Suddenly, the situation they'd had firmly under control with them possessing the advantage got quite suddenly turned around. While his compatriots dealt with their own issues his attention turned to the blur of movement that swiftly became a sound of something hitting the ground. His mind moved fast in the moment and reached a swift conclusion: He didn't want to know what anything the enemy threw at them was or could do, he just wanted it to
not do it. So it was that almost as soon as the tear gas grenade landed he put a hand on Sofia's shoulder and yelled,
"Ignore it!"His other hand was aimed at the object in question. He really hoped that she did it fast, because while the likelihood of it being some kind of frag grenade was almost non-existent, he couldn't help but worry. More likely it was some kind of chemical agent or containment foam meant to immobilize. Either way it was
bad fucking news and his state of near panic, adrenaline pumping, caused him to inject a small dose of his power when he had yelled at her. If it would have normally made her freeze up to be yelled at in a highly dangerous new situation, then now it would instead let her act more easily.
Later he would answer for it if necessary—but more likely no one would even know he had done it and if they did...he could honestly say that it was an unintentional use of his power.
Of course, maybe he'd used it because he knew he could handle the situation. Knew that, with his power, everyone would move accordingly...do what he wanted, what they
needed to do for all of them to get through this in one piece, together, with their cargo in tow. He could probably get Broker to recognize the
necessity of his power if they pulled this off
because of his ability taking hold of the reins. Perhaps he could make it strong enough to effect Broker, no, not perhaps FOR SURE.
Then it hit him...he may have been confident, but he was no fool, and Broker was immune to all powers that attempted to effect him overtly--his train of thought didn't make any sense. What the hell was going on? It didn't matter! He could handle i-- NO, not true. His power had virtually no use in a combat situation. He was human, he told himself, trying to ground himself against the waves of confidence. His eyes narrowed, but his focus remained on Sofia and the canister. Maybe he could kick it away? No...he may have been in a good shape, but that might break the canister. It was strange to question himself in this way, it reminded him of old...disgusting habits he'd had when he was younger...before his power. Gritting his teeth, he began reciting as many of his own flaws and failings in his head as he possibly could, letting the old beast that had been his anxiety surface just a little bit. He'd conquered it...so now he'd use it to keep himself under control...hopefully.
As she began wiping away the tears, just a little embarrassed—though Messia—Alessa's own grief and excitement warmed her heart and helped somewhat. When their new leader kissed Ira's cheeks she couldn't help but chuckle, until of course Alessa did the same to her, causing her cheeks to flush—though it was hard to tell since they had already been a bit red from emotion. So she swallowed her awkwardness as best she could and simply smiled at the others—Alessa included.
She watched with a small kernal of amusement as their leader tried to organize her thoughts and emotions, resulting in her being something of a happy mess. Still, it was better than the crushing grief that had plagued Alessa before. Even though they hadn't known one another long, she decided that she much preferred a happy Alessa to an upset one. When Alessa left she smiled at the other wards, including even the broody Margrave, before waving and excusing herself.
She headed for her room, finally feeling somewhat free of emotional baggage, and promptly changed into something more comfortable after which she laid down and promptly let the world go, slipping into what would be a surprisingly restful sleep. However, before that, she managed to remember to call her parents and tell them she was sleeping at PRT HQ...just so they wouldn't worry. After that...well, the world drifted away with her consciousness and that was that.
BA-RING BA-RING BA-RING
She woke with a start, confused, unsure of where she was or what time it was, before her world settled back into place, she felt the comforting presence of her projection, and then managed to find her phone and turn off the garrish alarm. In about an hour it would be time for her first training session with the team, but for now she could lay back down an—no! She sat up straight and then leaned back against the wall and laughed a bit. She'd almost let herself go right back to sleep.
Almost.
After a minute or two of acclimating herself to being awake, she hopped out of bed, took a shower, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and finally stood in her room with a slight pout as she tried to decide what to wear. Should she put on her full costume for training...get used to moving in it, or should she wear something more casual.
After a few moments of contemplation she decided she'd just slip into her costume, that way if they got put on patrol or called to duty for some reason she'd be ready. Besides, she really needed to get used to the outfit, adjust to it, let it adjust to her. She'd worn it before, of course, but still.
Once she was dressed she headed for the Gymnasium and upon arrival greeted the other wards with a smile—since she had decided against donning her mask. She had brought it with her, but not put it on.
Looking around she noticed Protean and felt her heart leap in her chest, a feeling of elation swelling. They were actually about to receive training from a member of the Protectorate.
Soooo cool she thought with glee, the joy shining through her eyes and lighting up her fave somewhat. In the area around her, if one was looking closely, a silvery glimmer could be seen, shifting almost like hot gas clashing with cold air. Its shape was entirely indistinct.
Then Protean began talking and she noticed the absence of their second in command. As Protean explained a frown came over her features, though it was slight. Dean's departure from the team had been silent...he hadn't even said goodbye. They'd effectively lost two wards in one—she cut the thought off, swallowing hard and reminding herself that they'd found a way to help Collin and even though the Director was almost sure not to allow him to rejoin the team—not to mention the fact that he'd be incapable of using his power to begin with—at least he'd be alive and well.
After reading the letter, which caused her slightly more distress, Evelyn was glad to have Protean order physical activity. She was in good shape and while five laps wouldn't be much for her, it would certainly be a welcome distraction. So she took to it swiftly, probably even the first of her teammates to do so. She wondered how the others would fare.
As the attention of the various capes on the rooftop shifted to him, Jake found it interesting to watch their varied reactions. Most were wary, some didn't seem to respond at all, one was downright terrified, and one was...amicable? Huh, he hadn't expected that and it made him a bit happy honestly, happy that someone other than his sister could tell that he wasn't threatening to them.
When Furnace spoke up, Outsider moved his head slightly, as if to regard the cape while he spoke, though he couldn't help but glean a measure of amusement regarding the figure's pose. He even had a few passing—if somewhat disturbing—thoughts regarding any of them threatening him. Of course, it was bad to assume and was also a moot point since he was a hero. When Furnace was done, for he knew it could only be said cape—and the strange green-clad woman had spoke, he responded.
“Call me Outsider, and I'm no threat” as he spoke, his voice would sound strange, somewhat hollow and sonorous, almost as if it were coming from somewhere removed, its tone infused with the slightest amusement, though it was more neutral than anything else. It was additionally strange due to the fact that it had no true origin point. While they would be able to tell it was
his voice after a moment, they would have trouble pinpointing where it had come from exactly as it was only directional meaning that one could really only tell that it was coming from his general direction.
Chuckling slightly, the sound initially a bit difficult to identify as such, he spoke again,
“...ah and I'm not an Endbringer either, just a relatively new independent hero. A cape, just like the rest of you.... Though my power is a bit strange.” As he said it he focused on his human form and suddenly—faster than they could blink—the creature was gone, replaced instead by a human figure, in costume. His costume was relatively simple, its colors about as neutral as its tone had been consisting of a
sleeveless shirt, and pants—with gray and black, white boots and a white mask that covered only the space around his eyes and the bridge of his nose. Beyond that there were only a pair of gloves, half white and half black in coloration.
“Sorry to startle,” he said, holding his hands up to show they were empty before dropping them to his sides where they slipped into pockets. His posture, while straight, had something about it that oozed a relaxed nature. His voice, now not at all hollow, was human, but just as neutral as before, though there was a note of an apology there. All in all, he hoped he'd seem as harmless as he felt.
