Shard

🌌 Ultraverse: Strifes and Triumphs. (Superhero RP, Always Open). 🌌

Los Angeles - Outside Café Belle Vie

@Count Cuddles@Prosaic

One would be a fool to deny the ecstatic joy emanating from a clash of blades, from an act of aggression towards an opponent, from combat. Unable to hide the smirk under his white helmet, obfuscating the young face beneath, Nello held his weapon in front of his slender frame, slowly circling his enemy as they sized each other up. A sword clashing against a bladed, metal staff. A knight fighting a creature of the depths, a monstrous beast clawing its way out of sewage and filth to the civilized world. The scene was that of a fairytale, truly, something onlookers were more than happy to approve with cellphones on full display. Texting their friends, filming the event, adding yet another battle of light versus dark to the internet's vast collection of videos. As if fighting in an arena, indeed, the modern reinvention of this most spectacular event, Nello was unable to stifle the chuckle leaving his lips at his opponent's words. The boy's voice, a ghostly, metallic sound from beneath the armor circled by an aura of darkness and shadows. "Apologies," Nello, or rather, Midnight spoke, "I was too enamored by our dance. You are an entertaining opponent." Charging forth, Nello's blade sliced through the air in a swift, most graceful motion, an attack his opponent managed to dodge as the lizard flipped into the air with a counterattack of his own.

"Think he'll be as quick without legs!?" Nocturne exclaimed from within Nello's mind, as the boy raised his shield to block the incoming blow, a loud clang of metal on metal lingering in the air. 

"Why end the fun, so quickly?" The small knight returned, answering his innermost shade as his Moonshadow Sword connected with the lizard's bladed staff in a quick, repeated sequence of furious blows, all before the monstrous creature leaped high into the air, a backflip to allow for some space between the combatants. 

"See, kiddo', this is the guy I want to see more often. Where is THIS Nello outside the armor, huh?"

The battle continued, a knight versus his dragon, a boy shedding the restraints put on him throughout an everyday struggle against social stigma. When in the armor, that mystical plate of black and white, Nello felt free. With slender, armored and clawed fingers grasping the hilt of his sword, Nello never attempted to leave lasting wounds on his opponent. His blade, it was one of the more dangerous weapons one could wield. One of supernatural nature. However, as the lizard attempted to overwhelm the knight with countless jabs, his motions leading the creature in every manner of direction, Nello dropped his sword, the weapon vanishing in a burst of black smoke before a clawed gauntlet grabbed onto the lizard's frame, throwing him to the ground. 

Moments later, an explosive burst sent the lizard off balance only seconds after it rolled back to its feet, Nello's eyes narrowing at the sight. He hated it when someone intervened in his fights, but it was a notion kept under lock and key. He was aware that this love of combat, particularly single combat, came from Nocturne. "We're done, here." Midnight's ghostly voice slipped through the mystical helmet he wore, a metal encased fist connecting with the lizard's snout in reaction to a distraction the creature had been imposed. With a splintering tooth forced out of the creature's mouth, Nello wrapped his clawed hand around the creature's neck, every figment of his possessed body wanting to conjure forth his blade and plant it hilt deep in this beast's body. 

Another punch knocked the creature out before Midnight dropped the beast like a rag, tossing it aside to the concrete before his attention shifted to Keandre. "Who the fuck is that?" Nocturne's voice echoed throughout Nello's mind, the boy's attention remaining on this newcomer. 

🌌 Ultraverse: Strifes and Triumphs. (Superhero RP, Always Open). 🌌

@Chiro@thewizardguy@ClokwerkDukk@Count Cuddles

👦 "Welcome to The Vista, everyone watching or listening at home. in your cars or local cafe. James McCraven here with another gathering of intellectuals to discuss the current state of our country. The most pressing agenda is, of course, Mutants, Ultras and other titles placed on these powered individuals."

👱🏼‍♀️ "Some call them Gifted."

👴🏾 "I wouldn't consider these people a gift, myself." 

👦 "How come, Travis?" 

👴🏾 "We used to be afraid of criminals with guns. Now, people can shoot laser beams from their eyes. We work with these individuals, go to school with them. Your doctor might be an Ultra. What happens if you look at them the wrong way?" 

👱🏼‍♀️ "It's good that you bring this up." 

👦 "Tell us, Shannon." 

👱🏼‍♀️ "Let's start with the fact that our children go to school with these people. What happens when two children get on each others' nerves? They fight. Now, imagine if one of these children had powers. What's the end result? It would be catastrophic and what do we say in the aftermath? They couldn't control themselves? They were too young?  Whatever the excuse, we now have a horrible outcome on our hands, and the only reason this wasn't prevented, was because politically correct decisions lead to an Ultra having their locker next to a human." 

👴🏾 "Should we have schools specifically for Ultras, then?" 

👱🏼‍♀️ "I believe so, yes. Whatever solution is being worked on in the long run, be it a cure or anything else, we need to focus on what we can do right now. I don't want to rely on a cure for these abilities maybe being available in the future, when our lives are on the line, today." 

👦 "Speaking of lives on the line! Let's talk about these so-called Vigilantes, or 'Heroes' as some would call them. There are a few to go through, so let's start with the one calling himself Fault Line. He's one of the more prominent vigilantes we're dealing with, and of course, his partner, Midnight. What's your opinion on Fault Line, Shannon?" 

👱🏼‍♀️ "Fault Line is a man with clearly destructive powers. We all know that these people should leave the law-keeping to the actual lawmen, but with that aside, I'd like to focus on the harm they can cause when out there."

👦 "Of course."

👱🏼‍♀️ "The man can create tremors. We've all seen that he is stronger than average, faster than average, and even has the ability to shield himself. With something as powerful as waves of force, accidents are bound to happen. How accurate are they? Can he use them in a hostage situation? Does it even matter to him if the hostage is hurt? Property damage is just one of the issues revolving around these vigilantes. Innocent lives are at risk when untrained, undisciplined and impulsive people with powers choose to fight fire with fire."

👴🏾 "Not to mention how he treats children. Remember, that's a man who has a sidekick, a sidekick who's a boy." 

👦 "Very true. Tell us what's on your mind, Travis."

👴🏾 "Let's start with that fact that this kid, Midnight, is obviously something else. That armor he's using? The sword? It's like he's from a fairytale, which in itself is a dangerous prospect to other children. What happens when a normal young boy thinks that it's okay to head out there with their plastic sword and pretend to be Midnight? What then? All of this, because Fault Line is encouraging teenagers to be vigilantes, and teenagers like Midnight encourage younger kids to do the same." 

👦 "What can we say when one of our so-called heroes is running around with some kind of magical plate and a sword? Are we regressing to the medievals? It certainly feels like it, with how crime is being treated. Where's the law? Where's the order?" 

👱🏼‍♀️ "Excellent point, which brings us to the fact that most of these dangerous individuals don't even need a weapon to be dangerous. Fault Line doesn't use weapons but he is still more dangerous than a gun. Midnight uses a sword and we can't begin to understand how that boy's abilities work. It's insanity. There are videos of these people fighting other ultras. Midnight's sword has cut through ultras that not even bullets can penetrate. What happens if he one day decides to turn on us? What happens if Fault Line one day decides that someone has wronged him and levels a building with the ground?" 

👴🏾 "As for fighting other ultras, there is this man, Blockraiser. He doesn't pretend to be a hero, he admits to being a villain, and I don't understand what the discussion is. He's a monster, and can shatter stone with his powers. This is a man who needs to be taken care of swiftly, and not by other ultras. He is a walking weapon, and a criminal, even more so than those who think they're doing good." 

👦 "Of course, he is a gangster. Lethal force should be authorized to fight him, by the police. I've always said, human rights are for humans. These people aren't human, and they have mad scientist among their ranks, as well. Just take the insane man calling himself Dr. Science." 

👱🏼‍♀️ "While we don't know what this man can do, he's obviously not a normal person. The weapons he has should be property of the government. It's not discussion. He should be apprehended, and everything he's using to cause disasters should be used to further our advancement." 

👦 "What about this Gimmick fellow?" 

👱🏼‍♀️ "A symptom. He's just a normal person who likes to make a lot of noise. If it wasn't for the ultras, he wouldn't be around, contending with these monsters if people like Fault Line hadn't 'inspired' more mentally degenerate individuals. These so-called heroes don't only provide a destructive role model, they also cause a counterbalance, with more villains popping up and crime rates increasing."

👦 "Very true, very true! Thinking they are doing the right thing, they have managed to hurt innocents, cause property damage, inspire youngsters to put their lives in danger and prompted unstable people to don the mantles of villains. It's a negative spiral, all of it starting at the core, that being these vigilantes and their crusade! Thanks for watching, dear viewers, thanks for listening, and we'll see you here tomorrow as we continue the conversation on the latest, the greatest and in this case, the very worst! This has been James McCraven, wishing our men and women in blue the very best. Always remember, America is on your side." 

🌌 Ultraverse: Strifes and Triumphs. (Superhero RP, Always Open). 🌌

Los Angeles - Liberty High School, Parking Lot

@Count Cuddles

The transition between a helpless, young sickly boy and the creature Nello had now become was a journey embraced by oddities and curious developments. His new aversion to the sun, feeling that unforgivable orb beating down on him was enough to add a heavy weight to the boy's shoulders. As it was, his physical prowess otherwise on par with a grown man, athletic and trained for years, had been drained by divine rays of the celestial body above. Unless he encased himself in the Night Armor, the boy was rather helpless and could barely lift his Moonshadow Sword. Luckily, the armor was merely a desire away and wearing it was a comfort all on its own. 

Where one would expect wearing metal as a less pleasant endeavor, Nello would be quick to correct the assumption. It felt natural for him, that protective suit replacing his clothes as it coated his dark, grey skin. Perhaps it was the magical nature of it, the fact that the armor was a part of his very soul. Indeed, the same held true when he wrapped his fingers around the hilt of his Moonshadow sword, a sense of battle lust washing over him. It was almost an addictive feeling where Nello came to understand his other half's desire for combat, the dance of life, and death. Of course, Nello had enough control to maintain his own moral values and as much as Nocturne enjoyed leaning against the shade's chaotic nature, he cared for the boy he had possessed. He cared for him, deeply.

"Oh, I'm alright," Nello began, managing a soft, if tired smile as he looked towards his mentor. "There was just..," the boy lowered his gaze, a slight sigh escaping his lips, "a guy at school giving me trouble, is all." He finished, leaning back in the seat. "And the sun's really bright today," Nello chuckled, rummaging in his bag after a pair of sunglasses he slipped on, and an energy drink he wasted no time in opening.

"Know what we could have done to one of those problems? Crushed it," Nocturne commented, "and what's that, 'you looked happier before?' Psshh! I'm the only one who knows how hard you get when you fight! You love it, faggot!"

Chuckling at something, Nello cleared his throat, and scratched the back of his head, before looking to Al, "I'm fine, really," he managed a somewhat brighter smile, "it's mainly the sun, honestly. Suddenly my bag's so much heavier, you know? And it feels like I am underwater, sometimes." The boy explained, "But it's alright, comes with being Midnight."

Nocturne was quick to pitch in, "comes with being AWESOME!"

🌌 Ultraverse: Strifes and Triumphs. (Superhero RP, Always Open). 🌌

Los Angeles - Liberty High School

@Count Cuddles

There was a moment of silence, a short pause, before Chad took an intimidating step forward, his fingers wrapping their way around Nello's shirt collar, pulling the boy closer. "What did you say, little shit?" The student eyed Nello, their gaze meeting with unending anger seeping through Chad's words, venom dripping from the young man's lips. 

"He called you a shit, sure showed us," Nocturne grinned, enjoying the moment far more than the boy he lived within. "So tell me, Nello, dearest, sweetest, my little angel..," the shade continued, his arms wrapped around the young hero's neck, "why uh.., WHY ISN'T HE BEATEN THE FUCK UP, YET!?"

Lowering his attention for a moment, Nello considered the situation. He could cause a scene, he could do what Nocturne wanted, and humiliate Chad in front of the entire crowd, but what good would that do? Indeed, it would feel good, no one could deny the poetic justice of this most aggressive scenario. However, there were consequences to impulsive decisions. No one knew that Nello could fight, no one knew that he was Midnight. As far as others could gather, the boy was simply a freak, who happened to be a mutant, none of which was particularly true. "Sorry, dude," Nello managed an awkward smile, "that was actually rude, of me. Uncalled for," he spoke, before the scene was eventually intervened by a teacher. 

"Alright, everyone, that's enough!" Came an assertive voice, breaking the fight which could still very well have ensued. "School's over, go home!" The teacher finished, completely fed up with the day's tribulations, and having had to deal with teenagers since the morning. 

"Next time, I'll kill you," Chad mumbled to Nello before letting the boy go, signaling for his friends to follow. 

"...WHAT?!" Nocturne flailed, "...WAS THAT!?"

"Maturity," Nello dusted himself off, before starting towards the exit. Al was going to pick him up today, and the two were going to do something that was actually worthwhile. They were going to put on the capes, so to speak. "Alright," the ageless creature stretched, before groaning beneath the sunlight as soon as he stepped outside, Nocturne fading into the boy's mind in reaction to the bright sun's rays, "ugh.., couldn't you have been weak to broccoli, or something? You have the lamest weaknesses, Noct'.."

"Fuck you! They're OUR weaknesses now, cock sucker!" Echoed a voice through Nello's mind, forcing the boy to chuckle softly, as he gently opened the car door. Beneath the beating sun, everything felt heavier, and it almost felt like he was under water. Getting away from that, with a roof over his head, was a welcomed addition, despite the large windows afforded a vehicle.

"Hey, Al," Nello greeted his mentor, visibly bothered by the time of day.

"Let's hope Brother Quake has a mission for us, because otherwise, I will start singing 'Girls just wanna' have fun', for seven hours, in your head."

🌌 Ultraverse: Strifes and Triumphs. (Superhero RP, Always Open). 🌌

Los Angeles - Liberty High School

With the sun now licking the sky's highest peak, an ever-repeated schoolday was yet again reshaped and rehearsed. Hallways buzzed with students, each with a backpack either over their shoulder, or stuffed into a locker where an all too familiar scene tended to take place. It was where the weak were punished for their frailty, and where those of a more villainous disposition exacted their tyranny on the battlefield known as high school. "Why do we keep doing this?" Came a voice echoing with ghostly fractures, a figure appearing beside Nello as the boy was slipping books into his locker. The figure mimicked the young man's appearance in a perfect reflection, its frame never quite touching the ground, despite its feet appearing to brush against the beige foundation. Such was the nature of spirits, unable to interact with the physical world, their floating frames moving forth through a motion of mortal mimicry. 

"Putting books in a locker?" The very same voice returned, leaving the corporeal boy's lips as he offered the ghostly being a soft smirk, before earning a gentle slap to the shoulder. That, however, appeared to be a fully physical interaction, indeed. 

"Putting books in a locker," the spirit rolled its eyes, "school! Why do we keep going to school!?" It went by the name Nocturne, the phantom tied to Nello's very life, as the two now acted as a single entity split in a half only they could ever truly understand. "You do realize that you'll be sixteen forever, right? People will start asking questions when you're in college, and like, look like the little shrimp that you are." 

"Have you looked at me?" Nello's bright, yellow eyes blinked, before he raised a brow, "I think my age issue is the last thing people will notice." 

"Ugh, just because everyone else looks the exact fucking same with the only difference being how they lead their miserable lives," Nocturne returned with a roll of his eyes, turning to look at the flock of students commonly sparing a moment to stare at Nello. 

"Try not to be too positive, all that energy will burn you," the now ageless boy closed his locker, before hoisting his bag over his shoulder. "Besides, Al won't be happy if we skip out on school.., again."

"Fuck Al!" Nocturne exclaimed, throwing his arms up in the air as he floated along, next to Nello, "Chocolate Quake over there tries his very best to be as boring as possible." 

"And if I do what Midnight Torpedo over here is suggesting, we'd be living under a bridge after a week," the boy offered, with a soft chuckle escaping his lips. The two bickered much like siblings, in a way, like the very best of friends, brought together in a hardship they inevitably saved each other from.

"That's the freedom you need, right there!" The spirit smirked, wrapping his arms around Nello's upper body, floating behind him as the creature's lips whispered in his ear, "imagine the romance." 

"I imagine the hunger," Nello returned without needing to considering the answer for more than but a moment, "and the pitchforks. A freak living under a bridge, that's not working up to anything," he finished, a hand reaching up to playfully rub those claws along Nocturne's hair, in a most familiar manner.

"Ugh, we're Midnight, dude! We need to kick some-..," Nocturne halted in his speech, noting a face they had witnessed countless times in days passed. "...ass!" The phantom pointed forward, a hand on Nello's shoulder as the creature's arm extended past the boy's head, "let's beat the shit out of him!" 

"Well, if it isn't Freako'," came a voice Nello and Midnight had grown to know, a voice belonging to one who had claimed the title of 'school bully'. "Still got those horns, I see," a knowing grin stretched its way across Chad's face, a name he demanded to be called. 

"They're kind of attached," Nello offered, a less than amused expression prevalent on the boy's face. 

"Gotta' suck showering with those things in the way," Chad continued, his two friends making themselves known behind him, each of the three young men quite large and intimidating in their own right. 

"Showers aren't that difficult," Nello shrugged, "try taking one, sometime." Silence fell on the crowd, a small, scrawny freak opposing his bully. It was a scene worthy of spectacle, indeed.

"SAVAGE!" Nocturne shouted in approval, "NOW BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF HIM!" 

🌌 Ultraverse: Strifes and Triumphs. (Superhero RP, Always Open). 🌌

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Heyo, How about we create our own comic universe?

I'd like to add a question, though King Cosmos have filled most boxes.

My question is, will all characters be established heroes who are all out there doing this thing professionally or can we also make characters that are just starting out? A Spiderman type deal, high-school, balancing that with life as a hero and so on.

I'd personally be more interested in playing a high schooler just starting out.

Heyo, How about we create our own comic universe?

@Count Cuddles

"Original Comicbook Universe."

Heyo, How about we create our own comic universe?

I'd like to get into RPing again.

A Truly Gifted World (Perpetually Seeking!)

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