Topic: RPG-Superhumans

Vandal suddenly started shaking her head.

"What's wrong," Frost asked.

"It's weird by I'm sure I felt Harry's presence at a distance but it feels wrong, like something is missing." Vandal tried to explain.

Frost shrugged, "Who knows maybe he's taking a long time to die."

Vandal shook her head. "I don't know."

Frost looked around, "Where's he sliver off to anyway?"

((Sorry ive been gone all day. Had to go Christmas shopping))

Decending to the Earth like a comet, Drakeus could feel Jack soul...and oddly could feel something...familiar close to the mortal. The only things  familiar to the wraith were: Hell, and other soul-eaters. Drakeus seriously doubted that Jack was in close proximity to hell...enless of course the mortal had been killed. Drakeus felt that this was unlikely, considering the humans healing ability, so the Demon had to assume that another soul-eater was at work here. This annoyed him greatly, no other soul-eater would get HIS quarry. He swore on the Devils black bones, that it would not be so...

((Drakeus can now be visibly seen in the sky, by Jack))

Haze turned to Chromium, "Since Harry's not an immediate threat at the moment it might be a good chance to catch up on some sleep."

Chromium gave a nod, "I think we could all do with a rest."

Haze smiled, "Yeah plus Elmo will be requiring some serious attention when I get home."

Chromium reached out a hand to take Haze's, "Can I come with you? I don't want you to be alone. Harry may come back anytime."

Haze felt her heart skip a beat and she suddenly felt nervous and slightly awkward. "Um yeah I guess you could stay."

Flame suddenly cut into Haze's thought, Come to Oni's, I mean Ronin's place. You'll be safe there.

Haze looked briefly to Flame and felt Chromium's hand squeeze hers. She looked back to him and didn't miss the look on his face. He wanted to tell her something in private.

Maybe later, Flame. I need to check on my cat. Haze replied knowing it sounded a little lame.

Desdemona pulled Jack to a hault. "I need to do something," she said.

Jack looked at her, "What exactly?"

Desdemona reached out and held Jack's face in her hands, she stepped forward and kissed him. In doing so a light moved from within her and into Jack. Once it was done she moved away from the kiss. Jack took a moment to open his eyes.

"Wow," he said as he looked at her.

"I've transferred some of my power to you. It will help shield you from Drakeus' attacks." Desdemona informed him.

"Oh, okay." Jack said looking a little bewildered.

Flame looked up, a small spot of light was visible. It could have been a star, but stars didnt change size. "What the hell?" Flame asked, to nobody in praticular.

"Alright then, we'll see the rest of you later. For now, lets just recouperate..." Chromium told the group as he wrapped his black cloak tightly arounf him and placed the hood over his head.

He brought Kaylene close to him and put his arms around her waist, she put hers around his neck. Chromium nodded to the rest of the group and looked skyward. He saw something strange... probably a plane. He burst into the sky and headed towards Kaylene's house.

Chromium and Haze didn't speak during the flight. The sound of the wind drowned out their voices. At times Chromium would have to slow down because he was going to fast for Haze's human body. After several minutes however they landed at Haze's front door. They reluctantly released each other.

Kaylene took out her keys and fiddled with her key chain for the key to her door. This continued for atleast 2 minutes. Chromium smiled and placed the tip of his finger against the lock of her door. He released some of the metal into the lock and molded into the shape of the key that would fit. He twisted his finger and the lock clicked. He pushed the door open.

"You continue to amaze me..." Kaylene said to Chromium, smiling. Chromium smiled back. Kaylene walked inside and turned to look back at him.

"May I?" He asked. She scoffed sarcastically and pulled him in.

"ELMO!!! Im so sorry Elmo, im so sorry there was this stupid guy, Harry, and he was-" Burst out Kaylene at the sight of her cat. She picked him up and seranaded him with the story as he pet him lovingly.

She went to her bed room and Chromium took the opportunity to turn back into Tanis. After the painful process he wrapped his cloak tightly around his naked body and sat down on the coach in the living room. He really should have some pants with him at all times...

"Make yourself comfortable!" Kaylene yelled from her room.

Tanis looked around and found a remote for the tv in front of him. He switched it on and saw the newscast about all the havoc Harry had caused...."Christ" he thought, he really needed to relax. He changed channels and came upon a Discover Channel special. It was Shark Week!!! Thank God, that should keep him preoccupied...

"Okay so we got the bad guy. Party?" put in Vandal hopefully.

Frost grinned and bobbed his head bodaciously. Acero however simply stared straight ahead.

"Big dude, what's your deal?" Frost asked. "We got the bad guy. We totally saved the day... for now. What's your beef?"

Acero shook his head as he surveyed two suspicious men come out of an alley. A young girl was passing and one of the guys motioned to his partner and they both turned the corner after the woman. Without so much as a breath he left Vandal and Frost where they were to follow the two.

Didn't they understand? The days to save kept coming. It was never over.

Jack just stood there.  It had been ages since he had been kissed.  And he remembered how good it felt.  Jack remembered at the task at hand.  He quickly checked all of his weapons and readied himself.

"Just curious.  Do you have to transfer your powers with a kiss?  Or do other people do it other ways?"

Desdemona smiled.

The dot of fire was definately getting bigger. Haze had thrown the demon very high, and it seemed he was coming back down. Flame quickly made a fist, and fire began to shoot up his arm, like a vine on steroids. It looked like the demon would land close to here, and Flame would be ready.

Haze sat in her bedroom fussing over Elmo who lapped it up. As she scratched his chin she thought about finding some clothes for Chromium as he was bound to revert back to Tanis. She didn't really have any clothing for men since she never really had any over for the night. She swallowed, she hoped he didn't mind sleeping on the sofa bed, she really wasn't ready to have him in her own bed.

Haze left Elmo while she rummaged through her chest of drawers. She came across a large pair of tracksuit pants she sometime wore to bed. They were oversized as she liked to sleep in loose clothing, they were also a men's size. Next she found a large shirt she'd been given for free at a show, it had swamped her when she wore it so she assumed it'd fit Tanis okay.

She scratched Elmo under the chin before returning to the lounge room with the clothes in her hand. "I couldn't find much for you to wear, but this should be okay to sleep in." She said as she approached him, then she noticed that he had already reverted back to Tanis. "Do you want to have a shower?" She asked.

"I never thought you'd ask," Tanis said with a smile. He stood and Haze noticed that he was careful to keep his cloak in place, she smiled slightly. She handed him the clothes. "Thanks, now where's the bathroom?" he asked.

Haze guided him down the hall and showed him the bathroom. While he was in the shower she went to the spare bedroom and set up the sofa bed. Elmo helped by jumping under the sheet as she tried to tuck it in place. "You're a wonderful help," she told Elmo as he sat purring under the sheet.

Tanis walked into the room, his hair wet but brushed back. "I hope you don't mind but I used your comb."

"No sweat," Haze said as she looked down at Elmo's bump under the sheet with her hands on her hips. "Looks like you're going to have to share the bed."

Tanis chuckled, "Well there's one person I wouldn't mind sharing with but it's not Elmo."

Haze laughed but was suddenly nervous again, Tanis seemed to pick up on it. "Elmo can stay," he said.

She looked up and smiled at him, "I don't really think he's going to move."

Tanis sat down on the side of the sofa bed and patted Elmo through the sheet. "Nope he's definitely not moving," he turned to look at Haze. "So have you thought anymore about your parents?"

Haze sighed and sat down beside him. "Yeah, I'm not sure what to do. I feel really uncomfortable."

Tanis took her hand and held it in his lap. "Take all the time you need. But it sounds like they want you back in their lives."

Haze nodded and shifted closer to Tanis. "I guess I'm worried about being hurt again."

Tanis lifted her chin with a touch of his finger, "At least they're alive. Mine are gone. Don't take too long to make up your mind."

Haze nodded as she thought about it.

"There are other ways, but I consider that to be the most pleasant on both our parts." Desdemona told.

Jack nodded, "So what power did you give me exactly?"

"I've given you the power to shield your whole body, you'll have a kind of force field you can raise. You'll also be able to absorb some of the power Drakeus throws at you." Desdemona told.

Drakeus decended to the Earth, not to far from the speed of sound. He impacted into the ground with a large crash, leaving a decent sized crater. Drakeus raised himself from the ground, igniting the crater with dark flame. He steped out of the ashes, he was not far from where he had been thrown. He could sense Jacks presence was near. "JACK!" He howled. " I will burn you SOUL!."

Jack felt before he saw it.  The ground rocked beneath him as a crater about 20 meters from where he stood was created.  He saw Drakeus rise out of the flaming mess. 

"JACK!  I will burn your SOUL!"

"Touchy!  Well I guess hell does that to you.  I guess Well if you really want some. Come get it!"

Drakeus spun around, howled and charged Jack, pure hatred burning in his eyes.

Drakeus charged Jack, hurling bombs and fire balls, and yelling demonic war cries.

((sorry for the shortness, but I have to go))

Haze looked at Tanis, “I’ll go see my parents again, but I’ll wait until this craziness is over.”

“Craziness?” Tanis asked.

“Yeah with Harry etc.” Haze told.

Tanis nodded seeming happy with her answer. “You should get some rest,” he said as he touched the side of her face.

Haze nodded, “Yeah I know. I’ve just got a lot going on in my mind.”

Tanis smiled gently, “You’re not alone there.”

Haze lent forward and gave Tanis a quick kiss goodnight. As she went to sit back she felt his hand cup the back of her neck and bring her forward for another kiss, this one was more deep and meaningful. As Tanis released her he spoke, “I just wanted to make sure you have sweet dreams.”

Haze smiled dreamily at him, “I think there’s a high chance of that.” She stood and walked to her room leaving Elmo to keep Tanis company.

“Well cat, looks like it’s just you and me.” Tanis said as he lay down to sleep.

-

Only two hours passed when Haze was awoken by a thundering boom. She sat up immediately and made her way to the window. She pealed back the curtains to see a smoking cloud of dust highlighted by the streetlights. “Drakeus,” she said to herself.

There was a knock on her door, “Are you alright, Kaylene?”

“Yeah,” Haze said as she threw on a robe before opening the door. “I’m guessing it’s play time again.” She saw that Tanis had morphed into Chromium again. “Give me a sec to get dressed.”

Flame, Jericho, and Ronin were in Ronin's museum base, recooperating after all the transpiring craziness.

"It's not as grand as the old joint, but it'll do." Ronin said, getting a Coke from the freezer. Flame was doing a nother fiery-puppest-show-of-death as Jericho watched The Matrix on TV.

"Psshhh. Amateur. Thinks stopping bullets is impressive. Could do that in my sleep." Jericho grumbled.

"We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming with this special news bulletin." The TV skipped from the movie to footage of a large crater in downtown, smoking with dark purple flame.

"Drakeus." The 3 men said in unison.

Darklight whistled.   Jack had really made some enemies in his time alone.  Even though he had been ordered to chase after Void, he felt that he was needed here more.  He looked up at the sky.  Dusk.  Perfect.  His hands flared with golden energy, and he threw a wall of light in Drakeus' path, slowing him down enough for the soul-eater to bash down the barrier.  Jack had more time to maneuver now, and he did, unloading a clip of ammunition into the demon's chest.  Darklight decided that he didn't want to miss out, and he joined in.

A concentrated beam of power lanced from his palms outwards, striking Drakeus' kneecaps from the rear, causing them to buckle slightly.  Darklight narrowly avoided one viciously swung katana, and countered the attack with a battering ram of power slamming into Drakeus' chest, knocking him back into a wall.  With attacks pouring in from both Jack and Darklight, the soul-eater was forced steadily back.  Darklight smiled under his mask; it felt good to be completely back in the hero business.

"I love the war cry.  I can do it too!"  Jack opened his mouth and screamed something about buffalo chicken. 

"Do you like it?  I just made it up.  Pretty good eh?  What's with buffalo chicken anyway?  Is it buffalo, or is it chicken?"  Jack nimbly dodged some fireballs.  He felt a nagging at his soul but was comforted as he threw up the new found shield.  He felt rejuvenated by this.  Jack continued pouring his ammo into the dark soul-eater.  Beams of light and lead were pouring into this guy.  It was good having Darklight back.  He was slowly but surely being pushed back.  Drakeus seeming to be fed up with this roared and sent out a concussive blast knocking Jack off his feet and Darklight onto the ground.  Darklight got up groggily. 

"Dark?  What's wrong?"

"He's slowly draining my energy.  I can't use my full powers."  Jack looked to Desdemona.

"Dessy!  What can we do to stop him?"

Desdemona didn’t bother answering Jack, instead she linked her hands together in front of herself and an orb of yellow power grew. When it was the size of a basketball Desdemona launched it at Drakeus. It bowled the other soul eater off his feet and he came crashing down.

Desdemona turned to look at Jack, “Remember I said you can absorb his power. Let it hit your shield, then throw it back at him.”

Desdemona walked towards Darklight with a purpose. She touched him on the arm with her hand and a protective force field appeared around him. “This will stop him draining you, but it won’t be as protective as Jack’s shield.” She told. That sort of power could only be transferred by intimate contact, but she didn’t mention that to Darklight.

Then Desdemona raised her hands on either side of Darklight and encased him in a dark orb so he could recharge his powers. It only took a moment but by then Drakeus was up again.

Recovering from the golden energy blast, Drakeus let out another demonic howl, shivering the bones of anyone who heard it. He then conjured four pillars of dark flame infront of him and yelled through them: "Jack, your soul shall burn another day. For now you will live...but only for now." The black-blue pillars then shifted into a wall of flame, shielding Drakeus from sight. Then moments after that, the walls had disappeared...and so had Drakeus.

Chromium landed next to Jack with Haze in his arms.

Drakeus was nowhere to be found.

"Late...." Chromium said as he released Haze

"What happened, where did he go?" She asked Jack

Haze looked at the mess in Drakeus’ wake. “He certainly leaves his mark.”

“He will return,” Desdemona said cooly.

“Ah the optimist of the group.” Haze said with a smile but Desdemona just looked at her. “Or maybe not.”

Jack walked towards them, “This is Dessy.” He told them.

Haze extended her hand in greeting and Desdemona simply looked at it. “I’m Haze,” she said trying to hint at the greeting.

Jack took hold of Desdemona’s wrist and placed her hand in Haze’s. “It’s a greeting,” he explained.

“Oh,” Desdemona said suddenly understanding.

“So what happened?” Haze asked.

"Well, this big evil demon-soul-eater guy plopped down from who knows where, and started trying to burn Jack's soul.  Now, none of us thought that that was very polite, so we blasted him.  And then Dessy here knocked him on his butt, and helped recharge my powers- in a manner in which I would very much like to learn hw to do the same- and then the guy just yells at Jack that his soul will burn some other time, conjures up a wall of hellfire, and vanishes.  I think that's everything."  Darklight did his best to keep his voice in an inormative tone, lest they hear the slightly jovial one underneath.  Really now.  What othr job can you casually talk about demonic soul-eaters without breaking into hysterical laughter?

"I must admit...these villains have been more of a nuisance than usual..." Chromium said

"I suggest we try and find On-...Ronin...and finally dispose of him before any more super villains come about. Or does some else have another idea?" Chromium asked the group

"Ronin?  Oni's changed?  Yes!  ANother butt to kick!  But I don't think we should all go after this Ronin character.  Drakeus has left and innocents are now at risk.  We need to split up.  Since myself Darklight and Dessy here are the only ones protected against him we should go after him.  Anyone else or shall you go after Ronin and crew?"

Haze looked at Chromium, "Ronin's not hurting anyone at the moment. I think we should concentrate on Drakeus. What do you think?"

"I thought Drakeus was a more urgent problem, yet I didnt know where to start with him. I thought Ronin would be easier to track down. Does anyone know how to get ahold of Drakeus?" Chromium asked

Desdemona watched as all eyes turned to her. "Drakeus can only be summoned from the Book of the Dead and believe me you don't want to do that."

Jack raised an eye brow. "Well can we track him down?"

"He's gone to the underworld for now." She told calmly.

"Shoot," Darklight said as he pounded his fist into his hand, "I wanted to finish off that beast."

Desdemona shook her head, "He's not easily beaten."

"We just kicked his butt," Jack pointed out.

Desdemona shook her head again, "He was merely frustrated. He'll be back."

"So we wait?  Well I'm sure all have to do is wander around aimlessly and he'll be on me like white on rice."

"What did you say?"  Desdemona did not seem to get this.

"White on rice.  It's an idiom.  Say one thing to demonstrate a point."

"Oh."

"So Desdemona, I'm guessing you're not from around here?" Haze queried.

"No I'm from the underworld." Desdemona told.

Haze nodded, "Okay then. Um Chromium maybe we should pursue Ronin."

"Well it's settled then.  Darky and Dessy and Jacky will go after Drakeus.  Hazy and Chromium...y will go after Ronin and posse."

They parted ways.  As they were walking Jack stomach growled.  "I'm hungry.  Are you hungry Dark?"

"I could eat."

"I know this cafe.  Really good food.  Once you scrape the layer of grime off.  Best burger I've had.  At least I think it was a burger.  Could have been an omelette."

Jack led them to the cafe he was speaking of.  As they sat down a waitress came up to them.

"Jack!  Long time no see!"

"Miriam!  Baby! I'll have the usual."

"One Eggs Benny coming right up!"

"Huh eggs benny.  I would have never guessed."

Jack motioned the others to sit and he took a seat.  He pulled out his uzi's and began meticulously cleaning them mumbling to himself as he was doing so.

"Hello Beauty and Beast.  Been awhile since I've given you guys a good clean.  Ah beast.  Bestial as usual I see.  And Beauty!  My perfect killing machine.  Looking lovely as ever!  You need to tell Beast how to clean out his barrel better."

Darklight leaned over and asked, "Are you talking to your guns?  Have you named them Beauty and Beast?"

"Hey!  In my defence I loved that movie!  I mean come on!  A talking candlestick!"

Frost and Vandal stood around outside the warehouse, standng dumbly as everyone else left.

"Soooo, umm, what now?" Frost said, "I don't think we're going to have a party."

"Well, let's go with Haze and Chromium. We can't take on Drakeus anyways..."

"Good point. Hey! Haze and Chromium, we're coming with you!" Frost said, then noticing something, he said to Vandal, "Hey... can we take Jack's scooter? He left it here."

"No, you're faster with the ice-sled thing, or we can fly with Chromium or something."

"Awwwww, man, pleeeeeease...?"

"NO!"

"Fine... this bites."

"Stop being such a baby."

"Sheesh, and I thought I was the cold-hearted one..."

Vandal and Frost, Frost walking dejectedly, walked over to Haze and Chromium.

"Okay guys... let's find Ronin." Vandal asked to Frost, Chromium, and Haze.

Darklight laughed.  Jack was lways one for humour.  The three friends finished their meals, and paid the bill, and left the restaurant.  Darklight turned to Desdemona.

"Soo, how long exactly will this innocently walking around tactic take before Drakeus arrives?"

The others shrugged.  Demons apparently were not the most predictable of folk.  Darklight created a bubble of light around the other two, and took to the air, depositing them on a rooftop some distance away.

"Less chance of civilian casualties," he explained.   And then they waited.

((Hint hint nudge nudge Mandal.  Post.  Now.))

((sure thing))

In the Underworld....

"Fighting Jack," Drakeus thought as he meditated. "On his terms did not turn out as expected...So I must fight him on MY terms. With an evil idea sprouting in his head Drakeus dissappeared in a ball of hellfire...

On Earth....

Reappearing on Earth, on a rooftop, Drakeus quickly kidnaped 10 inoccent people and brought them to an old warehouse on the outside of town. Once there he bound them in chains to the 10 different support pillars, then with an evil spell, conjured a shield of hellfire around them, keeping anything from entering. But also did not burn the innocents enless he wished it. Then he cleared out an arena, infront of the only entrance. Drakeus then flew to the top of warehouse and summoned a bright pillar of flame, that went for a mile into the sky. Signaling where he was.

((Apparently, we have a thing for warehouses... :)))

Flame sat on a chair, watching the news, which was still on. The anchorman was obviously wearing a wig, and one of the female reporters covering some "big" event was wearing way to much make up, Flame began another epic battle of fire people. This time, ten warriors were up against an apparent Titan. The titan was about mid-shin hight, but the warriors had magic powers, it was pretty much your standard fnatasy movie/book/game scene. Flame relaxed, and watched the battle.

Jack sat there and munched his eggs benny while Darklight and Desdemona watched trying to hold back their lunches. 

"Man this is delicious.  You want to try some Dark?"

"No I think I'll pass."

"Fine, but your missing out on something..."  Desdemona cut him off.

"Jack."

"What?  Oh I'm sorry I didn't offer you any!"

"No Jack look."  She motioned out the window.  A pillar of fire stretched up into the sky. 

Darklight nodded.  "Well Drakeus or not, whoever is doing that is trying to make a point.  I say we go and investigate."

Jack stood up and belched.  "Excuse me.  I second that motion.  Anyone else?"  Jack raised his guns.

"Beauty and Beast agree.  So it's settled.  We're off.  And uh Dessy I kind of forgot my scooter.  So do you think you can give me a ride?"

Desdemona smiled and grabbed Jack under his arms.  Darklight followed after.

Okay, Darklight had been in the business for a while now, but he was certain that the whole column of fire thing had been a bit played out.  And besides, it was completely the opposite of subtle.  Which, he suppsed, was the point.  He sped up, and kept pace with the other two, angling towards the pillar of demonic fire.  He just hoped the owner of the warehouse had it insured.

----

Void was healed fully now.  He shadowstepped out of his pocket dimension, and appeared in a field on the outside of the city.  That was the bad thing about blindly shadowstepping; you never knew whee you would pop up.  Which was why he preferred to keep his target within line of sight.  Speaking of sight, that pillar of fire DEFINITELY hadn't been there when he had walked these streets last.  A quick series of well timed shadowsteps brought him to the outside of the warehouse, whee he eagerly peered through a window.

There were ten cylinders of fire, surrounding ten pillars.  From the screams of fright from within, each pillar was occupied by a hostage.  He had to admire this guy's work, whoever he was; he had a flair for the dramatic.  Luckily, the firelight threw heavy shadows against the roof, leaving him plenty of places to 'step through. 

Void appeared out of the shadows above one particuar pillar, conscious of the blazing heat.  Luckily, it was held far enough away from the hostage to keep him from burning.  Void smirked, and slithered down the pillar, looking for all the world to be a pithc black serpent.  He coiled his shapeless mass around the prisoner's neck, his arua of fear sending fresh wails of terror from his throat.

"Time to shut you up!" he hissed.

He liquefied himself slightly, and wrapped around the man's face, entering his body through the gaping mouth, his inky form clogging up his throat and windpipe.  The man's screams died when he did.  And encased within the corpse, Void waited, knowing his enemy would most definitely respond to such a blatant signal as that fire.  He prepared to shoot out in a concentrated stream of goo the second he saw Darklight.  And then he began to wait.

((Anybody object if this coming Drakeus showdown becomes our climax?))

Harry was strolling down the street, amazed by the developements in his powers. After some practice, he discovered he could simultaneously use up to 3 abilities at once. A major pick-up.

He was plotting his next move when he saw the pillars of flame on a TV screen in an electronics store. Whoever could summon that much power would certainly be a good ally. Harry rose up and soared into the sky towards the man called Drakeus.

((This RP has lived long and well.  I think it'd make a good movie :P  I can't wait to see all the characters get together for one final battle; should be titanic!)

((Indeed, this would make a fantastic movie.))

((With a killer budget to boot.  But worth every penny))

( If i could draw, and i had the free time, it would be a ok animated thingy.)

((It would.  I can draw, but I'm not patient enough to animate everything...and I'm not consistent enough with portrayals of characters.  Ie, height, width, etc))

((Also, who would voice them?))

(TEH COMPUTER!!!!!!! MICROSOFT SAM!!!!!!!!!!!!....i dont know :(  )

((OOH I dibs John Kassir!))

Mr. Ironsides for Jericho (teh voice of SAM FISHER!!!!!) just a sugestion

Haze, Chromium, Frost and Vandal watched the towers of flames. "I think Ronin can wait," Haze said.

Chromium took her hand, "Let's go. I have a feeling we're going to be needed."

Vandal looked at Frost, "Shall we ride, snowman?"