Hidden 2 yrs ago 2 yrs ago Post by soren
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soren

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Location: High Order Facility ->Hell




How many days had passed since the last time the High Order members let her outside? How many months? Years? To Luciana it seemed like a lifetime. All she knew were the white walls and fluorescent lights of the facility she grew up in with the occasional, heavily supervised trip outside. She had long since stopped trying to escape during these times. Though when she was younger it was common for her to try to take off when they let her outside. She was currently locked in her blank white room while the members of the Order did, gods only knew what. Luci wasn’t really sure what the Order wanted with her. Did they want an object to worship, or a slave, or a weapon. It seemed that what they wanted changed on a daily basis. She was thankful for days like this, when they left her alone, although simultaneously she hated them. It gave her too much time to think. Too much time to stare at the blank walls and remember all the awful things they had done to her for as long as she could remember. One would think that she would be able to spend this time, alone, in silence, to sleep but she didn’t get much of that done either. Her mind wandered to what she would do if she ever managed to escape from the Order. Get stronger, come back and take the whole damn organization out? Fly far away and forget any of this ever happened? Luci found herself daydreaming about a world she had never seen, a world she longed to be a part of, a world where the High Order and their need to harness all things “holy” didn’t exist. It was her only escape and one she gladly welcomed.

Lust had traveled through the night to a site she had gained information on that was outside New York City in a rural area. The small farm was a dirt farm that almost looked abandoned if it wasn’t for the lights on near the grain silo. “Still have to keep a light on for air traffic.” She chuckled darkly and landed in a nearby field then set off on foot so she wouldn't be discovered on approach.

An hour later Lust sat at the edge of a field of grass watching the four guards pace. Two were on a catwalk that circled the silo and the other two were walking around it on the ground. From this distance she could barely hear the guards but one spoke about the fiery object that looked like it crashed in a field over. Also that the scout group would be back soon. If she was going to make her move she might wanna do it now. She then got low and moved closer behind some vehicles and then behind a shed. The silo was only a handful of yards away now. Flight would make too much noise and she couldn’t let the men on the top catwalk spot her. Sighing she did something she didn’t like doing and gave herself over to the Sin of Lust even further. Her skin began to shimmer and she became more alluring then she expanded her mind towards the silo and felt the men there and grabbed at them before standing fully and ripping her skirt lightly. “She then ran around the shed and to the men. “Someone please help me! A creature is after me. It fell out of the sky and…and…killed my boyfriend!” she gasped for air as if she had been out of it and running for a while. These men at first readied their guns but then as she got into reach with her ability they dropped them and asked if she was ok. One man told the two up top to keep an eye on the field for the creature. In their minds she looked like a normal girl instead of a blue horned demon, well normal as a busty college girl looked with a ripped skirt and tears running down her face was. She mentally groaned as their lizard caveman brains took over. One even offered his coat to her with his badge attached. With that she begged them to be let inside the silo out of fear then the two men looked at one another and let her inside, but was told to wait. Quickly she went in and smiled to herself. Inside was an elevator with a slot for a key card. She almost cackled before she turned then lit her finger with a white hot flame and began to weld the metal of the door and wall together. Shouts rang out as she did but it would be a while before they could make it through so she went to the elevator and slipped in the card that let her down the access shaft.

Once at the bottom she exited into a stark white hallway. The place looked like a psycheward from the olden days and Lust shuddered. She made her way down a hallway to what looked like a nurses station that was unguarded. Seems they might have sent the people inside to be the search party she guessed as she sat down and began to type at the old computer. After a minute she found what she was looking for. “Project Nephilim, time to go collect that DNA sample.” Just then an explosion sounded from above and she knew she didn't have long. The lights went dim and a red glow accompanied with an alarm that sounded like a tornado siren went off. “Shit!” She ran down the hallway and crashed through a set of doors headed to the end of the complex where she hoped to find the lab or whatever held the sample.

Luci had been lost in thought for a while staring at the blank ceiling. It got to the point that she wasn’t even sure what she was thinking about anymore. Something about space and stars but it wasn’t really anything specific. She liked the stars, at least the one time she got to see them. Since then she fantasized about them a lot. She was sure she made them out to be much better than they actually were, but still, getting to see them again would be nice even for a short time. Maybe she could request that on one of the good days, since sometimes they would let her pick her reward.

As her mind wandered she heard the faint sound of an explosion. It was rare that something like that happened here but it wasn’t new to here. Sometimes things in the labs would explode, or the guards topside would get bored. However the explosion was followed by alarms blaring and the lights going red. Luci scrambled to her feet moving to the back of the room as she had been directed to do when this happened. Someone would be in to collect her if they felt the need to do so and they didn’t like when she was near the door when they entered.

It seemed like forever when a guard opened the door to her room (cell) and roughly grabbed her arm to pull her along. “What is going on?” She asked, her voice strained, she hadn’t spoken in a while so her vocal cords hadn’t had a chance to warm up. The guard said nothing and only pulled her down the hallway deeper into the facility. It seemed wrong to her, if there was an emergency wouldn’t they want to get out? What was happening, why were they not headed toward the exit? “Where are we going?” She asked, panic now in her voice.

“Just shut up and follow me.” Was the only response she got from the guard. He didn’t even look at her when he spoke. Panicked Luci tried to resist his pull causing his grip to tighten and the man to pull her harder along, to the point where she had almost lost her footing. She would bruise from his grip for sure. The two moved down the halls silently for a moment, the only sound being the alarm his booted footsteps and the slaps of her bare feet against the facility’s cold tiled floor. In this time Luci had imagined about a million horrible things they could be planning for her. If something had happened where they couldn’t move toward the exit to relocate her would they kill her? She didn’t doubt it, but she figured if they were going to kill her they would have just done so in her room, there would be no point in moving here. Was there a secret back exit she didn’t know about? It was possible. Once again she struggled against the man’s grip this time with more strength behind it than he could counter. Honestly nothing but fear was stopping her from using her abilities. If she attacked this man, and they captured her again, she would be punished, at the same time, if she managed to escape, she would be free. Was this her chance? She would hate herself if she didn’t try, she would hate herself either way really.

Gathering up her courage she decided to try it. After freeing herself from the man’s grip she caused a flash of light to go off right in front of his face, giving her time to turn around and run. Though she hadn’t thought about what to do after this. There were more people in the facility, surely they were all concentrated near the main doors if they were going somewhere else, surely she would get caught there. It was too late now though, she had made her decision she couldn’t go back on it now. So she ran, she ran as fast as she could until she could turn a corner and bend the light around her to hide herself. If she moved slow enough, and stayed to the edge of the walls, she should be able to stay hidden to anyone who wasn’t paying enough attention. Though she could only hold it for a short while. Eventually she had to stop in a lab near her cell to catch her breath, which she hadn’t realized she had been holding.

Lust ran avoiding hallways with voices and a brilliant light shone around a corner and a guard fell over into view. Lust ran at him and stomped his face to knock him out and took off. Stopping at an intersection she sniffed the air picking up a strange scent and followed it. The lab had to be here but this strange scent smelled divine in nature, which was weird cause a sample shouldnt have that strong of a scent. Stopping, she found the lab doors and the scent came from inside. Lust was now very cautious and slowly opened the door. “Hello? Anyone in here?” She stepped in and slowly walked till she found a girl huddled in the corner.

Luci had only been in the lab for about a minute when the door opened and a voice sounded through it. It was an unfamiliar voice but still she didn’t trust it. She was about to attempt to hide herself again when the woman who the voice belonged to entered the room, spotting her in the far corner. It took a moment for Luci to fully register what she was looking at. The woman in front of her was definitely not human blue skin, horns, pointed ears. Though her skin seemed to be free of any Order brandings, so either they were hidden in areas Luci could not see, the woman had never been branded, or this woman was what put the facility on high alert. Either way Luci stood as quickly as her tired legs would let her. The hospital-like gown she wore did not cover her own scared arms as she extended them in front of her.

“S-Stay back.” She stuttered out her voice betraying her even as she extended her wings to try to make herself seem bigger than she was. She was fully prepared to defend herself, her hand glowing with a faint golden light. Though she had no clue how that would work out against this woman in front of her. She was blocking Luci’s escape route so honestly what would she be able to do? Probably nothing, but she didn’t want to risk this woman working with the Order. Luci would be severely punished for her escape attempt.

Lust took a step or two back as the little girl threatened her then ducked as two high order members ran by. “Put that out girl!” Lust said in a harsh whisper. “This room is dark and your light gives us away!” Lust then took an IV stand, stripped it down to just a bar, and inserted it in the door handles before bending it like it was nothing so the doors couldn't be opened. “My name is Alice. I was sent to get you out of here. Please let me help get you away from this place.” As Lust said this she was scooting closer to Luci and as she had noticed the scars. “These people deserve to burn for what they have done to you…” Alice was in control now as a memory took hold of a few years she had been in a state home. The other girls torturing her and the boys…well they were worse. Shaking away the memory Lust’s energy slid back into place and Alice could feel the calm cool demeanor take back over. “All you have to say is get me out of this place and I’ll grant that wish.” Alice extended her hand towards Luci as the soldiers from before tried the door finding it locked then trying to break in.

“I…” Luci paused as the woman bent an IV pole around the door handles. The action both confused and startled her. Though it stopped to make her second guess her initial thought that this woman was with The Order. She hadn’t fully processed what the woman said at first, but when the Order men started trying to break the doors down she was sure the woman was her ticket out. Why would they go to such an extent to trick her if not? “I want out, please get me out.” She wasn’t sure what would happen after those words came out of her mouth but regardless they did and the light on her extended hands faded as she placed one of her hand’s into the woman’s extended one. If this was her chance to escape she was going to take it.

As Alice took the girl's hand she felt her skin burn at first and noticed that Lust’s influence faded. A warmth had spread through Alice and as it did she felt clear. Outwardly Alice’s horns shrank into her head, the heat that had been in her skin cooled, and while she was still blue she became a lighter shade. Alice then stopped for a second as her mind became wrapped in another memory but this one very recent. A man and a woman stood in a cell pleading to Alice who had been Lust at the time. They had said that all they wanted was their little girl back. They felt like they had only been gone for a second and now their daughter was this person bringing them to the ruler of hell? Pain flared through Alice’s mind as she recognised their faces. Her parents…were alive?

Shaking memories off for the second time as the High order was beating down the door she took a crystal out of her pocket and smashed it on the floor. Where she did, a portal opened, heat and the smell of sulfur drifted through. “Trust me for now this place is going to be alot better and I need you to play along.” Her eyes, different than they were a moment ago, pleaded with open honesty that this was going to be rough but Alice would get her through this one way or another.

Luci watched as the woman seemed to give pause for a moment, her appearance changing ever so slightly as she did so. Her hand heated slightly when it connected with the other woman’s, but only briefly to the point where Luci wasn’t sure it had actually happened. She flinched a little as the crystal was smashed on the floor and pulled back a bit when the portal opened. It was hot, and it smelled, and Luci wasn’t sure where it was, but at the moment it was anywhere but here. She tried to comprehend what this woman meant by needing to play along, and the expression on the woman’s face was one Luci couldn’t quite read, though she made note of the changes in her facial features. Nodding Luci gave the woman a very tentative “Okay.” She wasn’t sure she trusted this person, but anywhere but the High Order sounded like a solid option for now. If she needed she would fight and claw her way to freedom from there, this was only the first step, the hardest one she hoped. She wanted to trust this woman but she couldn’t help but start coming up with back-up plans in case this was an elaborate trap.

Alice grabbed Luci quickly and rolled through the portal as the door burst open. Quickly Alice grabbed with her mind at a medical cart making it tumble into the way of the man that broke through the door. The cart fell halfway through the portal and onto the stone floor cutting part of it in half as the portal closed. Alice quickly grabbed a syringe that had landed on the stone and stood still holding Luci as she ran down a corridor before Mephisto was alerted. “Sorry by the way. My name is Alice, I have a long story to tell but to make it short I was tricked into finding a piece of Divine which I guess is you. I don’t know what you did kid but you pushed my inner demon away and showed me a memory that was used to trick me. I am going to make this right but this is going to hurt.” They came to a very large door and Alice stood Luci in front of her sticking the syringe in her arm drawing blood as the door opened. A servant stepped out and Alice took it by the horns. “Listen this girl is under my protection and therefore under Al’s. She is a prisoner of ours and is to be treated like a guest but isn’t allowed to leave.” As she said this her demonic side began to take over again but it felt different this time as if she was more in control and her horns grew back with her voice deepening. “UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS ANYONE BUT AL AND I TO KNOW SHE IS HERE!” She looked at Luci and calmed. “Again I am sorry kid but you will be as safe as you could be here and I won’t leave you here. Just give me a while to lie my way out of here and get my parents somehow.” With that she turned as the servant took the girl inside Al’s chambers. Alice looked down as her skin began to glow once more and in her hand rested a syringe filled with blood that pulsed with a white light every so often.

To say that Luci was experiencing severe sensory overload would be an understatement. She could barely take in the woman’s, Alice’s words as she spoke. Piece of Divine, what was she talking about, as far as she was aware there wasn’t a shred of actual Divine power in her. She had constantly been told that she was nothing but a lab experiment. Luci was so lost she didn’t even process the syringe until it was already in her arm. She tried to move away but it was too late, Alice had already drawn some of her blood and was man handling another individual. Her brain however did pick up a very distinct word, prisoner. Great, out of the frying pan and into the fire, the thought frantically looking for an escape. There was one huge problem. She had no clue where she was. Deciding to play along for now, as Alice had instructed she was led into the chambers where she wandered a bit and eventually found somewhere to lay down and stare at the ceiling, unsure what exactly was going to happen next but mentally preparing for the worst.

A single tear dropped from her eye as Alice heard the door close. She had to suck it up now otherwise she'd be no good to her parents or the little girl. Steeling herself she entered the maze like halls and finally got to the torture chambers where she knew Mephisto would be. Entering she marched up to his side as he looked out over the pits. "Took me a little longer but I've found it. It has to be the real deal cause I can feel it weakening me. May I take my leave to recover my lord?"

Mephisto turned his head and smirked. "Finally though I'd hoped for the whole angel. Midnight told me that Cull had a very opposing effect on him. No doubt that is going to set a blaze under the magician. I might have to send you after him. Of course you'll need a bump in power for that.” He took the syringe from her as he spoke and sneered. “Once I have corrupted this blood with the Tear you'll have all the power you need. As will I as I ascend the true throne of hell. We will rule hell and earth once I am finished then we will use the mad titan as our herald into space.” Fear chilled Alice’s blood and for the first time she felt what it was really like to be in Mephisto’s presence. She had been Lust during the other times and had the demonic confidence but she knew now that fear is what Lust should have felt. She smirked and bowed.

“Yes my lord. May I take my leave?” He side eyed her and gave a wave of his hand dismissing her and she walked as calmly as she could from the room, back into the maze of hallways to get to Alistar’s room.
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Hidden 2 yrs ago Post by BladeSS4
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BladeSS4

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Alexander King




"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Alexander King." says the news host as the news show that was appearing on Television after Oberon's announcement of the Arc system. The man in the suit at on a chair he then says with his smooth voice, "Thanks for having me, Bob." The man then says, "First Oberon Price, and now Alexander King. You are the weirdest story that has developed over the last few years. Taking over Midland circle after its fall and you turned it completely around. Not only did you change it to Midland Security, but it went from a multimillion-dollar thing to a multibillion-dollar corporation. How do you do it?"

Alexander adjusts himself and then says smoothly, "Its simple. I shot, killed and bullied my way to the top and hostility to take over everything to put Midland Security back into its current glory days." He pauses then says, "That's a joke by the way. I'm not that kind of guy. We had to go through tons of restructuring, and we had to fix all things that went wrong the first time. When the main building was demolished by explosives a few years ago. Many believed it was impossible but look where we are. On an early morning show with everyone wondering how one guy turned it all around."

The journalist then says, "Restructuring? Many people might believe your early joke especially with all those accidents your company was having early on when you took over. But with all the good you have put into New York. Opening homes for homeless and trouble teens. Offering your security firms services around the city to protect those who can afford it. You seem to really care about New York, but the big news is what you have talked about earlier before we went on air."

With a smile the suit wearing man says, "The current active use of my security firm within New York, to aid the New York city police in matters they have failed to deal with. Dealing with the weird incidents that have happened all too much lately. I am meaning the arrival of super powered and others of that nature that have been in this city. The police as on top of things as they have been aren't a match for the new threats that seems to be plaguing our city. Only last night we had another incident when a fundraiser was attacked by masked intruders. Some people are saying, and I quote ninjas attacked, but they were combated by people with powers. Some of these so called ninjas were killed. Now while they were a threat to those in who attended that fundraiser who gives the rights to those with special abilities to attack and act as vigilantes. They take lives of people, and damage property and do whatever they want. This night they were on the side of the those who were unfortunately caught in the crossfire were saved, but what about next time? What if next time an incident occurs those with powers and special abilities are the ones attacking? They could overpower the NYPD and do whatever they want because who can even stand up to them? If they have abilities like the big green man or have special armored suits like Stark had. Who can stop them? How could they be held accountable for their actions? So I have proposed a plan of action to the mayor. Allow my firm my security to assist the police in dealing with these matters."

The newsman, "Is that necessary? The Gala incident was unfortunate but..." Alexander interrupts, "Unfortunate is one word but it should be an eye-opening moment. This city isn't safe. You have Mister Price converting Stark's defense system to protect our world. But who is going to protect this city from the people with powers who are already here? The people of New York need a shield to defend them now Midland security can be the shield. We can be better than Shield. We can actually get the job done and protect the people. But that's enough of the policing issues. The mayor shot us down for now. But Midland security is here, and we are offering our services to deal with those the police cannot."

With the Alexander excuses himself off the set and leaves. As he leaves a woman his secretary meets up with him as he leaves and gets into his limo. He then says, "Hopefully that went over well. Did we ever find out whose ninjas those were?" The woman answers, "No sir..." Alexander's tone shift, "We need to find out if they were ours. Also give the order to execute those who were captured. Prison executions, poisonings. Don't care. These men if they are agents of the hand they need to be dealt with. We might be benefitting from their blunder, but we don't need any side factions acting independently anymore. The Gaos and other leaders all had their own agendas and look how things turned out. Its best to knock down this side faction and stop whatever their agenda is. Last thing we need is too much attention drawn the ninja aspect and less on the superpowered people. It might end up with enemies like the devil of hell's kitchen and our immortal enemies forming back up."

The answer was plain and simple, "Very well sir. Are there any plans with the failure to acquire the stark business that Mister Price just took?" Alexander pours himself a drink in his limo some fancy scotch he then says, "Nah, while it would have been nice to have Stark's technology working for us. We don't need it at this time. Right now, it only puts Mister Price in the spotlight allowing us to get our other ventures into works. Purchasing the docks, and warehouses so we can import and export our assets. Turn warehouses into recruitment centers, disguised as housing for the homeless and homes for troubled teens. We need to recruit and build ourselves back up from the failures of our leaders of the past. Midland circle was a disgrace. Focus so much on traditions and fables of the Black Sky. When we should have focused on our secrecy. Now, I for the last few months have revived the Hand to its rightful glory. Putting us in a position where the Hand can work in the open without needing to hide. This rogue group is aiding us to become the power we are meant to be. position blame and the spotlight on the people with abilities and let them hang themselves with their own antics and then we can come in and be protect them from their fears." The lady comments, "Seems like you have everything planned. Is there anything you want me to do sir?"

Thinking over for a moment, "Yeah send Mister Price's fundraiser last night a last-minute donation. Got to keep up appearances, a five hundred thousand dollar donation should be enough. Also prob around for information about those special people who appeared at the Gala last night. Some of them could prove to be useful. Best to keep as much information as possible. Should they be potential allies or enemies we might either need to recruit a few of them or permanently silence them. Oh and do me a favor and schedule a meeting with the board of directors of Midland security. We need to get everyone together and see how things are going. Hopefully we can get through a meeting without having to silence one or two of them at the meeting." The secretary, "Very well sir. I will schedule that meeting as soon as possible and send Mister Price that sizeable donation.

The limo speeds off ended back to Midland Circle tower as Alexander King plots from within. His goals to control the city and bring the Hand to center focus. His news appearance live to all to see sending a message to those who watched that a new group is about to enter New York to deal with those with special abilities.

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Hidden 2 yrs ago 2 yrs ago Post by Virani
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Virani The Reclusive Writer

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Ash was debating on hanging up moments after she pressed dial. She wasn't so good with people these days after all. Most tended to find her weird at best and just plain nuts at worst. But lately she'd been realising that she lacked human friends, she loved her animal ones of course but she was still human at the end of the day.

When she heard Jiang answer she mentally thought fuck it. It's too late now. She took a deep breath."Er hi Jiang, yes it's Ash."She paused as a particular bird passed by with a greeting. " I'm sorry if this is a bad time? I just wanted to call and well...tell you that I tried to help sort out that mess at the Gala last night but didn't really manage to. What I'm trying to say is...sorry for my part in messing up your Gala especially since it was a fundraiser for my line of work."

Man she really was crap at apologising. But she comforted herself that Jiang knew her or had known her in the past and no doubt remembered her somewhat lacking social skills.

Jiang chuckled softly and smiled gently at the sweet awkwardness of her friend, making her wonder why she hadn’t contacted the woman sooner. ”It seems a theme this morning for people to apologize on behalf of the Gala disruption but it wasn’t your fault Ash, you have nothing to apologize for. At least Mr.Price seems to be taking the reins and the trouble off of my hands, caring for the fundraiser which will continue to assist in your line of work. I really should find a way to thank him….”, she stated before a playful and mischievous grin pulled at her lips remembering the way the two had been captured by each other. ”…or perhaps you should thank him and discuss the matters in my stead. I am unfortunate out of sorts this morning due to poor judgment and I cannot think of another who would cherish and protect the aspects of this fundraiser more than you. I’ll let you think about my offer though and while you do, why don’t you tell me about you? How have you been?”

Ash appreciated Jiangs understanding but found herself blushing, damn her pale skin, when Jiang brought up Oberon. She groaned inwardly remembering how caught up with him she'd been. Of course it'd be noticed but at least Jiang wasn't someone she'd worry about using the knowledge against her. When they'd spent time together before, years ago when Ash was still learning about her powers, Jiang had always been honourable and kind to her.

She finally said. "Well I have already tried to reach him but I think he's been busy with the aftermath." She grimaced. "I certainly intend to thank him...if he wants to talk to me again that is. It's complicated." She said with a sigh.

Absently, she stretched on the branch balancing with ease, working out the kinks in her back."Well, where do I start? It's been a while. I live in New York now and work at the Bronx Zoo. I share a house with my brother but honestly?"
She paused debating, then came to a decision.

"Honestly, I've been mostly alone. It seems to get harder, not easier to blend in with other people. As my abilities have grown so has the connection with nature. Some days I wonder if I'm more of an animal than human." She lightly dropped down from the branch and settled back against the tree.

"But you're not doing so well this morning, I can tell, we can chat more when you're feeling better if you'd prefer?"

”Hangovers will do that to a person. I’ll survive though so don’t worry about me, I’m more worried about you.”, she replied with a concerned tone and a frown etched onto her features. Jiang felt as if Ash were a person struggling against the current, head just above the water and searching for a line of safety. She hoped that she could help the young woman in overcoming the feelings brewing under the surface, ones she herself struggled with at times. Guiding others was never something she believed to be her calling, one of the reasons she had not stayed around the Sanctum when the offer was presented so long ago. Friendships were always fleeting just like loved ones and Jiang felt herself out of practice but she would do anything to help someone else.

”I know what loneliness is, more than most would understand and the struggle on how to conform to the conventional. In my vast amount of years, I have found that blending in with the crowd is not worth the time or effort even if that is the realm in which I live. To be beautifully unique is a gift and yes, while some might view that as a negative or fear what they do not understand…the bottom line is, there will always be people out there that are openly accepting and welcoming. What I mean is, do not try to blend in with the norm, embrace who you are and accept that compared to most you will always be different. Try to find those that can appreciate, admire, and love you for who you are regardless of if your actions seem strange. Animal instinct or not, powers or not, you are still you. No one can take that away or change who you are and if they care about who you are as a person, everything else will fall into place.”

Ash was touched by her words, Jiang truly was a good person, she'd accepted Ash without any qualms back when they'd first met and still did so now.

”Thanks Jiang, I think I just needed to hear that from a friend. So how have you been? What have you been up to since we last saw one another?”

”Happy to remind you anytime you need to hear it. As for what I’ve been up to, what can I say, a bit of mischief, mayhem, and some marvelously good times. I’ve acquired a few businesses, sold some, invested, adventured, partied, played vigilante and villain. If anything you could say I’m trying to occupy my time since I’ve done most there is so it would seem. Can I ask you something? I know this is kind of going to be a random question but I need someone else’s perspective. Do you believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt? Offering chances even if they don’t seem like the best idea? Or would you cut your losses and play it safe?”

”Well that depends...I used to be someone who gave people the benefit of the doubt, that tried to see the good in everyone. But after what happened to me...in Africa...with those gunmen and then being given the spirit of nature. Well...it's harder now to see the good in others. I think you should go with your instincts. What are they telling you?”

”I am not sure I should trust my instincts. They have always led me astray in these matters and right now, I mostly feel lost and confused. I guess I don’t really have to make a full decision yet and could just take it how it comes. I appreciate you taking the time to listen, Ash. I know it is horrible to say but it’s nice to see someone else trying to see the good in others but struggling to do so. It makes me feel like I am not alone even though I wish you didn’t have to experience those feelings or the events that happened to you.”

Ash smiled wryly at her words, it gave them something in common at least. Still...as much as she tried not to, those bloody memories kept trying to surface.

Shouts and screams...pain all over her body...men laughing and more pain...more screams and then silence

With a wrench she pushed the memories back into their dark corner of her mind. The primal side of her wanted to roar, to hunt and to kill but she pushed that down too. She feared giving in to the beast whenever she thought on the past. The primal side was intent on blood and death during those moments and she honestly feared what she was capable of. Realising she had been quiet for too long she took a deep calming breath.

As the silence stretched on, Jiang knew that she had messed up. It seemed that for all her years, social interactions were still not her forte and especially not hung over since that was now two conversations that had sour points to them. She wanted to apologize, take back what she said or even distract the other woman from her thoughts but she didn’t know what to say. If anything, she might make the problem worse at this point so she patiently waited for Ash to speak.

”I know Jiang, it’s okay. Listen, if you ever need to talk or just need someone to provide you with a distraction just give me a call. I’ll leave you to deal with the hangover and I’ll speak to Oberon.”

”I’ll try to keep in better touch and I will remember to reach out when I need someone but don’t forget that works both ways. I might not be the best conversationalist but I do care about you. If you ever need to talk or if you want a place to go where you can fully just be yourself without judgement, I am always here and my door is always open. Oh and Ash, don’t let the things you want get away from you. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon.”

Ash hung up the phone feeling better after the call. Even better, she now had a reason to contact Oberon again. Not wanting to call again in case he was busy, she settled on sending him an email (she couldn't find his personal one so settled for the one listed under his company)

Hello again Oberon,

This is Ashlyn from the Gala last night. I hope I'm not overstepping my welcome but I wanted to contact you after things went chaotic.

I just wanted to thank you for your assistance afterwards and I also pass along the genuine thanks from the hostess of the Gala, Miss Jiang. She was very grateful for your aid and contributions. I hoped perhaps, that we could meet and discuss other possible fundraising endeavors? As I remember you shared my passion for helping nature heal.

My contact details are below and I hope to hear from you soon.

Ashlyn Blackwood

Ps. I'm sorry for running out on you last night.
PPs. I'm glad you're okay


She stared at what she had written and debated deleting it. Was it too formal? But would less formal not be appropriate? Irritated at herself for worrying over something so small, she pressed send.

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Hidden 2 yrs ago Post by soren
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Before any arrived a chime sounded in the room he was in which indicated a flagged email had just come through. “Sir, you have an email with a name you flagged this morning. Shall I read it out to you?” Athena asked in her slightly robotic voice, Oberon made a mental note to go through the Stark A.I. files that were confiscated by Pepper Potts and S.H.I.E.L.D. “Yes Athena please do so.” Oberon said as he was reading and scrolling through the files that James sent over. As she began to read his eyes landed on the image James had taken of Wildheart. Memories then began to play in his head of the night before as Athena read and a look of shock rapidly took over his face. “No, no, no…this can’t be her. Can it?”

“Athena, please call Miss Blackwood. Encrypt the line, place a digital track on her phone, and record the call.” Oberon stood as the office he was in began to ring out. He then clicked a button on the panel beside the door which locked the room down from surveillance and tampering outside of his own devices.

Ash was stalking across a rooftop when she felt the earpiece she wore chime in her ear. She wasn't one for gadgets but her brother had insisted that he and certain others would have a way to reach her. She crouched on the edge of the roof watching the men below as she tapped her ear.

"Adrian, I'm in the middle of something here." She said quietly. "What is it?"

Oberon’s eyes quirked up as Ashlyn answered and he was almost jealous if the next part of the file hadn’t mentioned her brother. Then for half a second Oberon checked himself and cleared his throat. “I ummm no Miss Blackwood this is Oberon Price from the Gala. I just received your email after my meeting. I’d look to discuss more fundraising opportunities as well as…umm well other future endeavors but unfortunately I can't really discuss those propositions over the phone. Sadly there isn't any telling who might be listening these days. I'd love to discuss things with you in person. Either today or tonight, I leave it to you to decide if you'd like lunch or dinner?” It had all come out sounding more business-like than he intended but then again if she was who his brain was thinking then their meeting might not have been by chance though he hoped it had been.

Ash nearly cursed aloud when she realized her mistake and then promptly blushed. She hadn't really expected him to call, not after how she had left things at the Gala. But she was ridiculously pleased that he had. Keeping an eye on the men below, grateful that tonight she'd decided to do some recon before taking down this particular gang hideout.

"Oh Oberon...I-I mean Mr Price." She wanted to sink into the floor, get ahold of yourself Ash

"I'm glad you called." She said after a deep breath.
"I agree there are too many ways to listen in with technology these days. I'm available for lunch or I could come to dinner." She blushed again. oh this is ridiculous, could you have sounded any more desperate?

"Do you have a preference?" She asked, apparently unable to make the decision herself.

Oberon made an effort to keep the huge smile he had on his face out of his voice. “Well now that you mention dinner might be better. I have a few other meetings today that might run long and I wouldn’t want to miss the chance to talk to you face to face…again.” He said it with a bit more glee than he was used to displaying but he hoped he managed not to be off putting.

“Dinner around say seven thirty? If you are comfortable with it I can host you in the penthouse here. Nothing more secure and I assure your safety as well.” He hid his face in his hands. Smooth move there buddy, again if she was her then he knew she was capable of handling herself. “I can
cook anything you like as my kitchen is fully stocked.”


Yup this just got better. Make yourself sound like a businessman in the beginning then a dork and then to put the cherry on top come off as a smug asshole with your fully stocked kitchen. “What do you say?” He totally expected her to say no and prepared himself for it.

Ash smiled as he offered dinner at his place. It would give her time to finish her recon and she liked the idea of dinner with him. She found herself remembering his smell and blushed again. She really needed to work on that.

"I would like that. Should I meet you there?"

Oberon almost gasped as he had been holding his breath for the answer of no until she said she would like that. LIKE THAT. His brain repeated it over and over forgetting who she might be but focusing on who she was. “Yes, that would be perfect. What shall I prepare for you?” He smiled and without really realizing it he was biting his lower lip.

Ash suddenly felt the need to jump up and dance like a love sick teenager. She did not forget where she was thankfully and settled for a wide smile instead.

"Surprise me." She said, then after a moment she added.
"As long as it's not vegetarian I'm sure I'll enjoy it. So I will see you this evening then."

This time he couldn’t keep the smile out of his voice. “Great! I'll certainly surprise you with whatever I come up with! Oh and just wear something you are comfy in. No need to dress up if you don’t wanna, I'll be wearing an apron anyway.” He paused, then corrected himself. “Well not only an apron but anyway.” He chuckled lightly and smiled again. “I'll see you tonight Ashlyn.” With that he hung up the phone just as giddy as he was with his first girlfriend in highschool.

With that flash of memory though his eyes suddenly flashed blue and in his head he heard the scream then the voice that had accompanied these memories since the final battle of what was now known as the Infinity War. With a slight hiss the voice grew louder, “You know you'll just hurt this one too. You can’t get too close to anyone with your cold touch. No one is warm enough to unthaw that frozen heart of yours. In the end it’ll be just you…and me.”

The last word then echoed in his mind and the un-natural light in his eyes dimmed and died. Oberon shook his head and sighed as he put his hands over his eyes and pressed them there.
“One day you'll be out of my head. Until then I'll just keep suppressing you.” He stepped over to the bar and made himself a drink while waiting for the two men to arrive.
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Hidden 2 yrs ago Post by BladeSS4
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James Walker
The War-Spider

Location: In a Taxi inside New York



Playing with a phone was James sitting in the back of a taxi which was stuck in traffic. This wasn't ordinary traffic jam in New York however, while there was shouting outside, it seemed a lot of cars were being held back as a quite a few police cars were in the middle of a bizarre prison transport.

Three prison buses going through city limits. Normally they would have gone around the higher traffic areas, yet they were detoured into city limits by numerous spots of road construction, making this detour cause this big traffic jam. The first prison bus and the last were ordinary buses painted white and labeled prison on them. The middle bus was much bigger, and had lots of technical equipment on it.

The traffic was rowdy, but the prison bus convoy went on



Meanwhile....


Alexander King


Location:
Inside Midland Circle Towers


Inside, a dark room surrounded and lighted up the center of the room with screens. Shadow figures on the screens as Alexander sits in the middle of the room, seemingly pouring himself a drink. "Members of the Board of Directors, and financiers. We are here at the start of a brilliant occasion. The actions started that day would bring the front of Midland circle take control of the city once and for all. We are about to be part of one of to make the city beg for my company to come save them." Alexander states this while not even looking at any screen, just staring into his drink.

A voice speaks obviously using a voice modifier to deepen their voice, "Your plan is risky. If this gets back to any of us then that would be extremely bad for you. Not only will your funding disappear, but you will be making powerful enemies out of the lot of us. Maybe we should all take a moment to make sure this is thought through..." Alexander interrupts, "Everything has been thought of, we aren't using anything that would lead back to us. In fact, you have Mister Price's announcement earlier for the perfect scapegoat for this plan. Announcing to the world of his acquisition of Starks assets makes this the perfect time to do this." Then another, a female modulated voice says, "So you are using something created by Stark industries?" Alexander smiles then says, "That would be telling. I prefer to show. Get ready for the show. New York is about to become the best light show you will see."

Alexander pulls out a remote, then sits down and hits a single button and he says, "Let it begin."



James Walker
The War-Spider

Location: Back in the traffic Jam



James finally notices the buses. He then asks or well thinks to ask Guardian, 'Hey what's up with this police escort? They don't normally come this deep into the city for a prison transfer, especially with this many buses.' Guardian didnt even get a chance to respond before things started to kick off.

Just then, multiple loud pops are heard, and all the tires of the buses explode and popped. They roll to a halt, and all doors open electronically. The police pull over to deal with it before they can get out of their cars from the top of the nearest building a rocket comes from it. The front cop car was destroyed by the fiery explosion. James was up in an instant he said to the taxi driver, "Hey! Taxi guy, um I am going to go. Send the bill to Mister Price. Oh and yeh get yourself to safety and forget what you are about to see."

James kicks the door of the cab open and jumps out as he activates his suit. He springs out webbing his way to the opposite building where the rocket came from. He then saw prisoners, convicts running from the bus in the front and the bus in the back. The middle bus's doors were not open but yet the police were surrounding that one more. "Great we have a prison break...but who fired that...rocket." Guardian interrupts, "I am getting a lot of police chatter, the middle bus is going to be a problem..." James then asked, "Why is it a problem?" Guardian, "From what I have hacked through that bus is filled with criminals that have special abilities or mutated advantages. The bus was Shield made to suppress powers but it's losing power over its containment." James sighs, "We have prisoners and super-powered prisoners great....and someone with a rocket launcher..." James then sees the figure on the roof fire another rocket and makes it out to be a ninja dressed in all red.

"If I was a betting man, there is only one man crazy enough to fire a rocket in the middle of the city..." James then propelled himself forward, then said, "Contact Oberon Guardian, tell him we are going to need a lot of help. All hands on deck prison crisis." Believing only one man could be responsible for this, the same man he battled to the death in Vegas that led him to getting rebuilt. James here was seeking pay back for what had happened to him.

As James lands on the roof near the Red Ninja, it spots him and fires a rocket at James. James leaped over it but while dodging it that doesn't stop it and it flies off and hits a nearby building. James fired the grappling hook right through the ninja's shoulder then says angrily, "Get over here!" As he pulls him in, James slugs the ninja in the chest with nearly all his strength fires them to the ground.

James then steps on the hand of the ninja and says, "Alright you are going to tell me what the hand is doing here, I don't know what your stupid plan is, or how many times I have to kill you. This is over! You lose Alexander."

He pulls the mask off to reveal something that put a bit of shock into James, it didnt have a face. It was that one of a mannequin. James then says questioningly, "That's not him...Guardian, is that a robot?" The answer was quick, "That appears to be so. Seems to be in similar design to something Tony Stark's Iron Man suits..." Before anymore questions, the other arm of this ninja robot grabs James's other leg.

A voice came from it, "No James. This time you lose. Welcome Home."

Before James could ask, Guardian informs him, "I am detecting an explosive in this robots gut..." As the words were said, James tried to rip himself away. The last thing that was heard at that moment.

BOOM
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Hidden 2 yrs ago Post by Sanity43217
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Drake didn't really have much to keep him busy these days. Sure he was working three jobs for three different companies, but for the evolved AI, it was menial task work. Merely paying the bills. Walking down the street with a tray of four coffees for his coworkers at Dark Star Technology. He felt a call come through from one of his assistants at SWORD. "Sir, those latest tests on Project Cataract have come back." "Forward them to my email, please. I'll get to them shortly, Alexis." He replied to the woman on the other end of the call. He watched the email come through. Bring the email up in his HUD. "Alexis," Drake started after a small pause. "Please call me Drake. I don't need such formalities as Sir." His eyes darted up as there was an explosion somewhere above him. He looked down to see the wreckage of a prison transport. Before Alexis could answer, Drake cut in. "I've got to go. I'll talk soon. Good bye, Alexis." With that he hung up the call. His skin rippled as the nanites making up his body reorganized. Preparing himself for the coming battle. He gently placed the four coffees on top of a nearby dumpster and stepped out to intervene.

He casually approached the prison transports. Glowing veins lit up as Drake seeming flexed and stretched his shoulders and arms. Getting ready for the fight. He recognized the middle transport. He had helped design the power suppression system. His contract work with SWORD specifically helped pioneer some of the developments in power suppression. Sure he was only one part of the equation. He specialized in synthetic biology and sentient weapons. His advancements helped with the containment of technologically empowered induvial who couldn't be removed from their gadgets or suits without killing them. He had looked in on all the people involved. From mutant scientists, Inhumans and even a mystic practitioner or two. While up and running, it was truly one of the most advanced systems the world had seen. As long as the system had power, there wasn't a single power that would work within the containment system. Which was the problem. Such a system required a massive amount of energy. Which he could see was compromised after it was struck with a rocket.
With a thought, his body was engulfed in what appeared to be a blue iron man suit. He nodded to the police as he joined them. Hands up, palms pointing towards the door of the transport. Palms glowing blue as the repulsor technology powered up.
Hidden 2 yrs ago 2 yrs ago Post by Draku69
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[Location: Charity Gala]

Despite his best intentions, Draku had arrived to a ghastly aftermath opposed to arriving in time to prevent all the unnecessary bloodshed; spending the remainder of the night playing clean up crew with the local law enforcement and making slightly more interesting discoveries than the curiously ashen entry way, such as numerous unconscious ninja, one with his eyes on his own back and another who just didn't seem to have the heart to carry on.

Ninja, demon, and vampires?, he'd think, Oh my…

Why had this place become the epicenter of such misfortune, and why a gala for conservation charity?

Chaos bears no rhyme nor reason, dragonknight, you above all should know this..., came the thunder.

Draku nodded slightly as he made way to one of his favorite locations within the city, one that he had made a habit of visiting before the sun rose each morning.

-----


[Location: The Empire State Building]

After all the time he spent here in this new age, things were still so alien to him, and though he was no stranger to the supernatural, he still could not wrap his mind around how many super powered beings now occupied this world. Many opportunities were made to Draku, who seemingly always appeared to be in the right place at the right time, by the so-called super heroes themselves to protect the mortals of this world. Just in the ten years he resided in this era alone he had saved countless innocent lives from all sorts of disasters. Natural, man-made or otherwise.

If not for the aid of his mortal companion, his proverbial guy in the chair if you will, he would have missed many an attempt to intervene in many a situation that arose between villain and hero alike.

He was here in this very spot when the Incident unfolded, standing at the highest point of the Empire State Building, arms folded across his chest, lost deep in thought. He could have intervened, but he didn't. He didn't raise a single finger, nor move a single muscle, in an attempt to aid the team of supers who responded to the Chitauri Invasion; only moving to assist the mortal lives of those the mighty heroes could not. Rather. He chose to watch it all with unwavering attention to detail. He knew nothing of the cause for this massive attack on the city, nor did he care, but he did know that the beings protecting it were worthy of their titles indeed and had decided that his own services were unrequired.

He didn't always have the smoothest way of handling things, sometimes causing more damage to the surrounding area than the original disaster itself would have caused, and they had seemed to be doing enough damage on their own as it stood.

It was probably due to this, and the fact that he answered to no one for what he considered a good deed; taking no particular side when it came to saving lives and viewing this as far more important to him than bothering with the governing forces that ruled these lands, that he wasn't on the greatest standing with the law. Thus earning him the title of Anti-Hero, a term that he found quite comical; as it made very little sense to him, yet filled him with an odd sense of pride and accomplishment, by the press and several other media outlets alike.

In truth, if not for his aforementioned companion; one of the most well known influential underground artists of their time, things would have potentially ended up a lot worse than they had been on multiple occasions by now.

The man only known by the moniker of DGK: Self proclaimed epicenter of the music industry, founder of the number one independent record label in the world and involved in one of the most successful recreational herbal businesses; one that had him regularly scouring the globe for the seeds of the world's best strains, since the legalization of marijuana in the free world, to the public and to only Draku as one Daniel Guy Kings: A laid back, wise cracking, down to Earth, silver tongued devil who carries himself in a manner close to Draku's very own at times; leading many to believe him to be uncaring and rather cold towards others. Typically sarcastic and possessing a rather dark sense of humor, he can sometimes come off as a brash yet delightful breath of fresh air in comparison to most influencers under the limelight. Once comfortable around whomever he warms up to though, is considered somewhat of a clown seemingly set on brightening their days to no avail.

The two's shared handful of similar traits seemed to solidify their fastly formed bond with each other over the passing years, their most similar being that neither of the two ever chose to remain in one spot of the globe for particularly too long; mostly due to Draku's own nomadic lifestyle and partly due to the other's highly lucrative one: Daniel's particular rise to fame stemming from how far beneath the radar a highly influential person of interest could operate, a method that aided the both of them in living out as normal a life as they could get living in their respective spotlights.

The sound of sirens erupting below would break him from his meditative state, looking down below upon what seemed to be an escort of sorts and the typical backed up streets of the bustling city. Perhaps he could assist them in bypassing the congestion of these streets, by the looks of the transport vehicles alone whomever was being transported probably had some powerful friends that were missing them.

With a heavy sigh, Draku would step from the edge of the building out into open air; allowing himself to plummet towards the ground below, taking the 1,250 foot drop without so much as a spike in his heart rate. Within the near 10 seconds it took to reach the ground below, he would have created a powerful gust of wind beneath him; compared to that of a vertical wind tunnel used in indoor skydiving facilities, to slow his fall. As he saw it, he'd rather kick up some dirt and debris than crater the concrete from the impact of his landing; limiting the amount of collateral damage he was capable of causing altogether.

He would land fully erect amidst the masses of panicked pedestrians, his coat billowing about him as the wind dispersed, sliding his hands into his coat pockets and walking towards what was now a full blown prison break. He grinned slightly as he watched a blue armored individual power up and ready himself for whatever may happen next, Draku's pace quickening with excitement.

"Today's gonna be a good day, yeah?" he'd state rather matter of factly as he closed the distance between he and the armored individual, whipping off his duster and allowing it to float to the street a fair distance away from their position.
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