Drag

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

East Araminta - Construction Site

---

The more they walked, the more Shane questioned himself. The idea itself was sound but the stage for its execution was much to be desired. He'd hoped the site would be more... complete than it was. Plenty of open space, multiple entrances and exits, not much to keep everyone else concealed. Not ideal.

A low annoyed sound rumbled from his throat as he began to think again. The girl, Tuyen, was on board at least. Hopefully her experience could help pick up the slack if things didn't go according to plan. Trisha, even despite her back-and-forth with Tansy, seemed content to help scout the cultists movements. So, the group should know where they're coming from and have time to re-position as needed. Even still, it wasn't a great position to be in. Tuyen agreed, echoing Shane's sentiment that a more narrow area would work in their favour.

Tansy moved forward, disappearing into the Rehab Centre with some sense of purpose. Shane hadn't really considered the building to be that viable, though it did have some walls and ceilings it had just as much open space and seemed liable to collapse from a stiff enough breeze. Regardless, Tansy set to work moving around tarps, creating some makeshift cover in the building. It was better than nothing, at least. She returned to the group with a smile as Shane examined her handiwork.

“We could take some of the extra tarps in storage and those hanging around outside to create a narrow passage in here and limit line of sight. They won’t prevent anyone from breaking through them, but neither did the walls of our house so I feel like that point is moot,”

Tansy

Fair enough point, Shane had certainly seen the dogs be more than capable of tearing through the sturdy walls of the Vanburen Manor. He wasn't quite as sure that the cultists, however many there ended up being, would follow right along their path like rats in a maze. Still, he wasn't quite ready to put it past them either. The problem, in Shane's mind, was that while it made it easier to spring the trap, there were plenty of ways for some cultists to slip out of their grasp.

Shane's eyes darted towards the machinery. He could try move them over to the Centre. Use their weight to reinforce some of the walls or close up the gaps in a way that wasn't quite so obvious. As he considered voicing this, Tansy continued talking. On her way to a sudden meltdown.

“Where is that little psychopath!? Did none of you idiots check if she was actually coming? Areyouallthatfuckingstupid!?”

Tansy

She continued, a moth attracted to her own indignation. Frantically dialling a number on her mobile. Truthfully, Shane had hoped to see the brat here by now himself, but they'd only just recently arrived. As far as he'd been told, Ezra had left behind people to drag her out here if necessary. There wasn't much time to point this out to his eldest sister as she tossed her phone onto the asphalt with an, admittedly pretty decent, spike.

Her sense of decorum overrode her rage as she returned to the performance that kept her centred. Inhaling and calming herself for the performance. Shane side-glanced at Trisha, assuming his sullen sister must have be having the time of her miserable life after such a sight.

“Ezra’s not answering. Could one of you call Georgie and find out what’s happening?”

Tansy

"Don't have her number." Shane stated plainly, as if he didn't just see Tansy lose all semblance of control for the first time. "I can't imagine any of us do. I'll call the house, see if they're still there."

As he turned and took a couple of steps away, it occurred to Shane how much more difficult things would be here with Georgie's inclusion. Sparing a glance to the group as he went through his saved numbers. Tansy, who's confidence only seemed to break around Georgie's loathing. Trisha, who had hated Georgie since day one with the sentiments very much returned. Tuyen, whom, from their brief interactions, had seemed to engender no trust from Georgie regarding her skills. Shane himself, whom Georgie had on more than one occasion implied ambivalence to if he'd be dead soon.

Couldn't help it. As the phone rung, Shane reached into his jacket pocket and took out a small steel flask. A present from James. With practiced movement, he gulped down its contents. Sharply hitting his tongue and rolling down his throat like liquified fire. It made things more bearable as the dial tone continued to ring on and on.

'Pick up, dammit.' He thought to himself. Teeth clenching as he swayed the flask around in his other hand.

Nomadic Odyssey: EX Fallen Virtue [Invite Only]

---

@Kamen Evie @Punished GN

Gold City - Rooftops

---

Gotta give credit where credit is due, Jill still could make an entrance. Even had a little one liner tee'd up and everything. But you couldn't subside on just sizzle, you needed to add a little steak to it.

All of these self-aggrandizing thoughts and more flooded Lucas mind as he ran even faster, kicking up pebbles while nearing the edge of the final building. A sizable gap separating him from the action. It was time to show these bozos how a real star entered the scene.

"WAAAOOOH!" Letting out a high pitched martial arts yell that only comes from watching too many movies, the shadow of Lucas sailed above Jill. Leaping right to the next building with his leg extended.

BRUTAL TIGER!
BRUTAL TIGER!

Jill had dealt with the Psycho Bitch holding the scythe, so Lucas collided with the Psycho Bitch holding the shield with his patented flying kick. The shield was certainly high tech and most assuredly sturdy, but Lucas' momentum, strength (and dashing good looks) hit it with enough force to send Oh-Four careening backwards. The sound of metal scraping against concrete as her feet skidded against the roof, complete with black scorch marks as he managed to barely keep her feet against the ground.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!?"

Lucas stood up and adjusted his jacket, letting the dust fly off in a way that assuredly had to look very cool. He grinned.

"Lucas Miller."

Cracking his neck and shifting into his fighting stance, he gestured with his palm in a way that even machines understood the language of.

Bring it.

---

@KremeSupreme

Gold City Financial District - Park Row

---

"Howdy partner,"

"I'm guessing you're looking for a certain shiny bauble too?"

Arianna

In the time it might take a person to inhale or blink, Voyt's revolver was removed from the holster under his shirt and aimed at Arianna's head.

He knew of her. Somewhat. Bird Girl. As he understood it, she wasn't much of a fighter. That she decided to face him alone meant she was either suicidally overconfident. Or, help was on the way.

"Yeah." He said simply, cocking back the hammer of his gun for emphasis. No real point trying to hide it now. He'd been confident he could slip past Horizon Frontiers' "little birds", he very nearly did were it not for the intellect of his contractually stated allies.

"The people. The information. S'all in there. If you try fight me. Or, more accurately, I have to open your head right here and now? Those scared folk'll panic even more." Eyes narrowing. "Which'd make it tough to get information it seems we're both after."

"Likely, you got pals on the way," he took the opinion that she wasn't stupid, if that assessment was incorrect, he'd find out momentarily, "But, until they get here? You're in a stand off."

"Either lemme do my job, givin' your cohorts time to arrive. Or I drop you right now and get what I need anyway."

His eyes glowed red. Power coursing through his veins and into his weapons as he internally charged a shot.

"Y'had me in your sights. Now you're in mine. No matter how confident you're feelin', that's a bad place to be."

The ball was in her court. Were it anyone else in MIRAGE they likely would've tried to kill her immediately, but Voyt really didn't feel like killing someone. He knew his skills well enough to know he'd be in and out before the cavalry could stop him.

Recollections: Magnanimous

"Start spreadin' the news...

I'm leavin' today."

"Thank you Commissioner." A decorated officer stands on stage, medals clinking on his jacket as he shakes the Commissioner's hand, relieving him of his speech to collected applause. He turns to the podium and clears his throat. Smiling as he lays out a crisp sheet of paper and reads aloud to the hall.

"In each graduation of recruits in the Police Academy, awards are presented to outstanding members of the graduating class. Each recipient is given an engraved plaque for various categories." Reaching into his breast pocket, he retrieved a pair of glasses as he flipped the sheet over.

"At this time, I'd like to ask the Mayor and the Police Commissioner to present the following awards." The Commissioner stood back up, making the task look Herculean for some polite laughs from the audience. The Mayor opted for the professional approach, statically maintaining a beaming smile as the two moved next to the podium.

"Our first award, is The Mayor's Award. This award is given to the Student Officer who attains the highest overall average scoring. With an overall average of ninety-nine point sixty-five percent; Mayor de Blasio presents this award to Police Officer Shane Vanburen."

Forward he walks, greeted with applause as he steps onto the stage. He stands straight, as rehearsed. Saluting the Commissioner, the Mayor and the man at the podium. He steps forward once more, taking the plaque with practiced dignity and shaking the hands of both men. The Commissioner gives him a smile.

"Lookin' forward to workin' with you, Son."

Shane turns - plaque shining proudly as its held against his chest. Hand of the Mayor on his shoulder as the cameraman readies the shot.

Click.

---

The Vanburen Estate - Foyer

---

His mind was elsewhere. Perhaps internally trying to put together the moment he made whatever choice had led him to this mess.

Elsewhere enough not to notice the creeping glow until it began encroaching the right side of his vision. Like the sun creeping in through curtains. He snapped back into place, aware of his surroundings. Hearing his sister's voice. Sounding like dread.

“Look at me—”“Shane!”

Tansy & Ezra

Head snapping to the side. Whatever had been clouding his mind, lighting the ruined foyer of the manor, had receded. All there was now was Ezra dragging in an object cloaked in a white blanket with some effort on his part.

Shane gave only a slight nod and stood up at his eldest brother's request for aid. Picking up the bottom half of the object as thought it weighed nothing at all. He still had his uses.

Tansy offered only customary prying into the details, an object hidden from view and carried by Ezra especially should have flared up every intrusive instinct in Tansy's mind. Instead she merely let the matter drop as Ezra stated he'd explain later. A show of understanding unheard of from Tansy, especially in regards to Ezra. Shane gave her a glance as he and Ezra passed by on their way to the car. She avoided eye contact with a look he couldn't quite place.

Indignation? At being denied answers yet again? No... Shane was familiar enough with that look even before their relationship severed. It was something else, more bitter in her throat. If Shane didn't know better, he'd say it looked like regret.

---

East Aaraminta - Construction Site

---

It was a rather strange feeling. Driving past the ostentatious sign of James Vanburen, promising the construction of the Vanburen Memorial Rehabilitation Center. Of all the siblings, including the ones that didn't live in the manor, Shane felt he saw James the least. But even he was pretty sure a giant sign like that wouldn't have been his Father's first choice of advertisement.

He was depicted with that smile people liked to remember him by. The one that seemed to assure you in all the ways you wish you were believed and understood in. Shane, middle child that he was, couldn't help but wonder to himself what the hell James would be thinking as his children drove by him in the wee hours towards the construction site. Too late to ask him now.

Again, showing he still had some value, Shane more or less dragged the object - revealed by Ezra to be a mirror - by himself. Laying against the wall inside the foreman's office, per Tansy's directions. For better or worse, she'd perked up in the car ride over.

“There. Ezra said if the Wiccans show up or if something goes wrong to give him or Arabelle a call. Supposedly she can use the mirrors to open a gateway if we need reinforcements or to retreat."

Tansy

'Let's hope it doesn't come to that.' Shane thought to himself. Their line-up wasn't exactly awe inspiring. When the strongest relationship you have in the group is with Trisha, things aren't looking great teamwork wise.

Tansy helpfully pointed out the keys to the construction equipment. Owing to his current means of employment, Shane could just about drive a forklift. Beyond that... Questionable. Now wasn't the time to try experimenting either. Still, it was good knowing where things are. Some of the equipment could be used as a makeshift weapon if the need really arose.

The girl, Tuyen tried getting the lay on all their abilities. He sympathised with her, she already seemed liable to implode at any moment and now she was left with the all star team. Still, her powers sounded useful in any case. Trisha's did too, whether she would actually make them useful would be a completely different story. Already snipes began to bubble as Tansy put on the pleasantly passive aggressive big sister act. She at least took the chance to describe her own ability, making a blinding light. This caused Shane to side glance her, the light in the foyer and her look of disgust. She was playing her cards close to her chest, no doubt in his mind.

"I can soak up hits and blast them back at people." Shane stated, looking at Tuyen and trying to be as candid as possible. Perhaps too much. "I can take the dogs head on. Beat a couple down back at the house. I was a Police Officer. I know how to fight and how to use a gun."

'All too well.'

He couldn't help himself, thumb resting under his jaw as he turned back and stood at the open door of the office - looking out at the rest of the site. Synapses firing as he began piecing together what they could try here. A fool proof plan was not happening, they were too uncoordinated and the teenagers were too unpredictable. The goal was to stack the deck. If they were luring the cultists here, then Georgie would be with them too. No matter what they had in mind, she would go against it. That had to be taken into account.

His thumb began restlessly rubbing against his chin as he pondered just about every best and worst case scenario.

"Mind if we look through the grounds now?" He asked without asking, taking a step back outside into the cold, back still towards the ambush team.

"I'm thinkin'... I can probably take the most out of everyone here, so maybe have me out in the open." Voice dropping off into the mumble as he squinted and looked towards the bones of the future building, he'd get a better idea of how to go about it when they were over there. He turned.

"I could draw 'em towards me. If Georgie actually shows up, I'll have the Horned thing. I can keep it secure with my... Power. Then, assuming they don't go for me immediately, we can lure em towards a point of the site. Hit 'em from every angle."

Brow furrowing as pieces formed together in his mind. Wasn't perfect, but it was a start they could jump off from.

"Have Trisha's creature things act as scouts, if they can do that." He looked towards Tuyen. At one time he could've found the words to reassure her, channelled the charisma of James Vanburen to confirm all the best scenarios were possible. That they could achieve them together. Instead, all he could offer her now was a slightly more determined look as he spoke.

"You could use that to manuever behind 'em" He pressed his knuckles against each other for emphasis. "Hit 'em from both sides."

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

The Vanburen Estate - Foyer
@Atrophy

---

The wind assaulted his back as Shane quickly returned to the embrace of the manor. All but seeing his cheeks flush red from standing outside merely for a moment, he was happy to retreat to the comparatively warmer confines of inside, even if the wind was still whistling through portions of exposed wall. Unfortunately for the reclusive Vanburen, he had found he'd traded one cold view for another.

“And for a moment there I thought you’d run off on us again. Not like there’s a precedent,”

Tansy

Ignore. Block it out.

Shane lifted his hands to his mouth and blew into them for warmth, letting Tansy's onslaught of small talk wash over him like a wave. He was well aware what it was, the verbal equivalent to body blows before setting up the big right hook. Being amongst multiple members of his family was bad, but at least they distracted themselves with their own agendas and score settling. One on ones were awful. Interrogations. People in his family only spoke to Shane when they wanted something.

“But it’s not all bad, I suppose. It’d be kind of fun to have us all under one roof again. Give us all plenty of time to catch up. You know what I was thinking about the other day?”

Tansy

He looked up from his self-made cocoon. Eyeing her with his cold stare. Almost missing her setting up the knockout blow as he pondered the first half of her statement - with Tansy it could well be sarcastic or sincere.

Only at the last second did he foresee the big right hook.

“I was thinking about how you never told me why you quit the NYPD."

Tansy

Justifications spilled from Tansy's mouth, a convincing job of almost sounding earnest in her concern. She deserved to know. The family deserved to know. Rumours. Danger. Protection.

It was a subject Shane had steeled himself with, not that the average person could really tell. But, compared to how he was with it initially, he was practically a saint in regards to his patience on the topic. That is to say, he didn't immediately leave the second it was mentioned. But when he'd returned, naturally, it was only anyone wanted to talk to him about. He found it easier to dismiss regular people from his life, but it always felt more difficult when up against his family.

His jaw clenched, his eyes shut. As if hoping that when he opened them, Tansy would be gone. The Christmas party rang in his mind. Truthfully, Tansy had made some valid points when she laid into him that night. But it was all a blanket to shield her real concern, herself. Even now. Motivated only by the damage Shane's quitting of the force might do to her. She liked to hide her real fears beneath empathy. Even when they'd been close, he'd seen her do it so effortlessly, but wrote it off as merely a skill adopted for the sake of business. It was a bit like their Father in that regard, but James was harder to get a read on. Easier to believe. With Tansy, once you spotted the strings, you could see the performance.

You just knew.

“Otherwise I don’t know. Please, Shane, I know you already used your monthly quota of words but just talk to me.”

Tansy

He opened his eyes, saw the tears welling in hers.

An unexpected hurdle that made him falter. He felt the anger that bubbled inside him subside, if only somewhat. Even when he knew it was an act. He fucking hated himself for it, but he could feel the venom that was about to lace his words regress.

'Should've just been an actress.'

Not to say the question still hadn't stirred enough inside of him to provoke visible emotion on the normally glazed Vanburen. All the tears in the world wouldn't keep him from holding up the walls that had gotten him through the days for a long time now.

"What are they?" He said, voice as cold as the air outside. "The rumours."

Arms folding on their own accord, eyes narrowing in a stare that Shane previously reserved for interrogating a suspect. "'Cause whatever they are; maybe they're right."

He stepped forward.

"If whatever you, or these people, think I might've done was so bad." A sneer. "Then maybe, there's a good reason I haven't gone spreadin' it around."

If you didn't know Shane it would really be impossible to tell, it may well still have been for the Vanburens with how little they saw of him. But his expression softened. Somewhat. Trading stern for sincere as his arms uncrossed and his eyes relaxed into the dull but composed look they always carried. He didn't step back however, needing to ensure his words weren't taken as any power play. Any psychological angle bullshit some of his family liked to play.

"You. Them." He gestured to deeper inside the house. The Vanburens. "Whoever's talking about me. You can all think whatever you want. I really don't care. But, my entire life, even you've got to admit I've never done anything with the intention of hurting this stupid family."

Stepping back, exhale escaping his lips. Shane slowly sat himself down on a sofa next to them. Spring green, miraculously untouched save for the dulling of colour as a layer of dust laid atop it.

"So I'm asking you to trust me, when I say you're better off not knowing." He looked ahead toward some vague distance, beyond the hall, beyond the home. Eyes tired. "Whether you can live with it or not, it doesn't matter. What happened, happened. No good comes from digging it back up."

He cleared his throat after a moments silence hung in the air. His voice ached. He'd been talking far too much today.

'Really hope they're about done.'

Nomadic Odyssey: EX Fallen Virtue [Invite Only]

---

Gold City Financial District - Park Row

---

The Gunslinger felt the metal as his hand pressed against the door to the Sunlight Shipping building. He had planned on several infiltration routes, but with an unassuming look and a quiet day, he could theoretically just walk right up to the man he needed to see. Provided he kept his head down while looking like he belonged.

With a sharp inhale, he pushed forward, the door having barely creaked open before his plan was shot to hell.

"OH MY GOD!" A woman from inside screamed. Panic ensued on the ground floor of the Sunlight Shipping building as an explosion on a nearby roof rocked the surrounding area. Voyt whipped his head around to see smoke rising a few miles from where he stood. Already, he could hear the sirens as police mobilised to ensure whatever violence was emerging, stayed put where it was without travelling to the more valuable commercial area.

That kind of fire power. It could have only been the tincans.

'Damn amateurs.' Voyt thought to himself, eyes narrowing in quiet rage. So much for a quick and easy approach.

He let the door shut as panic continued to spread amongst the building. Moving around to the side of the building, pushing past terrified civilians as he did so. The fire escape behind the building wasn't ideal, but if he was going to move unseen, it was the best chance.

Day by day he regretted his partnership with MIRAGE a little bit more.

---

Gold City - Breicen Apartment

---

Lucas tried his best to ignore Beelzebub's joyous reunion with his casaba melon. Much as the two had formed a very weird bond throughout the boy's stay in Gold City, he was possessive of the fruit in such a way that unnerved Lucas. Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answers to, sort of a situation.

Otherwise he smiled, Jill had taken the state of the apartment in much better fashion than he'd figured. Then again she was probably happy to be somewhere familiar instead of cooped up in a hospital bed. Even better, it was pancake time baby!

”Yeah, that sounds great, Lucas. I’ll just get the car started up and we can-”

Jill

The Tiger Of Gold City felt his mouth salivate as overly bougie pancakes came within his grasp. He wasn't a fan of the odd "rich person's" party or gathering the Breicen's had occasionally invited him to. Sticking out like a sore thumb even compared to Jasmine. But when it came to food? Yeah, he could stomach some snobby clientele and overly expensive décor.

But then, all hope was lost.

Lucas felt his body shake along with the building as the explosion thundered nearby. A quick look was all it took for him to know what would happen next.

”Ah, darn, guess that’s my cue. Look, here’s a hundred dollars, y’all can go grab pancakes or save it for later and join in on whatever this is, I’m not the boss of ya. Just gotta ask that you make sure Jazzy doesn’t get hurt.”

”Wait, WHAT?!”

Jill & Jasmine

And with that, both Breicens were out the door. Lucas felt himself let out a low grumble as his stomach groaned in annoyance. Glancing to the smoke rising from the building and pocketing the cash with a huff. He liked a potential fight more than anybody but he hadn't had breakfast!

Beelzebub was seemingly in agreement as the two rushed to catch up with the sisters. Lucas found himself nearing them quicker than anticipated, having both the gift of not being fresh out the hospital or as resistant to cardio as Jasmine. Speaking of which.

Lucas hopped as he ran, plucking the Demon of Gluttony out of the air for a technique they'd spent most of Jill's recuperation time practicing.

"Curveball!" He yelled, alerting Jasmine ahead and Beelz himself of their next move. Still running with respectable speed, Lucas twirled his arm and tossed Beelzebub with his "Tiger level" strength. The bat sent flying forward for Jasmine to grab onto and fly faster than she could run.

It was a pretty damn useful move once they got it down. The first few times were tough however. One such attempt having Lucas throw Beelz so hard that when Jasmine grabbed onto him as he passed they were both sent flying several feet before the bat could reorient himself in the air. You live and you learn. Speaking of which, that applied to another technique Lucas was about to employ.

As the crew sprinted down the corridor towards the stairwell, there lay a window at the end. One that offered a wonderful view of the distance of the building from the ground.

'Phew. Bigmoneybigmoneybigmoney.' Repeating that mantra in his head, Lucas sped up and closed his eyes. Crashing through the window like a bullet from a gun.

SMASH!

Eyes still closed. Wind whipping against his cheeks and hair. Lucas couldn't help but feel a smile spread across his lips as he flew through the air. Months of fuck all to do save coming up with insane ideas to try had led to this. God, he hoped he'd judged the distance well enough.

Twisting his body, Lucas moved shoulder first in mid-air, landing in a roll as his body collided with the roof of the adjacent building. Small clinks landing around his body as the glass from the window seemingly travelled with him for a more dynamic entry. Sparkling as they smashed alongside the ground while the cause of their creation spun directly into a kneeling pose.

"God DAMN I love myself." Lucas said, head shooting with an expression of adrenaline filled joy.

He stood and watched the smoke rise from the roof not too far from where he was. Sparing a glance towards the Breicens, he knew they'd have a lot less trouble travelling than he did. Lucas turned and charged on towards the source of trouble.

Either he'd be entertained for a bit, or he'd kick someone's ass quickly and go get food. Win win!

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

The Vanburen Estate

---

Shane had one hand pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes tightly shut. It felt like hours.

On and on it seemed to go. The jabs, the condescension, the "respectful" disagreements. If nothing else it made for a nice blanket to mask the long weary exhale from Shane's nostrils. He opened his eyes - pupils duller than usual - to catch Georgie on her way out.

"Though, I'm sure some of you would be happy to get rid of me, I digress. I'll be in my room if you need me."

"Don't need me for any reason. If any of you die on this mission, I don't want to hear about it."

Georgie

Whether all that meant she was on board with Justin's proposition of splitting into two groups or not was anybody's guess. Other than the fact she had the skull everybody was after in her possession, Shane couldn't say he was sad to see her go. If anybody was going to speak to her to coax her back into the fold, it wouldn't be Shane. For a myriad of reasons.

”I’ll go with the group setting up the trap,”

”I still think this whole things stupid, but I’m not a coward like Georgiana. I can actually help with that.”

'Surprising.' Shane thought to himself.

His surprise at this was dashed as Trisha's follow-up indicated it was more to spite Georgie than anything. It was still something, at least. Spite was better than apathy, there's a lot you can do with spite.

He didn't disagree either with Oscar volunteering himself to go with Arabelle as the group to meet with the cultist turncoat. He couldn't say he liked the plan overall, or the three-fifths of a plan that it felt like. But those two were probably the best suited for the job. Speaking of which.

"I'll go alongside Team Trap." He said, his tone more eager to wrap things up than was normal. "S'in my area of expertise," He gave a knowing glance to Oscar. "And I'm not the best representative of this family. Pretty low on Georgie's list of preferred siblings too; in case anyone wants to get on that."

He turned to pick up his cup of rapidly cooling "tea". Placing his other hand in his jacket.

"I'm gonna go wait by the front door for anyone goin' with me." He took a sip and already began his leave. "Come find me if the plans change again, or..." Shane didn't finish his sentence so much as wave his hand slightly. Disappearing back into the warm orange glow of the manor.

---

The Vanburen Estate - Foyer

---

Place was still a wreck.

Of all the places in the manor, the front end was the one that proudly displayed the most damage. Sporting a rather chic 'open concept' with several of the walls missing, letting the cold air flow in on the otherwise cosy yet elegant home. Shane felt his lips purse and his toes curl at the clash of the manor warmth and the chill of outside. Still, it beat just outright standing in the garden.

Shane attempted to combat this battle of temperatures with another sip of his enhanced tea, only to let out a small grunt of disgust as the liquid met his tongue. Cold.

Good for the whiskey portion of the drink, bad for the tea portion. Which was enough to be the predominant voice of this stage of the drink.

Shane opened the door and emptied the cup's contents onto the grass beside the door steps. Ensuring every drop of the foul concoction was disposed of before placing the cup onto the stone banister with a clink. He looked onward, fully in the embrace of the cold weather once more, towards the front garden.

Squinting his eyes at where the "Triple Goddess" had appeared. Despite the subtle warmth coursing through his body after a much needed hit of alcohol, it was a sobering reminder of what they'd be up against if they didn't get this right.

'Reassuring.'

Shane wordlessly picked the cup back up and returned back to the entrance of the manor. The furniture and debris strewn around the front lawn indifferent to his departure.

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

The Vanburen Estate

---

Shane had forgotten how grating the sounds of his sibling's voices could be.

Trisha was, predictably, committed to being no help. Oscar, as was seemingly their dynamic, was opposite to Trisha in that he was contributing, if nothing else. Trying to procure as much information before drawing a definitive line in the sand, which was more than could be said for the rest of the family - Shane included.

Not that the experts were doing so grand either, the girl was clearly unsure of herself. Normally, Shane would be at least sympathetic towards her clear anxiety at being amongst the Vanburens, but he really couldn't afford to suffer any potential dead weight right now. As could easily be gleaned, the Vanburens wore on each other just as much as they wore on Shane. Shane responded to her timid offering of her and Justin handling things themselves with a curt shake of the head.

So caught up in the bickering was Shane that he hadn't immediately noticed Tansy. Just barely keeping himself from showing surprise as she spoke inches from where he stood.

“It’s good to see you’re alive. I made ours extra special,”

Tansy

Her tone was that soft whisper she'd sometimes put on. Shane had coined it as her "Sincerity Voice". Usually when trying to relate to someone or appear more caring than the family wealth could allow on its own. It was hollow. Even without being acutely aware of their lack of any sibling warmth, Shane could see through it. He used to like Tansy, used to even stick up for her when others would declare her the phony she was. There was no Tansy, just a meticulously crafted character acting out her rehearsed lines. Shane only realised this when she tried to "help" him. Which went as far as having letters or intermediaries try to convey the burden of reputation that was placed on both their shoulders. She eventually stopped trying, thankfully, but it also meant Shane was now below her performance.

Unless she needed something. Shane doubted many things about his eldest sister, but her attachment to the family home and her clear disdain for what had happened made him very much believe she was sharing in his libations. He took the tea.

"Thanks." He half-mumbled, quickly taking a little more than a sip from the porcelain cup. The warmth travelled throughout his body, shielding him from the cold of the weather and his family. Almost certainly did Tansy "enhance" his cup more than her own, considering it was more whiskey with tea than the other way around. Shane certainly wasn't complaining.

Good timing too, as Tansy defaulted back to her regular personality and Georgie seemed determined to do more belittling than helping. His ears did perk up at the mention of the Triple Goddess and the Horned God. This was all above his paygrade still, but it was useful information none the less. That... Figure of the Triple Goddess on the Vanburens lawn was certainly still fresh in his mind. He immediately switched off as she regressed back to sniping at Tansy and whoever else entered her brain. If she wanted to stay here, that was fine with Shane. One less person to babysit.

As that thought entered his head, the boy Justin and the other boy- The other boy?

"...what has transpired is lost on me, but, from what I'm hearing, these...Wiccans? who attacked you all...I think maybe I can help."

Blu

Shane narrowed his eyes. He knew him from somewhere.

It took a few moments but Shane placed him as the musician. His time at Vanburen functions were limited, especially when it came to remembering entertainment that may have been present, but Shane couldn't forget the look on Ezra's face. He was one of James' charity cases or something of that nature, likely much more than that if his presence here was anything to go by. Regardless, his plan to infiltrate the Cult was at least a constructive idea. Though, still one Shane easily found himself disagreeing with.

As Justin responded, the Cult would absolutely be on edge to consider unknowns at this point. Speaking of, the boy was an unknown to Shane himself. He at least had seen Justin and Tuyen fight alongside his family, he had no frame of reference for this newcomer, and no reason to trust him either.

"We need to get the Triple Goddess and take her out fast as possible. My basic idea is to lure them somewhere else and ambush them. Not in the manor because they won't fall for that."

Justin

"Then we're back to trying to contact the member Arabelle met." Shane interjected, still looking sternly towards Blu.

"Say you're right and they can track the statue. They just gear up s'best they can and come after us." Only then did he turn to face Justin. "Or, better yet, they figure out we're trying to lead 'em somewhere and decide to raid the house while we're off wherever."

Probably injuring or even killing Georgie.

"We need them more off-balance." He muttered. "Either through the girl who wants out so we can scatter 'em. Or, by being proactive and knocking them down before they can regroup."

Placing his cup of (mostly) alcoholic tea on the stone railing and folding his arms, Shane's brow dipped. Making his standard annoyed expression develop into more of a frown.

"'Cause, evidently, we're not usually on the same page." His eyes briefly glanced at his family. "If we do try and draw 'em to us, there's a higher chance than I'd like of us fucking it up and those kids making off with the other statue."

'Or, with the way my luck's been going, something worse.' Shane thought to himself, looking back out towards the garden. He was done trying to formulate a plan of his own, his siblings had their own agendas that were more trouble than they were worth. The best he could do at this point was try and mitigate their worst impulses. Protecting them from themselves, like always.

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

The Vanburen Estate

---

"Have we thought about just giving them the skull? Maybe they'll leave us alone."

"Can't imagine that'd be a good idea." Shane said, continuing to look across the field. "Teenagers or not, they are still a cult. One that's apparently already got people tryin' to leave. Skull doesn't seem so friendly, so giving it to some stupid kids'll just cause more problems."

Part of him tried to be a little less blunt. He understood Sabrina's plight to be done with this mess but he really hoped to shutdown that line of thinking before somebody else tried to jump onboard. He seriously doubted the kids or the skull were directly related to the Vanburen's current affliction, but they'd absolutely do nothing good if left to their own machinations.

In truth, the skull slightly unsettled Shane. Enough for him to turn and watch it when it threatened that kid, Justin. He didn't think it was in great hands with the family but, better them than anyone else. He found himself so contemplative of the skull and caught up in Sabrina's plan that Georgie's had completely went by him for a moment.

"It's what I would do. So, we either go with your plan and feed her convincing bullshit to gain her trust while throwing her off, or we could go with my idea: stay here and do nothing. They're bound to try again, which means we fortify the mansion and stay vigilant. We'll have home advantage and can make several plans centered around the layout of the house. Having the home advantage, we could wipe them out."

It was pretty fucking moronic, as far as Shane was concerned. The house was already barely standing in places and as Justin and Sabrina pointed out, they had no idea if their conditions might worsen which wasn't likely to improve their already pretty poor cohesiveness as a group. Couple that with the fact that the family really didn't have much clue what other magical crap might be hidden in the walls of the estate. Georgie did have enough foresight to comb through James' books with the others to get an account of the artefacts he had, but if there was one thing the Vanburens knew about their father, it was how much he kept from them. Today was likely the most any of them had learned about him beyond the base qualities everyone knew already. It wasn't unreasonable to assume there was plenty more dangers here that James hadn't written down for one reason or another. The last thing Shane would want to do is find out while fending off another attack.

Shane shook his head, not even wishing to dignify the idea with further response. Instead glancing at Arabelle and Ezra.

"If she gave you the skull and we're willing to take the risk. It's worth a try, I suppose."

He wasn't crazy about the idea. A number of things could go wrong from it but thus far every idea presented carried some irritating degree of risk. Aside from the mouthy red head, Morgana, Shane didn't really get the feeling any of the teenagers were overly malicious. Beyond their blasé treatment of property that Ezra and the staff likely wouldn't forgive them for.

Speaking of, Shane was also not crazy about being in the same boat as his elder brother. If for no other reason than considering, in his experience, Ezra usually played an ulterior angle. The fact that he was already trying to commandeer duty over the skull seemed to give credence to this. He never counted Ezra as a charismatic negotiator, but he was a shrewd one.

Even still, the plan had the best possibility for success in Shane's mind. Or, at least, the one with the least possibility for bloodshed. He confirmed his standing with a curt nod to Arabelle. Turning and leaning against the railing to face everyone else.

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

The Vanburen Estate

---

Cold.

Shane had been so used to the Araminta weather and so engrossed in his thoughts that he hadn't realised the chill in the air until Justin begun to speak. Noting the two "magical experts" brought in by Oscar, wrapped up in warm clothing yet still hovering closely together. Set in front of a layer of undisturbed snow covering the expanses of the Vanburen Estate garden behind them. You wouldn't know the Manor had been practically smashed to shit with how still the grounds stood in the early evening.

Brought back to reality, Shane adjusted his jacket and slid his hands into its pockets. Thankful Sabrina's... Power, had made it for him this morning. He wasn't one for fashion but he had to internally note the quality as the soft cotton lining rubbed warmth back into his hands.

"Hello again, you're probably wondering why I called you all out here. I'm here to say that we've - well, with the help of Shane and friends - tracked down that cult to where they hang out... an old abandoned resort in the middle of the woods. Now you're probably wondering what you all have to do with that well..."

"If we catch them off then things will be different. And let's be real here, they're gonna come for the Horned God again and it's only a matter of time before they get lucky. So we should just work together and solve this problem and get rid of the Triple Goddess in the process."

Shane continued to look off towards the Estate. Taking in how peaceful the old home was capable of looking as Justin laid out his plan, for lack of a better term. Shane's jaw did clench slightly at Justin commending him for helping track down the Cult. It wasn't really something to be proud of. Magic or no, it would've taken him at most a couple of hours to find where they laid their heads if he'd been by himself. Thankfully, the cultists didn't exactly seem like the most street smart lot, so Shane doubted they'd lost much time in catching them off-guard.

Trisha, predictably, was not very agreeable to Justin's proposal. He couldn't entirely fault her, the plan more or less just boiled down to a frontal assault on some stupid but potentially desperate teenagers who could end up doing something very very stupid if cornered. Oscar and the female expert - who's name escaped Shane - alleviated concern for Shane somewhat however. Detailing the capabilities of some of the members. It was especially helpful Shane knew about a weakness to the damn hellhounds. He wasn't sure of all his family's powers but he was pretty sure he was one of the few that could at least take them on in a straight up fight. Having a way to deal with them quickly certainly helped.

"Going to have to put that cult down. Sooner or later." Shane said, in a tone that those unfamiliar with him could mistake for boredom instead of his general speaking voice these days. He deliberately looked at Trisha when he said it, quietly stressing to her the importance of doing so. "Kids or not, they'll keep being a problem. Might know something that could help us too." His dead-eyed gaze then shifted to the magical experts who's credentials he wasn't exactly wowed by.

"Can't speak about "Horned God"s and such, but they will do something stupid if they feel cornered. So somethin' more substantial than just a surprise attack is goin' to have to be in place before I throw my lot in." Shane had an uncanny ability for speaking in such a way where it could easily be mistaken as him speaking to himself. Indifferent on whether or not you were listening. His expression turned vaguely thoughtful as he continued.

"Abandoned or not, the resort's likely got pictures of it online in some capacity. Definitely on a map with the surrounding area. If you're asking my take, which you're not, it'd be smart to get an idea of the place they've holed in. Entrances, exits, what have you. Might not be completely accurate now; but s'better than goin' in blind."

Turning his head to face his family. Though, still possibly also talking to the experts as well. Or maybe no one.

"We've got some of their names and a few ideas of the places they haunt down in East Araminta. One of 'em may have seen us skulking around. Maybe. One of 'em also allegedly works down in a gas station nearby too." Shrugging, hands still firmly in their pockets. "Might be an idea to cut off the places they can go to if some of 'em slip by. Possibly get some home addresses. Somethin' to consider."

"Not everyone here's a fighter." His face turned to look at Justin, this time no mistaking who he was speaking to. "Even if they are?..."

They might still refuse.

If there was one thing every Vanburen seemed to have in common from Shane's perspective, it was stubbornness.

"Either way. I'm sure you've all got your own opinions on the matter."

A mumbled blanket statement as Shane turned and shuffled towards one of the railings, away from it all. He didn't imagine anything he said would be taken on board by his family but, hopefully, the kids might apply some of it. Shane disengaged from the proceedings as he allowed his siblings to no doubt vent their own conflicting thoughts and feelings about the situation. Justified or not.

He'd bluffed somewhat. He was likely going with the kids regardless. Partly because he was one of the more physical members of the Vanburens in both talents and power, as far as he was aware. Partly because, if the worst should pass he might as well be on the frontlines. Likely some of his brothers and sisters wouldn't mind one less sibling to deal with.

Recollections: Magnanimous

Shane B. Vanburen

"Nobody forgets. Nothing gets forgiven."

_______________________________________________ Shane Benjamin Vanburen He/Him | 28 | Irish-American | 6’1ft | 229lb _______________________________________________ Isolation _______________________________________________ Skills & Talents "There's a lot I'm capable of. None of it good." ___________________________________ [+] Firearms ⫻ As a former police officer, Shane is trained in the use of firearms. His experience ranges only as far as a beat cop however so his familiarity is more focused towards pistols and revolvers, he has used rifles before on firing ranges but is significantly less familiar with them. Brawling ⫻ Shane was always something of a pugilist growing up but when he began his police training he decided to also refine his fighting further, just in case. Shane is hardly any kind of prizefighter but his size, experience and aggression ensure he's more than capable of holding his own in a scrap. Cardio ⫻ Shane's proclivity towards getting into fights, particularly where his family was concerned, was an instance where James had to step in as a father beyond giving money to his child. In an effort to mellow him out and use his energy in a more constructive manner, James signed Shane up to do track and field. An activity Shane enjoyed enough to take through the rest of his school life. Although it's not something he's kept up on, even with years of drinking, Shane still has relatively good running speed and stamina. Handy ⫻ As one of the Vanburens familiar with getting his hands dirty, Shane is able to maintain and repair most everyday household objects without issue. A skill he founded during his youth through one of the subjects he actually had a natural aptitude for and one he further developed later in life out of financial necessity. He doesn't do much in the way of personal projects but does make the odd thing like book shelves or tables for his own way to unwind. Like most, he's possessive about what little tools he does own.

Appearance ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ "It's not a secret I didn't get these scars fallin' over in church." An immediate first glance can tell anyone that Shane is prickly and unwelcoming. Cold blue hollow eyes and with a perpetual frown on his face, only sometimes placated (or exacerbated) when drunk. Despite his known to be well-off family he's generally seen as plain or unkempt, with long dishevelled dark red hair and a tangled beard making him look far more savage than the surname Vanburen would imply. His eyes often bloodshot and with dark rings underneath along with some faint scarring along the left side of his mouth only adds to his general thug like appearance. Shane is tall and quite stocky, especially compared to his siblings. Owing largely to his prior career and often taking on the odd labour based job around town. That said, his midsection has softened more than it should at his age due to the frequent alcohol intake. Shane's clothing reflects his attitude, which is to say it is often very rough, cheap or functional. He tends to wear the same all purpose black boots for every outfit along with a pair of dark blue jeans and an un-tucked shirt, usually flannel, over a plain white or black T-shirt. Naturally invisible to the Blind, Shane bears the sigil of an Awakened. A small circular Celtic shield on the lower left side of his neck. Most of Shane's clothing usually has some kind of collar in order to cover it up as he's not yet aware only other powered beings can see it.

_{Psychology
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"People don't change. They just become more of who they really are."

MAIN GOAL ⫻ In a narrow and immediate sense of the word ‘goals’, all Shane seemingly wishes to do is drink and forget. Shane’s long term goals have shrunk little by little since he moved back into Araminta beyond moving on to the next day. With his lack of communication and separation of himself from his family, despite having moved back to their home town, it would seem Shane's primary goal is to keep himself dethatched from the people he cared most about. A goal that current circumstances have made difficult.

PHILOSOPHY ⫻ Shane was never much for religion nor does he consider himself a particularly spiritually intelligent person. Instead, Shane held himself to the lessons imparted by his father, in his own way. Help and protect others, family especially. Nowadays he seems to regard this previous line of thinking with contempt for his naivete. Though his own isolation could be considered a manner of protecting in its own way. Shielding his family from the person he's become.

SEXUALITY ⫻ Shane's heterosexual but hasn't acted on anything romantically in a long time. Even in his current state, his familial connections still make him a desirable partner for the less choosy hopefuls of Araminta, a fact which makes dating a lucky lady even less appealing for him than it already is.

FEARS ⫻ While not a fear in the traditional sense, Shane is openly disdainful and distrusting of most figures of authority. Cops especially. It's generally masked under his standard cold demeanour, but their presence puts him on a much greater edge than he's normally on. There's a marked degree of self-loathing along with his outward hostility towards these people.

REPUTATION ⫻ It's an open secret and subject of ridicule or sadness for the majority of people living in Araminta that Shane Vanburen has become a washed alcoholic since his return to the town. Although he keeps largely to himself, Shane’s past as a friendly and outgoing person growing up and prior to his leaving has left his supporters and friends alienated at his current state. Although harbouring no animosity towards his family, it is an unspoken fact among them that Shane is difficult to get a hold of and extremely short if they do.

THOUGHTS ABOUT FATHER ⫻ Shane has mixed feelings towards James. He'd generally patterned his life around the ideals and principles of his father but nothing in his life turned out the way he'd have liked it to. Shane, personally, didn't have much of a relationship with James, due to how often his attention was focused elsewhere. It's not something he's especially broken up over, but it has caused him to examine the man with greater scrutiny in his now more cynical state. Wondering how much he'd emulated an idea of his father than the person he really was.

FLAWS ⫻ Naturally, Shane's alcoholism is the primary one. A damaging form of self-medication that is slowly poisoning him. Shane's incredible caginess and inability to relate to his friends or family anymore does not help in this regard, even potentially becoming aggressive if pushed repeatedly into discussing uncomfortable subjects. Ironically, his pre-New York flaws were more or less reversed, where once he was overly defensive of his family and somewhat overbearing, he is now apathetic and isolated.

_{Backstory
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"One thing I learned on the job, don't ask questions you don't wanna know the answers to."

James Vanburen was a magnetic man, even disregarding his wealth and countless acts of charity, people couldn’t help but be drawn to him. Naturally, this extended to the help on his estate. Kathryn Walsh was one such case. A young redheaded maid who'd worked for James long enough for him to take an interest. As he was known to do, James cheated on his then current significant other with Kathryn. As soon as Walsh became noticeably pregnant, the jig was up. James lady-in-waiting broke off their relationship and as soon as Kathryn bore James a son, their fling fizzled out shortly after.

She didn't have much interest in raising a child with a man she began to have her doubts about. Not that James was in much rush to keep her around either, not long after their son was born, Kathryn left. Given some, likely significant, financial aid from James and contributing to their son only his first name. Shane.

Despite being one of the few Vanburen children growing up without any knowledge of his other family members, save James, Shane was relatively well adjusted. Often cheerful and excitable as any other young boy would be, often much more personable and easy to get along with than some of his siblings. In spite of the vast money and power being a Vanburen offered him. That said, he was not perfect.

Shane often got himself into trouble at school the older he got. He didn't set out to pick fights but his temper coupled with the insults his classmates would give his siblings set him off on multiple occasions. While this began initially due to the constant bullying of Sabrina, it never really died down even after Sab transferred schools. It ultimately didn't take much to set Shane off, even implying a bad word against members of his family or especially his lack of one would result in incident. No matter how many grandiose speeches his father James would sparingly give him or cold reprimanding from Ezra.

Since Shane wasn't really ever used to seeing James act much as a father, he was sent to counselling to quell the problem as he entered his teens. It was there that Shane's passion was directed to more constructive uses. Entering him into various sport clubs, namely track and being one of the few times Shane was felt comfortable enough to expose his worries and insecurities rather than be a caring protective figure for his "family".

His protective instincts were also given a constructive outlet as he came closer to the age where he'd have to figure out what to do with his life. Deciding to use his physical strengths, understanding and charm to try his hand at being a police officer.

The decision was generally well received by his family, James especially. Clean cut, friendly and optimistic Shane seemed like a natural fit to join the force. It was one of the only times Shane could recall having a complete conversation with James as he commended his son after graduating basic training. In spite of the praise however, Shane felt he needed to use the opportunity to help elsewhere. Araminta already had a magnanimous man, so why not apply his, sparing, lessons somewhere else?

Thus, Shane made the move to New York City. Keeping only sparing contact with his family members as he settled in and began his new life. Everyone was leading their own lives of course, it didn't bother Shane. If anything he relished the freedom. Early on Shane attended the odd family function and most of the major holiday soirees Tansy organised. Even meeting up with Tansy on a very infrequent basis when she'd be in New York. Over time though, the visits slowed. Gradually, at first. Then none at all.

Then Shane returned home.

Distant, quiet, angry, broken.

About all he told anyone was that he'd quit the force and had no desire to return. Gone was the well groomed and charming but energetic man who, though overbearing, always clearly had his family's best interests at heart. His hair grew out, he never bothered to meet with his family despite being in the area. James had even made the rare effort to get in touch now and then but was rebuked every time. Shane lived in a run down apartment with his own money in Araminta's much less polished east side. Working menial jobs and drinking. Alienating his old friends and seemingly disowning his family. Not that that was very hard, most of them had left already to their own lives or had given up trying to re-connect with him.

Shane did, extremely grudgingly, return for what would be James' last Christmas party. Only realising in retrospect that his final interaction with his father was a polite nod before he squared himself away in a corner and drank away the rest of the night before returning home. He'd wake up to the news next morning that his father had died.

It was a hard thing to process. On one hand it didn't seem much to Shane with what he was already going through, James had been a man he admired but also not one who'd been much of a father to him. But on the other, it was another lost connection. Initially Shane went on with his life, under the impression it was just another unfortunate part of a life that was already rife with them. But it became clearer to Shane as he continued to work, drink and ruminate, that he was less unaffected by James' death than initially believed.

One night, after downing an impressive amount of his local bar's stock, he stumbled out into the woods. Shambling like a corpse along the dirt path as he let the cool air hit against his swollen pale face. He came across a small drop, where the path ended and the wilderness truly began. Shane finished the remainder of the drink in his hand and stumbled around his coat pocket. Pulling out a dull metal revolver. For what may have been seconds, minutes or hours he merely stared at the gun in his hand. Before quietly placing it under his chin.

From then, it's unclear. Shane vividly remembers the barrel trembling beneath his jaw, then a blur. He can't even really remember if he went through with squeezing the trigger before a blue flash knocked him on his ass and the gun out of his hand. An aura surrounded him, a mark seared itself onto the left side of his neck. He had awakened.

Understandably alarmed at this development, Shane returned home and tried to write the entire night off as further drunken stupidity in the life of Shane Vanburen. But the mark on his neck confirmed the events were real. In private, like far out into the woods by himself private, Shane tried to come to terms with what was going on with him. He could withstand damage that really should at the least hurt him. He could toss the shock back like a wave of force, or imbue it into his fists and break rocks in half with enough force. It was... Certainly an interesting experience.

Not long after, Shane was invited to another family gathering he couldn't weasel out of. Chiefly because his family had discovered abilities of their own.

And they were turning to stone.

_{Abstraction
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"Like a bad dream I can't wake up from."

TYPE ⫻ Awakened

ABSTRACTION ⫻ Guardian Angel, a light blue sheen that can envelope Shane or appear as a wall in front of him, able to withstand physical pressure and explode it back at attackers.

ABSTRACTION DESCRIPTION ⫻ Shane’s abstraction enables him to surround himself in a light blue aura which can soak up damage from attackers and throw it back in a kinetic blast when it accrues enough physical trauma, this technique is called a Guardian Release. The shield can be altered to take the form of a translucent blue wall which can be held up by Shane and enables others to hide behind it if need be.

The more damaging/greater amount of trauma Shane or the wall receive while active will determine how powerful the Guardian Release becomes. At its lowest being essentially a knockback to being powerful enough to throw enemies through solid objects with ease. While the release can be used as a sort of pseudo projectile, Shane generally releases the concussive force through his punches or kicks.

AURA-SENSING ⫻ Shane can feel the aura of those about to be struck by physical damage, supernatural or otherwise, a few moments before it happens. The range of this sensing is short however, around ten feet before this sensing begins to fall off.

LIMITS ⫻ The physical barrier can only manifest on Shane and thus cannot be used to protect someone unless it's being used as a stationary wall. The wall only being active for as long as Shane stands and holds it up The kinetic blast can travel around twenty or so feet ahead of him. The barrier can only absorb physical damage and so attacks from energy such as fire, electricity, are not absorbed - though are still blocked from harming the user. The barrier expands to around Shane's body, appearing like a blue sheen. However, there's only so much that the barrier can take and if it absorbs too much energy then the barrier will explode - injuring Shane in the process. Shane's barrier also can't do much to save him from being grabbed and moved around by something strong enough.

WEAKNESSES ⫻ Shane's barrier weakens quicker from any non-physical/energy-based damage. A constant barrage of damage will pin Shane in place and force him to stand still... which may expose him to even more damage. Now, taking too much energy into his barrier can be dangerous as he can overload and cause all that kinetic energy to explode out. Injuring himself and anybody around him.

^{Other
_{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"Plenty of guns left in the Valley."

Shane's preferred drink is Jack Daniels.

Shane’s Relationships

Sabrina.Vanburen
"Keep hangin' in there, Sab." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Fragile. If there was any family member that could inspire a modicum of warmth from Shane, it'd be Sabrina. Often would Shane return home from school with his knuckles raw and bloody from sticking up for his elder sister. Though, by his own admittance, he never quite understood what his sibling was going through, he always defended her. While these days he rebuffs most of her attempts to contact him, he's not outright dismissive of her like he generally is with others. Occasionally, even letting flashes of familial affection show as he humours her conversation and takes greater care to hide his less savoury aspects. It's never clear, even to Shane himself, if this is out of genuine like, or from years of viewing and treating his sister as the most fragile Vanburen.
Ezra.Vanburen
"They've got you workin' overtime, Golden Boy." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Conflicted. Though unsure and distrustful of his eldest brother, Shane can concretely say he at least respects Ezra. If nothing else than for juggling and putting out the fires of James' woefully adjusted spawn. They never had much of a relationship but, prior to Shane's leaving for New York, they were at least cordial. If not a little guarded. Now however, Ezra may be the sibling Shane tries avoiding the most. His own self-sufficiency and keeping enough of a handle on his alcoholism to avoid serious trouble is in part out of desire to avoid needing Ezra to cover his ass. Possibly because it'd be easy for people to assume Shane would be his brother's biggest and most consistent fire to put out. Or, possibly, out of sheer pride or spite.
Georgie.Vanburen
"Hard to tell who's worse at pleasantries." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Relinquished. Another relationship long soured. Georgie used to be a bright and cheerful child always demanding attention and turning the estate upside down during her visits. One of the few able to match her youthful energy, Shane would typically indulge her with piggy back rides or letting her help with the odd project he'd be doing for shop class. Now, with both of them having led their separate lives, neither are so friendly anymore. If Shane were to hypothesize, he'd wager part of her shift in demeanour is a misguided attempt to appear more grown-up, more secure. He can see the condemnation in her eyes whenever her judging gaze passes over him. It's not a relationship Shane has much interest in mending. Both of them have long since changed, no point trying to turn back time.
Oscar.Vanburen
"Really hope he can focus long enough to fix this." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Respect. Quite possibly the two most polar opposites in the Vanburen clan. Ironically enough, also the two most complimentary. The Vanburens weren't know for being the most consistently supportive, but Shane and Oscar always looked out for one another growing up. Where Shane was athletic, Oscar was studious. Where Oscar was aloof, Shane was passionate. It's likely Shane would've needed to attend summer school more than once had Oscar not aided in some of his more trying subjects. Even now, Oscar is the easiest for Shane to talk to. No ulterior motive, no empty gestures. While Shane's still not exactly all that warm to Oscar, he's clearly more at ease with him than others. Shane respects Oscar's character and intelligence enough to generally take him at his word, even if the situation is as strange as this.
Trisha.Vanburen
"The two most popular Vanburens." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Understanding. In an unprecedented twist, Trisha and Shane probably have the most... Neutral, of any relationship Trisha has with her siblings. Maybe it's because neither try to put on any civility for each other, maybe it's because they both know to stay out of each others way. Maybe, in some sentimental way, they feel enough pity for each other to recognise there's nothing either can do to help. Shane certainly made more of an effort to be patient around Trisha in his youth. Comments and actions he'd generally beat wholesale ass over, he'd let slide for Trisha's sake. Their last meeting was a curt nod as they passed by one another in the mansion halls. A giant step forward for both of them.
Tansy.Vanburen
"All wrapped up in your own little world." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Imitation. While they wouldn't seem as such, Tansy and Shane once got along swimmingly. Shane was, at one time, the easiest Vanburen to get along with - short temper aside. Tansy meanwhile was more contentious among the family, a reputation Shane always felt was undeserved. She'd always treated him with kindness, listened to his problems, allowed him a chance to drop the "defending brother" personality that he wore in part as a shield. He had no mother and not much of a father, Tansy was only so happy to be a figure in that void. What once were happier memories are now sources of bitter anger. All it ever was, was another project. The times on the estate, in New York, all just Tansy making an investment, an ally to have in her corner, another feather in her cap to feel good about herself. All the horrible things said about her were true. Initially, Shane felt pity for her. For slowly retreating from her and the family as his issues in the police came to a head. But the calls, the pleas, the demands. Culminating in Tansy bombarding him with her indignation at the Christmas party. In Shane's mind, severing any notion that she ever cared about him beyond having someone to defend her. While they both view each other as different people masquerading as someone they once knew, Shane questions if he ever knew Tansy at all.
Arabelle.Matthews
"You come 'round like a bad habit." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Guarded. What with trying to keep home visits at an absolute minimum, Shane doesn't have much opinion on Arabelle. As kids he'd certainly tried to befriend her a number of times, not considering or not caring about the difference in "station" between them. But he was treated as distantly as Arabelle treated the rest of the Vanburens. Likely not helping was the fact that, with his lack of maternal figure and frequency of fights, he was the Vanburen that tended to occupy her mother's time the most. If she holds any ill will over this, Shane can't really say - he's long since stopped trying to get a read on her. Certainly he respects her work and drive from an outsider's perspective, but his days of trying to extend a hand are long gone. Their current aloof relationship suits him just fine.
Blu.Moonblood
"Reckon he's more surprised by us than we are of him." _______________________________________________ ...................................................................	Mystery. Shane, prior to present day, had met Blu exactly once. At some gathering or other that James had pleaded with him to attend. Remembering Blu only on account of the odd name and the odder look his presence made on Ezra's face. Having seen his brother all but practice his stoic gaze it was rather noteworthy how strong a reaction seeing Blu provoked in him. It wasn't long since Shane's return from New York however and he was less inclined to investigative work than he is now. It didn't surprise him much to learn later from Oscar that Blu is, allegedly, another half-sibling of theirs. Only something like that could cause enough of a stir. If he really wanted to know, he's confident there's much more at play in the relationship James had with Blu. But, as it stands, there's much more pressing matters to deal with.