––but that didn't make the loss of life any less sad.

She only allowed herself a moment with this thought; it could wait. Her growling voice sounded harsher than before, however, when she demanded of the disembodied voice coming from the speaker, "Tell us everything you know."
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There was a lingering silence before the voice spoke again. I suppose that's fair. Though, at this point, I'm not sure I could provide you with anything you don't already know. Obviously, it all began this morning, with the reports. It just sounded so frightening - what if people got scared? If they hurt each other along the way? The voice chuckled, though it sounded flatter and more nervous at once than before. ...my brother, you see, he rather it happened sooner. Get it resolved now, he said, instead of further down the line when everyone's starving. I disapproved, but unfortunately I'm guessing he's responsible for this, if only indirectly.

I don't blame you for not trusting me. But, honestly? I'd rather see you guys succeed. The heroes save the city, inspire the people to carry on until normal life can resume, keep anyone else from falling to villainy. And I'll do whatever I can to make that a reality. Just, only way I can do that is over the radio, though. At least for now.

That was... odd, the barista decided. Where was this guy, and where was his brother? Kingsport was a decent-sized city to be sure, but was this really the first time they'd decided to act?
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Sarah considered that thoughtfully for a moment, a hand even going to her chin. A palm covering her own mouth as she thought, the solid blue eyes of her mask moving to match the furrow in her brow. "Could your brother be the one they called FM earlier? She asked, her eyes lifting to the speaker once more.

It would make sense.

Of course, she kept in mind this could just be the same person jerking them around.
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This time, the voice's silence was followed by an exasperated sigh. Radio puns? Are we really going down that path? It sounded like he was talking to himself. I suppose I could work with that though... He cleared his throat. Yes, that was probably him. If he'll be FM, you can call me AM. There's no point in denying our relation, at least not until this is all resolved.
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Before long, Adelaide was back in her home. She changed out of her dirty, smoke-smelling clothes and into a grey sweatshirt and ripped jeans. She also put her hair up in a ponytail, just in case anyone came by, asking about the attack.

"FM, we didn't have to leave. I was almost close to winning that fight!" She growled at the radio. Or wherever FM was. Man, that guy is confusing.

All due respect, Adelaide, you said you needed help, and your strategy of threatening the civilians wasn't working out. I don't have much in the way of a physical form, and I'm still reaching out to other potential allies - none that could've made it to Pottsmouth Coffeehouse in time. It sounded like he preferred the home radio. If you can help me recruit, maybe next time I can call backup?

Adelaide sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Well, we should've probably thought about backup beforehand. I don't really know anyone who'd be interested in being allies with us." She sat down on the couch, Sammy jumping up to cuddle with her.
She pat his head, trying to think of someone.

Well, I think we might have a friend soon. Just keep thinking and, remember, I'm only a station away. We'll be right back, ladies and gentlemen! And with that, Adelaide's radio went silent.

-kzzzt-

Harper stood in her kitchen, singing while trying to tidy up. Her windows were tightly shut as to prevent any passerby from hearing her voice and falling under its thrall, the midnight blue curtains firmly drawn. She sung along to the radio, having changed it from WKWZ to halt her slowly increasing paranoia about the happenings.

She wanted to help, damnit! But her power wasn't of much use. Just fucking shit up, which she wasn't too interested in doing.

"I'm a wandress, I'm a one night stand, don't belong to no city don't belong to no man, I'm the violence in the pouring rain, I'm a hurricane! Oh oh, I'm ahurricane, oh oh oh, oh oh oh, I'm a hurricane." She sung, her voice lovely and gravelly, slow and slurred. God did she love Halsey.

As the song wound down, the station host spoke up. And that was Halsey's Hurricane! And a wonderful performance from our dear Harper! Well done! Except that wasn't the station host's voice. Wonderful voice, don't you agree? I think she could be doing something so much better with it, though, instead of keeping it to herself. Let's give her a chance, what do you say, Harper?

Harper yelped, falling backwards onto her ass. She shook brown hair from her eyes, visibly startled and a bit incensed. "Radio host person, I dunno why you're speaking through that mic, but you're insane! I can't talk in front of people, I haven't done it since I was like. 14, I can't. It'll be disastrous. Also, why are you talking? Radio hosts can't. Like. Hear me. This is weird. NO ONE'S supposed to be able to hear me."

It most certainly is! Though maybe the 'how' isn't as important as the 'why'. Something about the voice shifted - as if the speaker now leaned against Harper's kitchen counter instead of sitting at some radio station building far away. Isn't it just a little unfair? Not being allowed to talk? You certainly didn't decide you had the power to charm people oh so effectively. You've tried and tried to get it under control, but now all you can do is keep silent and let people speak up over you. It's not like you wanted that.

But, you know, strange things have been happening today. Maybe they'll end tomorrow. Maybe they'll never end. This may very well be the rest of your life - or maybe, together, we can change that.

"N-no! I don't want to. I mean, I want to talk, sure, but that's besides the point! It's unfair, but it's what's the best. I love singing. UGH, what do you want?! Get to the point."

Me? I just want to help. And I think, with everything going on, this is the perfect opportunity for you to fix that little problem of yours. Get some practice, learn how to control it - so we might do a little damage on the way, but it's not like you're inherently lethal. Any damage can be fixed. And you can help the city in the meantime. Wouldn't that just be great?

Harper bit her lip, thinking. She leaned against the counter. "Helping, you say?"

Indeed! For you, just being able to talk freely. That'd be nice, I'm sure. The city, well, I don't know if you heard, but if this ends up lasting too long, well, people can't work like this. But they still need food and water. Perhaps you can help... liberate supplies for your fellow citizens.

"So, I'd be helping, right?" There was a tinge of desperation in her voice, a hint of how badly she wanted this.

Of course! You know how companies can be - even in the face of imminent death, all that matters is profit. And you can't let them get away with that. I'm currently working with another like you, but her methods are rather destructive. Yours, even without proper control, aren't. The voice's tone softened, as if to push the sincerity of the request on Harper.

"I'm..." Harper hesitated again, considering it. One part of her told her to go with it, while another said it was a trick. A trap. Ultimately, she went for the former. "Okay. If I'll be helping. Only if I'll be helping. I can't hurt anyone, or it's over."

Excellent! I look forward to working with you! And the slightly smarmy gameshow-host tone had returned.

"I'd shake hands, but you're on the radio."

Fair enough. My other associate's equally bothered by my lack of form. I'm working on it. As if admitting to lacking a body merited the overly-casual tone used.

"...Sure. I bet not having a body must be annoying."

I've learned to live with it. Obviously. How are those dishes going by the way?

"Okay. My family came over last night and I made soup. Soup is hard. And I made a ton of veggies. And bread."

Mhm. Sounds delicious. Save- well, I suppose I should let you get back to those. I'll let you know shortly what your first job will be helping the city?

"Okay. Throw it at me."

Oh, will do. In the meantime, if you'd like to talk with your other associate, I think I can have that arranged. Never fear, your voice will not affect her. It was easy to imagine the being giving a mock salute.

-kzzzt-

Adelaide came out of the kitchen with two bowls of ramen. "Man, if only Sparky hadn't been around. Or that other guy, this would've taken so much less time and energy." She sat back down, waiting for FM to return. "Huh... maybe I should make the fire walls stronger next time." She thought out loud.

And we are back, listeners! FM popped back into Adelaide's life a bit more loudly than necessary. I believe we may have backup - but I suggest painting yourself as well-meaning. She's rather... sensitive about doing wrong.

She jumped, cursing under her breath. Thanks, FM, for making her almost made her drop her precious food. "Ahh... what's her power? Or does she not have one?" Adelaide asked after taking another bite of ramen.

Of course she has one. But until it's properly under control, how about you two just talk over the radio about it, hm?

"Hm.. alright. What's her name?" She asked.

Harper. Now, like I said, try to be good. She'll be an excellent ally if you are.

Adelaide rolled her eyes. "I know how to be nice, or at least act like it." She muttered.

Harper jumped onto her countertop, radio in hand, tapping her fingers against the counter nervously. She hadn't talked to anyone real in... years! Forever, it seemed.

Adelaide coughed, before starting. "Well, hello there, Harper! My name's Adelaide. FM told me you'd most likely be an ally to us, if I'm correct?

"He also told me you have a power. Mind telling me what it is?"

Harper didn't jump this time when Adelaide came onto the radio. "... Hi?" She barely managed to get the squeak out. "Um... voice-based mind control. Yeah. Yours?"

Adelaide now knew why she'd be a vital part of their team. "Mine is fire. Well, I can create it, control it, etcetera. Your power is so cool! I wish I had that kind of ability."

"No. No you don't, trust me. I want to do good, but I can't! My power is just... inherently bad." Harper tightened her hands into fists. "Your power is way cooler."

"But think of it. If you just find all the... villains, I guess, you could stop them from doing what they're doing with just a word. With mine, I sadly have to resort to violence, most of the time."

"But I don't want to have to control someone, that's unethical."

"Hm.. well, would you rather have that person hurt or kill more people? Look at how many civilians you could save with your power! The only thing unethical would to just not help with the ongoing crisis."

"I. I guess," Harper muttered.

"So, what has FM told you about our plans?" She asked, curious.

"Not much. Just that I'd be helping people. That's true, right?"

"Of course! Especially right now, people need all the help they can get." Adelaide paused for a moment, before asking, "We should meet up sometime. I don't think FM can, though, since I don't even know if he has a physical body. But, if we're gonna be allies, we should at least know what we look like, right? Whaddya say?"

"... Okay? I guess? W-where?"

If I may- Here, FM finally cut in. I think I know the first place to go to help people. You can go there - get a feel for the place before we do anything, and meet up at the same time.

"Where?" Harper asked.

"Hm.. that's a good idea."

There's this store in West Kingsport - Aaron's Fine Foods, you may have heard of it? FM didn't seem fazed by the location - West Kingsport had been traditionally considered an area of high crime, the kind that superheroes couldn't fix. Many homes had bars on their windows, and anyone on the sidewalks once the sun went down was considered 'suspicious'. If FM knew any of this, he didn't comment on it.

"West Kingsport?" Harper asked.

Oh, just your traditional rich-folk store. If you don't have the money, you don't get the food. It seems a little unfair, especially with how many people can't work now.

"...OK. What'll we be doing there?"

Like I said. Liberating supplies for the rest of us.

Adelaide listened intently. Even she didn't understand why'd they would be going there.

"You're avoiding my question. How do we liberate supplies?"

Well, it depends. You can persuade them - try to do so without your powers, Firebird here can just be for backup in case things go badly. You can try after hours. Or, you just rebrand it 'robbery' and we'll just hand out the food later.

"Aw, backup? Ill do it if I have to, I guess." Adelaide said.

"Sure. Why not?" Harper said.

Glad you understand. There was a hint of a grin in FM's voice. Ladies, I'll do my best to meet you both there. No promises, though!

"Wait! When are we doing this, exactly?"

Checking the place out? Well, it doesn't particularly matter to me. I'll be able to check in regardless.

"I guess now?"

"Well... to be completely honest, I'm exhausted. Could we possibly do this tomorrow instead?" Adelaide asked.

"Well, I'm restless and alone all day!"

Adelaide rolled her eyes, "Here, how about I at least take a nap and then we go. Deal? It'll just be an hour."

"Alright."
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