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TheNabster
Apr 26, 2014

"Today I will cause problems on purpose"


Cluster #40 Entry Examinations - Group 7
>Isadora Fernandez - Professional mixed martial arts training, Olympian level acrobatics, trace divine blood - Designation: La Vibora
>Clarice Machin - Physical phasing, projected invisibility and silence field, A.E.G.I.S operations training - Designation: Geist
>Adora-Belle Dearheat - Multiple weapon based martial arts, crossbow training, customized bolts - Designation: Troubleshooter

Group 7 was chosen with a specific set of criteria in mind in order for the test in question. All members of the team are well versed in their chosen specialities and have had training from outside professional bodies or private training from established and licensed superheroes before entering the academy proper. However, all three candidates have shown to be less than willing to co-operate with strangers and working within a group setting in general, preferring solo operations or working with one or two specific partners.

As such we intend to put them within a high intensity situation that will require at least a degree of trust among all parties, and that cannot be completed without all members helping with the task.

---

The elevator thrummed quietly as test group 7 was slowly lowered into the testing ground proper, the jazzy elevator music playing softly in the background against an outside cacophony of shifting gears, and simulated background noise to the testing area above. Isadora stared fixedly at the screen, counting down their time before the test began proper as she weighed her options going forth.

Mother had given her some measure on the examination several weeks before in preparation, it was quite possibly the most amount of time the two of them had spent in each other's company in the last several months. Revision; practice, family bonding she would have hoped but Mother wasn't being Maria Fernandez in that time, she was being Huitzilopochtli preparing her progeny for the trails ahead. It would have been nice if she could have also been Maria spending time with her daughter but that was Mother, she lived and breathed her role as an ancient protector and for all the lack of human contact it had its benefits.

"So now, what tools do I have available to me? Well let's see our test first" Isadora ruminated on this thought as the screen suddenly flashed to life, it's briefing caught her an the attention of her teammates eye. "Type 2, hostage rescue. This is workable."
"Aww come on hostage rescue again?" Said the girl she knew to be 'Troubleshooter'. "The last three tests were all hostage rescue, why can't we have something more interesting?"
"Geist I know seems to sort to avoid fights if possible, Troubleshooter is, the opposite. I would have preferred a good fight but I need to pass this test."
"This is a simulated crisis situation this isn't supposed to be interesting" Geist had been adjusting her clothing not even making eye contact with either of them as she spoke. "There is exactly one person in this room who knows how to defuse explosives and the Mini-Boss is normally scaled for actual super-powered candidates, count yourselves lucky, you will actually get to take part."
"But the impression I got was that they do not like each other, and they haven't spoken a word to me as of yet. Someone in this situation needs to take charge."
"Heyeheyheyhey, the hell's that supposed to mean 'you will actually get to take part' you think I can't pull my weight?" Troubleshooter was right up in Geist's face now, she hadn't bothered to turn to face her but she looked thoroughly uninterested.
"Oh someone seems to be me, who would have thought it?"

Two heavy hands clamped down on the girls' shoulders, startling them both. Isadora had not really inherited much of her mother's latent power by herself but there were some things she did inherit, mostly the fact that she was quite easily the tallest person in this elevator by a good foot and a half and had the strength to match. She pulled them apart, "Talk like this is unhelpful, we are in this together whether we like it or not and remember we all pass or none of us pass, and if you two are fighting each other before the doors even open we might as well give up now."

Mother was sat on a bench as Isadora poured over the reports of past tests that she had managed to acquire. "Dissent within the ranks will defeat an army faster before the first blow is even struck. Superhero teams are not much different, even on a smaller scale the problems are still the same"

"Hey! Who put you in charge princess?" Replied Troubleshooter testily, the hand on her shoulder clenched a little harder
"I did, it's called seizing the initiative. You do not have to like it but I will make sure we past this test. Geist?"
Clarice shrugged, in truth she was rather ambivalent about her teammates but didn't like giving orders at the best of time, she acknowledged the new 'leader' with a nod.
"Good, now, when the doors open follow my lead."

---

Initial entry into the test by Group 7 had taken a different approach compared to similar tests Type-2 Hostage Rescue conducted by super-powered candidates. On average most teams directly engage the robotic perimeter guards on route to the location of the 'hostage', some of them with a degree of stealth, others not so much with mixed results on both ends. Group 7 however engaged no guards or sentries on route to the target, in fact they actively avoided combat entirely for the majority of the test.

Patrols were circumnavigated whether by use of the Geist's unique invisibility field, or through transit through and over the obstacles by Vibora and Troubleshooter. None of the patrolling robots were triggered by contact at any point, up until the room where the hostage was located.


---

Two droids entered into a room as the test neared its 30 minute mark and Isadora under the guise of Geist's shroud had been watching them quietly for the past few minutes. All the patrols had a set pattern they would perform on regular intervals in order to simulate proper guard patrols. This made them able to catch people off guard unexpectedly by walking into places that they couldn't possibly have any reason to go to, unless you happened to have knowledge of how they worked before you entered the test and picked one patrol on this floor in particular to trail as you watched the others. A few moments later the droids exited the room and completely ignoring the invisible bubble, walked off down the hallway to repeat their cycle once more. The bubble moved into the room they had just vacated, where it dropped to reveal the three team members as Isadora began to step around the floor, muttering under her breath.

"Right, we have exactly 7 minutes before they return. Troubleshooter I need those breaching arrows here, here and... Yes, here, If you don't mind. Geist please hand me the map."

"This would be easier if we clobbered those guards on the way here." Troubleshooter grumbled, as she began carefully planting arrows around the floor. They had managed to locate the room with the hostage but, the robotic patrols around the area itself had increased to the point where even their particular approach could not easily avoid them all. There had already been a few close calls within some of the narrower passage ways inside the building they were in and so, they had elected to go with a secondary route. Namely the room directly above the hostage room.

Mother had laid out a few designs in front of her as she pointed at certain parts of the diagram "The robotic minions for all intents and purposes whilst designed somewhat around being human still for the most part follow a few set rules. For example, they will 'report' to one another on set intervals if any heroes had been spotted. If they have been spotted, or if a robot does not report back within a set time frame the bots are raised to an alert status and will start actively seeking you. Real life villainous minions are not the cartoonish caricatures seen in media, they are capable of thinking just like you can and these droids have been programmed with some of their tactics."

Isadora was crouched down next to Geist as they went over the map of the building they had mapped out as they traveled, they were confirming the easiest escape route having spent the past few minutes observing the patrols around this floor, when she looked up at Troubleshooter's protest. "The fact that we haven't been spotted at all has made it as easy as possible for us to undertake this, even if it takes longer. Check the camera, what do you see?" Troubleshooter flicked a tablet out of her pouch and looked. When they had found the building Isadora had asked her to plant some of her patented 'Arrow-Cams' around the vicinity, one of them by good fortune had a view of the hostage room.

"No changes within the room?"
"No boss, still just the two guards like earlier, there still might be guys outside though." As Troubleshooter placed the last arrow, they all lit up as she immediately took a few steps back. She inserted another arrow, this time one attached to a length of zip-wire to the ceiling.
"They very literally won't hear this coming. Alright, now like we discussed on the way here." Isadora got into position next to the circle of planted arrows placed just behind the hostage. Geist took some deep breaths and with considerable effort on her part, extended the full quiet field around herself. The room grew even quieter.
Isadora held up three fingers. Two. One.

---

The hostage room breech is normally an area where a lot of testers run into issues. Depending on the level of alert of guards the hostage may have been moved, or may have had additional guards posted around all to make attempted entry into the room as difficult as possible. The drones when cornered will threaten the hostage if it sees any heroes within the room and are not dealt with quickly, and can quickly call for reinforcements if left alone. This situation is designed to test co-ordination, quick thinking and tactical decision making of many groups in this heated and high pressure moment. With this criteria in mind, Group 7s hostage room breech is a prime grade A example on how the breech can be done right.

Several controlled explosives detonated near the hostage and guards, the sound of which was concealed by the extended field of Geist. La Vibora dropped into the room from this created breech, caught both guards mid stumble with precision leg and elbow strikes incapacitating them both in the process. A zip-line installed by Troubleshooter was dropped through the breech, connected to the bound hostage and raised back into the room above, with Isadora following behind soon afterwards. The entire moment from breech, clear and the hostage being secured overall took less than 10 seconds and the alert still had not been raised until the group was well away from the area. Even A.E.G.I.S could not fault an operation such as this, although the inclusion of one of their trained cadets did perhaps help matters.

This was however when the complication was introduced to the scenario.


---

The first sign that things were about to get complicated was when the alarms all went off in the building at once, and this had been something expected by Isadora, they had known they stealthy extraction of the Hostage wouldn't go unnoticed once they pulled it off. It wasn't until the paint bullets started flying that they knew something was wrong. More robot drones had showed up on the scene to attack, but these weren't the white coloured drones of that had been the 'guards' these drones were coloured red and were actively attacking the white drones in a simulated fire fight. Isadora bit her lip as she put a hand to her head.

"Dios mio, they are running the 200X Tijuana Incident on us?"
"The what raid?" Said Troubleshooter, who did not understand what was meant by that statement, to the pursed lips of Geist who knew exactly what event was that.
"It's very bad and we need to get out now that's all you need to know. Abandon our initial escape route we'll have to book it across the city before this escalates further. Think on our feet."
"That sounds hella risky but okay! Lead the way boss woman!"

---

The Tijuana Incident is a frequently used testing tool, designed to force the teams that approach the test with stealth in mind into an open conflict that will force them to adapt to a suddenly hostile environment. In the winter of November 200X in the Mexican city of Tijuana an A.E.G.I.S operation with the assistance of local superheroes was being conducted in order to locate and extract the CEO of a wealthy oil company, currently being held hostage by the Los Silencios, a cartel suspected of being a front for an old god cult. The operation had gone off seemingly without a hitch, when disaster suddenly struck. The Iron Hand Alliance, a global faction of super-villains were also looking to capture this CEO for themselves had also planned to conduct their operation at the same time as the A.E.G.I.S rescue operation, and the resulting three way clash turned the streets into an open war-zone.

It took A.E.G.I.S calling the current Huitzilopochtli of the time into the situation before it spiraled out of control to contain it. It was not one of the proudest moments in A.E.G.I.S' storied history but it has remained an important teaching tool for both Phoenix and A.E.G.I.S in the years afterwards


---

Paint bullets wizzed overhead, the clank of steel on steel echoed around them and the trio ran towards their goal at full pelt. Isadora was fireman carrying the hostage over her shoulders, once or twice they had stop and detour around fights flaring up along the route between the Red and White drones. Geist had hit her limit, she could only use her powers so much before it started exhausting her and by the end of the test she was using Troubleshooter for support, who herself had faint splashes of paint on her uniform from near misses as they ran and ran and ran, until finally the end goal was in sight. Every breath burned in Isadora's throat, she was not unused to extreme exertion by any stretch of the imagination, but whilst the start of the test had been a lot of careful navigation and climbing the end was a near full sprint. But there was the goal, everything else was ignored as all three redoubled their efforts for the last home stretch, just a little more, just a little more and then...

They barely made it 3 metres past the end goal, hostage secure, before they all collapsed from exhaustion. They had all hit their limit as a team together in that exact moment.

But, the hostage was secured.

---

Despite the introduction of an element to force the situation to go loud, and despite the initial distrust of all parties between them at the start of the test Group 7 managed to pull of a very acceptable result. Even with the low levels of power across the group, they approached the situation with the tools they had available and avoided triggering the Drone's hostility response measure for almost the entirety of the test, executed an impressive recovery of the hostage, and then managed to transport said hostage across an active 'warzone' without allowing it to come to harm.

If any faults could be applied, the escape plan could have been executed better with regards to not considering the possibility of their first route being cut off. After the Red drones were introduced the designated leader of Group 7 had attempted a few different routes before committing to one fully at which point the group was reaching their collective stamina limit.

But overall, the moderators concluded that the group had met it's goals successfully with a minimum of casualties and collateral along the way and as such we can certainly consider them for induction into the academy proper.


Final result: PASS

TheNabster fucked around with this message at 01:30 on Dec 25, 2018

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Relentless
Sep 22, 2007

It's a perfect day for some mayhem!



Dr. Brekovich and the team had been running me through drills to prepare for the entry testing. They couldn't ignore my application, with his recommendation letter. His company is one of the primaries on the finance side, his research is part of what keeps the whole city afloat. The doctor warned me that the team probably won't like me. He pulled up bios of all the other applicants that had some tie with mom. I was kinda expecting La Víbora. Her mom has tangled with mine on more than a few occasions.

I knew the test was gonna be hard, but looking back, the design just seemed... cruel.

-------

As expected, I got a "mixed" team. A lot of times they'll put applicants with people around their own power level, see how their skillsets and dynamics play off each other. Sometimes the test is more psychological. To add to that stress, they'll put vastly different power levels together. I was in the middle. On the low end of the spectrum was Jammer. Power negation, mostly, some low level telekinesis. Classic solo act, made her name shutting down some mid-level guys. And I literally mean shutting down. Their flight, their super strength, their regeneration... turns out a lot of those guys don't react well to falling 20 feet out of the air and getting their asses handed to them by a spunky 5 foot nothing punk chick.

That being said, her powerset is pretty limited for this test unless they're planning on mixing it up with an actual powered person being involved. She can temporarily disable a bot or three, move stuff with her mind, but that's about it. Second, my mom apparently kidnapped her dad at some point. He was a scientist working for some megacorp. Sagittarius Corp maybe? I can't keep them straight. They were working on yadda yadda ultra lasers or whatever, my mom wanted it, she kidnapped some scientists to make them recreate it for her. I know, I know, but that's how the game is played.

Anyway, it's not even the kidnapping that's the problem. Apparently he fell in love with another abducted scientist, divorced her mom after they were released, moved to Australia with her new mom. Which sucks, but there's no reason for her to be in this group except that I'm here.

On the other side, we have freaking KID ADONIS. Yes, the clone pf FREAKING ADONIS. You know the one, bulletproof, super strong, super fast, fought all the nazis with sweet backflips and energy beams from his eyes and then later got murdered by MY MOTHER? I mean, from her side, she didn't technically murder him. He leapt into the volcano to save some kids in a cage. She wasn't ACTUALLY going to fry them in a volcano, that's just leverage. I mean, that's her story now. Maybe she would. I don't really know. The point is, he got cloned, grew up, and they stuck HIM in an elevator with me and the goddamn Jammer. They could have just killed me right there. She could have shut me down or slowed me, and he could just just melted me to scrap metal.

-------

I followed Dr. Brekovich's advice as best I could. I acknowledged them, I offered to shake hands, I didn't attempt to apologize. Jammer wouldn't even look at me. Kid Adonis just... stared. Pretty sure he was considering it.

I was gonna let my teammates take the lead, provide support, whatever, prove I'm a team player. But they weren't talking, to me, or to each other. Elevator hit the bottom, we stepped out, the mission parameters were given to us. Hostage Rescue. 16 block area, urban terrain. Scenario: Miniboss guarding multiple hostages. Suspended above lava. Okay, it was just a pool, but that's the scenario. They weren't just pushing me, they were pushing all of us.

For almost a goddamn minute nobody said a word. Then Jammer just started laughing and went back into the elevator. Kid Adonis finally stopped broke his stare when it dinged. I was the first to speak.

"Technically, we can mulligan this one. We haven't started and it's only the pair of us."

"You would give up so easily?"

"No, Adonis, I'm just saying that might be what THEY want, prove we're going to stay in line."

"Or, it would show weakness. If this was a normal scenario, I would be able to clear it easily, but they want to see how similar I am to my previous self."

"So what's the move, big guy? Neither of us are going to have trouble with some paintgun bots, but I'm sure there's some trigger where the hostages drop when the Miniboss is injured."

At this, he paused for a moment. "You think like a villain."

No poo poo. I grew up with one. Even the crazy ones have their own internal logic. This is obviously based on my mom, and that's the sort of failsafe she'd build in. Your "previous self" died because he knew it, too. I also know what she didn't think about. Or what they didn't. So, the boss obviously is going to be shielded against EMP and your eyebeams. The hostages will be on a remote quick release pin, probably doubled up on cell and RF frequencies. There's a dozen safety measures all tied to that. Accidentally dropping hostages is just not done.

So, we have to break this scenario they built. None of us have much natural ability for stealth, so that's our primary entry. I can jam frequencies. Not long, but it'll work for at least 15 seconds or so. You engage it, but don't do any real damage until I've welded the pin on the hostage cage. Then we both hit her. I mean, the boss. As long as we can keep her from reaching the cage, we can take it her out. Then you can do your thing and we can get the hostages clear.


He grinned at me. "Alright, boss, lead the way." I don't think we're ever gonna be besties or anything, but that meant a lot to me.

-------

The plan... mostly worked. With Jammer there it would have been flawless. The outer area was regularly patrolled with no major gaps, but Adonis jumped us up to get a better view and I found the flaw in their pattern. They didn't look up very often. I mean, none of us could fly, why would they? Kid Adonis freaking fireman carried me as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop. There, naturally, a windowed ceiling above the pool. And the boss. Old power armor of my mom's. Stripped down to the steel and painted test dummy orange, but obviously some of her old armor they reverse engineered.

Change of plans. I'll take the boss. Get to the top of the cage. There's a lynchpin up there, it'll release with any tampering. Ignore that. See those steel chains on the 4 corners? Grab one, pop the pin, and swing the cage to safety.

I barely waited for him to acknowledge my orders before I went.

-------

So, after the accident, I sparred with my mom a bit, trying to test my limits. Her armor is heavily warded against magic, with variable energy shielding that can redirect or absorb most hits. A lot of energy blasts actually power the thing up, which is why the old Adonis went for the hostages instead of the fight. But the old suits have a flaw, they can overload if they absorb too much without being hit. Hell, she still hasn't totally fixed that problem, she just added a manual vent option that fries a whole area. And another 4 kilos of shielding to prevent it from frying herself. Now it's not a bug, it's a feature.

I jumped down, right in front of her. I was half expecting her to monologue, but it just came at me. Plasma blasts. I formed my left arm into a shield, modulated an energy field around it, and knocked them aside. I ran at her, turned my right hand into a blade, stabbed right at her face. I knew it wouldn't work, her energy shielding would adjust for that well before it made contact. She threw me across the room, hard. Wrong position. I did it again, she threw me again. Then a 3rd time, but this time I ended up behind where she started. Right next to a power conduit they were using to charge it. My hair reached back and wrapped around the conduit. The power coursed through me. It's like... having too much sugar. Way too much sugar. I unloaded an electric bolt at her. She... well, the armor laughed. I almost admire how much of herself she put into those suits. Then, I arc'd the power right into her. Pulled more. The lights in the room flickered, then dimmed. She was focused on me, when I heard the cage come loose. I couldn't see past her, her shield was glowing the brightest thing in the room, sparks starting to shoot off it. There was a crash, but not a splash, so probably still okay. She turned to deal with Adonis, started throwing plasma blasts in his direction, but I just kept pumping more and more power into her.

They must have valued that suit, because they shut it down, and power to the building, before it went supercritical. Just fell to the floor, sparking and twitching. Like a body.

Adonis was a little singed, but letting the hostages out. A couple. She was pregnant. I see why Jammer left. That part didn't make the news articles I read.

-------

Getting back was easy. I was fully powered, and it's WAY easier to zap paintballs in midair than it is to catch bullets in a polarized field. I guarded the couple, zapped a few robots that got close while Kid Adonis... I mean, I see why they cloned him. He is an artist, and robot destruction is his canvas. He'd done his job, saved the hostages, but, man, watching him cut loose was something else. He even did the classic "Rip the robot arm off and shoot another robot with the gun it's holding" move! I swear he almost did it twice, just to show off. The couple were obviously some kind of supers playing the part, they wouldn't just put some random civilians in a room with a suit of Queen Catastrophe armor, especially not a pregnant one. But I still caught both of them staring at him.

They called it early to save on parts and repair before we even got back to the elevator. Adonis took a head as a souvenir, and signed something for the "hostages" on the ride up.

We passed, but Jammer was already gone by the time we reached the top.

Relentless fucked around with this message at 02:13 on Dec 24, 2018

Heliotrope
Aug 17, 2007

You're fucking subhuman
For the application test, I was assigned to work with Shooting Star and Tarantula. Shooting Star and I knew each other, Tarantula is a someone who gained their powers from a scientific accident and fused with a spider being used for lab experiments.

They gave us a hostage rescue situation, with the hostage and the target both in an abandoned warehouse in an urban environment. Shooting Star used her awareness of the cosmic energies to see what was going on, and there was a group of robots waiting to attack us. I came up with a plan - Tarantula and I would sneak close to the hostage as possible, then Shooting Star would create a distraction for the group to see and try to deal with - leaving the villain robot alone. I'd rush to get in the way of the villain, and Tarantula would speed in and grab the hostage and then get out while I kept the villain busy.

Most of that went according to plan - but when Tarantula leapt in the robot began emitting some kind of pain wave. We were stunned, but I kept my wits about me long enough to punch through it and grab whatever my hand was closest to. It seems like that was enough to disrupt what it was doing and Tarantula was quick enough on the draw to take the moment to leap away with the hostage.

Then Shooting Star ripped open the roof and dropped bolts of energy onto the robot, crushing it just before it could start up again. Seemed she was able to deal with the group on her own. I'm unsure if it was because the administrators underestimated her or if the group was supposed to be weak. But regardless we passed the examination, and I was pleased to report such to A.E.G.I.S. They sent back a message congratulating me and letting me know the results should be in soon.

In the meantime, Shooting Star wanted the three of us to go out and celebrate but Tarantula was hesitant. They didn't talk much to us after the test and just kind of left. I told Shooting Star I had A.E.G.I.S. work to do and she seemed disappointed but accepted it.

thatbastardken
Apr 23, 2010

A contract signed by a minor is not binding!




"Ugh, this is bullshit. I could handle this by myself, and they stick me with the freak-show duo. Well, whatever. Try not to slow me down, losers."

Delta Venus (unaided flight, enhanced senses, particle beam projection) was clearly not impressed at the random selection of partners she'd been assigned for the test. LumberJane (alpha-plus enhanced strength and durability) and Collider (quantum energy generation) were both in the EPA group - candidates whose meta-human abilities came at the cost of permanent and dangerous alterations to their bodies. The former was a giant who claimed to be empowered by a magic cow, and the later had been reduced to a swarm of particles in a reactor accident and now occupied a containment suit for the exotic radiation he constantly emitted even when not using his powers. Neither of them, Delta considered, would be more than a hindrance in her mission plan - fly in, cut the bomb to pieces before it could explode, fly out again. Easy as pie.

Almost immediately everything went straight to hell. The expected robot resistance was double strength and had been equipped with 'paintball' guns that included radar tracking and proximity fused detonating squibs, grounding her. Forced to lurk behind Jane, who was moving slowly to protect her and Collider with torn up slabs of concrete while they blasted and burned their way through to the target building. On arrival her X-ray vision (more ground penetrating radar really, but that sounds less cool) was blocked by something in the walls, forcing her and Collider inside while LumberJane covered the outside. When they found the 'bomb' her heart sank even lower. A child (well, a convincing bioroid) was being used as the regulator for a device probably capable of destroying the entire test site, if real. A hologram flickered to life in the corner of the room:



"Congratulations, 'heroes'! You've sprung my little trap, and now you have to decide - trying to rescue the child will trigger the bomb. Leaving the bomb kills not only the child, but everyone in a 10 block radius. Fail to disarm the bomb, and BOOM! No matter what, you'll never catch me now, so I'll enjoy this little drama in perfect safety! Ahahahahahahahahaha!"

Maniacal laughter rang in their ears as LumberJane peered in through the windows. The bioroid stirred, cried, and begged not to be left alone while Delta frantically looked for a way to cut them out without detonating the device. As time slipped away she was forced to admit defeat.

"I guess I hosed up, guys. I'm sorry. I don't know what to do now. I'm going to fail."

Collider reached out to pat her on the shoulder, but Lumberjane scoffed.

"Pump the brakes there, 10-ply, we're still in with a shot. Just have to stop the bomb doing any damage, right?"

She reached one hand through the window and collected the whole apparatus, gently closing her fist around it and sitting down to cover it with both hands.

"You two should get clear, I dunno how this is going to work out."

Delta could hear her gently talking to the doll/bomb as she flew away, holding on to Collider. There was the sound of a muffled explosion and the siren rang for the end of the exercise. Later in the assessment room (Jane sat cross legged outside, listening though an open window and trying to scrub her hands clean of the paint and molten plastic that coated them) they got their result - a low pass, largely saved by the effort to contain the blast. Poor teamwork, not enough lateral thinking. Delta hardly heard the rest. She'd made it through and was going to be a hero. Someday she'd show these idiots what that meant.

thatbastardken fucked around with this message at 08:38 on Dec 23, 2018

mistaya
Oct 18, 2006

Cat of Wealth and Taste



Team PR-E-P -Punk Rocket (Giant Rocket-gloves/Martial artist) Eureka!! (Inventor/Machine-whisperer) and Polaris (Teleporter)

I got talking with the other girls in the elevator as it headed down. They were sisters, but not twins, funny enough. Eureka was a year ahead of Rocket. I asked if she was the one who designed Rocket's gloves but they both gave me a dirty look over that so I dropped it right away.

"So what do YOU do?" Rocket asked me, making it a challenge. When I told her she scoffed and looked at Eureka. "Anyone can do that with some tech, it's not much of a power."

I could feel my cheeks heating up under the mask but I bit back an angry reply. We couldn't start fighting before the test even started!

Eureka tapped the gear-filled board she carried under one arm. "Well, that's true, but it still takes a lot of energy to do it with tech. Like, it's just... inefficient. That's why no one's got portable portals... well, there's some exceptions but they're not from Earth..."

The door opened with a loud DING and we stepped into a junkyard. Trash and old rusty cars were piled in towers thirty feet high all over a room that you could have played professional football in. "...crap," Eureka muttered.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"TEN MINUTES REMAIN UNTIL SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE ACTIVATES," said a female voice recording over the loudspeaker.

I froze. I'd heard that sickly-sweet voice recording before. "This.... this is a joke, right?" They wouldn't play the recording from Doc Turmoil's lab, the one that was on the video that they gave to my Mom, the last known footage of my Dad when he was alive...

"Bomb disposal," Rocket said, flexing her fists. "I was hoping we'd get this one, talk about a free ride."

But Eureka shook her head. "No, it looks they thought of that. Disarming it will only take me about two minutes, but we have to FIND it first, and I can't find it because this entire room is full of machines... I won't be able to hear it."

"Wait, really? poo poo!"

That's when the robots with paintball guns showed up.

"I've got an idea!" Eureka shouted. "Just buy me three minutes!"

Rocket and I nodded to each other and went to work right away, defending Eureka while she worked out the solution on her gear-box, which was apparently some kind of super computer. It was actually really fun, ducking and dodging and tripping robots into Rocket's punches. We swiftly cleared the first wave without taking any hits.

"FIVE MINUTES UNTIL SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE ACTIVATES," the recording reported cheerfully.

"Polaris!" Eureka yelled. I ran over to her. "I've locked onto the bomb's radio signal but we need to triangulate. Here's a map of the room- can you take me to these two places?" She'd already entered our current location for the third. I looked at the map and up at the junkyard. Yeah, I could do that.

"Got it," I grabbed her hand and we vanished into the cold darkness of Nowhere. Two seconds later we were out, standing right where she'd asked to be.

"Whoa!" she said, wobbling on her feet but she recovered in just a moment and started typing on her gear-box again. "I've got it, next!"

Two more seconds in Nowhere, and we were out again in the third location. I looked back at Rocket. The second wave of robots had moved in on her while she was alone. Could we really leave her like that?

"FOUND IT!" Eureka yelled, pointing frantically at the map, where a big red X was now flashing. "HERE HERE HERE!"

We jumped through Nowhere and as soon as we were out she threw herself at an old microwave that was sticking out of a giant junk pile. When she popped the door open there it was: an almost comical looking TNT bundle with a big red timer that said 03:20 on it. The numbers were ticking down. "I've got this!" she said, pushing me away. "Go help Rocket!"

"Right!" I jumped back to Rocket, just in time to push her out of the way of a big junk pile the robots had tried to collapse on her head. We made short work of the rest of them and with barely a minute to spare I jumped the two of us to Eureka.

"And.... yeah!" Eureka said, as the countdown timer stopped ticking with 1:20 left on the clock. She dusted her hands off smugly. "What did I say, two minutes."

"Two minutes exactly," I said, super impressed. "Great job everybody!"

We all smiled at each other and that should have been it. In fact, I'm pretty sure that if Eureka and Rocket had been in a team with anyone else, that would have been it. Passed with flying colors, welcome to Phoenix Academy. But they were with me, and I should have known something was up when I first heard that recording.

"ONE MINUTE UNTIL SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE ACTIVATES."

The door to the rusty oven underneath the microwave suddenly popped open. There was a second bomb sitting in it. 00:59... 00:58... 00:57...

"Sis!" Rocket yelled, but Eureka just stared at it, breathing fast.

"I... I can't... there's not enough time..."

"TRY!" She grabbed it with her giant glove and tried to push it towards her sister.

Eureka touched it and closed her eyes, muttering something under her breath. But after a few more precious seconds passed she screamed and pressed both hands over her ears. "It won't listen to me! It's going to explode!"

00:30... 00:29...

Dad... was this what you were looking at when you died?

Eureka's sobs were muted in my ears. Rocket was shouting something but I couldn't hear the words. She steeled herself and wound up a pitch, as if throwing it away would solve anything. Where could you throw it that it wouldn't just blow up?

"Wait!" I heard myself yell. Rocket stared dumbly at me. I held out both hands. "Give it to me. Hurry!"

00:15... 00:14...

Rocket passed it over as carefully as she could. "What are you going to do? Teleport it off the city?"

I clutched the bomb tight to my chest and shook my head. I had an idea, but the timing had to be exactly perfect. "No, someone else could get hurt if we did that," I explained. Dad would be furious if he caught me doing something so reckless.

"Then what?"

00:05... 00:004...

"DO SOMETHING!" Eureka cried.

00:03... 00:02... 00:01...

*fwip*

I jumped to Nowhere. The place between all other places, where there was no light, no heat, and no air.

Two seconds later, I crossed back into the real world, still holding the bomb. I was shaking so hard I could barely read the timer. 00:00

I looked up. Eureka and Rocket were both staring at me. I hadn't actually gone anywhere, just blinked in and out for two seconds. Two very, very, important seconds, because they included the second where the bomb's ignition switch triggered. But there was no oxygen in Nowhere. No oxygen, no fire, no ignition, no boom. It had worked.

I sank to my knees and set the bomb down, then flopped flat on my back and gulped air like a drowning fish. I was pretty sure that I was crying too, but I covered my eyes with my arm so the others wouldn't see it. I still had to be Marco, and Marco wouldn't cry in front of girls.

Eureka figured out what I'd done pretty much immediately, (she was definitely a genius.) She explained it to Rocket, which I was glad for because I was still too freaked out to talk. Rocket picked me up off the ground and gave me a giant mechanical hug. "I guess that was kind of impressive," she admitted, laughing like an idiot. I started laughing too, and then Eureka did, and by the time the teachers showed up we were best friends.

----------

We all passed. No perfect scores, but solid A's across the board. Pop-Quiz pointed out that I should have at least taken the bomb away from my teammates, in case my gambit hadn't worked. I was pretty embarrassed to realize that I hadn't even thought of that. So yeah, I definitely still had a lot to learn. But that's why I was going to Phoenix right? I asked her if she had anything to do with the recording and she pointed out that she was the one asking the questions, not me. Typical Pop-Quiz.

As I was going home for the day, I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd done in the exam chamber. Two seconds. That was as long as I could stay in Nowhere. It wasn't long enough to survive an Antimatter bomb like the one that had gone off in Doc Turmoil's lab. Dad... I knew he could stay longer, but I'd never asked for how long, or how far he could go in one jump. Pop-Quiz probably knew... but would she tell me?

There'd been a second in the exam room... Just one, but a second that I'd given up on him. I balled my hand up and punched the brick wall of the building I was walking past. I scraped my knuckles pretty bad, and it stung, but it reminded me why I was doing all this to begin with. Dad was alive, and I was going to find him. I had to believe that. I did believe it.

I'm coming, Dad. Wherever you are, just hold on a little longer.

Yami Fenrir
Jan 25, 2015

Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?




I found myself with two other girls. One was dressed in a kimono, needlessly pretty and over-decorated. She had an air of grace and beauty to her. Honestly, she seemd a bit out of place on a battlefield. The other worse a lab coat together with shorts. Her bored expression made it look like she didn't care about anything. Apparently, that included getting herself dressed properly. I found it somewhat hard to believe, but apparently I was the only one that thought to actually equip myself for a fight in this group. Despite wearing a mask, I was the one to look normal in here.

As we descend the elevator in silence, the objective flashes up on the screen. BOMB DEFUSAL. Oh, for fucks sake. Couldn't it have been literally anything else? I can punch robots. I can punch big robots. I can punch robots holding people hostage. But I have no idea how to defuse a bomb.

"So... I'mma be honest here, I have no idea how to defuse a bomb. Can either of you do that?" I ask my two temporary teammates.

"I can handle that. I'm Silver Spark, certified Super-Genius here." the girl in the labcoat spoke up. "Let's take stock of our capabilities. What can you two do?" she ask, as she inspects both of us like we were products. God, I already hated that stare. It reminded me of that place.

"I'm Yuki-Onna. I can create and manipulate ice. I come from a long line of heroes, but since they're based in Japan you might not have heard of them." the black haired girl explained.

Great. Thanks, you jerks. You just HAD to put the two things I hate the most into the same team with me, right? Scientists and someone who embodies one of my weaknesses. They probably did it on loving purpose, too.

"Smile. Bit hard to explain what I'm about, so I'm going to go with shapeshifting brawler." I reply. "So lemme get this straight. You're really smart, but you came to this test without any sort of weapon?, Sparks?"

She smirks. "That was on purpose. I predicted they would put me on a team with strong fighting power if I did. I was correct, of course." So basically, she's just a lazy rear end smartbrains. But still, I can't argue with that kind of logic.

The elevator opens, revealing a junkyard that reached as far as the eye can see. "By the way, Smile, what gender are you? Everytime I try to come to a conclusion I somehow arrive at genderless..."

Well, she's not entirely wrong. Liquids don't really have genders.

"Why does it matter?! Can we please focus on finding the bomb first?!" Yuki-Onna interjects. Thanks for the save!

"I already figured out where it is. The most logical place to put a bomb of considerable explosive force would be that tower over there." Silver spark advised. "I expect robots to be placed in our path to hinder us from getting there."

I smirk behind my mask. "I can handle that. Let's go."

Seems like there were no robots in sight yet. As such, I quickly dashed to the next corner, much faster than my teammates can handle. Taking a quick peek, I see two of the robots Sparks predicted. It seems like she really was on the right track. As much as it pained me to admit, she may just know what she was doing. Eagerly, I draw the sword I had prepared in anticipation to fighting roots. Being able to just cut them will make fighting these much easier. However, a tug on my arm interrupts me.

"Don't do that." Sparks interrupts me. "My guess is that these robots are here to judge how we deal with human enemies. Their specs are too garbage otherwise."

Oh for fucks sake. Letting go of the sword, it slides back into the sheath. "Fiiiiine." I grumble. "Any other objections before I deal with them?"

She shakes her head, and I charge in. Immediately, the robots fire upon me, but I stretched out my arm and reformed it into a featureless blue shield. The paintballs impacted harmlessly as I arrived at my first victim. Liquifiying the soles of my boots, I use the the momentum to keep going forward as I swing myself around for a spinning kick. The robot crashes into the wall, ceasing to move. A few seconds later, my momentum carries me into the very same wall, but I completely liquify myself for a second to harmlessly bounce off the wall in front of me.

Reforming midair, I launch myself at the other robot. Going for a simple punch, I hit it at the same time as something hit me. Something cold.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Yuki apologizes as she runs over. "Are you okay?!"

gently caress. I can't feel that arm at all anymore. It's frozen solid. "Can't move it anymore. Crap." I reply. "I told you I can deal with it!"

"I'm sorry..." she apologizes again, weakly. "I didn't think you would be so fast!"

Urgh... this is seriously not my day.

"Looking at this, ice based attacks appear to be Smile's weakness. Be careful from now on." Spark interjects. "But let's not forget our objective here. Let's keep moving."

Grumbling audibly, I move on. The next group of robots fared a lot worse. Had to let my anger out on something, right? I made sure that they were still in one piece, but that was about it. Yuki has been relegated to "Protect the unarmed idiot" duty. Soon after, we invaded the tower the way I knew best: the front door. Bashing through the horde of robots within, we soon arrive at the third floor, where Sparks predicted our objective to be in.

However... there was no bomb to be found. "Well, where is it, Sparks?!" I ask. "We're on a timer here!"

"It seems the bomb is not here. Don't worry, I was prepared for this eventuality as well. If this place is just a decoy, then it it must be in one of the other two places I have predicted to be likely bomb spots. There is no way they would leave the bomb unguarded, after all."

Quickly, we dash out of the building, and head for the next spot - a ruined warehouse a few blocks down. As expected, there too were a lot of robots. Too many, actually. As such, we took a detour through the side alleyways to avoid most of them. Once inside, we split up to search.

... but once again, no bomb. For fucks sake.

Third time's the charm, right?

One hasty charge through the fake city ruins later, we arrive at what seems to be modelled after a mall. But one again...

No goddamn bomb.

"I don't understand!" Spark groans. "It should have been in one of these places! Where could it be... Where could it be..."

As Spark seems to break her head trying to come up with the solution, a thought hits me.

They would have expected Spark to be able to figure it out instantly. Plus, as is becoming increasingly obvious, these examiners are goddamn jerks.

"Yuki! What's the most assholish place you'd put a bomb in?! Quick!" I interrogate my teammate, suddenly. "The more idiotic, the better!"

"Uhm... uhm.... The entrance..?" she stutters out, completely caught off guard by my question.

...

They would. They loving would, wouldn't they?

Nobody, literally nobody would think to check there.

"Got it! We're going!" I command, growing two huge arms out of my back that gobble up my two teammates. "Kool-Aid man time!"

I bolt directly towards the direction of the entrance. Directing as much strength into my legs as possible, I kick myself forward to achieve a superhuman speed, crashing straight through the wall. Keeping my pace, a few more buildings blocked my path, but they also could not stay intact against me. Yuki was busy screaming her lungs out, but I didn't care. While I didn't have a good grasp on how much time we took, we are sure to be almost out of time. Thirty seconds later, we arrive, and I drop the two girls on the ground.

"I think I'm gonna be sick..." Yuki complains, leaning against the wall while clutching her stomach.

"No time to waste! Look for the bloody bomb!" I demand, as I jump up a wall to look around.

Sure enough, I found the bomb a minute later. The timer on it read 2 minutes, 30 seconds. "Sparks! Over here!"

She quickly runs over and investigates the bomb. "This is going to be rough. Make sure I don't get distracted!" she orders. In response, Yuki covers the entrance and all other openings in ice. Good thinking.

A bunch of robots show up not a moment later, but as they were unable to get through Yuki's ice, the disarming completes without a hitch. As the bomb deactivates, so do the robots. Lastly, the elevator door opens, signaling us that the test is complete. The three of us get in eagerly. As soon as the door opens, the other two slump against the floor.

They must be exhausted from all this running around. I don't exactly have a concept of stamina anymore, but even I felt mentally drained from this. "I want to punch everyone involved in the creation of this test." I joke to lighten the mood.

"You got that right!" Spark agrees. "That is literally the dumbest place to ever put a bomb. I will have to teach them about proper bomb placement later!"

Yuki smirks. "I think you're missing the point there..."

The three of us laugh together heartily, all the way to the top floor.

Tardzilla
Aug 31, 2006

Arashiofordo3 posted:

:siren::siren:Okay! Testing round!:siren::siren:

Boy, lemme tell ya, if you thought you're application test was wild, ya should've seen mine! Me and my group passed, but barely. We finished the test in... uh, what was our official time again? 2? 3 hours? I think one of the teachers said it might've been one of the "slowest recorded victories in school history," but hey, a victory's still a victory, so I'll take it! And like I said, the test was friggin' nuts!

I sure didn't know what to expect when I made my way to the testing area. When I got there, I met my first partner, Butterfly. She was all huddled up in a corner, typing into her laptop, and she had these really cool robot animals with her! There was a tiger she called Hayate, and a hawk named Ayane, and from what I got, she built those two all by herself! She's some sorta tech wiz, and she's got all sorts of gadgets and gizmos, and she's even got this katana-thingie that's made outta digital particles! I have no idea what that means, or how it works, but that's rad! She's also, uh, not... really... that talkative. I tried to be all friendly to her, but all I got were a buncha "mmhmm"s and "mm"s, which, y'know, is fine! She's probably just shy!

...I was less happy when I found out who my second teammate was, and she wasn't so pleased herself when she saw me. It was Akari. It got a little... tense... between us, but it wasn't my fault! I tried to play nice with her, but all she did was insult me! Can you believe her!? We had a stare-down, but it was broken up when Ms. Ainsworth showed up. Talk about a shock! She told us she came so she can "closely observe us," so now we had the principal of the school watch over us while we were going through the test. No pressure, right?

Ms. Ainsworth explained to us what our objective was; To take down the big boss, and stop her evil robot army. One of the teachers, Ms. Star, or Tempest, as they call her, would act as the big, bad villain, and we'd win when we take her down. Sounds simple enough, yea? Nope! Turns out Ms. Ainsworth increased the difficulty of the test to "Inferno" level! The robots we were going to fight? They weren't going to use paint guns. They were going to use straight up laser guns, and all sorts of other weapons, on us. The stuff they gave them wouldn't be enough to seriously injure us, but it'd still hurt like heck if they hit!

I could practically feel my blood pumping when she told us all that. The challenge she gave us was the kinda challenge I live for, and it wasn't a challenge I plan on losing!

And there we were, all three of us waiting for the test to begin. Butterfly gave us these telecommunicator-thingies so we can all keep in contact with each other, and Akari, she just gave me that cold glare of hers, and told me to "not get in her way," and I grinned back at her, and told her I wasn't planning to. Then the gates opened, there was the sound of the starting horn, and it was go time!

There were a whole swarm of robots, but with Akari's fire kicks, Butterfly's katana and animal robot buddies, and my powered-up punches, we busted through them, no problem! 'Course, when Ms. Ainsworth said they ain't gonna be holding back, she wasn't kidding! They were going all out on us, throwing even bigger robots at us, the kind that come packed with a buncha explosive missiles! And that ain't all! What Ms. Ainsworth didn't tell us about were all the traps they laid on the battlefield! It was Butterfly who noticed 'em first, and she used her hawk to locate all the traps around the arena, and warn us about 'em. And on top of all that, Ms. Star- er, sorry, Tempest, was raining down a storm on us from on-top of the buildings! Literally!

But that didn't stop us! We kept fighting our way forward, taking on everything they could throw at us! They were tough, but we're tougher, and we could've finished the test sooner... if Akari wasn't being such a jerk the whole time.

Akari ain't much of a teamplayer. She kept ignoring us, doing her own thing, and there were way more times than I could count when she almost "accidentally" hit me with one of her attacks! We kept arguing the whole time we were fighting, and came really close to saying "screw it," and throwing down, then and there. And we might've, if it wasn't for Butterfly keeping us focused. We fought all the way up to where Ms. Star- Tempest was, and it was time for the final showdown with the big boss! Yea, she might be tougher and more experienced than us, but as long me and my team work together, we were sure to take her down!

...Is what I'd like to say, but before Butterfly could tell us her battle plan, Akari and me... might've just jumped in and went right after her, with no real plan. Look, sometimes the best plan is to go in, and start punching, okay!? But that... didn't go well. We learned, the hard way, that Ms. Star is a better fighter than both of us. She used our lack of coordination against us, and caused me and Akari to crash and bump into each other multiple times, and Ms. Star wasn't even using her powers against us! Akari then went after her with this big attack, but Ms. Star grabbed her, and flipped her right over, right onto me!

We started arguing, and blaming each other, and I think that was the point when Butterfly had enough. For the first time during the whole test, she raised her voice up, called us both "the biggest, most stubborn idiots she's ever met." She told us off, saying things like, "Do you idiots want to fail!?" And, "What kind of heroes are you if you can't work together!?" After she was done with her rant, me and Akari just sorta... looked at each other all awkwardly, like we both realized how we've been acting, and for once, we agreed to put our differences aside, and work together. "But only this one time," is what Akari said.

We went after Ms. Star again, but as a team this time. We gave Ms. Star a real work out this time, and we even got her to use her powers against us, but we did it! Me and Akari got our finishing blows in at the same time, and that was enough to take her out! It was a long, grueling fight, but we won, and passed the test, and it felt darn good!

I tried to shake hands with Akari, but she slapped it away, and said, "Don't think this makes us friends," before she turned, and walked off. Still ain't got no clue what her big problem with me is, but it didn't matter at that time. I was just excited that I passed, and Ms. Ainsworth looked all pleased about it, too! It was a tough fight, but we did it! And you better believe I celebrated with a giant meal after that!

ModeWondershot
Dec 30, 2014

Portu-geezer
(music)

"You are a...demon, then?"

In the overcast darkness of a morning before sunrise, the party of three stopped awkwardly at the entrance of the cave, each waiting to find a proper response. Rictus Grin, clad in his gray hooded sweatshirt, tartan pajama pants, and no shoes or socks, simply smirked as his questioner's face wrinkled with dissatisfaction.

"Well, I am where it counts. So I guess that's lucky for you since that'll probably make the test pretty easy."

The two other heroes-in-training, an older boy dressed in historical western European nobleman's armour, and a younger girl in a gray skirt and collared shirt, exchanged awkward glances before the older boy sneered.

"What were they thinking? Durga and I are beings of divine and noble lineage. How can we complete this test if we must contend with having you here as well?"

Durga stepped forward slightly in an effort to admonish her teammate, but ultimately did not speak. Rictus' expression unchanged, he decided that he could at least toy with his new teammates a bit before the work day started proper. They had until sunrise to fully explore the cave and secure it by pacifying everything inside, including a “significant threat” as one of the examiners put it.

"So, what do you guys do?"

The annoyed youth placed a hand on his chest and recited what Rictus quickly realized was a practiced line.

"I am Desejado, the embodied spirit of the great King of Portugal, Sebastião Aviz. With my legendary talent in swordsmanship and connection to the divine, I shall protect the integrity and honour of the land and people of Portugal!"

Finding an opportunity to pass on a bit of knowledge, Rictus clapped softly before continuing.

"Ok. Guess you're hoping whatever we fight in there isn't from Morocco, then."

Wincing slightly, but unwilling to break his composure, Desejado instead turned towards Durga. She stepped in with a small smile and a slight bow.

"My full hero name is Avatar of Durga, and I'm a...conduit of creative energy that flows through this world. I use it to form holy weapons to fight and...um..."

"...Purify demons, if I got that right."

Durga simply nodded and looked away in embarrassment. Rictus decided to take it a little easier on her.

"Do what you gotta do, I say.”

Though he still decided to take a little advantage of the situation.

“Besides, if you want to apologize to me for that then I guess you can be the leader of the group."

Durga's eyes snapped up in surprise as Desejado began to protest.

"Now just a minute..."

"I mean, I don't want to do it and I doubt we want to listen to Captain Portugal. So, by process of elimination, you get the job. Easy."

Durga nodded firmly.

"Ok, I'll look forward to working with you both, then! Just...try not to argue so much once we start, all right?"

Desejado, realizing that he was not about to win this argument with seniority alone, simply glanced back into the cavern before nodding.

"Great, now if I can suggest something, I'm pretty good at taking hits and spotting threats so I'll go in front."

With that, he started to walk towards the entrance of the cave but Durga stepped in front of him.

"Before we do, you should introduce yourself fully as well."

Rictus looked down slightly at the shorter girl and smiled his usual empty smile.

"Rictus Grin."

Durga remained unmoving, though no other details seemed forthcoming. Rictus laughed nervously.

"Uh...you can call me Ricky if you really want to."

Though a little unsatisfied that she was getting little else, Durga stepped aside as she noted Desejado's growing impatience. As Rictus began to head down the stairs, Durga threw in one more question.

"Do you not wear shoes?"

Rictus, honestly having forgotten that he was barefoot, simply shrugged in response.

"Must have left them at the hotel."

Though he continued with his casual stride, Rictus noted a tinge of magical energy forming just past the mouth of the cave. Over the next hour, as the party went deeper, they happened upon a small army of opponents in the form of the training robots. Durga, armed with myriad weapons of light including a bow, chakrams, scimitars and tridents, and Desejado with his enchanted sword were able to take down their opponents with swiftness and little damage on their part. Rictus, meanwhile, quickly ended up covered in splashes of mismatched paint from the thousands of paintballs he made no effort whatsoever to avoid. His attack strategy consisted mainly of walking casually towards his target and then tearing it open with his transformed hands, rendered by his power into claws made of stone. He also did so despite paint shots hitting his eyes or his targets' attempts to evade, and a handful of times put a little hustle into his step where it seemed his quarry was going to strike an ally unaware.

As the group advanced, Durga had him check each corner and hallway meticulously for enemies, and he became increasingly aware of the prickling sensation of magical energy, now traveling slightly ahead of them. Everyone also noted that the cave seemed to be transitioning steadily from a mundane cavern lit by the occasional torch into a simulacrum of classical Greek architecture, with stone columns and floors covered in earth and dust (and now, a riot of bright paint colours and robot parts). Desejado broke the brief silence among the party members after their last battle.

"Well, I suppose I should be grateful that I am in this group after all, as it will clearly show that I am the strongest candidate."

Durga glowered at him.

"We're all doing fine here! Though Ricky, maybe you should be trying a little more to avoid damage."

Rictus, surprised only at the use of his self-inflicted nickname, wiped some of the paint from his eyes.

"I'm the one who's supposed to take hits, yeah? It's not like it even hurts a little. I don't get damaged by the mundane as a demon."

"But a sacred weapon might seriously hurt you."

"Yeah...you ever heard of a sacred paintball?"

Her sureness waning, Durga looked away and muttered a bit.

"No, but you could be a bit more cautious."

"I'm cautious where it counts. Speaking of which."

His voice lowered as he slowed to a stop, signaling to his teammates that there was a threat approaching. With steps that shook the dust from the walls, the three backed up as their next opponent made its tremendous presence known.

(music)

The monstrous minotaur snorted and tightened its grip on its two-handed battleaxe, staring down the three young heroes before him. Rictus, for his part, recognized the one standing before him, and smiled sardonically.

"Wow, you must be guarding an amazing gym down here."

"Hm. So three heroes are here to face judgment this day. Are you prepared to embrace the threat of death on your journey?"

Rictus felt the air quake with magic energy as Desejado stepped forward. A feeling of unease crossed the gargoyle boy's mind before, with a flash of clarity, he became aware of the trap.

"All we must do is defeat you for our test? Then have at you!"

Desejado lunged forward but was stopped suddenly by Rictus grabbing the armour on his back and stopping his momentum dead. In that instant, a flash of blue light enveloped the hall and formed a circle before the minotaur, then evaporated into the darkness. Desejado, taken aback, looked up at the beast while the stars cleared from his eyes.

"Yeah. Thought so."

"I didn't notice it at all, this one can use magic traps?"

Rictus smiled as his suspicions were confirmed and everything clicked into place.

“Well, at least someone here can...Durga, mind going ahead and spotting where our real target is? Sebastian and I can handle this guy.”

The minotaur braced its body into a combat stance as Rictus charged forward suddenly without warning, raining blow after blow towards its extremities and forcing it to move back. Durga capitalized on the opening and rushed past the two of them deeper into the cave unhesitatingly as Desejado moved in to press the assault. Realizing that its plan to ensnare the trio had failed, it snorted towards Rictus.

"You are capable indeed, but now the test truly begins!"

The monster swung its giant weapon in a frighteningly fast vertical arc that covered the entire height of the cavern, and Rictus noted that the sudden speed of the attack was going to catch Desejado off-balance. Rictus dashed to the noble boy's side and took the blow instead. The axe embedded itself slightly into his forehead and his body reflexively turned into graying granite-like material to absorb the hit. Though his knees buckled and his heels dug into and cracked the stone floor from the force of the impact, Rictus simply laughed slightly to himself at his compatriot's disbelief.

"Rictus...you..."

"I'm just doing the Virgin Mary a favour. Saving her from having to meet you for a little longer."

With his claws now bared, Rictus grabbed and began to push back against the weapon, and felt the cracks in his head repair themselves as the offending axe was removed. The minotaur pulled back his weapon and took another wide swing, this time horizontally. Rictus uncharacteristically opted to dodge this one, bending at the waist and knees and letting the weapon sail over his head, where it embedded itself into a column. Rictus looked down through his legs at Desejado, pleased to see that his partner was ready for the opening.

"Go for it."

Desejado reached into a pouch by his sword and produced a handful of coins, scattering them about himself. They began to float in the air and glow with light as Desejado recited a phrase.

“These golden reis are the icons of our divine providence and the wealth of our lands. They are under my control, and they will strike down those who oppose us!”

The coins suddenly blasted forward and stuck the minotaur again and again, each dealing little damage but flying in from unpredictable angles and striking multiple times, causing some divine pain to their opponent. Rictus, noting that the monster seemed to be charging up for another magical counterattack, finally started to get into the battle. He felt the myriad plates of his black armour form themselves around his body in an instant as he dashed forward to claw at the legs of his opponent thanks to the opening made by the coins. Though it repelled a few major blows, the sudden overwhelming assault from the two heroes began to take its toll on the monster. Desejado stepped in to press the advantage and Rictus jumped back, but Rictus soon became aware of the magical force from before completing its charge. He called out a moment too late.

“Hey, don't look at his eyes!”

Desejado, focused on his assault, stopped dead as the creature's haunting gaze sapped the drive from his body, and his stomach wrenched with a sudden sensation of terror. The beast spoke to him.

“You, what is left when the courage of your antecedent is gone?”

Desejado hesitated and stumbled backwards, and Rictus jumped back in to deflect another blow aimed for his teammate. Though the beast was weakened considerably a slip in the attack gave it an opportunity to use its considerable reach advantage to grab Rictus and pin him to the wall. It's legendary strength superior to the youth's, it began to apply crushing force to Rictus. Yet, with a confidential voice, the beast took advantage of the lull in the fighting to inquire something of Rictus.

"What then, makes you fight like this? Do you always fight as though you mean to die?"

Though it was through a strained breath, Rictus responded.

"Yeah."

"Then what compels you to be a hero?"

"I've got something I need to do."

The smile disappeared as Rictus contemplated his future, but reappeared as he noticed something that escaped the minotaur.

"Also, behind you."

The beast winced slightly as a blade enchanted with divine light cut into its back, and Desejado forced it to stagger and fall to its side. However, his eyes running with tears, he began to swing wildly towards the fallen monster. He could not hear his comrade trying to reach him.

"Desejado, no!"

He prepared to plunge his sword into the monster's back again, but was interrupted as Rictus made an attempt to grasp his arm. Reflexively, Desejado whirled around and thrust his blade towards his teammate's shoulder, sending sparks flying in all directions. With a sudden flash of clarity, Rictus sucked in air through his teeth as the bite of the weapon awakened his long-dormant sense of pain.

"Ow."

Desejado's mind snapped back to the startling realization of what he had just done. He began to try and apologize, but suddenly, the heroes were whisked away by another burst of blue light, as was their opponent.

(music)

The group, including Durga, then found themselves on a marble balcony overlooking the coast, the early morning sunrise just starting to peek over the horizon beyond cloud cover. The group recognized the sight of the seaside hotel where they had been staying prior to the start of the test. Rictus shifted back out of his armour into his paint-covered clothes, and twisted his arm somewhat as, to his relief, the stone began to reform itself around his wound, albeit much more slowly. Durga gasped in shock and rushed over to check on the wound, but Rictus turned away from her slightly and covered his arm, his voice dulled with fatigue.

“It's fine, it's fine.”

Desejado turned to his comrades with some residual shock but kept his composure.

"You...I...why did you try to stop me?"

Rictus turned to the young nobleman with an annoyed glare.

"We already won, we weren't there to seriously hurt the guy. Besides, don't you know who he is?"

The three heroes were then interrupted by the re-appearance of the minotaur, alongside a refined- and serious-looking lady.

"Hi Asterius, Hi Lady Ariadne."

The two senior heroes looked at the three prospective students, before Ariadne turned to Rictus.

“Rictus Grin, are you seriously injured?”

“Just a paper cut, it's fiiiiiiine.”

Desejado looked at the ground, shame reddening his face. Satisfied with the glib reassurance, Ariadne continued.

"I see you were already familiar with us."

"Yeah, I read up on some stuff when I was younger. The duo of Asterius and Lady Ariadne, police among heroes. Asterius can track down any target fighting in a maze or labyrinth and subdue them with his legendary strength and fear-inducing glare, but his weapon isn't considered legendary so I figured it wouldn't hurt me to take the hits. Lady Ariadne can use her powers to generate parallel universes consisting of mazes to trap her opponents, and also create inescapable prisons for superpowered criminals, and I figured that's what was you were preparing to use since I noticed something like it when we first entered the cave. Seeing how the architecture changed and Asterius being there just made me certain."

The two other youths stared with some surprise at the sudden outpouring of words from their slacker of a teammate.

"You are fairly well informed, despite all appearances."

Rictus smiled slightly.

"Harsh."

"Enough talking, child. We are here to provide you with your evaluations. Listen well, for even if you don't progress in your journey for this year, what you learn from this will surely guide you in the future."

Ariadne stepped forward to address the three heroes one at a time, though made sure that the other two could hear her comments.

"Desejado. No one here doubts your bravery, strength, or commitment to your cause. However, you need to develop your awareness, and know that your ability to fight will never be as important as your ability to recognize when you have to stop. Your prejudices will be your downfall if you do not deal with them now."

Desejado winced, but nodded seriously and bowed his head low while Ariadne moved on.

"Rictus Grin. You are capable of doing great things when you apply your mind and commit yourself fully to the task at hand. That doesn't change the fact that you rely too much on your natural talents and don't show enough motivation to improve. Show us that you are able to be a hero through your actions, not just from who you are or what you know."

Rictus nodded.

"Fair."

Ariadne moved on.

"Avatar of Durga. You showed some good leadership qualities in working with your team's strengths and made an effort to bring the team together. You should also demonstrate more confidence and show that you can also be relied upon. Accepting a position of leadership, especially among peers, is spending every moment proving you should be there."

Durga dropped her gaze to the ground, but said nothing. Her face was contorted with thought as Lady Ariadne stepped back.

"Asterius and I have made our decision. Based on the performances of the candidates present, we believe that only the Avatar of Durga should be recommended for admission to Phoenix Academy."

"No."

Examiners and teammates alike looked to Durga, most of them nonplussed.

"No? Could you please explain yourself?"

"I...cannot become a student at Phoenix based on this test. I still have a lot to improve about myself before I can consider myself ready to become a hero. I'm withdrawing from the test."

Rictus turned to face his teammate.

“No way. You're definitely cut out for this, you should take the chance on going to school.”

Durga's eyes snapped up and she looked directly at Rictus. Desejado stepped forward as well.

“He is...right, you have talents and patience to be envied. With training you'll become a heroine of renown the world over. You should absolutely be attending Phoenix.”

“I...”

“Come on, if you can pass this test with us dragging you down like we did, then school is going to be nothing. Even if you do have to put up with jerk teachers and tryhard teammates. You got this.”

Rictus smiled at Ariadne, her stone-faced seriousness breaking somewhat.

“What will it be, Avatar of Durga? Are you firm in your conviction and want to take more time, or will you yield once again to the expectations thrust upon you by your teammates?”

Though Rictus was aware of the trap in the phrasing, his smile became genuine when Durga looked back to Ariadne.

“I've decided...that I will completely accept your recommendation and judgment, Lady Ariadne. I'm confident that going to Phoenix Academy is the right path for me.”

Rictus began a slow clap for his teammate. Ariadne smirked slightly and turned back towards Asterius, taking a moment to exchange a few words sotto voce before turning back to the group.

“Then, based on this last discussion, I believe we will be making the same recommendations for Rictus Grin and Desejado as well.”

Rictus' eyebrows arched as Desejado turned to the instructor, taken aback.

“If your abilities to work as a team may yet be in doubt, we can now say with confidence that you both possess the instinct to support your teammates when it matters. That alone does not make you heroes, but it means you are not beyond learning how to become heroes.”

Rictus sighed with annoyance, though his smile didn't disappear as he looked to the instructors.

“Man, I got tricked into doing extra work. This is the worst day of my life.”

Asterius laughed heartily, and addressed the team one final time before he departed alongside Ariadne.

“Your journey is only just beginning, young heroes! Keep your spirits up because your trials only become harder after today!”

Rictus barely had time to turn before Desejado suddenly stepped before him, Rictus reflexively raised a fist from surprise but was even more astonished when the noble boy bowed his head.

“I am...truly sorry for what I have done to you. I swear on the name of the house of Aviz that I will find some redress for the injury that you have borne from my mistakes.”

Rictus, never one to miss an opportunity to for personal gain, clapped a hand on the shoulder of his senior.

“Then, why don't you make some delicious custard tarts for me when we all get to school? Make sure to make enough for Durga to have some too. If they're as tasty as I hear, then we're square.”

Desejado looked up with his mouth agape, but closed it and nodded seriously, Rictus chuckled a bit to himself.

“Oh, and say thanks to Saint Joseph from me for helping us out today.”

Desejado turned and began his walk back into the hotel while Rictus went towards the balcony overlooking the sea. He perched himself on the balls of his feet atop the corner railing before bending into a squat and folding his arms just over his knees. He seemed content to relax in that contorted pose. Durga approached him, a sad look clouding her face. He looked back towards her wondering what she was going to say next. She turned away slightly, and then looked him in the eyes.

"I...noticed something."

He paused for a moment, before his smile broke, and his voice became empty.

"You noticed."

He turned his head back towards the sea.

"You noticed...so you felt bad for me?"

"No, but with my powers I...could see what was affecting you. It's making you strong but choking the life from your body...I don't know how long you'll have."

"No one knows how long they have, though. The way I see it, I just don't have to worry about when it's coming as long."

He shrugged and the grin reappeared, though his teeth ground together.

"But yeah, since you brought it up, might as well ask if you know anything about Dr. Solomon or where he's hiding..."

She shook her head, and for his part he believed her.

"Then there's nothing else for me to say about it. I'll see you in class, I guess.”

She stared at him for a moment and then went back inside without another word. He took a look at the waves forming on the shore, and down at his body, still speckled with paint. Springing from the balcony, he dove into the water below, hoping to wash off some of the paint and enjoy the cooling embrace of the sea.

He had forgotten about the still-healing cut in his shoulder.

“Ow.”

ModeWondershot fucked around with this message at 04:14 on Dec 25, 2018

professor_curly
Mar 4, 2016

There he is!

Lucidus, the Outsider
Squire of Light


Where do you come from?

I am from a world parallel to this one, a timeless place where the Monastic Knights of Circu are raised. You may have heard of my father, Sir Galead... Or, maybe not. We are Defenders of the Faith, protectors of the innocent and upholders of virtue in a tumultuous, sinful world. At least... that's what I was taught. In the Monastery of Circu and the surrounds, there is simply no other way. I had never met an outsider, beyond a passing courtesy to visiting guests. A land of white skies, a land where there is no night. But also no sun. Every day I tended to the crops, with my fellows, and then trained with the other squires and with my father in the ways of combat. He taught me about the world, about duty and honor.

I'm... not sure what to think of it anymore.

Why did you come to Earth?

One of my father's friends, a 'superhero' from the Outworld, visited one day. He convinced the Elder Knights that their new 'school' would provide great opportunities for training and a place to hone skills that could not be taught at the Monastery. I was selected to be the student, being of appropriate age and the correct demeanor. I was confident then, sure of my training and abilities. Then I saw the Sun, Unconquered, for the first time. In that moment I knew that this world I was stepping in to would be very different from the one I was leaving behind.

Why do you want to stay here?

The people I have met are so interesting, so exciting. As numerous as the shades of the spectrum. I admit that... I feel alone. The others see me, see Rayfax, and judge me in ways I don't understand. My faith is questioned constantly, and I find I don't have words when faced with this world that I had only heard about. The lessons I have been taught aren't what I see with my own eyes. I want to see more of the truth, and maybe they will see me in a kinder light as well. Someday, I hope.

Why do your people want you to come home?

Although they were convinced of this school and its usefulness at first, I believe the Elder Knights... and my Father, they believe that this place is evil. That I am being led astray, with perfidious ideas entering my head. That somehow I am being brainwashed, transformed into something that I am not and should not be. When I communicate with home, they are angered and confused by my questions, with what I have seen. I don't know what to do.

Why do you care about the team?

The others welcomed me. They... they let me into their world, and helped me adjust to it. It wasn't always easy or nice. They had to explain the laughter, that I was being laughed at. That my words were hurting people. They challenged me, and also accepted my apologies. They found me in ignorance and were good enough to help guide me to the light. I can only hope that I can prove worthy of them.


Rayfax
The World-Wise Unicorn

Rayfax and I bonded when I was very young. It is a great honor, to be chosen by a Unicorn. They are immortal creatures, of great wisdom and clarity. Rayfax has been a constant companion and partner, in battle and off of it. He has traveled the Outworld before, and I have asked many times about it. However he has always been coy and vague in his answers. He was extremely excited to venture into the Outworld once more, and I was glad for his company. However I quickly realized that he was not a guide on this journey.

"I will tell you how the world works, I will not leave you alone in this new place. But not at first. Watching young knights plant their face into every easily avoidable pile of manure is one of the things that gives me joy in life. I could tell you every step of the journey young Lucidus, but it would be neither fair nor kind to you, though you may hate me for it now. My advice? Live. Go forth, embarrass yourself and prove yourself worthy. Find love, and have your heart broken until love springs anew. To know, is to experience. You are very lucky to have this chance. Don't worry - I will be here if you get too deep into trouble."

How did you pass the application test?

It was not my finest hour. I succeeded as part of a team, but on my own I was nearly a dismal failure. The challenge was a hostage situation. Rescuing and protecting the innocent - a worthy cause. As the doors began to close and the start timer began counting down I knelt down and began a pre-battle prayer. After it was done, I turned to my companions.

Pan, an Asian super-heroine who was slightly older than I, was the first other superhero that I properly... met? She ran up to me and gave me an excited hug as soon as I stood from my prayer. She introduced herself, and began chatting away as though we were old friends. I could scarcely keep up with her words, and many of the things she said so casually in conversation seemed to run counter to everything I had ever been taught.

Stalemate was our other partner, a very powerful individual with abilities that I have never even heard of. The more he fights, the more powerful he gets until he matches whatever opposition faces him. But his powers were fleeting, slipping away when the opponents weakened or ceased fighting. Able to rise to the occasion but never able to bring end to the conflict. He was a dour individual, that seemed especially displeased to be grouped with Pan and I for whatever reason.

I will spare you the gristly details. Many a combat robot was destroyed in our approach to the target building, where a super-villain stand in took a hostage. I had been running on route memory through the combat, more instinct than thought. We were split up during the fighting and I was the first to arrive at the hostage situation. The super-villain taunted me, and then offered a deal - the hostage's life in exchange for his escape.

I don't know why, but the situation was... real, in that moment. High on adrenaline, away from my father and teachers. This was the first time I had ever had to actually think for myself. There had always been someone to tell me the plan, to tell me what to do, what to think. I started hesitating, my mind reeling at the offer. One life now, but potentially many lives later? The hostage was a person, a real person. An actor, of course, but I was thinking about that. I wasn't thinking clearly.

I froze.

Pan arrived from the side, and used her sonic-blasts to incapacitate the villain. The hostage was unharmed. Stalemate was holding off the assorted goons and robots that had been converging on the location. I passed the exam... barely. But in that moment I learned how little I truly knew. I barely knew the test was over - Rayfax had to wake me from my stupor. Pan was happy - she had seen me holding the villain's attention while she snuck around to dispatch the threat.

Stalemate saw straight through me. I'm sure he wasn't the only one.

pre:
-Look-

Quiet, contemplative expression
Monastic Clothing
Traditional Costume

-Labels-

Danger: -1
Freak: +2
Savior: 0
Superior: +2
Mundane: 0

-Potential-
[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

-Abilities-

Flight
Pretty Tough
Density Control
Heliokinesis 

-Moves- 

Blessings of the Light (Alien tech): 
When you alter a human device with your 
traditional magic, roll + Freak. On a hit, you 
create a device that can do something impossible 
once and then fizzle. When you roll a 10+, choose one:

- it works exceptionally well
- you get an additional use out of it

On a miss, the device works, but it has a
completely unintended side effect that the GM
will reveal when you use it.

Kirby-Craft: The world-wise unicorn Rayfax

Advantages: Fast and Agile, Telepathic
Disadvantages: Vulnerable to Cold Iron, Difficult to Repair
When you are riding Rayfax, you can use it to 
unleash your powers, directly engage a threat, 
or defend someone using Superior.

The best of them: When you comfort or support
someone by telling them how they exemplify the
best parts of Earth, roll + Freak instead of
+ Mundane.

-Team Moves-
When you share a triumphant celebration with someone, take Influence over them if you show
them meaningful affection, physical or emotional. They decide if it’s meaningful.

When you share a vulnerability or weakness with someone, they tell you what you should do to fit
in more. Take +1 forward to do it, and mark potential if you do.

-Relationships-

You’ve been learning about Earth by spending time with _____________.

You have a crush on ________________ but you keep it under wraps.

-Influence-

You’re thrilled to be here. Give everyone Influence over you.

-Moment of Truth-
You embrace your home and call them for aid. They will answer your call—in force!—arriving
exactly when you need them to turn the tide. They fight and serve you for the rest of the battle. Of
course, when all is said and done...they’d probably like to take you home with them. You did, after
all, just prove yourself worthy.

Weaknesses/Strengths, jotting down to keep them in mind for use later.
"I grew up in a world where there was no night and shadows were rare. 
I have... trouble seeing in the dark. I can see the colors of the sunset but 
the rest of the sky is dark, and I have trouble making out the stars. However 
I have seen people attempt to blind by using extremely bright lights - something 
that my kind is much less susceptible to."

"Being in total darkness terrifies me, beyond the inability to see."

"I fly five colors because I have only completed five of the seven trials of virtue, 
our rite of passage into adulthood. Each of these trials ends in an oath which 
I cannot knowingly break." 

1. “To fight first with my example, virtue, charity and convincing arguments; 
and to fight with the sword those who raise their own sword.”

2. “To defend the pious, to aid and comfort those who are persecuted, the sick 
and the poor.”

3. “To abhor all immodesty, and not to indulge in illegitimate pleasures of the 
flesh and then only with my legitimate spouse.”

4. “Barring rules dictated by Religion and the Order, to conform to the 
Laws and Customs of the countries in which I may reside, to fulfill my duties 
as citizen, and to be a loyal knight in those countries which entertain relations 
with the Order.”

5. “To pledge my sword, my forces, my life and everything that I own to the cause, 
defense, honor and further knowledge of the Order of Circu and of my companions 
in arms."

6. “To love my Brothers the Knights and my Sisters the Dames and help them, 
their children, their widows and their widowers with my sword, my advice, 
means and wealth, my credit and everything in my power, and will favor them, 
with no exception, over those who are not members of the Order.”

7. “To submit to the Rule of our Holy Order, the  Rules, Law and Decrees and all 
other statements issued in conformity to the Statutes of the Order; to obey 
unconditionally and always, within  the Establishments of the Order and without, 
and in all walks of life, the Grand Master and the high Officers of the Order, collectively 
and singularly.”

professor_curly fucked around with this message at 16:26 on Dec 27, 2018

Transient People
Dec 22, 2011

"When a man thinketh on anything whatsoever, his next thought after is not altogether so casual as it seems to be. Not every thought to every thought succeeds indifferently."
- Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan

quote:

There's only one question- How did you pass the application test?

Team H-S-T: Spellbound (Magic, Arcane Studies) / Technician (Gadgeteer, Inventor) / Heirloom (Variable Replicator)
/ /

I got on the elevator with two girls in awesome costumes. Sarah, I mean, Technician, was the assistant to the theoretical physicist genius Dr. Paradigm, and she was super pumped for this. Kelly, AKA Spellbound, was pretty quiet. She was kind of expecting us to be bullies because we were really loud and cocky, but she warmed up a lot when I asked her if she was a magical girl fighting for love and justice like the ones on TV shows. Sarah asked if my superpower was flattery, and with that, we were set — they didn’t even give me any lip for coming in without my costume. I still couldn’t believe it wasn’t finished in time. Alexa (I’m never gonna call her ‘Lady Empyrean’, no matter how many times she asks me to) flipped her lid when the news came in during our final briefing. Who would’ve thought even Empyrean Enterprises could screw up something this big?

So that was how things stood as I headed into my Phoenix Academy exam, wearing my old soccer kit from afterschool practice. The instructions were clear - defeat the Miniboss robot to clear the test. Nothing too fancy, just a big old bossfight to move on to the next area. Or at least, that’s what I thought.

Our opening strat was pretty simple. Sarah made us communicators (shaped like toy birds. She totally has a fetish for toy animals, even her grenades look like cute kittens), so we could stay in touch in case we had to split up. Meanwhile, Kelly and I linked up for extra firepower. Did I mention that linking up with another person is really weird? We’d only just met, but…it was like I’d known her all my life, and she knew me too. She was blushing really hard after. I was blushing too, but I’m not sure if it was because her feelings were bleeding over to me or maybe because she knew, 100%, what soul linking actually meant and was really trusting me with it. Kinda puts a lot of pressure on you when someone shy gives you a vote of confidence like that, y’know?

We eventually ended up at an old, abandoned mall that should’ve had a sign saying ‘WARNING, BOSS INSIDE’ out front. There was no sign of any robots in the entrance hallway though, or within the shops that hadn't collapsed yet. The hallway led to a central, circular two-story plaza dominated by a skybridge, and another wing could be seen beyond it, up ahead.

"I don't know why they made this whole place so big," Sarah complained as we moved past the archways leading to it. "It's like they wanted to waste our time or something. Do you think the boss is really-"

"Guys! Up above!" Kelly yelled a warning as a bunch of robots opened fire on us from the rooftops. Dammit! An ambush!

Thump.

"I'll clear a path!" Lightning bolts sprang from the tip of her wand, frying the circuits of the ones ahead of us.

Thump.

“Don’t worry, I gotcha!” Sarah was blazing fast on the draw with her multitool. She cleared out of the robots’ line of fire, took aim, and fired five times in the span of a couple seconds, nailing them with little electrical darts that made them spasm and tumble over the edge of the rooftops down to the ground. drat, my team was good. We’d already cleared out a quarter of them and it had only taken us a hot minute. I smiled, spun my hand to gather energy, and prepared to unleash a hurricane of flames on them.

THUMP.

That was when a giant neon robot came leaping over the mall’s rooftops, pulverizing the tiles of the plaza with a deafening crash. It pushed itself up on these crazy, taloned legs, raised one of them into the air and lashed out so fast I couldn’t even see it, hitting Kelly right on her chest. She went flying through a shop’s window, filling the air with the din of breaking glass. The link between us died instantly. All that warmth, all that trust...gone. And her powers with it.

"NO!" Sarah shouted. She raised her multitool up and squeezed its trigger, right as it finished taking the form of a harpoon gun. The tip embedded itself on a nearby wall, and at the press of a button, it pulled her in towards the shop Kelly had gone into.

"No, Sarah, WAIT-" I tried to speak up, but too late - she was already gone, and I was alone in the middle of a killzone, staring down a monster three times my size with no powers to fall back on. The rev of a beastly motor filled the air, and its eye lit up, gathering energy.

I didn’t think twice. I turned tail and ran for the nearest column like hell was coming for me. I barely made it to cover before something boomed behind me and a massive blob of paint exploded against a nearby shop’s door, completely covering it in paint and splattering me with flecks of blue and silver. If I hadn’t been wheezing like a freight train, I would’ve let out a sigh of relief. I seriously thought the boss had been packing a real weapon, not a paint howitzer. At least this was something we could handle.

As the boss began revving up another shot, I tapped the little clockwork bird on my shoulder and spoke up.

"Kelly! Sarah! Can you hear me? Are you guys OK?"

"It hurts! Oh god, it hurts so much!" A broken voice wailed out of the bird's mouth.

"She's got a couple broken ribs and trouble breathing! She can't walk like this!" That was Sarah, no doubt about it. There was a pause, then suddenly the feed came alive again. "...Ah, hell. They're coming down the rooftops for us!"

Out in the plaza, the wet sounds of paint rifle fire intensified. Once I was sure no rounds were headed my way, I poked my head out to take a look. Technician hadn't been kidding about that last bit - the rooftops were deserted now, but the plaza was crawling with robots, all of them relentlessly pelting the clothes shop she and Spellbound had ended up in.

"We need to pick 'em off! Keep the miniboss off us!"

“Got it,” I said, nodding, even though I had no idea how I’d manage if it ever got tired of painting the column red. “I’ll do what I can.”

A small canister with cat ears flew out the window, landing a few feet ahead. It exploded into a cloud of chaff, and as soon as it did, Sarah popped up to tag several robots with electrifying darts.

"Gotcha!" She cried out. I could practically see her fist pumping. "Should be done soon. Maybe then we can-"

THUMP. THUMP. THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP.

A section of the mall straight up exploded, burying the remaining henchbots under a huge pile of debris and taking a portion of the skybridge down with it. A second miniboss, this one a towering colossus, stepped over it, brandishing twin triple-barrelled cannons.

"What the gently caress?!"

It must've heard Sarah's shouting, because it turned towards the battered shop and opened fire. The rain of paint pellets it threw out dwarfed everything the henchbots had managed so far. Sarah barely had any time to dive for cover before the cyclops squid boss leapt up into the air again.

THUMP.

It came down on top of the shop like a ton of bricks. The roof held, but the ominous shaking wasn’t a good sign...and then it leapt in place and chunks of tiling fell away. And then it did it again. And again.

"Guys! It's trying to collapse the building, get out of there!"

"We can't! The other one's got us pinned down and Kelly can't move, genius!"

"It hurts...can't breathe..."

"You can't stay there though! If you do, you're goners!"

"What, just walk out and let it paint us? We can't fail the test! We can't!" Sarah's voice, so self-assured and confident, suddenly cracked. "Jo, help us! What are we supposed to do?!"

"I don't wanna fail...I don't wanna die! Jo, we need you!" Kelly whimpered.

What the hell was I supposed to do, though? I didn’t have any powers to work with and I couldn’t get any either, not with both of them stuck on the other side of that scrap wall the second boss had created on its way in. They might as well have been on the moon, for all the good I was capable of doing. I leaned back against the column and clenched my fists, helplessly.

Why did I think I could do this? I was just a faker, always primed to let down everyone who needed me. I wasn’t gonna get into Phoenix after this, and Kelly and Sarah were gonna...they were gonna...

...No. Not letting that happen. I didn't care if I bombed out of this, I wouldn't let anyone get hurt!

"Hey, bastard!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I came out of my hiding spot, pointing a finger at the cyclops bot. "The hell do you think you're doing? We're not done yet! I'm right here!"

That got its attention. Instead of jumping again, it just stared at me. Maybe it was smart enough to realize just how much of a dumbass I was being.

"Yeah! I'm talking to you, jackass! C'mon, you run out of paint or something?" I kept calling it out, opening my backpack with my other hand and pulling Lucas’ bat out. “I'm not gonna run from you anymore. Shoot me! C'mon! I'm ready! Shoot me!!"

Sarah’s voice came over the comms as it began revving up another shot. "Jo, what the hell are you doing?!"

"It's OK, Sarah," I said, faking a calm I really wasn't feeling. "Just gonna play ball."

I closed my eyes and focus on the bat as a comforting warmth coursed through his body. Soon, I could feel the handwraps around my hands. "Link, set."

The whine of the cyclops' engine filled the air, and the light coming from its eye shifted to an angry red glow. Pretty soon it hurt to look at, but for a moment, as it got ready to fire, all my fears just melted away.

"C'mon, Lucas," I whispered. As the paint blob soared through the air, I took a step forward, and struck out with a roar. "LET'S GO!"

For a second, as the bat hit the ball, it looked like the paint was just going to break - but then, instead of dispersing, its returned to its proper shape as a sphere and went flying back, right where it'd come from - and hit the cyclops' eye dead-on.

"I GOT IT!" I screamed triumphantly. I didn’t get much time to celebrate though. The cyclops flailed for a moment, blinded, but then leapt towards me, trying to crush me like a bug. I roll out of the way and tapped the communicator. "Guys, I got it out of the way!”

"What? But how? You can't even hurt it!" Sarah didn’t let a minor miracle distract her, though - I could hear the sounds of the multitool firing now, answering the colossus’ overwhelming firepower with shots of its own.

"No, I can!" I couldn’t say more for a while, as the cyclops extended all its limbs outward and began thrashing, trying to cut me to shreds with its taloned claws. I kept rolling, then got up once I was far enough away from its reach to dash towards a nearby store with an open door.

“A bat is for hitting the balls the pitcher throws out,” I explained, as I dived behind a nearby table to escape when it rammed into the storefront, turning it into a rain of splinters. It must’ve been able to track me by the sound of my voice and footsteps, even if it couldn’t pin down my exact location. “It doesn't matter if it's a baseball, a football or a paintball. That's what a bat's soul is all about!" I had to take a couple seconds to catch my breath before I could keep going. "I'm gonna keep this guy busy. Think you can take the other one out?"

"Dammit...I can't do it! These taser shots are just pissing it off!" The barrage of paint fire hadn't let up since the beginning. If anything, it had only picked up the pace. "I need more power!"

"Good thing we got someone who can help then. Whoa, poo poo!" One of the the cyclops’ legs shot forward, extending so far it punched through the table like it was made of paper. Scrambling, I headed for the back of the store. Hopefully, it couldn’t reach that far. Hopefully.

"Kel, you heard Sarah. We need your magic or these things are gonna kill us all."

"I...I can't do it." A long moan of pain escaped her throat. "Can't move..."

I wanted to scream at her, but I held back. That wouldn’t help any. Focus, Jo, focus! "No, I know you can," I shot back, keeping my voice level. "Kel, who are you fighting for?"

"What?"

It was a shot in the dark, but acting like an idiot to draw the cyclops' attention had been one too. Now that I had a second to think, I could see what was really going on. We'd been lied to about our objectives, led to an ambush we'd had no chance to prepare for, forced to fight enemies we couldn’t even sting, and whoever had programmed these robots had forgotten to turn off the kill settings. This whole test was unfair. They just wanted us to fail, but screw it. If we were supposed to lose, I’d at least make sure it was a spectacular loss!

"I'm serious," I insisted. "Who do you wanna be a hero for?"

I wasn’t expecting an honest reply, but maybe the pain had lowered Kelly’s inhibitions. "M-my mom..."

OK, time to gamble. "What would your mom say if she knew about this?"

It took a while for her to answer. The only things that broke the silence were the sounds of gunfire and the thrashing of the cyclops, as it kept trying to destroy the shop front. But eventually, Kelly replied.

"She'd say...she'd say I can do this. That I'm the best mage my family's ever known and that the only time anything's over is when I give up."

I knew it. Anyone who’d made it here had to have a reason to step into the line of fire. All she needed was one more little push. "And what do you think about that?"

"I think..." She took a deep breath, but it was interrupted by a gasp of pain that made me wince. "I think she's right. Jo, it hurts so much, but I'm going...I'm going to try! Take cover!"

"Wait, Kel, what do you mean by-"

And then the air ignited. The temperature shot up by what felt like a hundred degrees and the mall was enveloped by a raging firestorm that drained all the moisture from the air so thoroughly it hurt to breathe. I couldn’t see what was happening with the cyclops blocking the view, but even it [clunky?] stopped its rampage and turned around to take in whatever magic Kelly was doing. It only lasted ten seconds at most, but by the end of it the mall's painted walls were totally naked, the bricks underneath glowing an angry red.

"IT'S DOWN! JO, IT'S DOWN!" Sarah screamed, so loudly I heard her over both the comms and across the building. "SHE DID IT!"

There was a stairway leading up to the second floor to the side I hadn’t seen before. I took my chances and made a run for it. The cyclops didn’t even try to grab me — it had gone weirdly still.

The second floor had windows too, and when I peered out of them, I finally saw the result of Kelly's outburst: the colossus that had been keeping them pinned down was gone, melted into a pile of burning slag.

"Holy crap." I hadn’t been giving the examiners enough credit. Maybe we did have a chance to win - I just had to keep Kelly safe so she could take care of these monsters for us.

"Alright! That's one down," Sarah’s voice came in over the comms, loud and clear. I could see her through the window, helping an exhausted Kelly stand up. "We still got one left, but it's a piece of cake if we work together. Jo, can you get to us?"

Somehow, the skybridge was still in one piece.

...Well, two pieces, but compared to the rest of the mall, only missing a chunk of floor in the middle was nothing.

"Yeah, I think so." I slipped through the upper doors and prepared to make a running jump. Before I could start, though, the pool of liquefied metal began bubbling and gurgling, and then rose up.

"...Guys, are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

"C'mon, no, c'mon," Sarah pleaded, desperately. "We beat you! Just give it up already, c'mon!"

It didn’t seem like the robot cared what we thought about it. It quickly began solidifying, taking the shape of the colossus once again.

I couldn’t keep a hysterical laugh down, it was just too much. Seriously? Not just two bosses with killer instincts, but they could respawn as well? What kind of sadist had made this test?!

"Screw this," I hopped over the railing, landing right on top of the cyclops. "I bet you've got a weak point!" I shouted, holding on to its neck and concentrating. "And I'm gonna find out what it is, right now!"

Its attention had been focused completely on its buddy, but as soon as I fell on it, it went crazy again and one of its legs lashed out, trying to grab me. Instinctively, I jumped back...and leapt a couple dozen feet, as a tether of silver light stretched out between us.

"'Course." It'd been jumping back and forth from the beginning. How could all that jumpiness not be part of its soul? But that wasn't all there was to it. I could feel my mind shifting gears, analyzing things more calmly and completely, like a machine. Two bosses, seemingly unrelated, but when one had fallen down, the other one had been unable to do anything but keep its eyes on it. I could feel the same pull now, too - I knew it was an enemy, but the lizard part of my brain still wanted to assist it, to provide help. I didn’t know how, but these things were connected. Maybe that was the key to taking them both down for good.

I jumped again, straight up, and landed on the skybridge. It only took one more long jump to clear the gap. The shop on the other side had an entry on the second floor too - pretty symmetrical, now that I was looking at it. Some kind of mirror image? Another clue?

I shook my head. It didn't matter now. As I ventured into the shop, the connection to the cyclops was severed and the cool detachment its soul had brought with it disappeared, but I’d already gotten all I needed to know out of that tin can. There was only one thing left to do, and that was sending them both to the scrap heap.

As I came down the stairs, the colossus kicked its weapons back into high gear and the sounds of gunfire filled the air once again. Somehow, though, Kelly and Sarah heard me coming. They were about to say something, but I held up a hand to hold them off.

"Sorry I'm late. I know how to take care of these robots now."

"Yeah? I'm listening." Sarah peered out the window, careful not to give the colossus an easy shot. "I think they're made of some kind of mimetic polyalloy. It's crazy advanced stuff. Dr. Paradigm couldn't stop talking about it when he first found out it existed."

"Does it have any weaknesses? We're gonna have to blow both these things up together or they'll just respawn each other like it's online multiplayer."

"It's an almost perfect electrical resistor, doesn't care about heat and is tough as nails, but it doesn't do well in cold climates. If we could freeze 'em solid, I could blow them up into chunks with explosives, but I can't get close."

"I can freeze them...ugh..." Jeez, Kelly looked awful. There were dark red patches all over her chest, and she looked so pale for a second I was worried she would faint, but in spite of that her eyes were steady as she pushed herself up. "Takes a lot of power though. I can't get both."

"Maybe, but you know what they say." Smiling broadly, I offered her my hand. "Two souls are better than one, right?"

She laughed. It turned into a grimace almost immediately, but seeing her spirits lift like that while bullets were flying past our heads made my day. "Can't believe we're going back to plan A now. You know how to do this, Jo?"

“Yeah. I got this.”

Last time we’d linked up, I’d felt a rush of hesitance and worry, but this was different. As my hair dimmed to the color of pale gold, I gripped the illusory wand that had appeared in my free hand tightly. They’d stacked the deck against us harder than I’d ever imagined, but all three of us were finally together. Nothing could stop us now.

"Sarah, we'll cover you on the count of 3. 1...2...3! Go!"

We rose from cover at the same time, my right hand holding Kelly’s left tightly. Sarah broke for the door, exposing herself completely to enemy fire. The bosses adjusted their sights, preparing to cut us all down, but we didn’t give them time. We aimed our wands, each taking up a target, and unleashed an entire winter’s worth of chill with a single word.

"FREEZE!"

Frost spread across the colossus as it took Kelly's blast. Sarah climbed on its back, spilling explosive gel all over it while its frozen cannons slowed down their spin and died out. She zipgunned towards the cyclops, racing alongside the blizzard I’d aimed at it. It tried to shoot, leap away, anything, but it just couldn’t — the cold froze its joints solid, and its firing mechanism was completely jammed. She burnt through her entire stock of explosives priming it up for demolition, holding nothing back. If this last gamble failed to take down these tin cans, we wouldn't get a second chance.

“All clear!” She yelled, diving for cover. “Get down!”

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the frozen minibosses exploded into a million fragments, shards of ice embedding themselves like spikes all over the mall. Once the shrapnel burst was over, we rose back up, wands ready. We kept them trained on the bosses’ remnants for what felt like an eternity, just in case they had another ace up their sleeves left to play, but neither of them got back up after that.

---

"Jeeze, be careful, let me carry you," I murmured as me and Kelly limped out the mall, letting her weight rest on my arm. "Take it easy. We’ll get you to the school hospital now."

"Please don't. I bet they've got flamethrowers installed in there to cook anyone who steps inside." Maybe it was because we were sore all over and dead tired, or perhaps in spite of it, but we couldn’t keep ourselves from laughing like idiots at the quip.

"Whew. We beat 'em. I still can’t believe it happened." Sarah joined us a while later, near the elevator. She took a moment to wipe the sweat off her frosted brow, and then took up Kelly's other side. “Guys?” she asked, soundly strangely hesitant. “I gotta tell you something. Can you keep a secret?”

“Yeah. What is it?”

“The way those bots were acting was crazy, so I took a minute to pop out their data cores and run a diagnostic and I found out their safety limiters on melee attacks had been broken. I don’t think this test went as intended.”

“You mean someone tampered with the bots so they wouldn’t be afraid to get lethal?” Kelly asked, puzzled. “But why? What would Phoenix gain from it?”

“I don’t think it was Phoenix,” Sarah shook her head. “It doesn’t make any sense for them to do this. It must’ve been someone else.”

“What, you mean like a supervillain?” I asked. That didn’t make any sense either. “Do we even have enemies who’d care enough about us to screw with our entrance exams?”

“I don’t know,” Sarah admitted, worriedly. “I’ll have to look into it. See if there’s anyone who doesn’t like us and could’ve done something like this.”

"This entry test keeps getting crazier even though we’re done with it…” Kelly murmured. “I hope...at least…do you think we made it, guys?"

I shot Sarah a look. She nodded, and together, we squeezed Kel’s shoulder’s reassuringly.

"Don't worry," I said, confidently. "I know we did."

Transient People fucked around with this message at 20:13 on Dec 30, 2018

Plutonis
Mar 25, 2011

A humanoid and a strange clay creature enter the principal's room....

"Ah, yes, thank you for receiving us Mister Principal."

"GURURURU"

"Guruguru says he's pleased to meet you as well. Oh, sorry, I'm Kavaz Sattak. I believe my codename is 'Starshine'. We are here... To make a formal complaint about how we were teamed up on the examination test."

"GURURURURUGU"

"Oh, sorry. Yeah Guruguru and I, we are a nice pair, but the problem was... her. The Princess. Like I get it. We are all non Earthians, easier to pair around that way. I don't blame the school for assuming that. But... She was kinda difficult to deal with."

"GURURUGURUGU"

"Ah jeez, I'm not translating that, dude. You are being way too rude now. But yeah, my non-organic friend has does indeed have a few grievances with her. The test was simple, no? Prevent a bomb from going off at the vault door of the bank and beat the robot robbers guarding it. So I have tried to draw a plan of how I could blind them while Guruguru would knock them down with his strength but... She started barking out orders. Even though our planets are on equal standing with hers. She says to distract them while she would get the... Earthian 'bees' to carry the bomb outside, and don't get me wrong, that could work out with my plan, but I'd like some recognition, you know."

"GURUGURUGURUGURU"

"Your plan would take too long! In any case, I enter the bank, blast the bad guys, and then Guruguru starts whomping them. All fine, things go nice, but when the bees carry the bomb out of the vault and towards us, it turns out that there's no detonator and it's set to explode in a minute. I told her to get the bugs to carry the bomb outside, to the skies, but she says she's not taking orders... 'from a Blue', which... Made me quite angry. And instead, her solution was to chuck poor Guruguru atop the bomb so his body would absorb the blast."

"GUUUUUU!!!!RUU!!!"

"He's very distraught by it, yes. Being exploded into a hundred pieces and having to reform was quite an ordeal for Guruguru, and for me as well for witnessing it, but she treated it like it was her genius idea! And well, it worked, but at what cost! I know this made us pass the test but I must beg you to reconsider and have us try again with someone else!"

"GUURUGURUUGUU"

"...And don't let her on Guruguru's sight ever again."

TheFireMagi
Nov 6, 2011

...She's behind me, isn't she?
Oh man, the test. You know, I’ve never scored well on your traditional pen and paper tests, so I admit, it had me worried for a few. Was relieved to hear it was a practical, until I heard we were being randomly assigned with two other supers. And then I heard we were up against robots, who don’t exactly get the same kick out of my music that us meatbags do. So, worries went back up to 11. Started to think, “Hey, I’mma probably gonna bomb the thing anyways, maybe I should really make it bomb.” Make it a spectacular failure if you’re gonna fail, yeah? But I grit my teeth, and by that I meant I considered the mess I’d be in if I didn’t make into Phoenix, and said to hell with it. Let’s at least give it a go, why not.

So my partners were one Iron Maiden, and one Wildfire. Figure you can tell what the iron lady’s about just by looking at her, but she’s been augmented from head to toe, with particular focus on those two fists of hers. Not willingly augmented either, from what juicy rumors I heard, and she was supposedly gonna be turned into even more of a metalhead before she got rescued from whatever secret facility the brave heroes of Halcyon dug her out from. Rumors are rumors, but considering her taciturn nature from what little time we spent together, I’d buy into it. Now Wildfire? There’s a girl who could learn to dial things back. From what I hear, she’s in this hero program for similar reasons to me: got a little too hot-headed, sent a few flames towards some politician’s kid that got fresh with her. Might have landed her in trouble, but me and her, we’d get along just fine… is what I thought, but she was taking this ‘rehabilitation’ chance a lot more seriously than I was. Said she always wanted to be a hero anyhow, so this was just a golden opportunity for her, even if it meant she had to keep her cool for awhile. Good luck with that one, sister. From what I saw of her hot-headedness, she’s likely to get thrown out before I am, but that ain’t my problem.

Now, I say we were up against some robots, and that is true. They were there, with their big ol’ guns. Paint guns, sure, but those things sting. Our real target, however, was Maestro. Specifically, we needed to either break or remove that infamous mask of his, whatever it took. Other than outright icing the guy, obviously. Or incinerating and/or pulverizing him, considering my partners. I was more than a little surprised to see that smug bastard was going to be our opponent, needless to say, and gut feeling tells me he pulled a few strings to be the ‘boss’ of my test in particular. Have to admit, he made quite the impression, all gangly in that gaudy costume of his, especially next to how sleek the designs on the robots were. With that ever sly grin of his, he pointed at Wildfire as the buzzer sounded to begin the test.

“Three steps forward.”

I hadn’t even the time to ready my violin before the hot-headed girl took her one, two, three steps forward, right into a volley of rapid fire paint. She was quick to move, intending to end this in a blink, and yet he was quicker. Or, more accurately, he already knew what she was going to do. Wildfire tried to throw up a wall of flame to guard herself, but her reactions were too slow, and the sound of coughing up paint echoed throughout the arena. A chuckle from Maestro, and then, a slow wagging of the finger.

“Wouldn’t be much of a hero if I went down that easy, now would I? Four steps left.”

This time at Iron Maiden, another volley of paint sent at her destination even as she was still moving, though she blocked it from getting in her eyes with those massive hands of hers. By now, all three of us were more than a bit disoriented. We weren’t friends, hell, we weren’t even associates up until several minutes ago. We had no strategy, no coordination, and we definitely weren’t expecting this cocky opening display by Maestro. Of course, looking back on it, it’s obvious that the performance was intentional, meant to throw us off our game. I tend to do much the same, after all. But it was my first time being on the other side of that front, my first time experiencing combat with another super, an actual hero, so yeah, I was shook. No, well, some shame in admitting that. It’s why when I pushed myself to play something, anything, I maybe, uh, wasn’t considering my teammates when I made the arena go dark. (Just an illusion, of course, I can’t actually make you blind, but it works out to be the same in this case.)

“The hell!? I can’t see a drat thing!”
“Please calm-” A ball of fire impacted the center of Iron Maiden’s chest as she spoke, a panicked shot in the dark from our hotshot.
“Ahahaha! An interesting strategy, Concerto, blinding your own teammates! But even without sight, I can ‘see’ you all just fine! Five steps back!”

A finger pointed at me now as I tried to get away from the fray, and I hurriedly tried to stop my feet and dive out of the way of the oncoming paint. Too slow, of course. I’m no athlete, and my powers don’t do much to help with my physical prowess. I instinctively closed my eyes, yet no impact came. Instead, one of Iron Maiden’s hands had shot out from where she had fallen after being hit by Wildfire, shielding me. She dashed over to me as I laid my violin, and with it the illusion of darkness, to rest.

“Are you all right?”

“Just dandy, thanks.” I said, as we both watched Wildfire recklessly rushing towards Maestro now that her vision had cleared, eating another volley of paint for her trouble. “Not going too great for us.”

“Hm.” A small nod as Iron Maiden tracked Wildfire’s movements. And then, she turned to me. “You can control emotions?”

“I can calm down that hot head over there if that’s what you’re asking.” I already began to ready my violin once more, but she quietly shook her head.

“I… am scared of hurting people.” Iron Maiden clenched that iron fist of hers. “But… we need to take that mask. So-”

“I got it, I got it. You want a battle anthem, right?” I gave her a grin. “Even if Maestro can see you two coming, doesn’t mean he’ll be able to handle both you ladies at once.”

It was simple as that, really. Whatever powers Maestro had to predict what we were going to do, it didn’t mean he had the ability to keep up with two supers at once. All I had to do then was make Iron Maiden stop hesitating. Not a glamorous role, but if it meant we made it through the test, then what the hell. So I played. It was a frantic song, one that I had made mistakes with even when I wasn’t nervously staring down a horde of robots, yet I played. And Iron Maiden flew. Not literally, it didn’t seem as if whatever augments she had included rockets or boosters or anything fancy like that. But the speed with which she leaped and bounded towards Maestro made her seem like she was gliding through the air. He smiled as she approached, rolling out of the way as she reached out for his mask.

“Found your nerves, have you? Very good!” He gingerly hopped back one, two steps as he eyed both Wildfire and Iron Maiden now. “Then, time to set these machines back to auto pilot. It seems I’ll need to keep my focus on defense. Ahahaha!”

He laughed without a care in the world as the robots began to prepare their guns, now returned to AI control. It was a sight I’ll never forget. I thought that once Wildfire and Iron Maiden both went on the offense, Maestro would go down all too quickly. But I suppose as he said himself, he wouldn’t be much of a hero if he went down that easily. Ducking and weaving inbetween the legs of the robots, he evaded blow after blow as the machines fired volley after volley at my teammates. But Maestro was slowly losing ground, it was clear to all of us. Having to stay concentrated on the movements of two direct powerhouses would do that, and sweat was pouring down his face, not helped by Wildfire’s flames heating up the arena. Even so, the man continued to laugh.

“Come now, girls, no time to rest! You don’t have much time left, after all!” He said as he leaped backwards from one of Iron Maiden’s swings, right into me. “Hm?”

I dropped my violin, the music coming to an abrupt halt as I hooked underneath his arms. Maestro glanced from my tired grin to the quickly approaching Wildfire, and said,

“Okay, I think we can say you pass-” The hothead’s punch to the jaw shut him up before he could finish his sentence, sending his mask flying through the air.

“Ahhh, man, that felt good!” Wildfire said, letting out a deep breath. Iron Maiden leaped besides us, looking worriedly at Maestro now that her music-driven spirit had died down.

“Should we have…?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Isn’t it, sir?” I said, with as much sarcastic energy as my weary body could muster.

"You had plenty of time to stop…” Maestro grumbled underneath his breath as he picked up his mask off the floor, his usual smile returned as he nodded to each of us. “Yes, fine, just fine. Smile! You’ve all passed today, heroes.” He said with a wink towards me on that last word.

Heroes, huh. What an odd bunch.

Aesculus
Mar 22, 2013

Hey, Sis. How's it going? That's good! I hope you've been taking good care of our house while we're gone as well. Yeah, yeah I'm fine too. My exam? Ah, right, it was yesterday, I was supposed to tell you but I was so exhausted after it... yeah, sorry about that. Anyway, it went, uh... pretty well, all things considered I'd say? Eh? Long version or short version? Alright! Well, I missed half the briefing since I was la- Hey, it wasn't my fault, okay? It was my first time actually going there, and I didn't know where to go or how to get there either! Alright, so they put me in a group with two others, a really cool-looking blonde girl with electricity powers called Coulomb, and then this other guy, Nosotros I think he was called - he was wearing a full hood and mask in some ridiculous reaper costume the whole time, so I couldn't really get a good look at him. Well, when I got there Coulomb asked us for our names and powers, and since she already scolded me for being late I didn't want to make an even worse impression of myself. Nosotros just told her to be "Tranquilo," whatever that means, though, and didn't actually tell us anything. Yeah, I know, right? We're supposed to be a team, and he's just blowing us off and acting all cool and urgh. Anyway, when the door opened Coulomb was the first to step out, and she just told us to follow her since I think she was the only one who actually paid attention to the whole briefing. Huh? Yeah, of course I did, jeez! I remember what you told me, about teamwork and all. Besides, I could tell she was more experienced, faster, and more powerful, not to mention way cooler - what, no, it's not like that at all! Please don't tease me like that... Well, anyway, we stepped out into the test environment...

----

After only a few steps into the ruined cityscape, with smoke and sirens everywhere, Coulomb turned back to her team and looked at them intently, Nosotros in particular. "Remember, our objective is to clear the ground floor of any hostiles and evacuate any remaining civilians. Keep collateral damage to a minimum. Understood?"

"R-roger that!" replied Tsutsumi, half nervously and half excitedly. Nosotros, on the other hand, simply bowed and motioned for the others to go ahead almost mockingly, which they did, though Tsutsumi gave a pointed glance at Nosotros, who he could have swore was chuckling under that ridiculous getup.

The group made their way to the target area mostly without incident, though Tsutsumi was ambushed by a set of combat robots that caught him by surprise, landing a few hits on him before an arc of lightning flew through the air from the robots, drawn into Coulomb's hand, and the robots shut down entirely. "These robots are electric powered. They won't be a problem, I can just drain their charge and render them inert," she explained. "Thanks for the save," replied Tsutsumi, peeking around the corner while rubbing his shoulder where a few paintballs impacted. "I think we made it. Hotel Sun and Moon, just past this corner." Nodding, Coulomb beckoned Nosotros to hurry up from his leisurely, almost sleepwalking pace, and dashed across the empty street. She tried zapping the door to force it open. Nothing. Zap the intercom - nothing. "Locked. Anyone see a way in?"

"Not to worry, Cabron," replied Nosotros, a smirk developing under his mask and hood. Holding his hand up for Tsutsumi and Coulomb to wait, he raised his scythe and smashed the door in.

Stepping past the broken glass and making their way into the hotel lobby, the group was confronted by a giant robot with what looked like massive autocannons for arms. It was at least four metres tall, and barely fit in the room. The moment they saw it, Coulomb dived for cover behind the reception desk, and yelled at the others to get clear. Tsutsumi was barely able to dodge the first volley fired at him, and the robot was aiming for a second when a set of brick walls popped up from the ground, blocking the line of sight between him and the robot and allowing him to get to cover safely.

From his hiding spot, Tsutsumi could see Coulomb jump out flying "I can't shut it down, it might not be electric powered. We're going to have to destroy it!" she yelled, sending an arc of lightning flying at the robot, singing its headplate and shutting its eyes off momentarily, getting back behind the solid reception desk before the robot could retaliate. The pattern continued for a few minutes - zap, boom, pakpakpak, zap, pak - the room growing more and more colourful while the robot slowly gathered scorch marks.

Then the elevator bell buzzed. "Damnit. Keep the robot busy, I'll cover the evacuation!" ordered Coulomb upon noticing the noise, dashing off in the direction of the elevators. Surprised, Tsutsumi turned to Coulomb and pleaded, "Wait, wait a minute, we can't just-"

"Keep it busy! I'll be back once the civilians are safe!"

"Damnit..." the boy muttered. It was now him, and the reaper-wannabe against a giant robot. No powers, no. He shook his head - now wasn't the time to doubt himself, now was the time to do something awesome! He stood up, staring the robot down and braving the incoming storm of paintballs to fire a shock arrow -

No effect. Tsutsumi cursed under his breath and shhook his head, not noticing the robot turning to him and training its cannons on the boy - giving Nosotros the opportunity to step in and swing his scythe hard, making contact and digging into a crack between robot's the main body and one of its armour panels. Using his scythe as a lever, manages to pry it open, revealing an intricate network of pipes beneath the hull of the robot, similar to a car engine or...

"Gah!" yelped Tsutsumi, hitting the wall hard after being blasted back by a high velocity round. Noticing the robot's exposed internal structure and looking around, though, his expression suddenly brightened. "I've got it! Cover me!" he yelled, making a mad dash to the other side of the room. Shielding himself with Nosotros's delusional walls, the boy grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall and pulled the pin, spraying an inert gas mix all over the exposed internals of the robot. To his visible surprise, it actually seemed to be working - the robot was slowing down, mechanical legs locking into place and its eyes flickering on and off.

"Phew. I can't believe that actually worked..."

----

Hah, yeah, it was a bit of a gamble but also pretty ingenious if I do say so myself! Even Coulomb was kinda proud of me, which I'm really glad I managed to redeem myself to her after - no, I already told you jeez, it's not like that! Anyway! Moving on! After I shut it down Nosotros just found the closest couch and laid back on it, yeah I don't get him at all. Anyway, he basically left me to make sure the robot stayed down while Coulomb finished the evacuation and all. Fortunately it didn't get back up and nothing really happened after that and we got buzzed out soon enough and debriefed. Huh? Of course we passed! I don't think they thought we'd actually go for that trick, but it must have been what they intended, right? I mean, oh, how I'm feeling? I mean I'm still a bit sore from some of the hits I took, and I didn't really... do much, y'know? Like, all I really did was tag along and shut down the robot, so... well, we all passed, so that's good, I guess? It's like, I'm that much closer to making my dreams come true, and that does feel great, yeah? Ah, sorry, didn't mean to ramble, catch you later? Yeah, good luck out there! I'll keep doing my best over here too! Talk to you later, Sis!

Alien Rope Burn
Dec 5, 2004

I wanna be a saikyo HERO!


Introducing:

St. Georgia



Charge



Post-Exam Discussion posted:

"Firstly, I want to apologize for that."

"I don't. We didn't ask to have our test crashed. Still, y'know, we pro'd that nonsense."

"Uh, I'm still not clear on what exactly happened?"

"I'm afraid a predecessor of mine angered a great dragon long ago, and it seems she's my archenemy-"

"Uh? I'm pretty sure Leviathea's my superbad."

"Our... superbad."

"That wasn't a dragon? Pretty sure?"

"Oh, that was Oubilette that attacked us, knight of the shadow exhalation."

"How do you even kno- y'know, neverwhat that. Anyway, that was just a thug plus for Leviathea."

"Wait, all that wasn't part of the test?"

"..."

"No."

"Thanks, anyway, Oubi's armor was good against guns and stabs, but shocks were absolutely not his jam."

"Well, I mean, even that wasn't enough. I wasn't sure we could uh, create that magnetic bottle, contain your fire, superheat it into plasma with pressure-"

"- and soften up his armor enough for stabs. He clearly wasn't old pals with pain. Or science."

"God forgive me. But he was trying to kill us all. Or at least two out of three."

"He'll be fine, it was just a flesh stab. I'm sure he'll be back."

"Sooo... does that, um, mean we pass?"

"We better, that was way more legit than those paintbots. Also, awesome!"

"Awesome? We nearly were all killed!"

"Oh... yeah... well, you know, some of us have less to lose, 'pologies."

"Well. Um. Not me."

"We have to remember we aren't necessarily safe here."

"Best get used to it. Surprise that he was here for you and not me, though. Small multiverse."

"Evil gathers."

"Are you sure that wasn't part of the test? It could have been an illusion... to see how we'd react, you know."

"I don't think they know of such things."

"If it was, I'm expecting a grade that says 'S+ for Sweet. Plus.'."

Ferrosol
Nov 8, 2010

Notorious J.A.M

"Yeah, it could have gone better." I sighed as I sunk into the comfortable chair next to him. "Still I suppose a pass is a pass." Sirocco just looked at me, and although even without his mask I still couldn't read his poker face i knew what he wanted. "Fine, I'll tell you all about it." "So there we were there was me, Glyph who does some sort of magic bullshit with runes that I don't really get, then as my other team-mate we had some sort of time traveller from the 1950's Plastic Girl she can shapeshift and stretch. Also her current? future? whatever self is on H.E.R.O.S most wanted list." Sirocco just shook his head and interjected. "You have any idea how hard it is to track someone who can change their name face and any distinguishing features in seconds? Still I'm sure we'll catch her eventually. Everyone has patterns it's just a matter of spotting them." He then waved me to continue.

"So there we are all reading the mission briefing. It was the bank robbery scenario, Generic criminal gang tries to rob a bank and has taken hostages, Our job was to go in and liberate the hostages and take any criminals around into custody. Sounds straightforward enough and it probably would have been if it were real life I suppose. What was it you used to say? Train hard and fight harder? Looks like someone over at the academy agrees with you," Sirocco did manage a smile over that at least. "Anyway we came up with a workable plan, Glyph used her magic to divine the location of the guards and we had access to the blueprints of the "bank" so it was easy to pinpoint where they were they had three groups. One covering the back door, one the vault and one covering the hostages in the front of the bank. So the plan was I would go in the front and draw their attention meanwhile Plastic would take advantage of their distraction and free the hostages and Glyph would take the ones at the back."

"So in we went. It was all going great. Until our comms went down. Suddenly I was on my own with no idea where my teammates are." Sirocco leaned forwards and asked "So what did you do next?" I shrugged "I went all-out. I figured we were walking into a trap so my first priority was to take down the "criminals" Didn't take long. I don't know whether they were deliberately under powered or if I was just lucky. Either way with them out of the way I raced on to link up with Plastic Girl at the hostages. She was good, probably better than I would have done, turns out stretching is pretty good to screw with multiple people at once. But I couldn't escape that looming feeling that something was wrong. So... I took your advice."

"And which of many attempts to get you to think was that?" Sirocco asked. "You're not going to let me live this down are you. Well don't get a swelled head or anything. It was the part about looking. Before diving into the brawl I took a second to check things. To see what was there as opposed to what I wanted to see and that is when I found the catch. See Plastic Girl was so caught up in dealing the robots she hadn't spared the hostages a second glance. If she had she would have seen some of them were pulling out guns. Turns out some of our "hostages" weren't hostages at all but criminals. If I'd gone charging in I would have had both of us shot in the back. But because I took that moment the way you taught me I was able to see. A couple of quick air blasts had them shooting the ceiling. After that it was all over bar the fighting. Guess the lesson was not to assume our plans would work perfectly or that the bad guys didn't have plans of their own. Something to remember next time."

GodFish
Oct 10, 2012

We're your first, last, and only line of defense. We live in secret. We exist in shadow.

And we dress in black.

Arashiofordo3 posted:

How did you pass the application test?


Crypt-Buster (an Edgelord) and Nebulass (a disgusting freak of nature, and a real sweetie) I hate them both

Haha, I bet you want to know, don't you? Don't think I didn't spot it, that was the most setup to fail group I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot of teachers try to set me up to fail in my life, so that's saying something. Still, I don't usually do much to stop them from succeeding at it, I'm not going to put in the effort for people who don't want me there, not when I don't want to be there either. I walked into the pre-test room, took one look at my teammates and almost turned right back around and left. I mean, come on, Orange Creamsiskull - image being so pretentiously DARK to actually wear an outfit like that, and those weapons? Yeah I know his story is about the curse of a mummy put on his family line from his archaeologist father, but yeah right - and a walking aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!! Head tentacles are one thing, head tentacles are fine, but arm tentacles, covered in eyes? N O P L E A S E!! And Nebulass is such a goody twoshoes, there was no way this group was going to get along.

Thing is, my gang is counting on me, I had to at least try the test, and, here's the bigger reason, it was too obvious. They wanted us to fail so they wouldn't have to deal with either a maximum edgelord or an actual mummy's curse, or a walking abomination like Nebulass, she's just, terrible PR, or, most significantly, me, who was bound to cause trouble. But just denying those two would be terrible PR, and Indigo probably made them test me, so they had to give us the appearance of a fair shot. Which is to say, a team that'd never work together and a test that doesn't fit anyone's abilities. Bomb defusal? Oh yeah, I'm sure 'smashing mcflyingsmashingskulls and 'literal limb monster' are great at that, and they specifically said I wasn't allowed to teleport it away unless I could get it out of the earth's atmosphere, and uh.... no, I can't do that. So.... what's a girl to do?

Heh. Once the teachers left, I sat the three of us down for a talk, laid out their plan to get us all to fail. I don't think Nebulass would have believed the teachers would do her a dirty like that, but Crypt-Buster agreed with me once I laid it out - shrewed than I expected from him, even if he did phrase it in the terms of how his curse was too dangerous to allow into the school(!!) and blah blah blah. If I was able to read her expression right, which, gonna admit, I probably didn't because it has way too many eyes, way too big a mouth and way too little ANYTHING ELSE, but she looked so hurt. So I said, basically, they're trying to get us to fail, and we'd be a terrible team normally, but since you wanted us to fail, we should give you a nice helping of poo poo to eat and pass. Mind, I didn't have anything I could do about the bomb still, so like... I teleported Nebulass into the bomb room, then guarded the door while Crypt-Buster came in the front way smashing through the robots with his weird skull-flails, he seemed to be able to turn them into dust from wherever he smashed them which is... creepy... I only had to send a couple robots away with a little bliperoo when they tried to get in, and Nebulass....

I'll just say I didn't make the mistake of looking her way more than once. I think - and I'd prefer not to - that she unhinged her jaw down the entire length of her body, swallowed it, and then dissolved the bomb in her stomach acid. Or... some kind of magic monster insides, I dunno, okay? Ask her. Not me. ...I just hope she doesn't think we're friends after that. If I never see her again it'll be a day too soon, no offense.

So, that's how we did it. Gonna admit, I didn't do a lot, but I did get us working together to show you up. That probably counts. Don't give me that look. I was the leader of my gang back home for a reason you know. I can work with whoever I want, just not going to work with you, teach.

Dracula Factory
Sep 7, 2007


Team K
Dryad (Plant Body/ Rapid Growth and Regeneration), Farseer (ESP, Aura Reading and Emotion Control), Shock n' Awe (Electricity Control, Superhuman Strength and Toughness)



This test was chosen for three individuals with high potential who have only begun to see it. They all also have degrees of social dysfunction, and we wish to see if they can effectively cooperate. They have a high destructive ability against our standard drones, so we will use a large number of drones, as well as some atypical models to test both their endurance and ability to adapt. Their test objective is to defeat the Mk.II OC-23 "Octopus Head" 4-Arm Riot Control Drone, at the top of a 5 story building with patrolling drones on every floor.

When I talked to Dad at the prison, I told him about the Phoenix Academy exam. He was excited at first, but then he got very serious and told me that the others who would be taking the test would have years of experience over me with their abilities. I have only been alive a year and 46 days, but Dad said I have better instincts and I learn faster than normal people, so it's up to me to be clever and strong to make up for my lack of experience. I have only practiced a few moves with my fast root growth powers, I just hope they're enough to get me through this test. If I pass I'll get to make friends with all sorts of real kids with amazing powers, I just have to get in! It's like Dad says, "Stay calm, focus only on the goal, and you can win anything."

They put two very nice girls on my team, one has super strength and can throw lightning, and one who can see creatures and threats through walls and even see a little into the future! I'm glad they are with me, they seem very strong and I think we can pass the test! We got to meet on the ride over here, and the girl called Farseer decided to discuss our strategy when we could see what we were dealing with. We were told to approach our destination through the surrounding woods, and things were pretty quiet until we saw the building our target was in. It looked 5 stories tall and covered in moss and vines, and we could see some robots patrolling through the windows. "Okay, times to figure this out." Farseer said in a hushed tone as she crouched in the brush. "My emotion control may be useless against these drones, but at least I can still see their auras, just have to concentrate for a moment." She closed her eyes for a few seconds and I did not know if I am allowed to talk or not. I looked at Shock, and she seemed anxious, breathing fast and short, but her eyes were fixed and focused, was she scared? Or maybe just determined? I was not sure and I did not want to ask. Farseer broke the silence with a long sigh. "There's a ton of them all around every floor of that building, this is going to be hard. How easy can you take out a drone, Shock? We might need to destroy a lot of them" "Well, I can shoot lightning out of my hands at about 8 meters, but it tires me out faster than if I just punch them, so I should just do that." Farseer looked at the ground for a second, I still didn't know what to say. She spoke again, "These drones are equipped with paint guns, if you take one hit, you're out, so with this many drones I don't think we can take the short range approach, especially when we don't know what's waiting for us on the top floor." The top floor...the ivy covering the walls all the way up is so beautiful...the ivy! "Wait! I know!" I stammered out. "I can grow my arms into vines and connect with all the ivy leading to the top, all we have to do is climb! Once we get to the top we can avoid all the robots on the bottom floors". "Pretty good idea tree boy," Shock said, "But how do we avoid getting seen on our way up?". Farseer interjected, "I have that covered, as long as you guys listen to me, I can look into the future and if I see you getting spotted then, I can tell you to stop and avoid it.""Hell yeah! That sounds like a plan, let's go!" Shock said a little too loud, but I was glad that she liked my idea, I hope it works.

We were able to get to the base of the building without being seen, and we began to climb. I turned my arms into two strong vines, which my teammate were able to climb as I walked up the wall after them. Just like Shock said, some robots almost saw up through the windows even though we were climbing the corner of the building. But Farseer used hand signals, and we avoided the guards, I felt so scared but so excited when I felt the robots inside walking past us. I've only trained my powers in the confines of my Dad's lab, the real world feels so much different! We made it to the top without being seen. The other two were standing there as i made my way up, and Farseer started to talk. "Okay, we made it up here, now I think we should sneak to the lower floor and try to get a jump on the boss. From it's aura I can tell it's fairly large, but-Dryad move!" I didn't know what she meant, and then I felt a huge blow to my stomach and I couldn't tell which way I was facing. "Puncher drones!" Farseer yelled. "They'll knock us out if we stay up here! We need to break the floor!" Just as I was able to make sense of the world again, I saw Shock shooting down the small flying drones with her lightning. "Duck!" Farseer yelled, as a drone barely missed Shock's head as she deftly fell to the ground. Then she raised her fist, the lightning growing brighter and crackling loudly. "Enough of this!" She yelled as she slammed the floor of the roof and blew a huge hole into it, right beneath us!

As we were falling down, I could see our target, a metal monster with a bunch of arms on it's torso and stout legs , and suddenly the arms shot towards me and my teammates. My training paid off, and without thinking I shot out my root limbs to grab a hold of the metal arms right before they grabbed my compatriots. "It's a riot control bot with electrified arms!" Farseer yelled over the chaos. "Don't try to punch it Shock it'll just knock you out!" As she said this, I saw Shock let down the big punch she was winding up for. Farseer yelled more orders "All the other drones are on their way up! Dryad, you need to kill this thing and now! I don't care how! In a few seconds the drones will come through the two north doors, handle them Shock!" I knew there was no time to waste, so I sent my root arms towards the robot's legs. "Don't go for the legs, too heavy!" Farseer said. I froze for a second and moved my roots back. The roots stopping the other arms began to flex and weaken, I wasn't sure how long I could hold them. Shock was punching and zapping all the drones coming through the doors, and it looked like I had some time to think about my next move. "There's no way! I can't..." Farseer only got those few words out before two of the robots arms broke free of my roots and struck at her. Farseer jumped over one arm but was in the air and hit by the other, thrown against the wall and twitching from the shocking attack. No more Farseer, no more predictions. Shock was busy with the other drones, but I saw one of the small puncher ones flying towards her. It was up to me and I only had a few seconds to figure out how to stop this thing. The two arms that hit Farseer were on the other side of the robot, I had an opening. I rushed forward, with no plan in my head. My Dad's lessons on botany raced through my mind, all the varieties and possibilities of plant life...there had to be something I could use, but it was all so complicated all I just had a moment, and almost no time to grow anything new. I saw the goal in my head and I only saw one option, and no way of knowing if it would work. I retracted all my roots that had grown over the other two arms, and put all my effort into grabbing onto the center of the robot with my roots. "I'm down!" Shock screamed, as I looked over and saw her covered in paint. It was now or never. I put all my energy into constricting my roots. They took my Dad away, I might have to be alone in this world where everyone stares at me and I don't know how to talk and I don't know anything and AAARRGH! My roots went wild and the center of the robot crunched inward with a loud clunk, and it's arms dropped to the ground. All the other robots stopped fighting and started walking downstairs. A loud horn sounded and I heard a woman's voice. "Test complete. Team K passes." I dropped to my knees in exhaustion, and Shock walked over to Farseer to check on her. "What did you say people called you, was it Cary?" Shock asked as she looked at me. "Yeah that's what my Dad calls me, and he said I should let my friends call me that too. Are we friends?" Shock laughed. "Of course you are, especially after that. You know, you got some real flex in ya, I like that." Shock looked back towards Farseer as she began to wake up. I'm glad we passed but I really did it! I made a real friend!

Wol
Dec 15, 2012

See you in the
UNDERDARK


Cassiopeia / Star Blossom Kenshi / Shadowflare

Art by GDBee; Lê Long; artist unknown

----

"Um, Cassiopeia? Before we start, I just wanna say, um, I think you're really cool."

Cassiopeia turned to the lightly blushing pink-haired girl next to her, Star Blossom Kenshi, oblivious to her other test partner rolling his eyes behind her back. "Hey, thanks. You sound pretty cool yourself."

"Oh, um. I'm not that big a deal."

"Don't say that - you're Steeleye's protegé. If she sees something in you, you must be really good."

Grinning, Kenshi let out an anxious laugh, seemingly not finding the right words to respond. The two had sat talking the whole time since they arrived, trading stories, but Cassiopeia couldn't help but notice that Kenshi still seemed ill at ease. Probably just nerves, Cassiopeia told herself - but whatever it was, she hoped it wouldn't impact the test.

A horn sounded, blasting through the semi-awkward silence. It signalled the start of the Phoenix Academy entrance test. All three prospectives stood, anxious, as the warehouse bay door clattered open to reveal what they'd be facing. The proctors had told them, in briefing, that the offices of KB & Co had been taken over by villains, and that the villains had taken hostages. Past that, they didn't know what to expect. The door opened to reveal a mostly normal-looking city street, but it didn't take the three long to notice a pair of armed robots standing guard in front of a building down the way. Two more patrolling, as well.

Cassiopeia was the first to speak. "Kenshi, has Steeleye taught you how to approach this kind of thing?"

"Yes? Yes. Right. So, um, I guess there's four outside that we can see. And, um. I'd assume more bad guys on each floor?" Kenshi said. "Cassiopeia, you're, um, pretty strong. Could you take out all four of those guys at once?"

"I could." Shadowflare cut in. Up to this point, he hadn't talked much - not to Cassiopeia, anyway. Scoffing seemed to be his preferred method of communication. "If I hit hard enough to make sure I take out all four, though, not sure what else I'll take out too."

"Mm. Probably best not to announce ourselves right away anyway. Best to start subtle if we can." Cassiopeia replied. When Shadowflare responded with a derisive snort, she cocked an eyebrow. "What? I can do subtle. You don't even watch me, do you?"

"Yeah, um, she's, um, really good at it. So, we'll go by the back door, then? We'll only have to take out the two patrollers, and, they shouldn't notice us going in that way?"

The three set off. The start of the plan went without a hitch. Crouching out of sight, they simply had to wait for the two 'bots to come around the back of the building, then they pounced. Cassiopeia took one, dazzling it with dancing lights in front of its eyes before rushing in and giving it a point-blank light flash to put it out for a good while. Shadowflare simply phased right in front of his, flattening it with a single flaming punch to the faceplate. By the time Cassiopeia disposed of her opponent, he was already at the door. He tried the handle - only to find it locked, of course. For a second, purple flames began to envelop his hand once again. Looking up at the approaching Kenshi, though, he pulled back.

"Steeleye's the one that does that lock tap thing, right? She teach you that yet? If we wanna do subtle."

"I, well, she has, but I haven't totally mastered it yet..." Kenshi's gaze flicked over to Cassiopeia, pleading. Cassiopeia's eyes narrowed. If there had been time, she would have taken Kenshi aside and asked her what was up. She didn't know if she was having an off day, or was just nervous, or what - but her entrance into Phoenix Academy depended on this test, and the last thing she needed was someone acting shady. There wasn't time to talk this out, though. She'd just have to hope Kenshi got it together once they got inside.

Cassiopeia took a deep breath before she replied. "Take a second if you need it. I can handle this. Without blowing the door off its hinges," she added. Smiling at Shadowflare, she stepped over to the door and placed her hand against it, fingers pointing down toward the handle. A thin sheet of light erupted from her fingertips, slicing the handle clean off. Reaching inside, she pointed her fingers to where the lock ought to be. Another ray of light, and she pulled the door straight open, gesturing for the other two to head inside. With a nod and a smirk, Shadowflare poked his head in - swore - and a gunshot rang out from inside. All Cassiopeia could see was Shadowflare phasing, and paint splattering against the door frame. As she rushed inside, waving Kenshi in to follow her, she heard Shadowflare yell, then the sounds of a struggle. So much for subtlety. The next few moments were a blur. As she tried to find Shadowflare, the robots rushed in from out front, from upstairs, from whatever rooms they'd been hiding in. The fighting went on. After taking out a couple more robots, Cassiopeia ducked into a stairwell to escape the crossfire, pulling Kenshi with her just in time for Shadowflare to fill the hallway with purple flame. She almost breathed a sigh of relief - until Kenshi shouted and flung one of her still-sheathed swords at a robot creeping down the stairs from above. The sword bonked it in the faceplate. As it reeled, Cassiopeia and Kenshi ran up the stairs together - where Kenshi drove into it, yelling, with her armoured elbow. The robot slumped to the floor. Kenshi turned to Cassiopeia, biting her lip.

"Um, there's something I have to admit."

"Go on."

"Star Blossom Kenshi is, actually, she's, um, my sister. My twin sister."

"What. The gently caress."

"I, well, she told me when her test was. And you mentioned your test date on stream, and it was the same day, and I thought, well. I looked around and, um, happened to find out where it was. And I thought, y'know, you're like my idol, and, I, um..."

Shadowflare picked that moment to come storming into the stairwell. He was, by this point, covered head to toe in purple flame, a flare now and then erupting from his form that threatened to set fire to his surroundings. The heat radiating from him, however, came from more than just his power.

"You." Shadowflare jabbed a finger at Kenshi, coming dangerously close to singing the front of her hoodie. "The gently caress's wrong with you? Camera girl's actually doing alright," he jerked his head in Cassiopeia's direction, "somehow, but you haven't done a drat thing. Look at me. The more I use my power, the more I get like this. Too much more and I burn this motherfucker to the ground, whether I want to or not. So you can't just depend on me to drag your rear end through this."

Cassiopeia's mind raced. There was a part of her that wanted to scream at the Kenshi impostor too. She could see her moment going up in flames - figuratively and literally - because of an overly enthusiastic fan, and it formed a sickening lump in her throat. So far, they were actually getting through this, but they'd only got past the guards. There was still the actual hostage situation left - the actual hard part - and she doubted their actions up to this point had scored any good will from either the hostage-taker or the proctors. If she - if Cassiopeia - actually managed to fail her Phoenix entrance exam because of this...

Cassiopeia took a deep breath. The false Kenshi looked about to cry. Even worse, she was gesturing toward where her sword lay on the floor, next to the robot she'd taken out. She looked like she was about to start justifying herself. "Girl." Cassiopeia put her hand on the false Kenshi's shoulder. "You did gently caress up, but it's gonna be okay. Shadowflare, this isn't Star Blossom Kenshi, but don't ask - because we're going to win this anyway. Okay? All three of us. All we have to do is negotiate. So - c'mon, help me think."

"Tuh. Why don't we just tell them to hand over the hostages or I blow them up." Shadowflare said. "I took out most of their other guys myself."

"Mm. That might work. It might just turn into a standoff, though. We need a backup plan. And I think I have one." Cassiopeia looked over at the false Kenshi.

Shadowflare's eyes narrowed. "Don't gently caress with me. She dunno poo poo about poo poo."

"Yeah, um, I kinda don't."

"If Shadowflare's plan doesn't work, we need someone who can keep them talking. And not just tell them to gently caress themselves. Before the test, you were talking all about being a hero. You had me convinced you were Star Blossom Kenshi. You had the proctors convinced. I don't know Star Blossom Kenshi, but she sounds like a bad bitch. She sounds like someone who could keep a villain on the hook - and I think you could convince them that you're her, too."

"I really don't know about this." The false Kenshi protested.

"Hey. All you have to do is keep them talking long enough for me to sneak up on them. You trust me?"

"Well, I do, but-"

"I think you can do it. So, if you trust me, that means you can do it. And besides, if they do start shooting, it's just paint. And it's not like your application is on the line. So c'mon - you wanted to impress me, right?"

"I - I guess, I-"

Pushing past the false Kenshi, Shadowflare strode over to the door. "I'm going out there. You wanna start talking, start talking. If not, I will."

The false Kenshi swallowed, staring at Cassiopeia. "I, um. I guess I'm doing this, then? I- I won't let you down."

"Sure." Cassiopeia flashed a practiced grin, suppressing the panic that had been welling up within her ever since breaching the door. "I know you won't."

Not-Kenshi picked up her sword, walked over to the door, and gave Shadowflare a steely look. Shaking his head, he opened the door for her to go through, then followed himself. Cassiopeia stayed behind, lurking in the doorway until they got the hostage-takers' attention. When one last guard popped out from around a corner, Shadowflare dismissively blew it into a wall with a gout of flame, and the two continued on. Soon enough, they reached the room where the hostages were being held. Cassiopeia went to work. She ducked into an adjacent room and started looking for a way between the two. She could hear her teammates' voices from the hall. There was a pause, to her disappointment, and Shadowflare spoke first, giving the hostage-takers an ultimatum. As Cassiopeia started carefully lasering off a large vent connecting the two rooms, though, Kenshi's voice cut in, firmer than before, offering the hostage-takers the chance to walk out if they put down their weapons. The robots argued back. Good. Cassiopeia just needed a bit more time. After gingerly placing her room's vent cover on the floor, she squeezed herself into the vent, awkwardly shimmying in arms-first so she could point her light at the robots as soon as she knocked the far vent cover into the room.

Cassiopeia took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Focus on the wavelength, she reminded herself. It came to her. In one motion, she pushed the vent cover out and pointed at both of the hostage-takers. A moment later, both fell to the ground, clattering in a heap of metal even as they twisted around to look her way. As far as not-Kenshi or Shadowflare could see, the robots had just collapsed. Cassiopeia, though, had just pulled off the hardest trick she knew how to do. Ultraviolet light. Hell on circuitry. She took a moment to silently thank the fans who tipped her off that Phoenix always used robots as villains in their entrance exams, and all the time she'd spent practicing the technique over and over - then pulled herself the rest of the way into the hostage room, doing a front flip and landing on her feet. She hoped nobody could see her sweating.

"THANK-YOU." One of the robotic hostages beeped. "YOU-HAVE-SAVED-US-HERO."

"No worries." Cassiopeia gave the 'bot a smile and a wink. On the other side of the door, Shadowflare's flames abated, and not-Kenshi sank into a full-body sigh of relief. "It's what we do."

Wol fucked around with this message at 07:11 on Jan 1, 2019

Arashiofordo3
Nov 5, 2010

Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.
:siren::siren:The Thread is now closed to new applicants.:siren::siren:

Okay so. This is is, the last few days.

Picks will be posted on 01/01/2019. You have until then to get your test answer posts done. This is to take into consideration the fact that the US is behind in time zones, and to give people a little bit more time to get their stuff posted.

Rauri
Jan 13, 2008





Team M-N-C (Mahou Shonen, Mysterious Magical Sword Powers - Nevermore, Inexplicably Themed Hacker Mutant - Columbia, aka Yours Truly)

quote:

Dear Mom,

I'm not sure when you'll get this message, but I wanted to let you know the results of my Application Test for Phoenix Academy as soon as I possibly could! I'm sorry that you couldn't attend it - the school agreed with my request to delay it for as long as possible, but I guess things haven't calmed down in Hollow Earth yet, and the deadline was only a few hours away, so I didn't have any choice but to take it when I did. I know the school recorded my test, so we can watch it when you get back home - I'll be able to visit you at the Hall of Liberty on weekends at the very least, provided you're not busy, and it'd be fun to hear what you think about how I handled things. Still, I'm sure you'll be very proud of what I managed!

As you no doubt remember, the Application Test - for this year at least - involves a scenario designed to test not only our individual abilities in a safe setting, but to also test our ability to team up with other young heroes and act cohesively and decisively. Despite how things turned out, I'm still happy to have been partnered up with the two other prospective students that I was - maybe you've heard of them, or have met their mentors?

The first was Mahou Shonen - real name Wally Weber, which you'd think would mean he gained Spider powers but apparently not. Instead, he - and I'm paraphrasing the explanation I remember - descends from a line of samurai sword ghosts wished into existence by a magic fruit from an alternate reality moon? It was very confusing to keep track of, but the practical things were that he could summon forth a 'spirit sword' and transform from a relatively normal (if a bit geeky just between us) guy and a magical... whatever exactly he is. Transformed him is a lot more confident and has a way deeper voice, not to mention enhanced physical attributes, that sword, and magic... ghost fruit powers? Again, not sure how his powerset works exactly, but he's really brave and confident when he's transformed, and those are good things for a hero to be!

Onto the second, Nevermore. I hear she used to go by Pop Goth Princess, but she changed it recently, and yet I still don't understand what either has to do with her powerset - she's a tech genius and she can control machines with her brain, how cool is that? She jailbroke my phone for me in front of me without touching it as a way of explaining her power... at which point I asked her to revert it, of course, since that's illegal - but it was still a nifty demonstration! And while initially she didn't like me too much - you and Gran have sort of left a large shadow for me to try and shine in - it didn't take long for her to come around. Doesn't hurt that, when the three of us were coming up with our strategy for our assigned mission, we gave her the central role, while Shonen and I agreed to mostly play blocker.

See, we got lucky - or so I thought - with our assignment. Rescue a robotic hostage, from some other robots armed with paint guns, and a large - I'm talking thirty meters - Robot representing their 'overlord' or what have you nearby, more a threat to be avoided at all costs than engaged? It was weird typing robot so many times in a row, but I guess that's part of being a hero, huh? Anyways, Nevermore's Telempathy seemed tailor-made for this assignment - we're protect her and escort her close enough to the robots for her to safely shut the hostile ones, then speedily rescue the hostage before reinforcements could arrive. Even as we donned our costumes and equipped ourselves for the test - I appreciate that you want me to do well my first semester without them, but I will admit that I'd like to have had my arms and armor that you've had me train with since I was little - I was confident our plan was going to work perfectly.

Of course, it didn't. Sure, we approached stealthily enough, timing our advance for when the lumbering robot patrolling the street was moving away from us, but no sooner did Mahou see the first of the robotic guards arranged around the three story office-building our hostage was in than he just went into some sort of bloodlust or something? I'll give him credit, he somehow slashed his way through paintball fire at a ridiculous speed, and took out one guard which escalated into another seeing him, and then more as he took that one out with a blast or windslash or what have you. Before long Nevermore and I were basically just chasing after him as he went on a one-man montage of robotic destruction, me carrying her since her gadgets don't include a speedbooster of any sort, and yeah, even at this point I was confident he'd ignored our plan because he knew exactly what he was doing - and he nearly did. Just got a bit too overeager.

Arriving on the same level as the hostage, Mahou'd managed to get in over his head. There were reinforcements stored throughout the building designed to activate as others were taken down, and he'd managed to get caught from behind with a few diagonal shots to his back, the proctors immediately ruling him 'downed' - which left us in a bad spot, since it meant we needed to save both him and the hostage. That's probably why Nevermore did what she did here... desperate times, trying to rise to the occasion? I can't blame her - if anything, it's sort of my fault for not having already solved the situation.

See, rather than reaching out to control the hostage to flee, or going after the robots shooting at us - thank goodness for super speed, though my cape did get a lot of paint on it - she decided to reach out to use her power to hijack the big robot. This was partially effective - it definitely went off script. I say partially because its antivirus-stuff - I don't know computerlingo - and her power interacted in a really screwey way, and rather than just patrol peacefully and shoot paintballs at us testtakers, it uhh... started to thrash about. Wildly. Like, wrecking the area sort of stuff, and even worse it'd gotten right outside the building when we'd been busy racing after Mahou, so the danger to my teammates was quite real.

With no time to lose, my training or instincts or whatever you want to call them kicked into gear. Calling for Nevermore to grab the hostage and Mahou and not worry about me, I charged up the stairwell all the way - through the robots, they're nothing even compared to the training dummies you've had me practice on so just hitting them at a run with my strength was enough to turn them to so much scrap - I charged for and then lept through the window, since my course was clear - I had to stop the giant robot from endangering my teammates.

Practically, but not actually since I don't have my sandals, flying at it, I landed what I'm fairly confident is one of my best punches to date, sending the thing rocketing back into the building opposite us - very thankful these tests are done in simulated environments, that wouldn't have been practical in a real city - and yeah, it did not like that one bit. Whatever Nevermore did to it still had it going haywire, so I got to find out just how hard those things can punch. Turns out, the answer is very. Floored for just a moment - by which I mean, from what I remember, it punched me through a building - I climbed out of the rubble and did what I had to, aka continue to keep it busy.

Things get a little fuzzy here, and I'm looking forward to watching the recording of this to see what happened exactly. What I remember of it will sound like bragging, so I'm going to watch the tape to confirm things before I do.

Anyways, waking up in the school infirmary a few hours later, my teammates waiting around my bed, they told me three important things. The first is that they - and the hostage - managed to reach the Exit Zone safely before, well, bringing us onto the second thing: I blew up the big robot. Apparently the Academy didn't expect anyone to hit it as hard as I did, so they hadn't put quite as much armor on it as they should've. The third thing is that, well, they also put a fairly unsafe reactor in it, which will be fixed for future versions - I got hit hard by the explosion I created when I wrecked it, and it sent me downright flying. Literally, not practically, and yeah I landed in the center of the street and took a bit of a nap after.

Still, I'm feeling much better now - they're just about to discharge me from here - and I think I did fairly well. True, I didn't rescue the hostage personally or make it to the escape zone, and we did have a hero go down... but at the same time, I made some new friends, I protected them like I'm supposed to, and I even punched out a giant robot! I have to hope I'll make it in, because that? That was fun!

Hope you're doing well, and sorry for ranting so much. I'm just so excited! Can't wait until you're home again and I can talk to you about things in person!

Love,
Heather

PS: Some of the teachers that were there to evaluate seem to have been classmates of yours, and I have more than a couple stories they told me about your behavior while you were here that I'd like to ask you about. If some of them are true, I'd like to argue you're not allowed to ground me for missing curfew ever again!

Platonicsolid
Nov 17, 2008

Arashiofordo3 posted:

:siren::siren:Okay! Testing round!:siren::siren:

How did I beat the test?

I'm. From. The. Future.

Did you not get the wave?

Alright, alright. It's not as if I have memories or data entries on *this particular test*. It's not something we're going to track in eight centuries. But a bit of future insight definitely helped. I almost think the Academy was trying to test me specifically.

I got paired up with Sonica and Observer. Sonica's a nice young woman from Brazil (Chile? Your nations are confusing!) with basic sonic powers, enough to give an unshielded human a headache and help her hover a bit. Observer has super-senses, which could have been amazingly useful, except he only had acute perception - he could tell the differences between subtle shades of color, or hear tiny noises. No x-ray vision or infra-red or pheromone smell.

We got assigned the Bomb scenario, with a bit of a twist - the training field was constantly moving, an attempt to confuse my teleportation powers. Definitely wouldn't want to have appeared inside a wall. Thing is...I did some recon in advance. Turns out the way the training field is structured, the "bomb" is located in a fixed location. That can vary test to test, but it can't move in the way the walls did.

Instead of fighting through the robots inside the variable labyrinth, I skipped it.

What, you didn't think of doing that?

See, neither Observer nor Sonica had figured out the implications of their power sets combined. With Observer's acute hearing, he could sense the tiniest vibrations, and Sonica could create them, so...

...ah, good, you got it! Faster than my partners. We built a primitive SONAR using our powers, Sonica as transmitter, Observer as receiver, with me as the data processor. Thankfully, we didn't need to crunch a lot of numbers or track all the objects, we just had to find the area that stayed constant in all our scans. Once I had it, a quick teleport later, and the "bomb" was chucked into the sky.

I overheard the evaluators say we were the only ones to succeed without engaging the robot adversaries at all. I got yelled at by a couple evaluators. Saying I'd missed the point of the exercise. I swear, sometimes this century baffles me. How do you expect to solve your problems if you never find better answers.

Arashiofordo3
Nov 5, 2010

Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.
:siren::siren:And with that, the thread is closed.:siren::siren:

Thanks everyone who put in the time to apply. I feel like I've been reading no-stop for the past week. And frankly, while there is the thought somewhere in the back of this noggin saying "you could handle 2 threads, right? You're only already running 3 games already. What's an extra one?" That voice is being hunted down and purged for the sake of my soul. We've had some amazing characters here. Some ideas and concepts we've never seen before. I'm serious, you guys. I started wondering if I could take everyone. But I do not have the energy for that many prompts.

So- without any further ado. Here are the successful applicants.


Lyra - The Nomad played by Tricky

Rictus Grin - The Doomed played by ModeWondershot

Columbia - The Legacy played by Rauri

Vibora - The Joined played by TheNabster

Rabbit-Punch - The Beacon played by Tardzilla/Hugzilla

Hecate - The Delinquent Played by Godfish


However! There are some amazing applicants here. And while I know it's not within my ability to run a second team. I am gonna propose a counter option.

If someone wants to step up an GM. We can run two teams of plays inside the same thread. Allowing for cross overs and expand out our school a little bit more. It'll be down to that GM to keep things running on their side, as it'll be a different class within the school. But reach out to me on Discord if you're interested. I think it could be fun.

With that said, commiserations to everyone who wasn't successful. You made these picks really drat difficult.

Successful players, please post your relationships and influence in this thread, and please move your posts onto a googledoc as a back up if you've not done already. I'll get the influence sheet linked on Discord shortly.

Thank you all very much for your time.

TheNabster
Apr 26, 2014

"Today I will cause problems on purpose"
I can't believe I came out of the 20 app thunderdome.



When our team first came together...

quote:

The connection between our two halves was threatened by the crisis. How? By what?

I remember the day my father died in combat with some nameless and unknowable threat, before my mother took up the mantle of Huitzilopotchli as the only person in the family who could viably do so. It was the first and hardest time that as a person, I was reminded that the world of super-heroics behind the glam and glitter were incredibly dangerous even to the strongest of us. The gravity of the situation at hand sometimes doesn't dawn on you until you find yourself in life threatening danger and have to make some tough decisions. I would have preferred if this event for us both was not this soon into our careers.

Circumstances within the fight left us in a bad situation before we had regrouped together as a team, namely that myself and Riley the two normal people with no actual for real powers or advanced technology on hand, had to fight the extra-dimensional demonic debt collector and stall her for time until the rest of the team and hopefully the adult superheroes arrived. This is a situation that requires the absolute care and diligence because one wrong move could result in your death, and it almost did because Riley being Riley she ran in swinging for the fences against an opponent that Columbia couldn't put a dent into.

And she almost died. And I almost died trying to prevent her from dying. We both almost died until the reinforcements showed up and that and I, may have been very harsh when the smoke had settled and we had time alone. I almost watched my Amiga die, I was frightened, I was shaking and I was feeling it and shouted more than I should have, and shouts and cutting words were exchanged until we were both breathlessly sobbing into each other's shoulders. I just hope that this short sharp shock might have taught her some restraint, I absolutely, sincerely hope it did because I don't want to have to go through that again any time soon. I don't want to lose more of the people close to me in my life.

Relationships:

quote:

When you have problems with your other half, you talk to Rictus Grin.

Oh my cherished, precious rival. Your dreams deserve to be realized for you have the drive and the talent to match to see them come to fruition, but sometimes I feel like you are, how do they say it, 'a few spoons short of a full silverware set'? I don't know if it is the very questionable company you keep, your impulse to charge headfirst into the most dangerous threat visible without considering what you're going to do when you get there, or that you seem to be willing to acknowledge that insufferable Firebird as your rival, whilst your true rival is right here beside you but I am greatly concerned at your decisions on your road to glory at times.

And who do I talk to about this? I already got off on bad terms with the Hecate girl (and think she is rather a boor to begin with), Ms. Lyra is distant and aloof to everyone else within her class my radiant self included, and Columbia... Something within my bones doesn't want me to talk to Columbia. So, I talk to Senior Saint-Antonie, as the one member of our little circle who will listen but does not tell, a very valuable commodity to be cherished in this enclosed world of ours.

quote:

You are jealous of the relationship between your other half and Columbia, and you keep trying to interject yourself.

The embodiment of the United States of America herself, a super-heroic legacy by all purposes even if it only goes three generations back and she is very easily the most powerful person in this group. And she clearly thinks highly of Riley Steele I have seen them interact on occasions, quite closely in fact... Far, far too close for me to not feel unpleasant about it. It shouldn't boil my blood to see my classmate talking to my other classmate, but it does, it seethes in my blood.

Columbia is everything I am not. Her family supported her; her nation adores her, her manifested powers have already made her a known hero in her own right, she's perfect, she's powerful, and her mother treats her like her daughter and not... Is this what Riley wants me to be? Am I not a real superhero compared to Senorita Columbia because the abilities of my bloodline have failed to catalyze yet? Do you think she is better than me?

Influence:

Are you more or less trusting than your other half? If more trusting, give out one more Influence than they did. If less, then give out one less Influence than they did (So two all together).

If you didn’t get Influence over your other half, then take it now. If you didn’t give Influence to your other half, then give it now

Rictus Grin - The only other member of the team who Isadora will open up to on occasions, and who knows some of her personal feelings.
Columbia - Try as she might, Isadora cannot stop comparing herself to her immediate adjacent in terms of powers (or rather potential powers)
Rabbit Punch - The Other Half, the partner, the rival. Influence here is a given.

TheNabster fucked around with this message at 23:19 on Jan 2, 2019

Tricky
Jun 12, 2007

after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage


Lyra, the Nomad

When our team first came together...

quote:

We had to deal with a danger I’d met while traveling the farscapes. What was it, and how did we send it away?

So, way back when I was first getting started traveling with The Professor, Colligenda and I crossed paths. She's... hm. You know that whole thing about those demons that trick you into bizarre contracts? Kind of like that, but she's more the platonic ideal of an agreement than something connected to Hell or whatever. She's not even necessarily capable of being malicious, but the way that agreements and contracts can be interpreted can be... dangerous. Very much so. Anyways, long story short, I may have made a promise or three to get out from a jam when we first met. It happens. What I didn't expect was that she interpreted the terms of repayment to be much, much more long-lasting than what I read when I signed.

So, yeah, interdimensional space demon slash law construct came to collect one Lyra Bellant and her associates for repayment of services rendered. While we were walking to class on the first day. Whoops. In all fairness, though, these guys were pretty solid when push came to shove. It was less a fight we could win and more a desperate struggle to fend her off until the authorities detected the intrusion and zapped her to wherever else.

Relationships:

quote:

Rabbit Punch! knows plenty that I don’t about modern Halcyon and how to deal with all the weird things that popped up since I left; I should follow their lead while I’m here.

Apparently, they invented seven hundred different kinds of social media, a bunch of odd trends, and more things I don't even know how to approach. Luckily for me, Rabbit is way excited to break it all down and that means I don't have to think about things too hard. She's also been getting some serious props on that whole can-do attitude and her grit, if not her actual talents. Given that I'm in this to get that piece of paper, I could do a lot worse than to follow her lead.

quote:

Columbia is...well...boring. But that’s okay! I’m going to make them more interesting.

Alright, let's get one thing straight: I haven't been gone long enough to forget the whole Columbia thing. I mean, hell, I grew up on the stuff! It's a little nostalgic... but, really, stars and stripes are way out of style. The whole American dream aesthetic is kinda... questionable, really. I've seen some really cool stuff out there, in the farscapes, and I bet I could really freshen up her whole deal. Who knows? Maybe if she's picking up what I'm throwing down, I'll show her some of it first-hand!

Influence:

quote:

You’re here, but not, and it’s going to take some time before you really commit. Give no one Influence over you.

Tricky fucked around with this message at 19:51 on Jan 1, 2019

Tardzilla
Aug 31, 2006

Rabbit Punch! the Beacon

When our team first came together...

quote:

We found signs that this incident was just the start of something bigger. What were the signs?

Lemme tell ya, I sure as heck never expected to fight some kinda blue... flaming... demon.... thingie on my way to school. She was strong, like, super duper strong, but we held her off long enough for the pros to arrive, so I'll consider that a win for us!

The next day, I got called to Ms. Ainsworth's office. She wanted to talk to me about the fight the other day, and when I walked in, she had this... really grim look on her face, and honestly? After hearing what she had to say, I don't blame her for looking that way. The demon thingie that popped up? That wasn't supposed to happen. The school's got defenses all over the place to prevent situations like that from happening, and apparently, someone's been tampering with them. She and the rest of the staff were looking more into it, but she told me to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior, and to warn the rest of my team about what she told me. She also said I shouldn't talk publicly about it, which I... sorta... am now. Whoops.

Anyways! I've got no idea who's messing around with the school, but when I find them, I'll give 'em a proper Rabbit beat-down!

Relationships

quote:

Hecate is awesome, and you take every chance you get to hang out with them.

Alright, look. I know Hecate's got a reputation to her, and I know she's got that whole bad girl thing going on... But she's just so cool! She's, like, a badass rebel witch! How is that not awesome!? And she's just a ton of fun to be around!

And, uh, this might sound a little strange, but I don't feel pressured at all when I'm around her. When I'm around the others, especially Izzie, I feel like I've always got to be on my A game. Like, I can't slack off for a single moment, or I'll fall behind. But I don't get that feeling when I'm around Hecate. Maybe it's because she reminds me of a few folks from my old neighborhood, but I feel like I can just relax around her, and be myself, and it's nice having someone you can just unwind with. And between you and me? She pretends like she doesn't care, but I totally know that she does. Just don't tell her I said that!

quote:

You’ve got to prove yourself to La Víbora before you feel like a real hero.

Me and Izzie are close. She's my friend, my partner, and, heck, I'd even say she's like an older sis to me. There ain't anyone here I trust more than her, and we make the most kick-rear end tag team duo together!

...But I ain't blind. We might be at the same level for now, but that ain't gonna last very long. Izzie is part of something bigger, way bigger than me, and sooner or later, she's going to get stronger. Stronger than me, and I guess... I guess I'm a little scared that when that happens, she won't need me anymore. What's the use of having a partner when your partner starts holding you back, y'know? In the end of the day, I'm still a regular girl, and I don't got the same divine blood she's got. Still, that doesn't mean I'm going to give up! I'll just train myself even harder, and push myself as far as I can, and show her how far I can go! And then maybe, I'll be able to stand proud beside her!

Influence:

quote:

You are so excited to be here. Give Influence over you to three of your teammates.

La Víbora: She's my partner and BFF! And you better not mess with either of us, or you're going to regret it!

Hecate: Like I said, she's just fun to hang out with. She's got a surly side to her, but heck, I don't mind, but uh, maybe it'd be nice if she could drink/smoke a little less?

Lyra: Dude! Have you seen all those cool blasters and stuff she's got!? And she's like, some kinda inter-dimensional traveler or something!? Man, I can only dream of some of the stuff she must've seen. But even with everything she's experienced, she's still having a little trouble adjusting to modern life, since she's been gone for so long, so I took it upon myself to help her out, and show her all the cool stuff she missed out on!

Columbia: When I heard Columbia was on my team, I miiiiiight've freaked out. A little. Can ya blame me? Her family's a legend! They're like, real, honest-to-goodness heroes, the kind I wanna be like, and I, uh, might have gone into full fangirl mode when I met her, hehe. It's a good thing she didn't mind it, or things would've gotten awkward! I was a little surprised at how well we both got along, too, and it really made me feel honored when she trusted me enough to tell me her family's secret, y'know? She's just great, and I can only hope to be half the hero she is one day.

Tardzilla fucked around with this message at 17:11 on Jan 2, 2019

ModeWondershot
Dec 30, 2014

Portu-geezer
Rictus Grin, the Doomed

When our team first came together…

quote:

We paid a high cost for victory. What was it?

"Ms. Jones taught me that demons tend to have long memories, hence why we...no, they deal in contracts with an intent to screw over clients in the long run. So, when the party started on the way to school with a...I don't think she was a demon, but she sure looked the part, I was going to let it be and just keep walking until...I smelled sulfur.

There's no way it could have been the same smell from back then in retrospect, but I had already rushed in to...well, not exactly lend a hand but at least see if I could get some information given the chance. I tried to get her in an arm-lock one of Ms. Jones' trainers once taught me, but I was a bit slow and she slipped out and faced me directly. While we mostly talked in the middle of attacks I managed to get in a few words and I wasn't sure if she recognized me, but I did a little evaluation like Ms. Jones taught me. Determined the risk of providing information versus potential reward. If she seemed interested, then I could make some real progress.

I told her who I was looking for, and I am pretty sure she was surprised when she heard the name, and that was enough to distract her such that she was caught from behind by backup.

(Maybe I should call that trick 'The Theseus')

Unfortunately, when the cavalry showed up and brought her down, I realized that I had told a potential enemy what I was after, and didn't know what she could do to me or my classmates with that information. Even worse, the fuzz had a pile of questions about what she was dong there and I think we ended up drawing a lot of attention to ourselves, regardless of the fact that most of us probably had nothing to do with it. Guess I still have to learn to keep that tic under control."

Relationships

quote:

You told Lyra Bellant all about your doom and the danger you're in.
"She seemed as though she would know something about the bastard considering how much she's been traveling, and she was asking a bunch of questions at the time so...I guess I...kind of...spilled the beans. She seemed to take it in stride though, which is all right by me. Shame she didn't seem to recognize him based on the description and info I provided. Might have to ask her if she knows about any demons I could get answers out of."

quote:

You'd love to kiss La Vibora before your doom comes.
"Uh...well...she is pretty cool and an asskicker besides...and when I was a bit younger I was kind of into pro wrestling...Quit making me talk so much."

Influence

quote:

These people matter for what you need to do. Give Influence to two of your teammates.
Columbia

"Having the divine on your side is sure helpful when you fight someone who deals with devils. Beyond that I'm sure most people wouldn't expect a divine and profane duo on the same team. Come to think of it, we sort of have more than one of those, don't we?"

Hecate

"Of course, having a doubly profane duo is even more dangerous, and she could have some key arcane knowledge that Doc doesn't. I'll owe her all the drinks in my stash if she comes through for me.”

ModeWondershot fucked around with this message at 05:23 on Jan 2, 2019

Arashiofordo3
Nov 5, 2010

Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.
:siren::siren:FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:siren::siren:

Phoenix School is happy to announce two new teachers to run further classes.

- Mistaya

&

- Professor_curly

They will be announcing their own class lists soon.

mistaya
Oct 18, 2006

Cat of Wealth and Taste



"Excuse me, where did you think you were going, exactly?"
...

"Home? You didn't get into hero school? How sad for you! But are you sure about that?"
...

"Well, it looks like it's your lucky day. Because I, Pop Quiz, the Mistress of Questions, have decided to finally accept... UGH, Tenure."
...

"What does that mean, you ask? Why it means that there's a whole new classroom full of empty seats for good little heroes in training, heroes who thought they were being sent home. Heroes like... you."
...!

"Hahahahaha! I do love an eager student! Welcome to class 2-B. Don't be late. Ever."

-----------

The Phoenix-verse Expands! PLEASE REPORT TO CLASS B:

Lucidus, played by professor_curly
Cassiopeia, played by Wol
Tsutsumi, played by Aesculus
Pyralis, played by ARB
Blue Shift, played by Reletless
Dryad played by Dracula Factory

professor_curly
Mar 4, 2016

There he is!
It's the first day of classes. The sun is peaking over the horizon, but hasn't quite risen far enough to shine directly onto the floating paradise of Halcyon. But the bright blue sky is just right for the high hopes and ambitions of the students of the Academy, ready to begin their journey onto the road of heroism. Or at least, that's the road most of them are setting off on. For others may not be so clear.

The students of Class C are gathered in their homeroom, right on time. It was made extremely clear that they should be on time. At 7:00 sharp, a woman flies in the window. Not an odd sight on Halcyon to be sure, but when she settles onto the floor it is with the sound of a bag of bricks falling off a hundred story building. At least, that's what it seems like in the confined space.



"Alright Class C, settle down. I'm your new homeroom teacher, Singularity. You may call me Ms. Sing. I've been a hero for decades, and I've seen all sorts of powers, abilities and inventions. You don't impress me. I expect you here on time in the morning and again in the afternoon. I don't care what the other teachers do, and I don't care what you can get away with outside. In this classroom what I say, goes. You have all been gifted with powers that defy most people's imagination, and at least here you will learn to use them responsibly. I will call roll in the morning and the afternoon - if you are not here then you'd best be in the medical wing or have express permission to be elsewhere. One day you are all going to be heroes out on your own. But right now you're students. My students. Now spend five minutes among yourselves - introduce yourself to your surrounding students, and then I'll have you introduce yourself as I call roll."

The roll call goes on and on, of course, as they always do. But on this particular day, six names stand out as the stand-out stars of Class C.

Only time would tell if they are auspicious stars, or not...

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

Welcome to Class C:
mistaya - Polaris
Transient People -- Heirloom
Ferrosol -- Zephyr
Not Operator -- Cascade
Yami Fenrir -- Smile
TheFireMagi -- Concerto

Rauri
Jan 13, 2008





When our team first came together…

quote:

All things considered, we did well and impressed an established hero. Who was it?

As far as I'm concerned, if I hit one of our enemies with a full-powered flying punch, and it barely staggers them? We're in for a bad time as a team. That said, I thought we acquit ourselves fairly well overall - the duo's tag-team antics amplified their effectiveness, Lyra and Hecate both did what they could to keep us out of harms way or her distracted or disoriented, while Rictus came up with some clever mindgame to say to her that I couldn't quite overhear.

For my part, I mostly leaped to tank hits that that extra-dimensional creep would've landed on my classmates, which I at least think worked out for the most part... even if I am still really sorry about having been blasted through the training fields' concession stand.

Luckily for all of us, I'm not the only one that thinks we did a great job. RAID was one of the first professionals on the scene - which I suppose makes sense, given that she used to teach at the school and she has all kind of high-tech toys - and afterwards she made sure to tell us that most students probably wouldn't have reacted as cohesively as we did, and then she gave us her card. Mom's spoken highly of her, so I can only hope that we get to work with her in the future!

Relationships

quote:

You once got caught breaking your legacy's rules with Hecate.

We... we shouldn't have done this, but it was so much fun.

Initially I thought the two of us would have a lot of problems, which just goes to show I need to be a little less judgey, but it turns out that we've watched some of the same shows and things sort of snowballed from there. Before long after learning we were in the same class, the two of us were at Halcyon Heights amusement park in our civilian clothes. It's sort of a thing that, I mean, I'm essentially an eleven out of ten on every hotness scale, and we may have taken advantage of that a little bit more than mom or Grandma would've been comfortable with... but I mean, free food and rides, that's not that big a crime, right? I'm pretty sure it's not actually even a crime to take free stuff, but I still feel a little guilty about it...

What I don't feel guilty about though, is the tattoo I got. Normally I wouldn't have dreamed of getting one, but Hecate was both so insistent once I mentioned the idea - and able to shut off my toughness long enough for the tattooworker to do their thing - but yeah, I've got a cool tattoo of a dragon I drew from my favorite show on my left shoulder, and even though mom is going to go ballistic when she finds out, I'm still really glad I got persuaded to get it. Might as well start the next chapter in my life with something like it, right?

quote:

You trust Rabbit Punch! and told them an important secret of your legacy.

A totally physically normal girl that got here through sheer guts, and the help of a friend, because she wanted to be a hero? I bet I have a lot to learn from her, and I'm extremely glad she's in my class. Not to mention we sort of hit it off and have hung out enough that I trust her, so...

I told her that, just between us two, there's actually a limit to my family's powers. Take enough damage, and I mean thankfully I'm talking thousands of heavy hits over decades - and our powers start to fade. Maybe it's because America is a young nation, or something? It's the primary reason Gran retired, I'm worried that mom may be starting to feel it and she's not told me, and I mean... I'm scared about losing mine one day. It's selfish, but I don't want to ever stop being a hero.

Influence

quote:

You're a part of this team, for better or worse, and you care what they think. Give influence to all of your teammates.

Hecate - Ohhh, Hecate's a lot of fun, even if she is a bit of a bad influence. While I did have a lot of fun with her that night, I think I gotta try to get her trending towards being a proper-ish heroine. Those things said, she's like Lyra in that her powers really complement mine... though her ability to shut off powers concerns me a little. What does it say about my supposed semi-divinity if it can just be taken away?

La Víbora - Ohhh, we're so lucky to have the daughter of Huitzilopochtli on our team! Even if she doesn't have all the powers I'd figured she might, she's still certain to be heroic-minded - her mom and my mom have been teammates before after all. Still, she seems kinda standoffish for now... maybe I can do stuff with both her and Rabbit Punch at once to make things less awkward for her?

Lyra - While she's a little distant - and after her experiences, who wouldn't be - I know that Lyra's here at this Academy because she sincerely wants to be a hero, which means we have things to bond over. Bet she could use me introducing her to some cool classmates of ours that I'm sure she'll get along with. Also, those blasters and rifts of hers? Super cool, and they totally complement what I can do.

Rabbit Punch! - Rabbit Punch has more heart but less power than anyone else on our team - and heart is the most important quality a hero can have. She's also a total sweetheart, an excellent training partner, and the only person on the team I've trusted with with a major secret of my legacy. I know Vibora is her best bud, but surely she won't mind me helping RP out too?

Rictus Grin - I have to say, of everyone, I understand him the least. It's obvious that he's linked to... something bad? And yet the Academy let him in, so it's not my place to judge him for it, and I'll try not to - I'm sure when he wants to talk to someone about it, he'll know I'm available. In the meantime I've taken to sparring with him - he's sorta strong and fast, kinda like I am, so it's a bit more even than it'd be against most of my classmates!

Rauri fucked around with this message at 07:11 on Jan 2, 2019

professor_curly
Mar 4, 2016

There he is!
Class C

Post your relationship questions/answers and starting opinions of everyone else in the appropriate discord channel, to keep things relatively neat.

GodFish
Oct 10, 2012

We're your first, last, and only line of defense. We live in secret. We exist in shadow.

And we dress in black.

When our team first came together…
We totally broke some major rules to win the fight. What rules did we break? Whose rules were they?

So... I don't really get what was going on there. But when some blue-raspberry flame-headed lady in a suit - Tch - shows up trying to kidnap you and your classmates, you don't just sit around any let them. I don't care what the school's rules on 'engaging with external threats and invasions' is, if we'd waited for the teachers to show up, Lyra at least would have been in... dunno, space prison?, if not all of us. The Bad Witches don't leave friends behind, and even if I'm not with them, I won't let that spirit down. I gave that debt collector bitch a good baseball bat to the back of the head to kick things off - I don't think it really did much though besides get everyone else to stop worrying about fighting on campus though - and we kept her busy enough until the pros turned up and kicked her out. So sure, maybe we broke nearly all of the school's security and fighting rules, but rules don't loving matter. Oh, and we might have broken a building or two, too.

Relationships
You keep trying to impress Rictus Grin with your antics.
Look, there's no point impressing people who are easy to impress - no, there is, but like, it's less, satisfying? You know? I'm not here because I want to be, but since I am here, I'm not going to let anyone think the Dark Witch Hecate, leader of the Bad Witches from back home isn't someone you don't want to mess with. I'm a badass take no poo poo kind of girl, and I don't care how jaded Rictus thinks he is, I'm cool, and he's going to acknowledged that! I got him some weed, and he definitely seemed to appreciate it, but... not the same thing. I'll get there!

You and Lyra pulled an awesome (if illegal) stunt together.
It doesn't take a genius to tell when someone else doesn't want to be here, so Lyra and I hit it off pretty early. And oh man, she's pretty cool, she's had all sorts of adventures out in space, and even if I'm not particularly sure I believe half of them, anyway, the point is, we get each other, and we both know that stuff like 'rules' don't really matter. Blah blah, long story short, we were feeling a bit cramped in school, and talking about how she should get some souvenirs and, well, we ended up in Paris, checking out the sights...

Unrelated to that, apparently, someone stole the Eiffel Tower, a note left on the scene says it's been relocated to the moon, I hear France's space probe will be entering orbit in a day or so. I think we'll try and visit another couple landmarks before they vanish and people start catching on. I'm thinking Taipei 101 and maybe that opera house down in Australia? They're all pretty recognizable, I think they'll look good in her collection, don't you? And really... is there actually a law against shrinking buildings down and pocketing them? I don't think so.

Influence
You care way more than you let on. Give three teammates Influence over you.

Columbia: She might be the exact opposite of someone like me, but she's got spirit, and she hasn't completely bought into her whole thing. She's actually pretty fun to hang out with once she loosens up, I can tell she wants to break out of her mold, she just needs a bit of a push, and I'm the one to give it to her. You should have heard her protesting before we got her that tattoo, but afterwards, she was so thrilled with it, it was adorable! Also, she's like, insanely hot, so.

Rictus Grin: Look, he's cool, he's dark and gloomy. I'm into that. I think I explained this more above, anyway.

Lyra: So. Cool. Space/Time traveling, world monument 'stealing', knows school is just as much a waste of time as I do, on the wrong side of the law, she's awesome. I'm awesome. We're awesome.

GodFish fucked around with this message at 04:05 on Jan 2, 2019

Relentless
Sep 22, 2007

It's a perfect day for some mayhem!




quote:

When our team first came together... Someone important publicly challenged my acceptance to the Academy, Who/How?

Singularity. Ms. Sing. She was supposed to be my homeroom teacher... Okay, she wasn't ENTIRELY out of line. AEGIS and Dr. Brekovich worked out a deal where she could come see me on my first day of school each year, plus graduation and any medal ceremonies. No projectile weapons, no class C lasers or above on her armor, and she'd have a free pass in and out. It was the only way she'd agree to me going to Phoenix without completely losing her poo poo. Anyway, it was fine, until she started guilt tripping me, insulting Janet Brekovich. I didn't see Janet around, but Mom just had to press that button. I kinda lost it. Not in a powered way, just a teenage girl way. There was screaming on both sides. Not my finest moment. It probably would have been kind of okay, except...

quote:

My parent once fought and thrashed Lucidus; I’ve got to find a way to make it up to them.

So, I got background notes on a lot of my classmates from Dr. Brekovich. I had NO CLUE who this dude was. A knight in shining armor, literally reflecting rainbows, riding a goddamn unicorn.

He rode up RIGHT as I was telling my mother I wish she'd gently caress off back to the Nth Dimension, and she was threatening to take me home and throw me in the dungeons. And CHALLENGES HER.

I wasn't thinking, maybe I could have stopped it, but... Well, I didn't. And then making things worse, whatever magic fancy light sword thing he has is apparently brand new, because my mom's armor shielding didn't adjust to it in time. Her magic wards caught a lot of it, but he knocked her over. Dented her armor. I tried to jump on her to stop her from hurting him, I sapped some of the power from her suit before the magic runes counterbalanced and blew me backwards. He flew up, his armor LITERALLY shining, so she pulled her mace out and went after him. They fought RIGHT in front of the Academy. It didn't last long before she caught him in a feint and got him in the head on the backswing.

Singularity caught him in a gravity well, and then launched my mom into low orbit.

It wasn't exactly public, but everybody could hear her yelling at anybody of any importance that my mere presence was endangering the entire academy, and she'd bring the whole place down herself before she lets my mom hurt another student.

quote:

Dryad is the only one who understands what I’m going through; I told them which part of me I wished was more like my parent.

I didn't have the guts to talk to Lucidus for like, the first WEEK. But I did end up hanging out with Dryad. He's new, he has some shapeshifty powers like me, we ended up doing some homework together. I was just venting about the whole thing with my mom, he was talking about how hosed up the situation with his dad is... I mean... she's not all bad. Not just the mom parts. Even as a villain, she has plans within plans and contingencies for her contingencies. That's how she pushed my buttons, got me to completely lose my poo poo. Honestly, if Lucidus hadn't shown up and monkeywrenched it with his magic sword, I might not be here. I need to learn to control my emotions like her... without becoming her.

quote:

Influence: This team may be the key to proving you’re different from your parent, but you don’t want to be defined by your peers, either. Give Influence to 2 teammates.
Lucidus: He's got guts, I'll give him that. I'm not sure I can make up for what my mom did to him, but I want to try.
Cassiopeia: At the end of the day, I'm waging a PR war. Cass can make or break me, and she doesn't even know it.

Dracula Factory
Sep 7, 2007



quote:

When our team first came together...Someone you just met inspired you to take action! Who was it, and what nickname did they give you afterwards?
The police officers just dropped me off at the school, I've never had to be out in public by myself like this before, I didn't know what to do. But then I actually saw someone I recognized! It was Cassiopeia from those vids on the net! She has millions of friends and followers, She had to know what was going on! I went up to her and soon enough we were talking and she even took a selfie of us together! I told her about some misgivings I had about my name and my appearance, about how everyone but my Dad has a hard time saying it, and she said I should call myself whatever I want and not worry about how I look, especially here at Phoenix. Before I talked to her, I was starting to think this whole school idea was one big mistake, but hearing her say that made me feel a lot better. Before we could finish talking, Queen Catastrophe had started some trouble and her robots attacked the students, and I knew I had to act!

Relationships posted:

Cassiopeia is an exemplary human; they show you around and tell you how things work. The behavior of Pyralis confuses you again and again; you’re determined to
understand humanity better by studying them.
Cassiopeia is so famous and I'm actually in the same class as she is! I want to learn how to make friends, and nobody here has more friends than she does! Pyralis is different though, she doesn't act like the other students. She is not as open to joy and possibility as the other students, and I want to know her better to understand why that is.

Influence posted:

You’re receptive to how people think and behave around you. Give Influence to all of your teammates.
I just want to be a normal kid with real friends, not just staring at other people's live through the internet like I have been forced to do. All of my teammates are so cool, I hope I can learn from them and be like them one day. Now I have a chance to make real friends with them, I can't screw it up! I just hope I don't embarrass myself.

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professor_curly
Mar 4, 2016

There he is!
Lucidus

When our team first came together... posted:

We didn’t trust each other at first, but that changed. Why?

During the battle we each revealed ourselves in turn. To an outsider we must seem a truly motley collection. But through our actions we each showed our worth to our fellows... Even if we didn't prove it to ourselves.

Blueshift - "Everyone looked at her and saw her mother's face... But she turned on her mother's machines, and she took part of the magic that was meant for Lucidus. She proved to the team she had stepped out of Queen Catastrophe's shadow. Even if she doesn't beleive it herself."

Lucidus - "Everyone looked on and thought him a fool... He walked up in his shining armor and rainbow banner, challenging a powerful villain as though he were destined to win. He paid for it, but he got up and charged again. Realized the robots were after Blueshift, and how to use that to defeat them. He proved to the team his mind can be as sharp as his blade. Even if he doubts it more than anyone."

Tsutsumi - "Everyone looked at him and saw a child playing at heroics... A boy with a bow, and almost no training. But he stood against the machines of Catastrophe all the same, and his arrows sailed true to their targets time and time again. He proved that he was an integral part of the team. Even if he isn't sure he belongs here."

Dryad - "Everyone looked at him and saw a thing... This strange plant creature, an experiment with ill understood powers. Powers that ripped apart metal bodies from the inside out. But he brought harm to no creature, and took a stand against evil. By the end the team saw he was a person. Even if he was an extremely impressionable one."

Pyralis - "Everyone looked on and a dragon... A magical creature of power and majesty, a growing evil that would one day have to be stopped. But not on this day. She shielded her new friends with her invulnerable scales and built a wall of flames against all attack. She showed the team the hero beneath. Even if she knows it is hopeless."

Cassiopeia - "Everyone looked on and saw her vanity... Her pretty hair and dazzling makeup. A flashy display of light. But she saw the bigger picture, the director of our first performance. A hardworking, determined mind underneath the glamour. She showed the team appearances can be deceiving. Even if it is all for the fans."

Relationships posted:

You’ve been learning about Earth by spending time with Cassiopeia.

You have a crush on Blueshift but you keep it under wraps.

Miss Cassiopeia is very wise. Apparently millions of people look to her using the scrying cubes for advice on all sorts of matters. She has helped me understand that maybe my upbringing was not as... correct, as I would have thought. I believe she is a priestess of some form of light goddess, perhaps having to do with beauty as well? Or perhaps the elaborate facepainting rituals that she preaches to her followers are ceremonial, not directly having to do with the deity's portfolio at all. I would ask but I don't know how to do so without sounding like a braying rear end. However I think I know the name of the deity she serves - "Toliecommen'tansuscribe"

I don't know if I'm spelling that correctly. I have attempted to research this god but the library is devoid of references and the librarian was as confused as I. However Miss Cassiopeia piously tells her followers to remember "Toliecommen'tansuscribe"
after every scrying session. I shall continue my investigation.

---

Oh, her grace Princess Blueshift? She grew up with her mother, Queen Catastrophe, but made the choice to reject her mother and walk a different path. She is strong, independent, a powerful fighter and knowledgeable in classical magic as well as the science-magic of the Outworld. When she laughs I can't help but smile, and when rage darkens her visage I find my mood darkening as well. And -

Do I like her? What sort of question is that? She's a princess, and I'm a squire of no name or rank. A foolish question for sure. But perhaps foolish questions follow fools...

Influence posted:

You are just excited to be here. Give everyone influence.

I have had a taste of the Outworld, and now I want to learn everything I can. I want to know these strange ways and the strange people that live here, to see the Truth with my own eyes and see what it is. These warriors stood by me in my idiotic crusade against the Sorceress Catastrophe, without even knowing my name. If that was not proof enough of their worth, I don't know what would be.

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