DragonofTheWest

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

October 28th 5:00 PM

Queens, New York

When you look the way John does, it was easy to gather attention even through his hooded sweatshirt Tall, strong, relatively good looking... mothers gossiped to each other at the young man who frequented visited the local boxing gym while fathers privately reflected their youth pondering if they looked as John did at the same age. Ever since his brief entanglement with the Irish Mob the great "Superman" had relatively been quiet since then. While New York City and the other boroughs struggled with its crime activity, one particular masked individual in the form of the Tiger was far more active. As the Tiger went about and made his mark throughout New York, Superman simply stayed quiet and when several other famed individuals descalated the conflict in the Middle East, Superman remained quiet. For a figure who had made several notable appearances, John was fortunate he was able to routinely settle back into the shadows.

Sitting in a stool outside the ring John wrapped his hands slowly as any typical boxer would do. Such an activity was a waste after all, nothing was capable of harming him, or at least so he thought. Was it laziness or maybe a lack of understanding in his place in the world that John pondered as he wasted his days again in secrecy. It was reassuring being out of the spotlight and there was enough heroes in the world and he wasn't one of them until...

John glanced upwards as he saw several young children running around imitating the very super heroes they watched on television.
"Lady Arcana is the coolest!"
"No, no! Aquaman is the coolest!"
"No uh!" Another cried as John chuckled at their innocent arguments.
"Hey kids what about New York's... the Tiger! huh?" The kids turned and looked towards the head boxing trainer, Julian who caught their attention with a clap, also laughing at the arguments as the kids nodded their heads in approval. As the various parents of the children rolled their eyes in the silly conversation Julian congratulated the kids on a good day's work from the previous hourly long workout class
"Alright everyone, that's enough for the day, get home safe!" Julian said as he waved the children and their parents goodbye. But just before one exited the building, one small boy asked out loud "Hey coach, what about Superman!?"
"We can talk about this tomorrow, go home good job today!" Julian replied watching the last of them leave as he took a deep breath knowing the gym was closed. It was only 5 in the afternoon but the way the world was... nobody liked being out at night, it was too unpredictable. The gym was now empty save for Julian and of course the sitting man who stared at his wrapped hands.

"Hey champ you alright?" Julian asked as he approached wondering why John seemed so lost in thought.
"Yeah I'm good" John replied as he glanced upwards. He didn't want to admit it but the reminder that nights now a days can be so scary for the common people irritated at him.
"Listen, I got some guys from the island coming in tomorrow I think they got someone who wont be too scared to get in the ring with ya"
"You always say that" John replied as the pair bumped fists and the two shared a quick chuckle.
"Listen John, you think about what I said? You're a natural. A real heavyweight but your real fit, you're fast, hit hard as shit. It's like you aint trying half the time. I'm telling ya, you're here all the time why don't you fight, for real just once, I can set something up" John rolled his eyes, he's heard this pitch before.
"Oh cmon John don't give me that! look at ya! You were built to go professional in something, you look like a god damn super hero. You remember when that guy Marvin won the championship? That could be you next time! imagine that New York producing another world champ"

John stayed quiet and ignored the statement as he stood up as he rotated his shoulders before he began to lightly shadow box in place. "Listen man, I know you ain't scared to be in there so what's the deal? I mean your crazy enough to walk these streets alone at night"

"You think the world has enough super heroes?" John finally replied as his attention turned towards the nearby wall mirror as John watched his movements closely making sure he did all the little thing correctly. Shadow boxing after all was all focused on watching your own movements, to perfect them... a honest way of critiquing one's technique. "The hell? See now that's some bull shit. The world is all sorts of messed up, the world needs all them crazy freaks out there saving the world cause hell you know I ain't doing it" As Julian watched John work, John picked up the pace in his intensity, each punch fast and powerful, each with a purpose. There was some real pop behind those punches, Julian knew it but what bothered him is why it looked so easy as if John routinely held back.

"You think Superman should've went to the Middle East?" Another question, a relatively dumb one but Julian had an opinion on everything and anything.

"You're god damn right he should. You seen that asshole on television, he's capable of doing all that weird super alien shit but I think he's on our side you know?. But I think he's a bit off in the head, just my opinion" Julian shrugged before letting John be to continue warming up...

An hour or so later

John could hear Julian relaxed in his office watching the local news as the latest stories about the latest murders and kidnappings in the local area. Each story seemingly got more negative and depressing than the other as John got too caught up in listening that his concentration slipped and with a punch with too much pop into it sent a punching bag flying off its hook, the heavy bag slamming into the wall as sand spilled everywhere. Realizing what he done John slightly cringed at his mistake but took a sigh of relief as Julian was too caught up in the news to notice. Kneeling towards the downed bag John slowly worked too clean up his mess as he took the time to close his eyes and truly listen to the world around him as he once more asked the question he's been asking himself all year... Does the world need a Superman?

Galactic Conquest

Aurora Vault

Move…

His eyes slowly opened as the sounds of battle radiated all around him. Bodies dropped from both sides as weapon fire and foreign languages bounced of the vault’s walls as the dark armored Sith struggled to rise.

Move…

He could feel it. Something was approaching, a danger that he did not comprehend but the urgency in his bones forced the fatigued Sith on to his feet.

Move…

Dragos grasped his lightsaber that lay in the heads of a dead brute and activated the weapon as he sprung into action towards the vault’s entrance. This was his only opportunity to escape, he had to take it. The fighting was intense in the vault’s corridors but he had the advantage of being a lone target, swiftly moving through the ranks as he fought his way out.

Move…

His helmet remained intact, his radio, his enhanced optics all of it. The communication back and forth from the Sith Lord and his recently arrived men was quick and decisive, both parties taking advantage of the chaos. As Dragos emerged from the vault he could feel the incoming presence closer and closer but fortunately his troop transport hovered in the sky waiting to retrieve him. With a mighty leap Dragos launched himself into the air, his hand just grasping the edge of the extended entrance ramp. With the aid of the very captain that refused to abandon his commander, Dragos hoisted himself into the fleeing vessel.

Move…

The transport accelerated into outer space before the sight of the arrival of a new invader caught their eye. Moments before the transport jumped into hyperspace they watched this new foreign invader rain death below to the very location they just escaped from. It was obvious that due to the recent events the galaxy would never be the same.

Outskirts of the Galactic Center system

The Sith transport stumbled out of hyperspace, its engines slowly propelling the craft forward to the massive armada before it. It was fortunate they did not have to travel far as their craft had taken considerable amount of damage in the rescue attempt of the Sith Lord but fortunately they were home. Dozens of mile long Imperial Class Star Destroyers floated in defensive positions along the gargantuan super dreadnought that lay in the fleet’s center. To the enemies of the Sith, the Invincible represented the absolute pinnacle of Sith might but to the newly arrived men, it was home.

Dragos was the first to walk down the loading ramp as a small crowd had gathered in anticipation for his arrival. As the Sith surveyed the massive hanger along with its assembly, he took a deep breath as if to relish moment that he had just evaded death. While the minor officers were there to simply serve as assistants, a pair of individuals in the form of the blue skinned humanoid alien in Grand Admiral Thrawn and the elderly grandfather like figure in Grand Moff Tarkin served to be quite the entourage. As Dragos moved to greet the assembly, it was apparent to all in the room that three of the most powerful and decorated individuals in the Empire were gathered in this small hanger and it was not coincidence.

“Lord Dragos” Thrawn announced with a small bow. “It is an honor to see you again my lord”

“Lord Dragos you seem well. It seems that your brief entanglement with the enemy was nothing more than exaggeration. I should have figured that such foreign scum stood no chance against our greatest warrior” Tarkin added on as he too offered a quick head nod to pay his respects.

“Grand Admiral Thrawn, Governor Tarkin I was not expecting such an esteemed audience.” Dragos replied.“I’ve heard of your intentions but the vault has been destroyed. Let’s see to it that our outlying defenses remain on high alert in case something tried following us.”

“Unfortunately my Lord that is not the case” Dragos gazed at Tarkin with a slight annoyance. Even though his armored helmet masked his facial expression, Tarkin could feel the Sith’s eyes gaze back into his. Tension grew in the moment, Dragos knew that having Tarkin and Thrawn gathered aboard his ship meant plans were in motion and these plans had yet to be consulted with him. “The Emperor has taken quite an interest with the variety of civilizations you encountered”

Thrawn nodded in support, “It is true. The Emperor himself requested I return from my post on Cardia and once more serve as your fleet admiral”

Before Dragos could respond the hanger’s door opened again, this time a hooded female approached the crowd, her presence completely changing the atmosphere in the hanger. While Tarkin and Thrawn exhibited an aura of calm professionalism, the hooded female walked with a certain royal confidence. She was incredibly beautiful, capturing men’s hearts was easy for her yet her eyes possessed a certain passion, she was without a doubt just as dangerous as she was attractive. As she got closer she smirked slightly as she stood before Dragos, not bothering to acknowledge the other gathered imperial officers.

“Of all the people here, I expected you to be the first to see me” Dragos spoke, commenting on the female’s late arrival.
“Forgive my lord but the Emperor desired to speak with me and now that you have arrived… he demands an audience immediately” Tarkin smiled at such punctuality, “It seems the Emperor himself wants to inform you of our plans regarding this new region of space. Lord Dragos we will hold you no longer, I’m sure you and the Emperor have much to discuss” Tarkin stepped to the side, gesturing Dragos to make his move. With little choice in the matter, Dragos made his walk towards his meditation chamber.

The room was empty save for an elevated platform that lay in the middle. Stepping forward Dragos and his female companion both fell to one knee, their heads bowed as they could hear the transmission coming through. Within moments a holographic figure of an elderly hooded man appeared before the two Sith, yellow eyes focused downward at his kneeling apprentice.

“What is thy bidding my master?” Dragos asked as he tilted his head upwards to meet the Emperor’s holographic eyes.

“Lord Dragos, it seems we have new enemies”

“Nothing we cannot deal with. Should they come within reach of our empire then I’ll be sure to be the first to respond.”

“On the contrary Lord Dragos, you will go on the offensive.” Dragos paused for a moment as if to contemplate he heard the response right.

“You cannot reasonably expect to take the Galactic Center by force? We cannot defend our territory and launch a massive invasion against these various civilizations, not at the same time” Dragos argued but his defiance was met with anger.

“You forget my apprentice that a Sith is more than a warrior. A Sith is a manipulator, a tactician, an orchestrator of events. Brute force is not the only way you can conquer your enemy. You will return to the Galactic Center, you will meet with these various faction leaders, you will befriend them, you will learn from them and then you will take from them when their use has expired. Who you decide to align with or manipulate is all up to you. All that matters is that you set the foundation for ultimate Sith triumph”

“Such… tactics are rather beneath me.” Dragos replied, even though his helmet hid his facial expressions, both master and apprentice could feel the tension growing between them.
“And your sense of honor insults me. You will do as I command.” The Emperor's voice gradually grew harsher, his blood starting to boil.
“Your suggestions require time and patience, resources…” Yet an excuse. Dragos was one to usually never to complain but as he voiced his rather obvious disdain for the Emperor's plans, the hooded female had glanced over and offered to make a defense to ease the tension but the moment she opened her mouth, the Emperor had raised a hand to silence her, his gaze never leaving the kneeling man.

“Time is our ally. By pushing our reach outwards our enemies will rush to meet it. The citizens of the Empire continue to enjoy their petty peace, they care little for the wars raged beyond our borders. You have no excuses”
“If this is what you wish.” Dragos relented but his frustration still filled the air.
“It is. This will be your greatest challenge yet. Completion of this task will set a foundation that will allow our Empire to prosper for a millennia. Do not fail me.”
“I understand, my master.”
“Good. See this through at once, I’ll expect an update soon.”
Dragos rose to his feet, preparing to leave the room but the transmission continued. “Oh and one more thing Lord Dragos… the traitor that resides in the Republic lives. He has grown stronger… I foresee that you two will meet once more.”
Dragos paused at this sudden news as his hands clenched into a tight fist. “If I see him… I’ll kill him” The Emperor visibly smiled, approving of the response.
“We will see…. We will see” the transmission faded into nothing ending with the Emperor’s laughter of amusement.

Galactic Conquest

@MarsMatter We would be happy to have you

Apocalypse

Capitol City
Downtown

Achilles's blade flashed with fire as the Arch Angel steadily fought his way through a ruined city street. Every swing downed several combatants yet the hordes seemed endless. These demonic imps despite their lack of strength seemed immeasurable in number and were persistent enough to deny the Arch Angel to freely regroup with the majority of Heaven's forces. With a push of his wings Achilles shot outwards towards the sky only to be swarmed by several more winged demons. They snarled and claws at the armored warrior but their attempts to intimidate or wound the warrior of light failed as they hurled themselves at reckless abandon regardless of the inevitable consequence. Through his armored helm Achilles eye's were active, scanning for an opening... he could feel the other Angels on the move, looking to make a driving counter assault.

There was a sense of urgency in the air as if the upcoming battle would be determined in the upcoming moments. Pushing himself harder, Achilles continued to fight through the ruined city until at last he could eye Zaphiel leading the others to engage presumably the main host of the demonic hordes. Eager to join Achilles again attempted to take to the sky before several beings leaped forward, grasping his leg. Achilles scoffed at their attempts as he used his free armored hand to smash the beings off him but the temporary delay allowed the horde to swarm forward. As Achilles attempted to free himself, off in too his distance and in the distance an Angel was approaching "One of Zaphiel's?"

If it wasn't obvious before, it was crystal clear now. He was needed on the front lines... he hoped that he would not be too late.

Apocalypse

Capitol City
Outskirts

He had arrived in secret, alone and ahead of the others. While other Angels arrived in various groups, Achilles introduced himself to the battlefield, charging single handily into the outskirts of the demonic invasion, slaying various imps with a simple swing of his heavenly sword. Whether madness drove them forward or fear, Achilles did not know but time and time again he struck down imps with incredible speed and accuracy yet no matter how many he slay he could feel demonic presences all around him. Leaping into the sky, the Arch Angel urged his wings to propel him forward towards a nearby skyscraper to get a better vantage point.

Upon reaching his destination Achilles could only watch all around him the true extent of the chaos that erupted all throughout the city. It was only when his fiery eyes comprehend the vastness of the demon invasion did Achilles take note of the the laughter of a demon which seemingly echoed for miles in all directions. From his view, Achilles reflected on the miserable sight and his eyes raged with fury. This war wasn't supposed to be waged so openly and as the sounds of the demons radiated from the streets below, the Arch Angel took this moment to silently admit that he possibly may be responsible for all of this. "If only I..." Oh how the word "If" resonated in his thoughts so frequently. Stretching his white wings out from behind him, the armored Angel gazed into the sky above through his armored helm knowing full well who orchestrated the madness. The Angel's silent frustration boiled over as the concrete he stood cracked under the Angel's power. "Not this city. Not today" Achilles announced to himself though it seemed more of an open declaration to the sky above.

Yet before any moves were made the dark fog that emitted from the sky began to make its way downwards. Upon first contact Achilles grimaced slightly, he felt eyes tingle with a slight burning sensation and it became evident that prolonged exposure could end up being potentially fatal. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Achilles leaped outwards, flying towards the gathered defensive position of Angels and humans with great haste... it would take a concentrated effort to help repel the incoming hordes.

Apocalypse

Hope my profile is fine, I'll make the adjustments if necessary.

Apocalypse

Name: Achilles

Nickname: Arch Angel of War
Age: Unknown
Class: Warrior
Race: Angel

Appearance:

Personality: A shining example of courage and strength, Achilles knows of no fear as he hurls himself at demonic hordes every chance he gets in the defense of Heaven and Earth. Unwavering in his cause, Achilles at times fights with a reckless abandon seeking to destroy as many of his opponents as possible believing that every demon he slays potentially saves a life. Despite his desire to see humanity thrive and survive the wrath of Hell, Achilles in his most private of thoughts has doubts about the success of his mission and silently accepts that his eventual actions may be for nothing.

Biography: While humanity has often looked upon to Angels for guidance and strength, the angels of heaven look upon to Achilles, a powerful Arch Angel whose sole purpose is to destroy the demonic hordes that threaten humanity and the heavens above. His exact origins remain a complete mystery even to most angels in heaven. Achilles was there in the front lines when the civil war in Heaven broke out... an event he desperately tried to prevent. Despite his efforts the demons of Hell have grown in strength and their presence in humanity threatens the very existence of a world he vowed to protect. With any personal feelings of brotherhood that once unified Angels now thrown away, Achilles arrives on Earth to help humanity make it's last desperate stand against the overwhelming chaos that engulfs the world.

Notable Skills:

Physical traits: Bred to be a warrior, Achilles’ physical traits surpass those of mortals.

Swordsmanship: While Angels have their various weapons of choice, Achilles wields a heaven forged weapon, preferring to destroy his enemies in close, personal combat.

Magical abilities: Despite being of considerable physical status, Achilles is also capable of using a variety of magical abilities such as telekinesis or conjuring heavenly flames. Despite the destructive potential, the uses of such abilities are draining and only used against the most powerful of enemies.

Galactic Conquest

Aurora

The Sith stealth transport carrying it's task force had moved a reasonable distance away from the vault to avoid detection from the arrival of Covenant forces as well as the ones who claim the vault as their own. The gathered members waited patiently inside, silent as they monitored the situation of their captured leader through the shared HUD interface they shared within their helmets. Fortunately none of them had damaged the helmet allowing Dragos helmet to continue to serve as an inside look. However with the situation seemingly escalating and recognizing the danger, Captain Fordo decided to take initiate, the armored captain rising to his feet and walked over to the main holoterminal located at the ship's center.

"It's possible they'll pick this up." A trooper stated though it sounded more like a reminder than a warning. If anything it was all silently agreed upon that they were willing to take whatever it took to retrieve their captured lord and the waiting was killing at them.

"Our ship's stealth characteristics should provide us some cover. Besides with all that is going on I'm sure they'll likely ignore us, if not..." Fordo shrugged and input the commands attempting to establish contact with Invincible . For several moments there was nothing, no response until suddenly a holographic figure took shape in the form an older man but one that all in the Empire recognized "Governor Tarkin, I was not anticipating you to be on board the Imperial flagship unless of course I contacted the wrong ship" Fordo said.

"Ah not at all captain, you made no such mistake. I was in the area with Imperial command retrieved your previous message and I decided to come aboard in preparation for what I assume will be the request of immediate assistance." Tarkin paused, pondering his next decisions. "Is there an update on the situation?"

"Lord Dragos remains in the hands of the enemy but the situation he's in continues to intensify." Fordo then leaned over, pressing several buttons on the monitor as he transferred a display of Dragos HUD allowing the governor to see for himself.

"How odd for Lord Dragos to be caught in this situation. It seems our approach to this must be well thought out... Grand Admiral Thrawn, your opinion?" The captain's eyes slightly widened at the mention at the name. Grand Admiral Thrawn was a legend among the Empire being the only alien to achieve the rank of Grand Admiral. Stepping into the holographic view a tall, blue skinned alien appeared alongside the older individual as he gave a quick nod to acknowledge Fordo "Captain" The admiral stated as if too encourage the Captain to continue.

"Grand Admiral your appearance is also unexpected."

"I can imagine. I had long been waiting to work with Lord Dragos again how unfortunate he's in a difficult situation"

"I felt it was appropriate to call on you to help retrieve Lord Dragos. Together your efforts smashed the greatest of Republic defenses" Tarkin returned his gaze back to Fordo. "Grand Admiral Thrawn is here to assist us. His mission that led him to be temporarily transferred of the Invincible is over, he has command of the ship now along the rest of Dragos fleet. We are prepared to strike at once"

The Sith task force silently watched but this was the best news they could possibly hope for, Thrawn arriving with the largest ship in the Sith fleet? Surely the enemies at Aurora had no chance however "Governor Tarkin if I may... I disagree." Thrawn took a pause to eye Dragos HUD and began looking over the prior information that was sent earlier. "Our tactics must differ from brute force. The Invincible despite it's unrivaled firepower lacks any sort of discreet qualities. The gathered factions on Aurora will long be able to detect this ship and likely have time to leave before we arrived or worse yet be able to trace our movements back to Imperial territory." Thrawn paused again to gather his thoughts as he monitored a small map of the Aurora system. "Arrival on top of Aurora would also be quite the risk. I believe an arrival outside of the system and stealthily approaching will seem most appropriate. For now we shall coordinate only in code, I'll make the necessary arrangements for this rescue party, Captain I hope your men ready"

"Understood Admiral" Fordo bowed his head as the hologram faded watching Thrawn give a small shrug towards Thrawn as if to acknowledge his intellect and trust his opinion. It would take some time but sure enough the Sith would arrive to aid their own. It was just a matter of waiting.

Apocalypse: Demons Rise / Angels Descend

I too have interest

The Supernatural World

On the outskirts of Constantinople a small war party stood atop a hill eyeing the city from afar. The horses they rode eagerly trotted in place, ready to move as the head rider gave the signal to advance. As they closed in on the famed city it was obvious these men were not ordinary for they were armored in full plate riding dark armored steeds themselves. To any watchful eyes this normally wouldn’t mean much as Knights regularly passed through the city but there was an aura about them, something dark and the armor they wore was dark and ornate indicating that these men were far from your regular warriors. As they got closer it was evident even the bravest of warriors would tremble at the sight of these heavily armed knights and passersby’s were sure to let them through lest they be trampled under the armored might.
As they entered the city the crowds could only look in suspicion and awe as the head rider raised an armored fist causing his war party to halt. Slowly approaching from among the crowd an individual in a dark robe advanced and bowed his head at the lead armored figure, speaking in a tone only audible to the pair. “Welcome my Lord, I been anticipating your arrival for some time, all that I own is yours to do with as you wish, I live to serve”

“Your loyalty has been noted and will be well rewarded.” The figure replied.
The robbed man bowed his head again. “If I may my lord, I would urge some caution. Various clans and other creatures have made this city their own. Your presence will be noted; your enemies will fear you and stay out of your way however those ignorant to your power may confront you”

“Good. It would save us the trouble of hunting down our adversaries throughout this city. I look forward to the challenge” The robbed man lowered his head with respect once more and stepped aside as the head of the war party led his troops deeper into the city.