[center][h2][color=8dc73f][i]Myrtle Gardner - Wallƒlower[/i][/color] 
[color=8882be]Ray Clayton - Madjick[/color] / [color=6ecff6]Kotov Yurievich - Blitzkrieg[/color][/h2][/center][hr]
[color=6ecff6]"Excellent."[/color], Kotov nodded to Wallflower as he looked down at Ray, who was now half asleep. [color=6ecff6]Hear that buddy? She's gonna help patch you up."[/color]

Madjick chuckled in response, poking Kotov at the nose with a finger. [color=8882be]"That's absolutely lovely. Tea, and your future wi-"[/color]

[color=6ecff6]"Dude, seriously... I'm tempted to drop you even though I love you..."[/color]

[color=8882be]"Of course! Ow, ow, ow..."[/color]

Myrtle folded her arms and shook her head, smiling and rolling her eyes amusedly at the boys' antics. Even with one of them beaten and bleeding, they couldn't help joking around. These guys were just too cute!

Kotov scoffed, looking back at Wallflower. [color=6ecff6]"Sorry about that. He's... uh... very supportive and weird. And he's my best friend."[/color] A pause. [color=6ecff6]"Ah well. Let's just go, shall we?"[/color]

As if in response, a growl reverberated through the alleyway, echoing through the darkness. It was an animalistic noise, one that heralded death and bloodshed.

Swiveling around, Kotov would see a reptilian creature, standing on two legs. It had red eyes, purple scales, and clawed hands that glowed with energy. It was surrounded by shadow, as if it was one with the darkness. It roared, yet again, and fired a beam of dimensional energy at the three capes that had just met up there. Kotov acted quickly, putting Ray in Wallflower's arms before firing an electric blast to meet the opposing beam, causing a detonation that would send the Void Dragon pummeling through a trash bin. It had been neutralized, but not for long.

Meanwhile, Myrtle had braced herself, arms out vines sprouting from her pockets defensively at the sound of the monster's blood-curdling roar. She turned around to see a fearsome, reptoid creature readying an attack. Her heart dropped, and she felt an intense, heavy, weight in her chest. For a moment, Myrtle stared the creature in its glowing eyes like a doe in the headlights, only snapping out of it when she felt the weight of a body being put in her arms--Kotov's friend--and nearly toppled over before righting herself and the cape with her vines.

[color=6ecff6]"Hold on, now!"[/color] Kotov shouted, reaching for Wallflower. With the cape held tight in her arms, vines wrapped around them both for support, she reached back for Kotov, praying the creature would not reach them before their touch.

Surely enough, the Void Dragon charged forward, turning into a shadow in the process. However, another lightning strike from Kotov sent it off balance, preventing the Case 53 from reaching the three of them in time. The light post that they were standing next to absorbed all three as Kotov utilized his electrokinetic powers, getting to his house within a few moments. There they were, standing in front of a rather quaint home. The lawn was well mowed too...

Seemingly out of nowhere, Madjick screamed, causing Myrtle to shriek in surprise. [color=8882be]"AHHH! Kotie, I love you so much! You saved me... and her."[/color] Madjick said gratefully, hugging Kotov and kissing his cheek several times,. Myrtle broke out in laughter, thankful to be alive and well beside her newfound friends.

[color=6ecff6]"Yeaaaaah, I know, I get it."[/color] Kotov shrugged as there was no sign of the Void Dragon anywhere. Looking back at Wallflower, he then cleared his throat. [color=6ecff6]"Well, I think you lot need to change first. Because... I don't know, maybe you don't want any more people knowing your secret identities. Not that my mom would tell anyone..."[/color]
 
After a moment, she wiped away a tear and nodded back at her new friend. [color=8dc73f]"Yes, please excuse me for a moment while I change."[/color] She walked toward a bunch of trees and bushes and looking back, though she might have seen them looking, it was hard to tell in the dark. She blushed a bit, and called back them, [color=8dc73f]"Um, could uh, you guys just turn around for a bit? Sorry, haha..." [/color] she laughed nervously. 

After they turned around, she retreated to the brush, building up an extra thick wall of leaves and flowers around herself. She took her bag out from underneath her cape, and stripped down, stuffing her mask, cape, shirt, skirt, and gloves into the bag. Then she put on a lacy white skirt and a pink top. She combed her fingers through her hair quickly and finished the look off with a white flower hair clip. 

[color=8dc73f]"Okay... I'm ready now,"[/color] she said to them, smiling and blushing nervously. Her burns had mostly healed, but she still hoped that she didn't look too terrible,  escpecially since she was about to meet Kotov's mother.

[color=6ecff6]"Okay then."[/color], Kotov winked at Myrtle as he led these two friends to his house.

He then pressed the doorbell that was set on beside the doorframe. There was the sound of hurried feet, and then... a pleasant middle-aged woman opened the door to them. [color=6ecff6]"Mamushka."[/color]

The lady gave her son a hug, before looking at Ray, and then at Myrtle. "Koshka, did Ray get punched again? And... who's this?"

[color=6ecff6]Myrtle, Mama Statnik. Mom, meet Myrtle. I, uh, met her a few days ago. She's a friend."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Mama Statnik... It's so nice to meet you,"[/color] Myrtle said, smiling as she performed a polite curtsy. She picked up on the fact that Kotov streched the truth about how long they've known each other, and his mother's doubt, and she blushed at that. 

Kotov's Mom nodded her head, seemingly skeptical. "Friends, huuuuh... well, get in. I'll get you juice and cookies and tea."

Sure enough, they would be treated to the Yurievich household. Kotov's father wasn't here, as he was overseas at the time. Either way, Ray would be lying on the couch, with his trench coat hanging on a nearby chair. He was treating himself with his other hands, using them to feed his good self. Kotov meanwhile would be seated opposite Myrtle in the living room, idly watching a TV series whilst popping a cookie into his mouth.

Mama Statnik came back with a first-aid kit Myrtle had requested, leaving it on the coffee table. Myrtle said her thanks, washed her hands and quickly returned to hold the kit up to show the boys. [color=8dc73f]"Here, I have the first-aid kit now. Would it be okay if I take a closer look at you?" [/color] she asked, addressing Ray, but looking to both of them for permission. 

Ray looked back at Myrtle, and remembered that he got hit at the head... because he forgot.  [color=8882be]"Ah, yeah, right. I forgot. Please do."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Aw, haha... you forgot?"[/color] Myrtle chuckled as she got up and walked over to him. [color=8dc73f]"Either you have a thick skull or your injury is worse than I hoped,"[/color]  she joked lamely, shaking her head. She brought a chair over to the couch and sat down and upzipped the pouch, taking out supplies.  She squeezed a bit of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton swab, for cleaning and disinfecting.

[color=8dc73f][i]"I um, I don't think I caught your name,"[/i][/color] she spoke quietly to Madjick, before dabbing his forehead.

[color=8882be]"It's Raymond Clayton, but you can just call me Ray.",[/color] he answered as he stayed still while being treated.  [color=8882be]"I've been a friend of Kotov for the last 15 years... and you have a crush on him. Probably."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"Ray..."[/color] Myrtle repeated,  nodding, to help commit it to memory. She blushed profusely at his comment and looked across to Kotov, and then shyly looked away when she met eyes with him. [color=8dc73f][i]"I-I don't know we just met, really. But...maybe...  He saved me twice..."[/i][/color] she admitted, smiling at the thought of him. 

Mrtle looked Ray in his handsome grey eyes, noticing that he was cleaning up nicely. She gently felt his scalp for injuries, thankfully not finding anything significant. Satisfied, she took out a slightly large band-aid with antibiotics and stuck it over the cut on his forehead, smoothing it gently over the injury. Ray was lucky that he wouldn't need stiches after what happened. 

[color=8dc73f]"There, all done. Just be careful not to bonk your head again anytime soon,"[/color] she advised, chuckling quietly-- and not at all expecting him to follow the doctor's orders.

[color=8882be]"Thanks.",[/color] Ray gave Myrtle a beaming smile before getting one of his floating hands to give him a cookie. Myrtle was caught a little off-guard when she noticed a spectre if a hand float by with a cookie, but quickly relaxed. It was a wonderful thing to be comfortable using powers around friends and family.  And while she wasn't ready yet, she hoped she would be one day. 

At the meantime, Kotov's mom was watching everyone from a corner, seemingly happy that she was having guests tonight. For all its worth, Ray was going to sleep on the couch before heading out tomorrow morning after breakfast. 

Kotov, who was watching TV, looked back at Myrtle as she finished treating his friend's injury. [color=6ecff6]"You know, I've just added you on the Book of Faces, Myrts.",[/color] he said with a wink while tapping on his phone. [color=6ecff6]"Please accept. Haha."[/color]

Myrtle looked away, hiding a blush, and moved to put her chair away. [color=8dc73f]"Oh yes-yes of course I will!"[/color] Myrtle replied,  trying to contain her excitement. She was smiling wide as she dug her phone out of messenger bag, logged into her account, and accepted.  She beamed as she scrolled down the wall, getting a glance into his mind and life. She saw plenty of pictures of him and Ray and his Mamushka. She wondered for a moment what he would think if he were to look at her own. Myrtle lost contact with her friends from school and only rarely posted. And when she did, it was quotes, her art and nature photography, and maybe a picture herself on a rate occasion.

[color=8dc73f] "Accepted," [/color] the girl informed Kotov as she found her original seat across from him. She smiled back at him, then poured a cup of tea from the coffee table. She trembled just a little bit as she drank a sip, holding the cup with both hands. The warmth was wonderful, and the taste even better, but it made her realize just how cold she was. 

[color=8dc73f] "Mmm, this really is the best tea in Manchester," [/color] she complimented, meaning it. She is glanced over to Ray, who seemed to be asleep and was snoring soundly.  She smiled, thinking it cute, and then took another delightful sip of her tea, closing her eyes contentedly.

[color=8dc73f] "So, um, Kotov, I was wondering... am I keeping you or your mother up at all? I'm having a great time, but I don't want to be a bother..." [/color]Myrtle asked,  keeping her voice low enough to not disturb Ray. She smiled awkwardly at Kotov, taking a sip to hider her embarrassment and wishing she were better at social situations.

[color=6ecff6]"Oh please, I usually sleep much later than this.", [/color]Kotov answered, chucking a grape into his mouth. [color=6ecff6]"Not that it's a good habit, but yeah. As for my mom, well..."[/color].

He glanced towards his mother, who was heading upstairs. She was going to crash in a few moments. 

Kotov sighed. [color=6ecff6]"She usually leaves me alone with guests..."[/color]

[i][color=8dc73f]Alone... with... guests?[/color][/i] Myrtle thought, her face getting pinker. She felt a pang of jealousy at the thought of him coming home with another girl.  She followed his gaze up the stairs around a corner. A door shut a few moments later. Now, with Ray asleep, the two of them could talk alone. An exciting yet terrifying thought.

[color=8dc73f] "Oh, um, haha, that's nice of her I guess,"[/color] she chuckled, smiling nervously, glancing at the TV. She took a sip of her tea with one hand and rubbed her forearm with the other.

[color=8dc73f] "Would you like to talk and get to know each other  better or just take it easy for now?"[/color]

[color=6ecff6]"Well, you can tell me about yourself, because I've already shared quite a bit.",[/color] Kotov responded, reclining into a relaxed position. [color=6ecff6]"Like... I don't know, what's your favourite color? No that doesn't sound right... Mmmm... what's home like?"[/color]

[color=8dc73f] "Home? Well... I guess I consider my Dad's place home. My mother is a good woman, really, but misguided. She and her boyfriend got into trouble and ran away to Florida together, and I wound up staying with my father. He... wants what's best for me and has high expectations... and it was tough going through school with him looking over my shoulder. But I miss them both,"[/color] Myetle explained somberly. [color=6ecff6]"Now I live on my own in a little apartment with some old friends--houseplants, that is, that I brought with me,"[/color] Myrtle chuckled, to lighten the mood. 

[color=8dc73f]"You seem to have something great here. It must be amazing to grow up with powered people for family?"[/color] she asked, looking at one of the photos with Kotov and his father, Shockwire.

[color=6ecff6]"I guess not being afraid to use them is a great thing.", [/color]Kotov replied with a light smile. [color=6ecff6]"It's a bonus that my best friend is also powered. It's like we understand each other very well because of it."[/color]

He then sighed, and then looked Wallflower at the eye. [color=6ecff6]"I'm quite worried about him, though. He is... reckless and impulsive. I'm not always going to be there to pull him out. If my phone was dead at the time, that Case 53 would have... you know."[/color]

After a moment of thought, he spoke again, this time with more enthusiasm. [color=6ecff6]"You know what? You two should be a tag team. You screw up when alone, but together... well, imagine that."[/color]

Myrtle looked back into Kotov's eyes, sensing his sadness and worry. She then looked to Ray, with his big band-aid covering half his forehead, as he let out a snore.

Kotov was right. Madjick and Wallflower were going to get themselves killed working alone. But... perhaps... if they worked together,  they would stand a chance.

[color=8dc73f] "I would be willing to try, if he would have me..."[/color] Myrtle answered, a little disappointed that he was not the partner she was hoping for. [color=8dc73f]"But, if you don't mind me asking, why don't you two  team up?"[/color]

[color=6ecff6]"I... well... I don't want to be a hero.",[/color] Kotov replied. [color=6ecff6]"The responsibility and the burden that comes with it... well... that's not my thing. I help at times, sure, but I'd rather live a slow paced life..."[/color]

Myrtle was struck with a pang of guilt. It seemed that she hit one of Kotov's soft spots.  She brushed one hand through her hair nervously before getting up and joining Kotov and the loveseat. [color=8dc73f]"Hey... it's okay--I get it. I really do. Even these past few days have been a bit much for me,"[/color] Mytle admitted, in an attempt to comfort him. Then, leaning a little closer, she spoke quietly to him.

[color=8dc73f][i]"You don't have to fight crime to be a hero. Just inviting me here and giving me a chance, that makes you my hero..."[/i][/color] she finished, looking shyly in his eyes.

A moment passed and she looked away, blushing.  [color=8dc73f]"I'm sorry... that was a kind of corny thing to say..." [/color]

[color=6ecff6]"No, no, that makes sense...",[/color] Kotov replied. [color=6ecff6]"Technically I'm not a hero, but in practice... I am. Sometimes."[/color]

[color=8dc73f]"You really are,"[/color]  Myrtle agreed, nodding. Feeling a little uneasy,  she looked toward the door, and then back to Kotov. 

[color=8dc73f]"I um, I should probably go... Let you and Ray rest....And I'll need to be off to work soon, anyway..."[/color]

[color=6ecff6]"Yeah, yeah, I suppose."[/color] Kotov then led her to the front door, and then gazed back down at her. [color=6ecff6]"Take care, I guess."[/color]

Myrtle sullenly followed Kotov to the door. [color=8dc73f]"You too, Kotov. Please thank Mama Statnik for her hospitality,"[/color]  she said her voice breaking up as she forced a smile. She walked way clutching her bare arms against the chill of the night. The shut of the door felt like a slam in the face, although she knew it wasn't Kotov's intention. 

This really did not go as Myrtle had hoped. But then again, she wasn't even sure exactly what she was hoping for anymore..

Inside, though, Kotov leaned back on the door as soon as he had closed it. Taking a deep breath, the electrokinetic gave out a sigh, and looked at his hands. Myrtle's words were quite the impactful ones, but his decision in life was still the same. He is not going to be a vigilante. 

Either way, it was unexpected, but he blushed to himself. Kotov knew that Myrtle was head over heels in love... and it was a lie to say that he was not starting to feel the same way.

[color=6ecff6]"I suppose you're right, Ray.",[/color] he said as he walked back to his sleeping friend.[color=6ecff6]"But you always worry me so much..."[/color]

With that, he turned off the lights in the living room and went upstairs, but not before giving his best friend a forehead kiss as goodnight. He has late night work to do.
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