Topic: RPG-Superhumans

Flame recived and sent the message before Oni had said "'So?"
As they waited for Haze to respond, he began to toy with the settings on the cloaking device. He slid a bar back, noticing that the quality of the cloak changed as he did so. From near absolote invisibility, to a heat-blur. He assumed that this changed to power output of the device, and would allow him to cloak at least one other person withoug burning out the device. He would need to aske Oni about this later.

“The decision you ask me to make is one that should not be made lightly.” Haze started.

“Don’t believe him, Haze! He’s a criminal, he means no good.” Starbright told.

Haze turned to her cousin, “Everything has been black and white to you. You’ve never had to live in the grey. You’ve never had to wonder about people’s motivations and you’ve never had to live with the fact that people fear and hate you for what you are.”

Starbright looked taken back, “You’re wrong. People shunned me too.

Haze actually laughed at that. “Oh please, the fact that you could fly and shoot pretty things from your fingers was something to be admired. The fact that I could throw a train from one town to another with my mind alone, by the time that I was 15, tended to scare people.”

“But Haze, you’re a good person. You don’t want bad things happening to good people.” Starbright pleaded.

Haze looked downward, pretending to look at her shoes but was actually looking at the top of her belt. “You’re right there, Starbright. But since when has anyone tried to protect me?” Haze winked at the belt subtly.

Starbright opened her mouth to answer but Haze cut her off. “I’ve come to your rescue a handful of times, yet you’ve never even offered to cover my back.”

“But you don’t go out trying to defend the innocent,” Starbright said trying to justify herself.

Haze saw that Oni thought he had a deal in the making. Things were going as she planned. Haze took Starbright’s chin between her fingers. “You need to grow up, Starbright.” Haze said, then she used the opportunity to talk to Starbright’s mind directly. If I side with Oni I know you can leave without a problem. I know that I may also get the chance to free Vandal and I need to, she messed with my head more than I’d like to admit. I need to get help to remove the damage she’s done. There’s only two means that might work, Flame could help or Vandal herself. I’ll lose that opportunity if I side with you.

Tears were building in Starbright’s eyes. “Don’t betray us,” she pleaded outwardly. If you do this, you better get Vandal out. I will come after you if you turn.

Haze smiled at her cousin. “There was never any real betrayal, I’m neutral, remember?” I have someone to keep me on the straight and narrow. Haze voiced to Starbright directly. Her hand touched her belt and she hoped that Chromium would know that she wasn’t really taking any sides. She was merely doing what worked in her favour.

Flame turned off the cloak as they began to speak. He scoffed when the hero said that she had been shuned. When they had finished this he voiced to Haze You plan to use them dont you? Very well. I wont give you away, and if you need help, I will give it.

Oni tilted his head to the side again.

"Okay then. Miss Haze, my clients are allowedto board wherever they wish, so I will allow you to see Starbright home safe and sound."

As Oni spoke, he felt a slight prickle in the back of his head. Strange.

((It's not what you think it is!))

Haze turned to Oni, “I’ll take Starbright home. But I want some time with Flame.”

Oni didn’t appear surprised. Although he seemed slightly annoyed, “I guessed as much. Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer my company?”

Haze smirked, “Not for what I have in mind.” She knew this comment could have been taken two ways. She hoped that Oni’s mind went to the more basic thought.

Oni gave a wave of his hand, “Fine. But don’t take too long.”

Haze smiled and twitched her brows. “Where’s the fun in that?”

As Haze began to escort Starbright out of the room she felt Flame’s mind touch hers. What are you thinking?

I need your help. Vandal has made a mess in my mind. I want to see if you can help me separate out the garbage she’s put in. Haze voiced to him directly.

Oh, Flame replied seeming almost disappointed with the answer.

Meet me at the Bell Tower in half an hour. She instructed.

Okay. He replied then turned back to Oni.

-

Haze noticed that Chromium didn’t reveal himself in front of Starbright as she had thought he would. Instead he stayed the ‘inert’ object around her waist.

They walked in silence until they reached Starbright’s apartment building. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Haze smiled, “Oh it’ll be a rollercoaster but I’ll ride it out. I always do.”

Starbright looked at her sceptically. “You’re messing with the big boys now, you can get into real trouble.”

Haze turned serious. “I know. I’ll find a way out, only when the opportunity is best.”

Starbright placed a hand on Haze’s shoulder. “If you need back up let me know.”

Haze was actually touched by the gesture. She placed her hand over her cousin’s and gave it a squeeze. “Okay, I will.” Then Haze turned and left. She was two blocks away when Chromium slid away from her waist and turned into his usual self.

“Okay, I got some of what was going on. Now tell me what you are thinking?” Chromium said.

Haze gave a nod. “Very well. I plan to use Oni’s alliance to my advantage. Firstly I’ve got Starbright out without needing to fight my, I mean our way out. Next I need to see if Flame can help me sort out the damage Vandal has done.”

Chromium cut in, “How bad is the damage?”

Haze hesitated she didn’t like exposing any weakness but decided that Chromium clearly was with her. “She’s thrown a lot of ‘fake’ memories into my mind, ones of pain and suffering. Thankfully I have a clue to which are fake as the people in them are strangers to me. I want Flame to help me gather the fake memories and eject them from my mind.”

Chromium didn’t look pleased. “If Flame’s in your head can he access your other thoughts?”

Haze let out a deep breath. “There’s the potential. But I have built up my defences since Vandal’s attack.”

“I don’t like this.” Chromium stated.

Haze nodded, “I know but I don’t like the chances I have with Vandal. Even if we rescue her – which I plan to do – there’s no guarantee that she will undo the damage she’s done. She may not even know how to.”

Chromium nodded with resignation. “I understand.”

“Oh there’s one other thing you’re not going to like. I asked Flame to meet me at the Bell Tower.” Haze said hoping Chromium wouldn’t be too angry.

"Whats going on Flame?" Oni asked.
"I dont know."Flame replied."How long has it been?"
"About twenty minuets. Why?"
"Nevermind."

Flame left, cloak on the lowest setting, so he resembled somthing from Predator. Some of the people walking almost bumped into him, and felt a small breeze of displaced air as he passed. Some felt a slight tap on their leg from his tail. They paid no thought to this however, and the walk passed without incident.

Voidhunter had heard the exchange between Oni and the neutral.  Frankly, while the exchange went well, he was worried.  He hadn't been seen, luckily, due to his ability to blend in with the shadows.  Quite frankly, something about the whole deal made him uneasy.  He decided he needed ome fresh air to help clear his mind of all the events of the last little while.  He had instantly accepted Oni's proposal, and now had his own business to attend to.  When he had been released, he had been hearing something about a fight at the mall, but when he arrived there that night, there was not a sign of Darklight anywhere. 

Usually, the cape tried to stick around and fix up his mess at night, but not this time.  He may have changed hismethod of operation in the time that Voidhunter was in prison, though.  Nonetheless, Voidhunter came to the conclusion tha something was wrong with Darklight.  He would be flying around like the stereotypical super at this time.  But he wasn't.  Maybe he was in hiding.  Yes, that was probably the case.  So he would have to scare him out of hiding.  Very well.  Voidhunter remembered quite a few of Darklight's old friends.  Mosthad left the city, but there was one that had returned.  Sunburn.  And that other guy, a lower level hero, he had worked with Darklight a couple times as well.  Void ((His nickname, to keep it easier for me to type)) smiled darkly, and walked out into the day, shrouded by the friendly shadows around him.  He was on the hunt now, and he hoped tha Jack and Sunburn would provide entertaining prey...He vanished into the darkness of the shadows nearby the building that he had come from, shadowstepping from shadow to shadow, like a vision caught in the corner of a passerby's eyes.  Even in the brightness of day, he slipped from patch f darkness to patch of darkness, silently stalking the foolish heroes that were his prey.  He was truly back, and he was loving it already.

Haze stood leaning against the wooden window frame. The paint was flecking off it, but Haze didn’t care. She was watching for Flame. She knew that Chromium wasn’t impressed. He sat in his chair smoking his pipe and she had a feeling that he was trying to stare a hole in her back.

“I thought it was one of the safest places to do this.” Haze said to him, assuming what he was thinking.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Chromium replied.

Haze turned to look at him for a moment. “I’ll make it up to you later. I’m sure we can find you a more comfortable place to live.”

At that moment Haze felt Flame draw near. She stepped back from the window. “He’s coming,” she informed Chromium.

It was only a minute later that Flame landed at the window where Haze had been standing only moments before. “Here I am,” he said.

“We noticed,” Chromium stated sounding rather territorial.

Haze ignored him. “Sit down on the floor,” she said indicating to a clean patch on the wooden floor.

Flame did as she asked and she sat down opposite him, both with their legs folded. Haze moved as close to Flame as she could, their knees touched as she faced him directly. “Take my hands,” she instructed out loud more for Chromium’s sake.

Haze then closed her eyes and reached out to Flame. Okay, I need a favour.

I’m listening. He replied.

Vandal planted fake images into my mind. I want to get rid of them. Can you help me bind them together and eject them? Haze queried.

I can try. Flame answered.

Have you done this before? Haze asked fairly certain for an answer in the negative.

I’ve penetrated others minds before and taken parts of their memories. Generally I’ve wanted to damage to them. I don’t want to damage you. Flame confessed and squeezed her hands slightly.

I trust you. Haze said putting her faith in him.

Thank you. He said simply then Haze felt him intrude into her mind. It was a peculiar sensation. It was like someone reaching into a pile of dishevelled paper and rummaging around. Haze flinched slightly as he tried to probe into her secured areas.

The blocked areas are fine. I’ve protected them from further attack. Haze told.

Sorry, got a bit eager. Flame said in response then moved back to the more recent memories that Haze had opened to him.

She felt as though someone were tugging strings in her mind. He was doing as she had asked he was pulling the fake memories together. Haze didn’t realise it but she accidentally strayed into Flame’s mind. She immediately recoiled feeling embarrassed by her intrusion. Sorry about that.

Sorry about what? Flame asked.

I crossed the boundary into your mind, I didn’t mean to. Haze said feeling more embarrassed at her admission.

I know what you did, I was wondering why you were sorry? Didn’t you like what you saw? Flame said and Haze didn’t miss the touch of danger in his tone.

It’s not that. It’s just that I did it without your invitation. Haze told.

Oh, I see. I think it’s only fair that you can go into my mind when I’m so deeply in yours. Flame said in a much gentler tone.

At that moment Haze felt the strings in her mind draw tight. The fake memories were grouped together. I think I have them all. Just check I haven’t grabbed any I shouldn’t have.

Haze did as Flame instructed and searched through the memories. The pain was almost overbearing and then it eased to her surprise. As she finished sorting she realised that Flame’s grasp on her hands was extremely tight. She reached out to him and discovered that he’d been siphoning her pain. The ones you got can all go. She told.

Flame’s grip on her hands lessened somewhat. Okay, I’ll eject them for you. Is there anyone you’d like them to go to?

I don’t think so. I don’t hate anyone that much. Haze replied.

Very well then. Flame said and Haze felt the pulling in her mind once more, then there was a brief moment of pain as the memories were extracted. Haze gasped out loud then sighed as relief followed the pain.

Haze opened her eyes and was surprised to see that at some point she had rested her forehead against Flame’s. “Thanks,” she said in a whisper.

Void had found the first one; the man called Jack.  He was currently observing the trenchcoat clad man, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Offhand, he had to admire the man's fashion sense; trenchcoats were very retro...He tensed, and prepared to attack from the small fadd patch of shadows.

"No problem." Flame said.
  He didnt tell Haze he had kept the memories. They may be usefull later. He did not like lying to her, she had been extremely helpfull, and he belived he could easily call her a freind. That was very rare for Flame.
  He looked at Chromium, and noded. "I will go." he said, moving to the ledge. He turned, held his arms to his side, and leaned back, like a SCUBA diver going off of a boat.

"You know what Flameboy you keep flying!  Poor old Jack!  No one cares about him!  We'll I have been overdue on my run.  Might as well start now."  Jack was running trying to keep up to Sunburn when all of a sudden he felt a cold chill up his spine.  One of immense fear.  He whipped around.  Nothing.  Wait!  A shadow seemed to be flitting across the street.  He sat and watched.  Nothing.  Must have been his imagination.  Sunburn flew down to Jack.

"Whatsa matta wit you Bruce Lee?  You look startled.  Ha!  The great martial artist Jack afraid!"

"Haha.  Laugh it up.  I just... felt something.  But it was nothing.  Anyway Sundance, what's our first stop?"

"Stop numero uno, Happy Harry's Bar.  And hey!  It's close."

"Happy Harry's?  Why does that sound familiar..."  And then it all came back.  The first fight.  Well you couldn't even call it a fight.  He goes in trying to talk to others and the Flame man thought-bombed him.  The note!  He remembered the meeting.

"Happy Harry's is a great place to go.  Wanted to visit there for a while my self.  And this time try to fly beside me.  I know where I'm going."  Sunburn nodded and followed Jack as he sprinted to the bar. 

"Hey Sunblock, you better uh, turn down the flame.  It's a bit conspicuous."  After Sunburn had extinguished himself they ducked into the bar.  Wasn't the nicest of establishments.  Jack loved it.  He quietly slipped over to the bartender. 

"I'd like a Root Beer.  On the rocks."

Flame walked back into Oni's base.
"What did she want?"
"Why do you care? Oh, I think you might want to know that there are two heros up there. That kung-fu guy and a torch."

Happy Harry was polishing glasses when the man in the trenchcoat sidled up.

"I'd like a root beer. On the rocks."

"Coming r-r-right up. Forgive m-m-my s-s-st-stuttering."

Harry fixed the gentleman his drink. Harry noticed something familiar about the man. Of course! It was that vigilante, Jack, the Oni had spoke about. The boss would want to hear about this.

-----------------------------------------

After Flame left to do whatever, Oni went back to the med-room where Vandal was being kept. In his hand he held a bottle of pain-killers. He unscrewed the lid and poured 4 pills into his hand and upturned his mask ever so slightly before swallowing the pills. Oni looked at Vandal's medical stats. According to the readings, she was out cold. Then what was this madness in his head?

Old memories, painful memories, resurfacing again. The car crash. The death of his mother. Why? Why were these thoughts resurfacing? Vandal was the only explanation, but she was unsconscious. Oni activated his wrist blades, prepared to make sure she wasn't probing him.

"Oni, my comrade!" Voidhunter exclaimed behind him.

"What is it, V?"

"The heroes going by the names of Jack & Sunburn, have entered your bar up above, and I believe they wish you harm. Shall I exterminate these bothersome swine?"

"Nah, big V. Why should you get all the fun?" Oni turned to face Voidhunter. "Let's do it together."

Void wincd at the derogatory nickname, but put up with it.  He slipped back into the dimly lit bar, and morphed is arm of shadow into a slender blade, and exuded tendrils of darkness from his back and stomach.  He then slipped stealthily up behind the one named Jack, and began to wrap his tentalces around his limbs.  He began to squeeze the tentacles, and attempted to crush the life out of the man.  He was bored after his years in prison....

Jack reacted without thinking as soon as he felt the arms around him.  The concealed knife up his sleeve was out before anyone could blink.  Jack spun around slashing at whatever it was.  The black shadow reeled screaming.

"Hey Voidy baby!  Long time no see!  Well I've never really seen you since you are just a shadow.  Actually I've never really met you at all!  Nice to meet you!  I've heard so much!  Prison not for you?  Sorry about that knife cut.  Generally that's a natural reaction I have when someone begins grabbing my arm!  Happens with the ladies all the time!  So shall we talk out our differences?"

Sunburn immediatley noticed the tentacles wrapping around Jack, and almost instantly, burst into flames (of course backing away from Jack when doing it to make sure he didn't also catch on fire, and he didn't put his feet on fire so hewouldn't damage the floor).  Then he noticed Oni.  He was jumping right at him!  Performing a side roll, Sunburn dodged the flying fists and punched the flying demon right in the side and away from the battle, and quickly tried to figure out a way to get the shadow off of Jack.  He then realized the shadow was starting to waver, though he didn't know why..... maybe there was something that had to do with the light his fire gave off.

Cloaked, Oni snuck up behind Jack and tackled him through the bar's opened front door, as to not make a scene. The combatants flew across the street, and Oni soared into the air, holding Jack by the collar of his trenchcoat. Oni whirled his head around and saw Void and Sunburn flying behind him.

"You know Void, you need to master the fine art of subtlety!" Oni exclaimed to his ally.

Chromium watched the exchange between Flame and Haze. He sat in his chair, smoking his pipe and he had his black cloak on. All that could be seen were his eyes of pure white light in the darkness of the Bell Tower room. Flame flew off and Haze watched him until he disappeared. There were several minutes of pure silence as Chromium sat and smoked his pipe while Haze stood, leaning against the wall and looking out one of the open Bell Tower doors.

Chromium decided he needed a rest from his super form and he stood and put some pants on while still in his metallic form. He relaxed his body and withdrew the metal, changing from a man of metal to one of flesh. The pain was, as usual, unbearable. After the metal was nealry gone and his skin could be seen once more his eyes faded and his pupils and retina could be seen once more. His hair grew back in place. Haze watched in disbelief.

"What now?" Haze asked.

"Now," Tanis said to her "now we wait."

(Wait for Oni's meeting that is.)

"Hey Oni!  That was a totally cheap and unfair shot!  Only I'm allowed to do that!  No just kidding, I would never do that."  Jack kicked Oni and fell to the ground rolling as soon as he hit the ground.  His legs must have been broken but he felt them regrowing he clamped his jaw shut as the pain passed.  He turned around awaiting the arial attack, not paying attention to Void who was charging at him.

He struck once more at Jack, who had been dropped by Oni in the streets outside.  Void's two razor tipped tendrils lashing out, narrowly missing Jack.  Void fired a blast of darkness that also barely missed the man.  He was moving fast, his knife darting everywhere, like an annoying wasp that wouldn't stop stinging.  Void snarled, and lashed out with every one of his tentacles towards him, changing their tips into various bladed weapons, trying to strike at that bothersome hero.  Three tendrils nearly succeeded, and lost their tips to his knife.  He hissed, and shadowstepped into the poolof darkness that lay behind Jack.  He was very glad for the various shadows that played about the bases of the multitude of structures that dotted the streets.  He popped up behind Jack, and literally wrapped himself around him, imprisoning his arms and legs, and he began to constrict his form.

This was the second time in less than 2 hours he was being squashed to death.  "Just...isn't...my..day."

Suddenly it began to get very hot...

((*WINK WINK* KASTER *NUDGE NUDGE*  SUNBURN *COUGH COUGH*))

Flame heard somthing upstairs. Probably just some bikers beating the crap out of each other. He assumed Oni and Voidhunter could handle it.

Desparate, Sunburn began to radiate heat, hoping it would slow the two villains down.  Apparently, it was working..... Except on Oni, probably because of his suit, the temperature most likely wouldn't effect him as bad.  So, to make up for not stunning Oni, Sunburn delivered a fireball to his chest, while at the same time, still radiating heat around him.  This was a very hard task and would probably leave him with little to no energy. BAM!  Oni was blown back a few feet from where he last stood......

Haze watched as Chromium transformed and found it amazing. She wondered how he did so but didn’t think that now was the time to ask. Instead she merely made comment. “It looks like it hurts when you do that.”

Chromium nodded, “It does.”

Haze decided not to push any further, it didn’t sound like he wanted to talk. She changed the subject. “You know I think Flame is only looking for a friend. I touched his mind briefly during our exchange and found a lot of sadness.”

“I think all supers have suffered some sort of pain or other.” Chromium said quietly, his eyes now closed.

“Yeah, I think you’re right there. My father used to beat my mother. When I realised what I could do I showed him the true meaning of pain. I almost killed him and that scared me more than I like to admit. My mother wasn’t thankful instead she disowned me and ran back to his side. I decided to leave home and never go back.” Haze said still stung by her mother’s behaviour. She could never understand why she forgave her father but couldn’t accept her as a daughter.

“How old were you?” Chromium asked.

“I was fifteen. Remember I mentioned throwing a train?” Haze waited for Chromium to nod, “Well my father was in it at the time.”

"....unfortunate. My parents have passed. They were good people. They raised me right, or so I would think. Yet they were never my problem. The government was." Tanis told Haze

Haze hesitated before asking the next question. She didn't want to pry, yet her curiosity got the best of her. Chromium was a very interesting and mysterious super.

"Why was the government the problem" Haze asked Tanis

He thought a moment, debating whether to tell her or not. He repacked his pipe, lit it, and took a long puff.

"Take a seat." Chromium told her as he pulled out a small stool from the darkness of the room. There was still enough light coming from the holes and cracks in the doors however, as it was still daylight outside.

"My name is Dr. Tanis Jones. My earlier life isn't too relevant for the story right now. Lets start off where I worked. I worked for the U.S. Department of Medical Research and Development. I was working on a relatively secret project at the time. A foriegn, silvery liquid substance was found in the farthest Northern reaches of the world, somewhere North of Greenland. I was never told exactly where. It was found inside a meteorite that had landed there centuries ago. Well, this substance was discovered to heal wounds. Cuts, bruses, even some sicknesses. However, it was too slow working for practical use. There was also only about 3 gallons of it, when we started that is. After years of trying to amplify the healing effect, I was left with a little more than an ounce. Well, at one point, I believed that I had evolved the substance into the greatest healing element in the world. However, when I tested it, the liquid became sentient. It took over my body and I became Chromium. It controlled me for the most part however. I don't know much of what happened during that time period, most of it is too blurry for me. All I know is that I fought back with the alien being the whole time, and when I eventually prevailed, I awoke to the chaos the alien had created in my stead. I had kille- (Tanis stutters and smooths it over as if he never said that part) *cough* excuse me. The military saw the potent abilities I harnessed with the alien metal symbiote and naturally, they sought to use me. As a weapon, a killing machine, a supersoldier. I had neard of such plots before, but I never really thought them capable of such a thing. Well after years of fighting back and..convincing...them to never bother me again I came here, to Mission City, where other supers are and where I could possibly be accepted after the alienation of my family and friends. Luckily my parents died before I became a super, Im not sure how they would have taken it."

Haze sat back slightly surprised. “Wow, that certainly would be a hard thing to live with. But take solace in the fact that it wasn’t you who committed those acts.”

Tanis gave a slight nod but Haze could see that he wasn’t going to shuck the responsibility in just a moment’s repose.

So Haze continued, “I found the hardest thing for me was restraint. An angst teenager with superpowers doesn’t generally bode well. After the episode with my father I eventually went to live with my Aunt and Uncle, they are Starbright’s parents. They already knew that Maria had superpowers and had accepted it as a gift and a blessing. As you can image this only made me more angry.”

Tanis moved the pipe from his mouth, “I think everyone wants their parents to accept them for who they are.”

Haze nodded, “I knew I was never going to get that from my parents so it turned me against Maria for a while. I was so jealous that she had what I wanted and she didn’t seem to realise how lucky she was. As soon as I turned 18 and had a job I left that house. Starbright became a household name and was loved even more. By that stage I resigned myself to the fact that I would never receive such a welcome.”

“That must have been hard on you,” Tanis said sitting up straighter.

“Initially it was, but I came to terms with it. What people didn’t realise was that Starbright had limitations. One day she got caught up in some really bad stuff and I helped her out. Of course she got all the credit and suddenly Starbright had the ability to move things at her will. By this stage I didn’t care, she could have fame.” Haze said, the bitterness gone from her voice.

Flame was getting annoyed.The noise from above was rather loud, and he decided to leave. He used the side door, and began to wander around the city streets, cloaking device left back at Oni's base, forgotten. Thing were fine it was quiet and cool and no one was out. Very calming. He wandered, and soon all the streets began to seemingly blur together. He was not lost, he would find his way back.

He heard footsteps behind him. He did not turn around, there was only one person by the feel of it. Somthing hit the back of his head, and every thing went dark. He woke up about half an hour later, hands bound, and heavily drugged. He could see think and hear with some clarity, but he couldent do anything with his mind. Some one was in the room with him. They spoke. "Your the one whos trying to turn her arent you?" A woman's voice
"I wont let you. She would get hurt, or killed."
Flame tried to speak "W....Who?"
"Haze." The voice answered, and there was a sharp pain on the side of his head, then darkness agian.

(hope you dont mind if I use one of your people Mel. If you do, i can edit tomorrow)

Voidhunter released Jack.  He was quicker to his feet than last time, that had got his friend kidnapped.  He quickly pushed himself the adrenaline only feeding his healing factor.  All bones were being mended.  He quickly pulled out some of his sidearms firing simultaneously at Oni, who was still dazed, and Voidhunter.  Void was in visible pain but honestly Jack wasn't sure if he was hitting Void or not.  Jack stowed his guns and pulled out his dai-katana and in one fluid motion slashed at Voidhunter.

Void allowed himself to liquiy, and he pooled to the ground in a puddle, Jack's blade singing past where he stood before.  In a fluid motion, he re-emerged, entangling Jack's feet, and tripping him.  With two tendrils pinning his arms, Void morphed his other arm into a very sharp looking blade, and poised it above Jack's throat.....

----

Darklight didn't understand what the assassin was trying to say.  He had tried to assassinate Darklight forty years ago?  That was impossible; Darklight was only in his early thrities.  He did not recall ever seeing the assassin before.  In fact, he was growing quite frustrated with his situation, and found he could do next to nothing; the lights kept his powers at a minimum ebb.  In anger and frustration, he shouted, both vocally and mentally, as loud as he could. 

----

Void's blade paused, bare inches from Jack's flesh.  He had felt something; a tingling in his mind.  Now what...?  Realization dawned on him, and he stood up, turned around, and ran off into the direction that the feeling felt like it was coming from.  Jack could die another day; he had bigger fish to fry.  "I'm coming or you Darklight," he snarled into thin air.  "I'm coming."

Haze felt a twinge through her body. She couldn’t exactly explain it but it was almost as if Flame was hurt. That was odd, but perhaps their linking of minds had created some sort of bond. Haze had never been able to feel someone else’s thoughts from such a distance.

“What’s wrong?” Tanis asked.

“I don’t know, it’s weird but it’s almost like I have a connection to Flame and can feel that he’s hurt.” Haze said wondering if she made any sense.

“Why is that strange?” Tanis queried.

“I’m a telekinetic, I can feel objects with my mind and that’s how I move them. A telepath can feel emotions with their mind and influence those. I don’t really have much ability as a telepath, I can only do what I’ve learned via my telekinesis.” Haze said as she stood up.

“Perhaps something is wrong at Oni’s place.” Tanis said as he also stood.

Haze nodded, “I think we need to get over there, the meeting might have started early.”

((Adeptus, if you’re meaning Starbright go ahead, I didn’t actually create her, she’s Ph34r’s character. As for Vandal, I created her but she’s comatose.))

Jack was amazed Voidhunter didn't kill him.  But when he heard what Voidhunter whispered his face blanched with fear.

I'm coming for you Darklight."

As Voidhunter left Jack was on his feet and about to go after them when he saw Sunburn battling Oni.  Jack was desperate.  Sunburn was in trouble and it guessing their location, more might come.  He made his choice, he sheathed his dai-katana, pulled out his shoto and katana and charged Oni.  "If I get this done fast enough maybe I can make it to Darklight!" he thought to himself.  He was suddenly no longer a jovial fighter.  He was all seriousness now.  A friend's life hung in the balance.

As Haze neared the bar Tanis pulled her up. "I'm going to do the belt thing again."

Haze nodded and waited for him to transform into Chromium and then the belt, once he was around her waist she made her way in. To her surprise Flame's presence wasn't near. However Oni had his hands full. Haze let out a sigh and held all parties in the air away from each other. "Geez can none of you play nicely?"

((I'm going to say that like 15 minutes has passed since Void left))

"Please let me go!  Darklight's in trouble!  That maniac captain Butthead over hear released is a crazed killer!  He has a personal Vendetta against Darklight!  We need to reach him before he reaches Darklight!  Please Haze!  I need your help!  I need you to let me and Sunburn go!  You can help us if you want but I need you to let me go!  A man's life hangs in the balance!  Even you as a neutral value life!"

Haze shook her head, "Always running away from me, geez. You still owe me for dinner."

Oni sniggered, "Oh man, don't you know the first rule of dating. You pay for the girl's meal. Haze you're lucky that I'm available."

Haze let out a sigh, "Oh brother."

"You don't get it Haze!  It wasn't like that.  That's not why I left.  I felt...different last night.  I'm sorry if you took it like that.  Last time I was in love I was scorned.  She didn't understand me.  As soon as I told her I had an inkling of some mutant powers she ran.  And then my parents were killed protecting others.  By some villain.  That pushed me over the edge.  In that moment all love let me down.  So I was scared.  I didn't want to hurt myself or you.  It was selfish I know.  But I'll explain it all to you later!  Now Darklight life comes closer to an end every second we waste here!  Please Haze!"

Oni scoffed, "Touching story Jack.  But-"

"-Shut up!  If it weren't for you Darklight's life wouldn't be at stake.  Not that you care as a villain.  Please Haze!"

Haze shook her head. "The desire for love always seems to lead to pain." She moved Jack and his flaming buddy towards the door. "Go find Darklight or my cousin will be ticked off."

Oni looked annoyed, "I thought you were on my side."

"You can't choose your family members," Haze pointed out.

"Ah, you're not wrong there." Oni replied.

Jericho walked in the back door, Desert Eagles in hand, examining the damage to the bar.
"Ok, What did I miss?"

"Oh just the usual carnage between good guys and bad guys." Haze stated dryly.

"Damn it," Jericho cursed.

"So what did you end up doing with Vandal?" Haze asked.

"She's downstairs on a metal slab with an IV in her arm."

Haze cringed, "Doesn't sound pleasant."

"She doesn't deserve pleasant," Jericho snarled as he rubbed his temple in emphasis.

Haze nodded, her features turning dark. "There's some truth in that. For a hero she doesn't pull her punches."

Oni grinned like a crocodile, "See the heroes aren't what they seem to be."

"No one is ever who they seem to be." Haze countered.

Oni's grin changed, "You have an answer for everything."

Haze tilted her head slightly, "Perhaps." She could see that she was getting off side with Oni slightly and decided to give him a reminder of her power. She reached out with her mind and ran a caress from his feet to his head.

Oni looked surprised but not unpleased. "I like that sort of behaviour from you."

"That doesn't surprise me," Haze replied looking bored. "So when does this meeting start?"

"In a few hours. You're welcome to stay until then." Oni suggested.

Haze pretended to consider it, "Where's Flame?"

Oni let out a sigh, "I don't know, he went out."

A chill went through Haze, "I'll see if I can find him. Can't have him missing the meeting."

Haze walked out, somewhat disgusted with her behaviour, she shouldn't have done that. She felt angry and stupid. Oni would surely think she was a bit of fluff now. It took her a moment to realise that Chromium had detached himself from her and had returned to his humanoid form.

"You seem angry," he said stopped behind her.

Haze turned, "I did something stupid."

"What exactly?" Chromium asked.

"I flirted with danger a little too much," Haze admitted.

"I didn't notice much in the way of flirting on your part, Oni is another kettle of fish all together." Chromium said.

"I played on his flirtations." Haze said running a hand through her hair while gritting her teeth.

"How exactly?" Chromium asked not understanding.

Haze looked at him. "Can you feel anything through that... stuff?" she said looking at his metal skin.

"Yes, why?" Chromium said taking a step forward.

Haze mimicked the move she pulled on Oni. She ran a caress with her mind from Chromium's feet to the top of his head. He looked as surprised as Oni. "Now do you understand?"

((Here's what I imagine Haze to look like: http://prisonbreakfan.free.fr/galerie/albums/userpics/10001/normal_holly.jpg ))

"Saucy." Oni said as he watched Haze depart.

"So, fashionably late as always, I see." Oni turned his attention to Jericho.

"Hey man, I was a little busy ."

"Well, then I guess I can excuse you."

((Wait...What?))

Edited.

The Elder Assassin was still staring with a menacing smile on his face. "Oh that's right, you're not that old yet, I must be confusing you with another. All I remember in my old brain is chasing down some caped-weirdo a while ago. Still, you're lucky my apprentice got to you before others could."

"Others?"

"Competition. Other "Assassin" groups. They're so pitiful, they don't deserve the name. Our Order is the only one completely shrouded in mystery. You should be thankful for this. Had another group caught you, you'd most likely be caught by some local authority force. Now while you're here, enjoy the light."

With those words, Altair and the Elder left the room while the light grew stronger.

Chromium was feeling a bit light headed after the caress Haze gave him. He hadn't been touched in such a way for some time. It was relaxing, and boy did he have tension...

He was recognizing Haze's beauty with every time they met. She was very wise, quick, open minded and beautiful. He shook her image from his mind however, this was not the time for him to be thinking of such things.

"Are we really going to look for Flame? Or was that just an excuse to leave?" He asked Haze, his metallic voice reverberating gently in her ears.

((Here we go people.  Retribution))
Void quickened his pace.  The presence in his mind was in pain; Darklight was being hurt.  Not fair.  Only he was allowed to hurt Darklight.  Void shadowstepped, flitting from one shadow to another, as fast as he could.  The presence in his mind grew stronger, and he shifted direction until the tingling turned into an all out thumping.  He followed the feelings of pain until he came to the outskirts of the city, and a cement mixing facility.  It was coming from below him.  He liquefied, and seeped through the cracks in the pavement, sliding like a memory through the chinks in the armour of the earth.  As always, the sensation was slightly uncomfortable, and disorienting, but he lived through it.  He found himself in an underground complex.
He blended in with the shadows around him, shadowstepping from one end of the corridor to another.  He passed silently by a pre-occupied man, and barely resisted the urge to tear him to ribbons.  Darklight felt like he was close by.  And in pain.  The only thing that could cause pain of that magnitude for that length of time was immense quantities of light.  Which wouldn’t be good for Void.  So he set about finding and disabling the power generator.

Darklight writhed in pain.  The light was everywhere, and in such quantities, that it actually physically hurt him.  Normally it would just weaken him.  He tried to free himself from the metal bonds, but to no avail.  Suddenly, he heard a thud, and the lights, mercifully, flickered once…twice…three times.  And then they went out, plunging the room into black nothingness.  He felt his power returning to him, but slowly; too slowly for his liking.  He felt suspicious; if the man was a master assassin, then why would he allow a simple power generator to fail?  He heard the hiss of a door opening, silently, but could see nothing.  Suddenly, he felt cold, and afraid, for the first time in years he felt afraid of the dark.  He knew this feeling.  He knew what caused it.  A voice whispered into his ear.

“Are you afraid of the dark, Nick?”

He felt tendrils of a cold substance flowing around his limbs, snapping the metal bonds into tiny pieces.  He was lifted off of the table gently, and hung suspended in the air, unable to see his mysterious rescuer.  He knew he didn’t want to see who it was.

“What are you doing here, Void?”  His voice was weak.

“Why ask a question to which you already know the answer?”

The tendrils constricted, sending jolts of pain throughout Darklight’s body.  He winced beneath his mask, gritting his teeth against the burning pain.

“You can’t kill me Void.  If you could have, I would be dead right here, right now.  I know you too well.”

“You live only upon my pleasure, Nick.”

He threw Darklight against the wall, slamming the breath from his body.  Before the hero could react, a hammer-headed tentacle slammed into him, again, and again, bashing him mercilessly.  Another joined that tendril, and then another, and another, tendrils lashing out at him from every direction, ruthlessly hammering away at him.  The wall cracked, and the tendrils looped around his limp form, and threw him with all of Void’s considerable power through the ceiling.  A series of subsequent blows and strikes forced him up higher, and higher, until he broke through the roof, and fell to the pavement of the complex above him.  He tried to stand, but fell once more to his knees.  A cloud of shadow erupted fro the newly made hole in the ground, and coalesced into the form of a man, coloured as black as space, with tendrils waving in the air behind him.
Void took Darklight’s jaw in his hand, and seemed to chuckle, before flinging him aside, into the wall of the cement mixing plant.  Darklight felt some bones breaking, and crumpled to the ground below him.

“Let that be a lesson to you, hero.”  Void’s whispering voice held a note of derision and mockery, as if he disdained the title.  Multiple tendrils shot from his shadowy body, and wrapped around Darklight, securing the hero to his back.

“Come on now, we’re going to make a house call.  I hope you live long enough to see every little detail of it…”

As he walked through the shadows, appearing in other shadows farther along every time, he decided to allow himself a reward.  A razor tipped tendril shot from his shadowy body, and stabbed right through the body of a man walking on the sidewalk, killing him in an instant.  He laughed quietly, and continued on, ignoring the crowd that gathered around the fresh corpse.

“What do you want with me?”  Darklight’s weak voice finally piped up again.

“Everything, Nick.  I want you to give me everything…”

And then he constricted his tendrils, crushing Darklight beneath their power.  He heard a satisfying snap of a bone breaking, probably the neck.  His mission was accomplished; he was free at last.  He laughed again, and speared another innocent bystander in his glee.  He blended into a nearby shadow, the body of Darkligth still held within his grasp.  And then, in the blink of an eye, he vanished, but not before he opened a portal to a place of darkness, from whence his power flowed.  He took forh the only solid item in that land, and shove it into the sidewalk.  There; he had left a calling card for the poor sucker who would find it.  He tore of a piece of his essence, and bound it to the evil sword that he had called forth.  And then, and only then, did he finally leave, Darklight's corpse in tow.

( im starting a new character since im getting bored with out being able to have a decent conversation with some one in the game... demon characters are like that)

Name: Don Kal
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Personality: Hard, and unforgiving of mistakes made in a combat area, doesnt have a sense of humor, unwinds from combat with more combat, takes slight pleasure in taking out his enemys, 'lives in the zone' and wont hesitate to tell what he thinks of you...or kill you
Allegiance: None

Appearance: Muscular body, shaved head, dark blue eyes, (skin is pale since he spends 80% of his time in his armor)

Armor/Suit type: The Theta-class battle suit is made of durable bullet proof fibers, mixed with metal plates to provide protection and maneuverability. The suit also harbors alot of circuitry for its systems (this is stored on Dons back, in a back pack like package pretected by armor)

Armor/Suit Appearance: The bullet proof fibers are a dark black, and the metal plates are a light blue, the armored helmet is a metalic grey and the visor shape is a horizontal diamond while its color is black

Armor/Suit abilities: The Theta-class battle suit features a advanced Heads-Up-Display, scaners and a personel AI unit to give strategic advise and moniter the suits status. The suit also give the ability to: Stop, Reverse or Slow down time

Weapons: Assualt rifle, Rist flame thrower (flame thrower runs on light weight energy cells to rid the user of having to carry liquid fuel, and has more uses), 4 Proton grenades and a small plasma pistol

Background: As military commando, Don Kal has become a harden veteren of the 3rd World War and other small time skirmishes. Don was selected for a program designed to tamper with the Space-Time continum to prevent a bloody civil war that is destroying the earth itsself. But due to the unfortunate incedent Don's suit has reversed time more than 150 years into the past... much farther than intended. Now he is stuck in an alternant time, with a damadged suit and unable to return to his own time. (Dons ability to control time has been reduced significantly. He can now only control time for very limited periods)

Don's eyes blinked open. He was in a trashed alley with muck and other stuff he didnt want to know about. He tried standing up, his legs were shaky but he managed, he tried to remember what had happened:... he was in the the Time control room... they were about to send him back in time...there was a flash...and now this. That didnt make any sense. He walked out the alley and looked up at the skyscrapers. "Oh crap...this is not right.."

A huge crowd stood around Darklight's corpse, as the backup generator was being powered on.

"Damn, I wanted to be the one to do it."

"Look, sir, a sword."

"You, touch that sword."

"Me? Sir, I'm not so sure that's a good idea."

"You dare disobey an Elder?"
The lights flickered back on.
"No, Your Honor Altair. I dare not disobey."

"Then do it."

Everyone crowded around the soldier and the sword. Three corpses in total were found. Sweating, the soldier made way to the sword. Closer, closer he reached for the hilt. It couldn't be all too bad, it's only a sword. A sword right next to the cadaver of the Assassin's Order's PE#1. Oh, what the Hell.

It was the soldier's last mistake.

“We are going to look for Flame. I don’t know if we’ll find him, but I’ll at least try. I owe him a favour.” Haze told and noticed that Chromium seemed more at ease then she’d seen him previously.

The pair searched the areas that Haze knew held the criminal element, but she just couldn’t find Flame’s presence.

Haze was leading Chromium out of the west district when she remembered that she needed to go home and feed Elmo again. “I need to go home.”

“Huh?” Chromium asked surprised.

“I need to feed my cat and get changed, I’m probably starting to smell.” Haze said as she looked at her crumpled outfit.

“You have a cat?” Chromium asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah, is there something wrong with that?” Haze said almost challengingly.

“No, I just thought you the independent type.” Chromium explained.

“Why do you think I have a cat rather than a dog?” Haze asked in return.

Chromium shrugged, “A dog wouldn’t fit in your apartment?”

Haze chuckled, “It would be an awkward fit. I actually found Elmo in a garbage bag one night. I took pity on him and decided to keep him.”

Chromium smiled but didn’t say anything. Haze found herself wondering what he was thinking. Before she could ask Haze heard footsteps behind her, she turned to see Starbright.

“I can’t find Darklight,” Starbright said concerned.

“I haven’t seen him for hours.” Haze admitted.

Starbright suddenly noticed Chromium, “So is this your friend who’ll keep you on the straight and narrow?”

“Yeah, that’d be him.” Haze said then introduced them, “Starbright this is Chromium. Chromium this is Starbright.”

(....?...that was pretty serious. Could you elabprate really quick? Is Darklight dead?)