[IC] Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

[Artifex]

The mood in the room seemed to have shifted into uneasy territory when the kid mentioned that he could communicate with ghosts. TB completely left the building, Wraith appeared to be on edge, and even Raven Tale seemed to be a bit fidgety. Manny didn’t really have any fear of ghosts, but it looked like a few in the group had things that were haunting them.

So, I guess that settles the question about his powers...but why would Umbra need a kid who can talk to ghosts? And how did he get away from someone as powerful as Umbra?

Just then, Tank stepped up to the plate to comfort the boy, despite his imposing size. Apparently, the big guy had a big heart to match and was able to win the boy’s affection. Manny smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

Finally, he calmed down...hopefully he stays that way. He might have some really valuable information on Umbra...plus, we gotta keep him safe and he won’t let us do that if he doesn’t trust us.

When the boy had released Ditch and she moved to the edge of the stage, Manny looked down at what remained of the bracelet. He scooped it up as Ditch finally explained the reason she called them all in the first place. His expression dropped at the mention of mind control.

Was he using mind control on the boy? This is just keeps getting worse…

Manny got up and walked to the edge of the stage, patting Tank on the shoulder when he passed. He hopped off and stood next to where Ditch was sitting.

“I hope since you know that we’re dealing with mind control that you also have come up with a way to fight against it.”

Manny held the bracelet out to Ditch.

“Also, if the kid was aware of wearing this thing, maybe it doesn’t have much to do with the mind control. I could be wrong, but that’s just a thought. Perhaps we can study it.”

He quickly closed his hand and held the bracelet in his pocket.

“But only after you get some rest. I heard you say that you haven’t slept the entire time that we’ve been away, and as the person who had to walk you back to HQ...I’m not gonna let you work yourself to death.”

[Lasrever]

Wraith

It took Wraith a minute to realise that she was being spoken to. She looked at Reaper, shaking her head. "No. The place was pretty much dead, nothing but rats. Whoever left that thing is long gone. Best case scenario, they don't come back today." she looked at the ground, a dark look crossing her face. "Worst case scenario, the dogs have run off to tell their master, and they're gonna come back with a few friends soon enough."

Wraith's worries were only growing as time passed. The longer they took here, the longer they spent trying to help this kid, the more likely it seemed that someone could come knocking. She didn't feel like trying to take on some of the supers on Umbra's side. While she was confident in her abilities, taking on people like Lava King wasn't suited to her fighting style. She wasn't in the right state of mind to fight right now, anyway. She glanced over at Tank and the ghost kid, who seemed to be comforted by the big guy.

Honestly, the kid's abilities were freaky. Not that any abilities were normal, exactly, but his creeped her out. If Umbra's minions burst in, she had to admit that part of her would consider leaving the kid behind. Sure, that would probably make her a bad person, but she hadn't asked to be caught up in a rescue mission. It wasn't her job to cover for others' mistakes. Or maybe it was. What did I sign up for?

Anyway, Ditch finally seemed to be getting to the point, to Wraith's relief. Once she'd heard the old thing, she couldn't help but feel a little doubt about the idea of taking on whoever was working with Umbra. Mind control was tricky to deal with, and that was putting it lightly. It was also one of the few powers that she was actually afraid of. The idea of someone rooting around in her head made her skin crawl.

She found herself with nothing to say. Well, almost nothing. She had plenty of things to say, but most of them would start up a confrontation which no-one needed right now. As Omega offered help to Ditch, Wraith just barely held her tongue. She'd slightly forgotten that her mask was off, and her expression was much easier to read than normal, and anyone that looked could probably see her irritation and slight anger at the whole stupid situation.

Wraith sighed, walking over to her bag. She supposed that she should try to be useful, or make some kind of suggestion, but she felt like she'd do more harm than good by speaking right now. Eventually, though, she couldn't keep her mouth shut. "So, do we have some kind of plan? Or are we just gonna sit here playing babysitter and wait for whoever left that bracelet to turn up?" she said coldly. "I don't know about you guys, but I don't feel like staying here and wait for a bunch of mind controlled supers to beat my face in for the sake of some kid you found on the street."

Perhaps she'd been a little harsh there with what she'd said. She couldn't help it - the ghost thing had left her feeling a little jumpy, which made her a bit more hostile than normal. Call it a coping mechanism. Besides, she felt like what she was saying was true for the most part, and someone had to point out the problems with recent events without being so emotionally attached to things. Might as well be her job, seeing as most of these guys were apparently way too sentimental. How some of them had even got into this line of work, she had no idea.

[Korkoa]

TURN BACK

After a tense few moments of attempting to regain his composure, Jason Graves turned around and headed back towards the abandoned theater. Hopefully his mother had heard his plea and the boy could get some rest. He slipped inside the building and headed over to the stage where the child seemed to have fallen asleep on top of Tank. Grabbing his discarded hoodie from the floor, Jason handed it to the large man, whispering to him as he tried to listen in to the current conversation. "Take this for him. I'm figuring out something slightly more permanent until we can sort this Umbra shit out."

He stepped closer to the crowd around Ditch, letting out a slow breath as he started to allow himself to get angry at the mention of mind control. Something about that rubbed him very much the wrong way. What rubbed him even worse though, was Wraith's comment about the boy. "Some kid? You mean the child who is, thus far the only person we know of who's escaped Umbra? The boy who was found alone, sick, and injured in the shittiest part of this city? Yeah, let's ignore him. Toss him back out on the street, why don't we? Do you have any idea what the homeless epidemic in this city looks like? How many people, how many families, how many children are alone out there? How many of them have to sleep on benches and beg for pennies?" He had walked closer now, his prosthetic hand clenched at his side. "I am not tossing that poor, innocent child back out into that godforsaken shithole we call home. You're right about one thing though, we do need a plan. If we go up against a mind controler without one, we're going to literally die." Jason was addressing the group now, though his eyes were still focused on Wraith. "And you're right about one other thing, we can't plan very well while we have to worry about the boy. That's why we need to find a place for him to go before anything else. I have a place, I'm willing to offer my home to him. It's not the Hilton or other fancy fucking hotel, but it's safe and warm and he'll have food and someone to watch over him. If anyone else has any ideas, I'm glad to hear them. But I think we have to take care of him first, and then deal with Shithead McMindcontrol." He turned away and focused his attention on Ditch, interested in what she had to say, but adding under his breath quietly; "Somehow I'm the one out us two with some goddamn human empathy, how the fuck does that happen..."

[Blazion]

The boy had fallen asleep finally, against their resident behemoth to boot. Seems that Tank was nothing but a big teddy bear to a distressed child, all soothing words and gentle reassurance. It was quite a feat, and Reaper was rather glad as her own powers began to settle; distressed children made Zoey antsy. However there was little to celebrate, as her feet began moving, pacing once more as Ditch’s explanation began to settle in her mind. The others seemed equally appalled with her little discovery.

How do you fight mind control?

Reaper doubted that Ditch had any more insight into how it worked considering she didn’t offer anything else up. That was all they had – the knowledge that Umbra had the deadly power under his command, somehow, not even the details of how! Just glowing purple eyes. Omega was right, however, that they needed to study the bracelet. Ditch looked dead on her feet on top of being soaked to the bone, so she doubted that would be done anytime soon, which left the next biggest problem in their face – being found out. Of course, the returning Turn Back and Wraith both had their own opinions, which quickly began to clash.

The vigilante raised her gloved hand to rub at her temples with thumb and forefinger as Turn Back’s voice rose in response to Wraith. She was crass, yes, but from what she could tell the other girl seemed fairly young – at least compared to the rest of them. Honestly, could they not go one night without fighting?

“Cut it,” Reaper finally snapped sharply, her teeth almost snapping shut on the last syllable akin to a snarling dog. “You’re both pretty.” Sarcasm dripped from every word before her black eyes went back to Omega, at the same time reaching down into her shadow. Her fingers dipped into it, grabbing fabric from the pile of forgotten coats so that when she rose again the hoodie was now in her grasp once more. She shook it out, focusing on Omega – or more accurately the pocket with the bracelet in it currently.

“And you both have a point – we don’t know who the bracelet belonged to, other than the kid’s reaction that it – or another copy of it – was familiar. If it was the boy’s I doubt it was a tracking device, at least a functioning one, since he looks like he’s been by himself awhile. If it was someone else’s we’re in deep shit, and I wouldn’t risk staying here to find out.” The elemental paused in speaking to pull her hoodie back on once more, flipping the hood back over her mask to once more shadow her face in darkness.

“I can have us another building to meet in within minutes. We can’t just leave the kid either,” Reaper grimaced, her jaw tensing briefly before she added on, “… So my home could be one we could meet in as well, as alternative to Turn Back. There’s space, and it wouldn’t be a strain to provide for a child or have any of you dropping in or watching him. I doubt he’d want my… supervision, considering.” She gestured down at her feet, where her shadows continued to curl about her legs almost lazily.

“But the decision has to be made soon.”

[Blaine Crommet]

Eric zoned out at the part he heard Mind Control. He wasn't really worrying about ghosts, because.... yeah.
Although he was not quite sure if he was considered dead, or just some sort of apparition while spectral.

Mind Control though, that is a very serious problem. Ecto did sometimes take control of other peoples movements, but their minds... There was something perverse about making people want to do what you wanted, forcing your thoughts on them. Poor kid. Worse that that, no-one on the team possessed anything like that.

"How would we even counter a telepath? Should we put on tinfoil hats? Or go around finding someone who has mind powers? Ditch?" He glanced at her. She looked dead tired.

Wraith asked the same question, albeit a bit more harshly. Maybe a bit too harshly. Which was a bad idea, considering that the team is not a big fan of apathy.
TB called Wraith out, unsurprisingly. He seems to be on edge, he is taking this thing to heart. I wonder why...

But before things could escalate, Reaper cut in.

"I can have us another building to meet in within minutes. We can’t just leave the kid either..."

Eric raised his hand.

"I don't wanna be a party pooper, but unless someone has any idea how we could handle mind control, maybe we should... call it a night? Get some rest and think things through, you know."

[CloseEnough]

"Mind control?" Rising her head to listen, Raven moved closer to the group. No wonder, she heard that the scene of the crimes Umbra caused had damage sometimes yes, but it never sounded like there was enough of a struggle.
She found herself biting her thumb, listening to the child sleep on Tank. It was one problem after another. Than again thats what this life was all about, problems and having to fix them. Even if it was going to kick their ass in the process. Least it can be a story to tell at a party one day.
"We'll have to figure out how it works, is it done through sound? Touch, sight? An object maybe? You can't just take control of someone's thoughts without a connection." Oh how she hoped it was through sight, like the basilisk. If Umbra had control over minds through sight than she would be in the clear, can't make her see a thing no matter how much one can torture her.

She felt a stab of guilt at the thought though. What about her team mates? She was thinking only about herself again. Ways to get out of a situation unscaled while throwing the other's under the bus. A sigh escaping her she listened to the others, Omega demanding Ditch get some rest, causing her to reach back into her pocket.
Yep, just as she thought. Banimen, horse muscle relaxor.
"Ditch if you really can't sleep, I have something that can knock out Tank if you need it." She won't lie, shes used the stuff to sleep before. When under major stress before a show or climbing out of a loosing round, she finds that a dab works. Shaking her head at the thought she shrugged her shoulders. "Its harmless.....I swear."

Another thing was the boy. What were they going to do about him? TB and Reaper offering, Raven began to think. "If he won't go with Reaper, I'll be willing to lend a hand, he'd probably feel safer with TB as I been seeing things. I don't mind paying for a meal or two for him. Can't let him stay with me, I live alone and am not fit to take care of a child by my self, so least I can do."

Hearing the rustle of fabric, she turned her head, to most it seemed she really could see half the time. Ecto going on about leaving and thinking, Raven tapped her cane. "So long as we know the little one is safe."

[General Scales]

Girard was pleasantly surprised when the boy felt comfortable enough to let go of Ditch and then come over to him after the story and cling to him instead. After Ditch had asked him to keep an eye on the little guy he loosely put an arm around the him if anything to make him relax a bit more while he looked up to see the others. He caught Omega's gesture with a return smile rather happy with the turnout though he could hear and feel the kid's breathing slow down, poor guy was probably going to fall asleep right there after everything that had happened which was fine for now. The big guy gave a quick nod to TB and once he was sure they're guest was asleep he lightly wrapped him up in the jacket and adjusted the kid so he was in his lap propped up against him.

He had been passively listening to Ditch talk about what she found, not to mention that she hadn't slept which was a little upsetting, but what was concerning was the fact they were now dealing with mind control and a pretty powerful employer by the sound of it. Needless to say it was not exactly well received by Tank who was particularly concerned for everyone's but his own well being mostly. The thought of ending up causing damage and injury to them or innocents and being unable to control himself just wasn't acceptable at all. After all he had more than idea of just how bad it could get if someone like him went off the rails for any length of time so he was all for having a plan to either at the least prepare for it, or if it was possible, negate it. Who knows if maybe that bracelet might be important later since it was the only other thing found besides the boy, he wasn't unaware of the risk of discovery but getting out wasn't the issue necessarily. The argument between TB and Wraith ever so slightly ruined the mood though he said nothing more willing to let Reaper speak her piece about how to take care of the kid than speak up not wanting to wake the boy up currently.

It seemed like there were two options as of yet with both Turn Back and Reaper stepping up though he didn't know how it would go either way. Girard wasn't sure how well he would be able to contribute all things considered because although his apartment and money wouldn't be an issue, his workshop would be mostly off-limits and his work schedule was only going to be consistent for a bit longer until the theater was done being renovated. Leaving the little guy alone for hours at a time and ending up having to stay quiet around the residents most of the time didn't sound healthy. With all of it reasoned out it would end up being between his team mates where he could go to stay.

He heard something from Raven Tale about something that could knock him out for sleep issues, he might later admit to being a little curious as to what the stuff was exactly. Also Ecto suggesting breaking up for now and getting rest which normally wouldn't be a bad idea but the little man had to be dealt with for the time being so that was that.

"I'd be willing to pitch in some money, don't think my place would work out in the long run so its up to you two I guess." Girard said quietly spelling out his position on the issue ending with a glance between Turn Back and Reaper.

[CloudyBlueDay]

Ditch glanced at Manny, muttering something under her breath as he mentioned he hoped she had something to fight mind control. “Uh, sure. I did that and baked you a pie too.” She said with a sigh, reaching out to take the remains of the bracelet from his hand when he snatched it away, causing her to glare. “You’re not going to let me work myself to death, but you’re already waiting for more answers. Seems a bit contradictory.” She deadpanned, but despite Omega only truly trying to help, it sounded more like ‘fuck you’. Raven Tale was met with the same look.

“Both of you,” Ditch snapped alongside Reaper. “I don’t need any shit right now. Your hearts are in the right place but your mouths are not. There’s better ways to spend our time then bickering, and frankly, I’m going to fucking explode if you continue doing so.” Ditch stared Wraith straight in the eye. “Literally.” Then, Ditch spun around on her heels, facing Omega. “Five more minutes before bed, dad.” And then she spun back around.

“I know I just shoved a kid and a mind controller on you, but if you’re worried about this it’s gonna get a fuck ton worse. First of all, I don’t think this place is compromised. He had to have dropped the bracelet when I carried him here, and by his reaction I don’t doubt he was wearing it. Why he didn’t-” Cough. “Ditch it -- that was absolutely fucking necessary by the way - I’ve got no damn clue, but he would’ve been caught by now, and we would’ve been caught too. I think we’re okay.

“Second of all, the topic of this kid - whatever home we find for him, whatever he can tell us. He means something to Umbra and he’s escaped Umbra somehow, and that means we have info. Info in abundance, actually. If we earn his trust, any little thing he tells us will save days and days of research. It took me four days just to tell you Umbra’s got a friend. Four. Days. And I fucking hacked this city in three hours.” She sounded disgusted with herself, as if her search for info hadn’t been a success. It had, in certain ways. It was tough to find stuff like this; maybe she’d just been hoping it wouldn’t be something that was actually helpful.

Ditch stopped for a moment to regain her breath. She ran a hand through her long, drenched hair, collected it and wrung it out on the floor. Then she took her glasses out of her pocket, did her best to make sure the lenses weren’t wet, and put them on. She also took a moment to point at Ecto. “Yeah, why don’t we run from all our current problems and pretend as if there isn’t a megapowered serial killer running around with a mind controller and a glowy eyed kid in our laps. I think you can wait five more minutes.”

“If I can just -- maybe pinpoint the identity of one of his goons and track them back to his base -- or maybe I could.. God, I just don’t know where I’m going with this information.” Ditch said with a groan. “More and more questions keep coming up but I can’t ever find any answers. There’s no hard pattern in the people he takes or whatever he’s planning to do with them. He’s so damn well hidden it’s almost like he’s nobody.” Ditch paused, pulling a sharpie out of her back pocket and uncapping it with her teeth before rolling up her sleeve to reveal a bunch of watered down writing and pen markings on her arm, probably ruined from the rain. She muttered something that sounded like, “Fuck, I gotta get a notebook,” Before writing something down, something that traveled down the length of her arm, holding the cap between her teeth as she spoke next with a slight lisp because of it.

“About the kid again -- He can be here with me a couple hours if one of you wants to set up some temporary place for him,. I’m sure his parents or relatives are looking for him, I hope it won’t be too long before we find his family. I’ll try to look for them as soon as he gives me his last name, it shouldn’t be too difficult of a task. Hopefully he can answer a couple questions. I really think it'll help out.” She had hope for this child, it was clear; maybe too hopeful.

[Lasrever]

Wraith

Who the hell did this guy think he was? Wraith's face twisted in anger as she looked up at Turn Back. She knew she couldn't afford to blow up at him in the middle of the group. She'd get kicked out for one thing, and as much as she hated to admit it, she wouldn't last two seconds against them. Besides, he hadn't done anything to deserve violence. Yet. Still, she couldn't say nothing. She snapped at him, clenching her fists. "Give me a break, asshole. Who the hell do you think you-"

Before she could finish her retort, Ditch cut her off, with a glare that made her think stopping would be good for her health. It kinda looked like she was gonna go for the whole explosion thing, so she decided to stop herself from yelling at him. So, she decided to go for her second option. Better to at least pretend to be sorry. "Sure, whatever. Sorry, I guess." she looked at Turn Back, and shrugged, then spoke to him, quietly enough that no-one else would hear her.

"You think saving one kid, super or not, is gonna make it better? You can't save everyone, hero." she smiled pleasantly, and held out a hand for a handshake, though her eyes betrayed her cold anger. "That attitude is gonna get you or someone you care about hurt someday." she said, her tone casual enough to be discussing the weather. Her grin widened as she finished talking. "I just hope I'm there to see it."

With that, she picked up her bag and walked a little bit away from him to avoid any kind of retort. She looked at Ditch, muttering an apology and shuffling her feet awkwardly. "If you really think he'll be that much help, then I'm sorry. I'm just a bit on edge right now. All this talk of ghosts..." she shrugged, looking at the floor and hoping they'd believe her apology. "You can see why it'd freak me out, of all people, right?"

Of course, she wasn't really sorry at all. Well, part of her was. Maybe- No. If she allowed herself to open up, she'd be made weak, vulnerable. If Umbra had a mind controller on his side, then she couldn't afford that kind of weakness. She was stronger than that, stronger than them, strong enough to do whatever had to be done. If that meant kicking out the kid to help herself, then so be it.

[General Scales]

It didn't take long for Girard to realize just how much the exhaustion, the kid, and now arguing had taken out of Ditch. There really was no room left for a good mood when even the help was pressing a bit, though he figured some rest and food could solve that in a hurry. She did have a point about what information they had now in that it was just the tip of the iceberg which meant they all had a lot of work to do. Sure maybe the rest of them weren't as skilled at getting information or piecing things together but they could try if anything to lessen the pressure resting solely on Ditch as of yet. Would be more or less difficult for some of them to get info but if it came down to it someone could find at least something on or off patrol he hoped whether or not they knew where to look. As for the little guy it pretty much went down to who took up the call and the rest of them could pitch in from there to help him not just by money but maybe finding the parents who were likely worried out of they're minds.

Crappy situation but wouldn't be the first time any of us were in one, just gotta tackle it as best we can. The big guy thought not entirely sure where to start beyond getting transport for the kid once he woke up.

He noticed Wraith talking to TB after both Reaper and Ditch had shut them up and it didn't seem like a continuation so maybe they had cooled off. Would be for the better really because they couldn't afford to be at each others throats right now with all of the danger to come. It didn't have to be perfect but as long as they could operate without it devolving as much that would be enough for Tank. Hell the arguing among them could provide an opportunity that the mind controller could use, anger tended to be a distraction and if it was possible to resist by force of will alone there could be no distractions or things could get bad quick. It seemed like the younger woman was also not entirely together a few moments ago due to the kid but he could understand to an extent him not being excused of fault for having killed a couple criminals.

"Long as we keep our heads on proper the whole mind control thing might be less of an issue, just can't give them an easy time is all. Maybe the rest of us keep our eyes and ears open too in the meantime. Never know if something important might slip then we could have something to go on eh?" Girard said probably a bit more confident on the mind control front than he actually felt but the point was made.

If there was any chance in hell that they could find something for Ditch and the others to go off of it seemed like a risk that might be worth taking, them going after leads.

[Artifex]

Manny flashed an innocent grin as Ditch glared at him. Even though he barely knew her, he already figured out how to push her buttons. Raven’s offer of sleep meds was kind of amusing, too. Knowing that she was a rider, Manny figured it probably had to do with horses since she said it could level Tank. An image of their ‘fearless leader’ high on horse pills made its way into his head and he chuckled inwardly.

She may not like me keeping this from her, but if she actually does get some rest, she’ll thank me later.

When the scuffle broke out between TB and Wraith, Manny frowned a bit in frustration. The last thing they needed right now was even more dissension within the group, even if TB made a good point about Wraith’s disregard for the kid’s well-being. Manny figured it was just another case of her being young and self-centered, though even for her it seemed a bit severe. She’d remain on his ‘watch’ list. Thankfully, the argument was cut off by both Reaper and Ditch, and Wraith actually apologized for her actions.

That’s...kind of promising, actually.

Ditch started speaking once again, dismissing Reaper’s (and Manny’s) concerns about the hideout being compromised, and also informing them that things were expected to get worse. This particular comment didn’t necessarily come as a surprise considering who they were dealing with, but it was still quite unnerving to hear it spoken out loud.

When everyone started offering up their homes to keep the boy safe, Manny decided not to volunteer. His home was hidden and he wanted to keep it that way. He wasn’t just going to leave the kid hanging, though.

“I’m kind of on the side of Raven and Tank. I can’t provide an actual place, but I’m more than willing to pitch in and help wherever it’s needed. I’ve even got another medical contact in case Reaper’s guy gets, uh...busy. I mean, the kid’s injuries don’t look more than skin-deep, but you never know. His value as far as inside information goes is massive, as Ditch pointed out, so we gotta take care of the little guy. Heh, everything happens for a reason, right? We should take this as sort of a good sign.”

Manny looked down at the boy, watching his chest rise and fall slowly with each breath he took in his deep sleep. He had a soft spot for children and hated to see the little dude in such bad shape. Manny gave him a small grin, even though he clearly wouldn’t see it.

“As freaked out as we all are about the mind control, this kid might even know something about how it works. It’s a good idea for him to stay with Ditch for a bit, since he responds to her the best. Even the smallest bit of info will help for now.”

Manny put his hand back in his pocket, debating whether he should actually keep the bracelet from Ditch or not. Seeing how frazzled and weathered she was -- and also the writing all over her arm -- he decided to stand by his earlier statement. He sincerely hoped she would take his advice and rest up.

“And Tank makes a good point. We all need to be at the top of our game from here on out. As if it wasn’t already blatantly apparent, seeing how Umbra treated this kid shows how freakin’ ruthless he can be. Leaving ourselves vulnerable is the last thing we wanna do...especially since we’ve teamed up.”

Manny kicked up his feet and leaned back into a hover as if he were relaxing in an invisible midair lounging chair and put his hands behind his head.

“But, anyway...no need for me to keep being redundant…”

[Korkoa]

TURN BACK

Turn Back glared at Wraith even as he listened to Ditch yell at the two of them He fought to hold back the bile he desperately wished to spew at this little punk, especially given the parting jabs she took at him. The obviously fake apology and smile were too much though, and he growled back under his breath "Well at least I can save someone, psycho." He said before turning to Ditch again.

"I have less than no idea how to fight mind control. Hell, I barely have an idea of how to fight darkness. But like I said, I can help the kid. I'll make the call, we can move him somewhere within an hour, probably. If we want him to stay here with Ditch till he wakes up and can tell us what he knows, then fine. But after that, he needs the safety we promised him." Turn Back nodded to Ditch, Omega, and Tank before stepping out of the warehouse again, pulling out his phone and dialing Emma.

Barely a moment later, the phone picked up and Emma's clear voice rang into his ear: "Jason! I thought you were going to be home by now! What happened?! Are you hurt?!"

"Emma, I'm fine. Listen though, I have a... favor. It's about, uh... Business. We found a child. He's maybe 12 or so. He's cold and alone, he's scared. That, uh... That thing that I've been working with the others to get under control? Yeah, this kid came from there. We need to help him."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line as Emma processed all that. Jason sighed and rubbed his temple with his free hand, inwardly cursing the sheer stupidity of the codes his desire to be vague had boxed him into. "Okay..." Emma finally said. "We, uh... I think we still have that air mattress, I can sleep on that... Do we have enough food? Is... Is it safe here?"

"Food's not an issue, I can take care of that. And you and I can take care of him. Look Emma, I'm sorry. This whole thing is so sudden, and I didn't want to drag you into--"

"I'm setting everything up now. He'll have hot food and a place to sleep when you bring him home. Don't worry about dad either. I'll take care of everything Jason, just bring the both of you home safe."

The line went dead and Jason sent up a silent prayer of thanks to his saint of a sister. He headed back into the warehouse and caught Ditch's eye. "There's a place for him. A good one, where he'll be safe. Trust me, the girl taking care of him is an... Angel." He said, hoping Ditch would get the message. He shoved his phone back into his pocket, his hand brushing a foreign object. He sighed at the memory, he'd found Reaper's money clip after going back to scavenge the rest of the cash she'd thrown. He hated the thought of talking to her again, but she had seemed worried about it. Besides, he'd got some good information from it, as his thumb scanned across the engraved 'ZK' in the gold.

Turn Back's eyes caught Reaper near the door, still keeping away from the child. Sighing again, Turn Back sucked it up and headed over to her, pulling the clip out of his pocket as he approached. "Reaper. I found this. Thought you'd want it back." He said, holding out the money clip. He dropped his voice lower as he approached, so nobody else could hear. "I wouldn't toss it around any more if I were you though. Might not be safest, if you know what I mean." He couldn't be 100% sure, but he had a feeling he knew who the girl in front of him was...

[Blazion]

Tempers still smoldered, embers that burned bright and hot looking to catch any source that would rekindle the argument. Despite that it seemed as though Turn Back and Wraith were sufficiently doused that they backed off with little more than snide jabs under their breaths, the actual words lost to those outside the small space between them. Reaper’s eyes still followed them, seeing their mouths move as they parted. Children. Under her eyes she rolled her mask before turning her attention back to the others.

“I think it’s suffice to say aside from taking care of the kid we’ve done all we can chatting until he wakes up,” The elemental stated, before tilting her head watching Turn Back leave once more. She shook her head. “The answers we received only caused more questions. For now what can we do but keep our eyes peeled to find out more info? That or track down one of Umbra's cronies ourselves. Besides, it’s late – I have class tomorrow. Who knows what you guys have to do on a Tuesday?” Reaper briefly toyed with the idea of backing Omega up on Ditch getting some sleep but ended up forgoing it. Ditch was a grown woman, and to be honest she looked ready to pass out anyway. That or completely demolish five pots of coffee and see into forever. Too bad that wasn’t the energy wielder’s power, she’d provide the caffeine herself.

Turn Back returning interrupted Reaper’s trailing thoughts and she tilted her head towards him. It seemed he had taken the initiative of preparing his home for the child, making Reaper huff under her mask. It was probably better though, considering the similarities her powers had to the kid’s main aggressor. She had already scared the white off him once. Her brow did raise when Turn Back approached her, her stiff body language tensing up further. Her hopes that this wouldn’t turn into another argument were quickly settled and she silently took the gold money clip from the other vigilante, though she grimaced as soon as his words settled in her head. She only briefly glanced at the engraved initials on the front before pulling another clip out of her back pocket, a similar gold but different in design and with no letters across the front.

“Duly noted,” Reaper rumbled lowly as she switched the contents from one to another, keeping her words short despite wanting to yank her own hair out. Stupid, stupid. There was a reason she had been concerned about it – but her anger had her abandoning the thought until she went back the next day to find it all cleaned up. She had actually hoped someone in the neighborhood had picked it up and pawned it, rather than Umbra’s minions finding it. She honestly wasn’t sure if that or Turn Back retrieving it was worse. She really didn’t like the idea of him knowing – or at least having a clue on who she was. Still, breathing a little sigh of relief Reaper finally focused her blackened eyes on the other vigilante.

“… Thanks.” Changing her finger’s movements she pulled a few of the transferred bills, a shadow tentacle grabbing Turn Back’s hand to lift it once more for Reaper to slap them in his palm. “And here, for the kid. I’m sure you know I can afford it.” The last part was dry, her quickly withdrawing though a little frown tugged at her lips. Considering that Turn Back had the kid he’d be in the most danger, and may need back up at a moment’s notice…

“Hey,” Reaper added on, raising her voice so the others could hear. “Get your phones out if you want my number. Just… I’m not expecting any social calls.” She waited a moment before rattling off her number, her fingers unconsciously brushing against the back of it in her pocket, where it was waiting on an empty texting field. She really should send that message.

“And if I find that number on craigslist’s missed connections I’m going to kill one of you.”

[CloseEnough]

"It taste like the forgiven sky fruits." A smirk on her features, Raven began to back off after Ditch snapped at her. She reminded her of Kaite a little, the woman would stay up for days making music and snap at anyone who had the gull to try and remove a instrument from her grasp.
Still, she couldn't help but tap her finger against the container, a sound leaving her pocket at the offer. She shouldn't be messing with her in a time like this, she was stressed, they all were. TB and Wraith were snapping at each other, causing the woman to shift a bit, reaching for the book at her side to make sure it was there, and tapping her cane to gain a comforting sound.

Well, least they came to a stand still, a agreement of sorts. Quietly listening to the conversations, she found herself poking Manny away with her cane, trying to figure out if he would drift when she realized that he was using gravity. How one is able to use their powers so casually is beyond her, she was tempted to call the Grim herself though, she wanted something to feel. But the idea of the kid waking up only to see a beast of nightmares was keeping her away from the action.

"I wonder what Umbra is after, he has to have a plan for each vigilant that he's captured. I can only imagine how many super's he's attained incognito....." A shiver running down her spine, she shook her head. "Forgive me, that is a grim topic, I'll grow silent." Her ears turning red underneath her hood, Raven decided to just fumble with her hands. What else was she supposed to do? She can't help the kid other than give money, and there was little she could do with researching, she had no where to start.

TB coming back and explaining how the child had a place to sleep, was enough to get a sigh to escape her. "Thats good..do you need assistance?" Tilting her head, she couldn't help but smile at the mention of a angel. Guess whoever it was, was close to the team-mate, there was a slight fondness in his voice that he couldn't hide.

"Here" pulling out her second phone, she began to share her number. "I'll be ending the line on this one in about a month though. So don't be surprised if it starts working." Only Manny and Ditch had her actual number, tiny steps, one by one. If everyone knew her number she would not have been able to sleep at night. "Your right, I have to be training early tomorrow. I guess everyone's lives are going to be a bit sluggish for a while."

[CloudyBlueDay]

It seemed that one warning wasn’t enough for Wraith; Ditch knew her apology, all of her apologies were all fake. How? Because Ditch had been exactly the same. That rebellious headstrong teenager who thought every damn thing she did was for all the right reason. Ditch could see right through Wraith’s facade. And she wasn’t amused.

“Listen, dumbass.” Ditch said. “Don’t apologize until you fucking mean it. I do not care if you’re worried about seeing your ghosts. Whoever this kid is, if you lay a fucking finger on him, you will regret it.” Her words were not angry, or fueled with the wrong emotions. Instead they were sharp, pointed like knives.

From that point, Ditch ignored Wraith. She had other problems to deal with besides a stupid teenage girl. “Every superpower has weaknesses. My first assumption is that their mind control is related to fatigue and energy - if we can wear the super out, we can take him down. And I have no doubts that there’s more to it than that. We’ll find him, and when we do, we’ll be ready.”

Her head turned to Omega at his comment about how ruthless Umbra could be. She cast her gaze downwards and exhaled. “If you think this is ruthless,” She muttered. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

"There's a place for him. A good one, where he'll be safe. Trust me, the girl taking care of him is an... Angel." A small smile crept upon Ditch’s lips as she nodded. She stepped up to Tank, putting a hand on the sleeping child’s arm. “I want to make this place suitable for living soon.” She said quietly. “I practically live here already, anyway.” She said with a grin. “But maybe - when I fix this place up all the way. He could stay with me.” Her voice was soft and sentimental, and she looked at the boy with hope and sincerity.

“I guess that’s the end of our meeting.” Ditch said, crossing her arms. “I’m sorry I called you here without any real leads, just speculation. But it was something you had to know.” She nodded.

~~~~~~

"They found the child."

A small, dark smile rose on his face as he turned the faucet on, the blood on his hands trickling down the drain.

"It's about time." There was silence, and the smile had yet to leave his face. "Speak your mind." He said, feeling his companion's uncertainty.

"I can't understand why you let him go. We got nothing out of him, and if you'd just given me more time I could've--"

"It was not your fault."

"It wasn't?"

"Not at all, my dear boy. You did all you could. Besides. The child is much more useful this way."

~~~~~~

End Chapter 3
Downtime Begins

[Lasrever]

Wraith/Ditch

After most of the team had dispersed, (Ditch had politely asked Tank to just stay with the boy a few more moments.) Ditch had approached Wraith, voice devoid of any emotion, save perhaps the slightest hint of a smile. "Why don't you come walk with me outside for a moment." She said curtly, and instantly headed for the door, leaving Wraith no choice but to follow.

Ditch headed down the dirty and empty street that was Racket Ave. Her hands jammed in her pockets, gaze set straight ahead. The rain had stopped now, though the sky was still gray. And for the first five minutes of the walk, Ditch said not one word.

"Anything to say?" She said, rather lightly. "Before I go ahead and show you the purpose of this walk, maybe you'd like one more chance to explain yourself."

Wraith just looked at the ground, still a little bitter about being called out for her fake apology. She replied in an equally casual tone, obviously forced. "You want the real reason that the kid freaks me out so much? And here I was, thinking you'd dragged me out here so we could start my fan club." she said, muttering the last part with a slight roll of her eyes.

In an unusually sincere tone, Wraith decided to start answering the question. She kept walking, looking around to try and make sure there was no-one to overhear their conversation. "I don't know if you'd get it at all. But if you want to know so much..." She paused, thinking about lying, but decided against it. After all, Ditch had proven to be annoyingly perceptive so far, or at the very least suspicious of anything Wraith said.

She looked at Ditch for the first time in their walk, seeming a little defeated. "Have you ever killed someone, Ditch? How do you think it feels?"

Ditch let out a little sigh. At least Wraith seemed to be somewhat trying to answer truthfully, which was a start. However, when she asked her question, Ditch bit her tongue. How much about herself did she really want to tell this girl?

"I've never killed like you." She said. "Never up close and personal - never stared them in the eyes or worked towards their demise. But I have killed." She said, staring straight forward, refusing to look back at Wraith. "Does it make you feel good, to kill?" She said. "'Cause I never felt good about it. Even if I got to look Umbra in the eyes and snap his neck. Some part of me would still feel awful, as bad of a man he is." Now that. That was a lie. She awaited the day she got to look Umbra in the eyes and kill him - she yearned for it. And she knew, no part of her would be sorry.

Wraith let out a bitter laugh at the response. Of course Ditch would feel bad about it. They all would, probably. After all, they were just so much better than poor little Wraith, weren't they? "Good? That's one way of putting it. It's more like a rush. I feel powerful, invincible, like nothing can touch me. It makes everything just... Disappear. Like I'm untouchable." she shook her head, disgusted with herself. "I was even able to convince myself I was right to do it, that I was helping other people-"

She paused for a moment. "Anyway, the best way I can describe it is like a drug. That feeling, that power over someone else. It's addictive. I guess you could say I craved it. Still do. And the more that things start piling up, the more scared I get, the more that I just want to make it all go away for just one moment. Be in control."

Her eyes narrowed, glaring at Ditch. "You wouldn't get it. Rest of them would probably feel the same way you do. It's fine. Wraith's fucked in the head. What's new, right?" she felt herself laughing again. It was funny, right? Yeah, funny. Just one big sick joke.

"Stop -- laughing like that." Ditch said, seeming to be a bit repulsed. "You're not fucked in the head. Or, we're all fucked in the head. Because I'm definetly fucked in the head too, so you're not alone." Ditch ran a hand through her wet hair.

"Listen, as someone who.. er.. very much enjoyed the use of drugs back when she was a stupid fucking teenager, I can understand where you're coming from." Ditch said with another sigh. "I get it. I do. Maybe not in the exact same way, but I get it."

"There are other ways to be in control." Ditch said quietly. "You can be in control by doing the right thing, not the wrong thing, you know. Stopping bad guys doesn't mean killing them - and.. killing is the easy way out, when you think about it. You'll be even more in control if you don't kill like that."

"..There's.. a fine line between justice and slaughter. All we want to do is help you find it for yourself."

Wraith shook her head. "I know. I know you're all trying to help me, fix me or whatever. Why do you think I hate you all so much? You're all so damn forgiving and I hate it." That was it. It wasn't like she wanted to be a killer, but it would almost be easier if Ditch would just shout at her, call her a lunatic. She knew how to deal with that.

"Why are you doing this, anyway? Why bother trying to help me? I mean, I doubt anyone would blame you if you handed me over to the authorities. It's not as though I did it once and then just stopped. So many people are dead just because I'm too weak to control myself - Why are you trying to help me?" Wraith looked, and sounded confused. She didn't get it, didn't understand. Even if she got stronger, managed to control herself and never killed another person...

"I can't fix it, Ditch. It doesn't matter how many lives I save, how many people I help, it won't fix anything. Somewhere out there, there's always gonna be some kid, waiting for a parent that never comes home and it's my fault. Because I chose to kill them. I can't make that better." Wraith didn't even remember how many it had been. She knew what it had felt like, losing her mom. And she'd done that to so many people.

Wraith went quiet, staring at the floor again. She'd thought she was doing the right thing, but did that make her any better than if she'd known she was doing the wrong thing? Or did it make her worse, since she couldn't even admit it to herself?

"You're not broken, dammit." Ditch exclaimed. "We're not trying to fix you, we're trying to help you. There's a difference." She insisted, rubbing her forehead. "There's nothing about you that needs fixing. It's not fixing. Don't think of it like that."

"You're on our team." Ditch said, walking in front of Wraith and now looking her straight in the eyes. "You're on our side, you're fighting for our cause. You're just fighting a little bit too much and that's okay, because you have the power to stop that. You're a part of our family now, and all we want to do is help you. We can't help you if you don't let us."

Ditch swallowed. "Listen," She said softly. "You know Walker, right? Wall Walker. The guy you nearly killed." A smile escaped her. "When we were kids, he was my friend. I-I.. I didn't know it was him. I mean, he didn't really have a beard back then. And his voice got deeper, and I didn't know that he had powers, and his eyes were.. darker."

"He was always a bit of an asshole. He never had any qualms poking at someone's insecurities, laughing at them. He'd trip the weak kids and he'd beat the shit out of them, but he was still my friend. Because he had his good moments. Moments where he'd laugh at the right things, not cruel jokes. And moments where he'd beat the shit out of people who actually deserved it."

"He did bad things. He's done bad things. And I guess... I'm comparing him to you. Because he looks, he acts, he talks like a criminal. But he's not."

"But when you go down the path as long as someone.. someone like Umbra has.. the exit slowly fades away. You can't leave it. And as much of a bastard, a sick, twisted bastard Umbra is, I have no doubts he started out just like all the rest of us. I have no doubts he was good at some point. What I don't doubt, is that he started killing, and never stopped. And now the good is gone."

"Your good isn't gone yet. I know it isn't. It hasn't left, not in the slightest, because you're standing here and you're trying. And that's better then Umbra ever did."

Wraith smiled slightly at Ditch's words. Was she still deluding herself? Maybe. For now, though, she had a feeling that she could live with that. As much as she found the words hard to believe, the fact that someone was trying to help her was comforting, in some weird way. Although, it still kind of hurt to listen to Ditch trying to help her like this. Hurt even more to admit that she kinda needed it. Only thing worse than a self-righteous leader, was a self-righteous leader who actually had a point.

"I really am an idiot, huh? Feeling all sorry for myself like this when there's people actually trying to help me. Guess I just never really wanted to listen before." she smiled properly now, although it was more to herself than to Ditch. "There's a lot for me to think about. I guess trying is better than nothing at all, so I'll try. I-" she paused, an expression of reluctance and hesitation crossing her face. After a moment, she spoke again.

"I can't promise that it'll never happen again. I wish I was strong enough to be sure, but I'm not. But I promise that I'll try not to give in, and that's the best I can give you right now. Hope that's enough." she sighed, shaking her head. Sincerity could be difficult, as it turned out.

Wraith looked up, some of her usual confidence returning to her expression although it was noticeably subdued. Her coldness was certainly still there, but the girl seemed to have thawed just a little bit. "So, why did you want to bring me out here? Or was our little heart to heart the only reason for this walk?" she didn't mean to come off as dismissive, but after opening up like that she was instinctively trying to guard her emotions again.

"You're not an idiot. It's okay to not want to listen sometimes. But I'm glad you're coming around, kid." Ditch grinned, very lightly ruffling Wraith's hair. "It's hard, to break habits. I know. But you're strong. I'm sure you'll power through it." Ditch gave a small laugh. "You're so damn young, you know. And you're doing better then any stupid teenager I've ever met. Even my past self." Ditch paused. "Looking past the murder stuff, y'know."

Ditch scratched the back of her head. "Uh, I guess... I don't know. Mostly just the heart to heart. I guess we should just head back. I don't wanna leave the kid with Tank to long, I'm sure he wants to get home." Ditch cleared her throat. They'd reached a bit more of a desolate part of the avenue -- it was an empty plot, dirty and dusty. No one had taken advantage of it, of course.

Ditch kicked the tip of her shoe into the dirt. "Uh," She mumbled. "My dad kinda.. died, here." Ditch's eyes glazed over as she shoved her hands in her pockets. "I'm sorry. I don't know. I didn't mean to make this about me, I just.. I'm trying to be less... secretive? But I honestly don't even know what counts as a secret anymore. I just keep everything to myself, so I guess.. with me, everything's a secret. I really want to.. I want you guys to trust me. And I kind of already screwed that up by reading your files and shit, and basically blackmailing you to meet me, but I'm trying."

Ditch sucked in a breath. "So you can.. ask me questions, too. Whatever you want. Anytime. Now, even, if you want. Maybe there's stuff about Umbra that I know that you should know and I just didn't even think to tell you. Like.. Umbra has heterochromia. Did you know that? One eye's green and the other is blue. It's pretty cool. I mean, it would be cooler if he wasn't a psycho, but it's cool." Ditch paused for air.

Wraith didn't say anything at all when Ditch mentioned her dad, only giving her a sympathetic look. Sometimes it was better to just let someone get things out, at least from her experience. And if Ditch was going to be thinking about this kind of stuff, then it seemed better to let her speak. No reason to stop her in the middle of talking. So, Wraith listened as Ditch spoke, letting her voice all of her concerns, with a small smile when she started to talk about Umbra's eyes.

"Yeah, I guess it is pretty cool, huh? For what it's worth with someone like that. But, yeah, you didn't get off to the best start, Ditch." she laughed, turning to look at Ditch with a sincere expression. "Listen, I'm not the biggest expert on honesty in the city and I'm pretty sure they all trust me less than they do you, but if you want my advice on this?"

"For starters, you've gotta make some kinda show of trust. Telling us your name, your real name, would probably be a pretty good start. You know who we are behind the masks, so having a bit more of an equal footing..." Wraith shrugged. "It'd feel a lot less threatening. We've all got a lot to lose from being found out, you know? Me especially."

Yeah, her especially. Although, if Ditch had killed people like she said, then she'd be in much the same situation as Wraith. "So, I say we have a proper introduction before we head back." she smirked, holding out a hand for Ditch to shake. "As you already know, my name's Kara. Kara Banks. How about you, Ditch?"

Ditch nodded as Wraith spoke. "No, I get it. I.. I've got a lot to lose too, I should've.. started with that. But being Ditch means more to me then being. You know, normal, I guess. And showing you my face as Ditch means more to me then telling you who I am." Ditch stared at Wraith's outstretched hand, teeth clenched together before she finally took the girl's hand.

"Kendall," She said slowly, a small, weak smile creeping up on her face. "Kendall West. It's nice to meet you, Kara." After they shook, Ditch let out a kind of airy laugh, immediately shoving her hands back in her pockets as if the whole ordeal was too much for her to handle. She glanced around at the empty plot. "I think we should go before I start blabbing about my sad feelings or some shit." Ditch said with a grin, gingerly putting a hand on Wraith's shoulder. "I'm glad you came." She said. "I'm glad we could talk."

"Kendall, huh? Nice name." While the name didn't mean anything to her, Wraith was just glad that her advice had been taken on board. She appreciated having a bit more of a level playing field between them even if it was mostly symbolic. "You should have said it at the start, but it's not too late. Just try and trust us a little from now on, and I'll do the same for you. You don't have to deal with everything on your own."

Wraith smiled and nodded slightly as Ditch placed her hand on her shoulder. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm glad we could talk like this too. I think we really should head back, though. We've both got plenty to think about, and besides, I'm not even supposed to be out of the house!" she laughed a little. "Come on, we should head back."

Turning to head back the way that they'd come, she paused for a second and looking over her shoulder at Ditch, a genuine smile finally on her face. "Thank you, Kendall. I mean that."

[CloseEnough]

warning 37060

Girard moved his way quietly through the alleyways of downtown looking for any smaller activity to stop in the area. It was a good warmup before a larger scale assault or intervention and let him clean up the streets before such an event which tended to benefit the big man. The less chance for collateral the better in his opinion, also not having someone capable of alerting the targets from the outside did wonders for his chance at a surprise entrance. He found himself walking past one building in particular that caught his attention not because of the outside but what he could hear from inside. It sounded like there was a pretty decent struggle going on inside between at least two people though it was hard to tell from behind the wall. He moved himself into a decent position for entry since it sounded pretty urgent sizing up a portion of wall which looked collapsible without doing too much damage before getting up a bit of speed and crashing through it hoping to end the fight quickly.

She could hear his footfalls, old worn out boots scraping the ground, a metal watch on his left wrist, maybe gold or silver would click against the buttons on his coat. He seemed to be in his mid twenties, the smell of alcohol trying to reach her nose through the damp air.
“I’ll get you bitch!” Even his words were slurred, her only response being the grip of her cane growing tighter, whacking the ebony creation into what seemed to have been his knees. “Time of death, estimated at october 12th, 2010”
A blood chilling shriek, all too familiar harmonized behind her, she could feel the wraith at her back. A playful smirk finding its way to her features as she listened to the man collapse, his shuttered breath now closer to the ground as he scurried away, the graceful waves of the wraith following soon after. “Farewe-”
Crash!

The wall beside them caved in, rubble falling to the cobblestone alley like rolling snow. Instantly she jumped back, her cane raised, the depthless eyes of a raven skull gaping at the new encounter only for Kaite to give a sound of familiarity.
The sound was a bit too close to the idea of a breaking stage. Her guard being lowered she tilted her head in confusion. “Tank is that you, my friend?”

Once the dust cleared it took a moment to process the scene for the big man. It looked like whatever had been happening had been well and truly disrupted hence the man looking stone cold out on the floor. Though the reality set in once Girard realized who else was in the room as he turned his head to Raven Tale figuring out quickly that he just interrupted the woman’s fight in spectacular fashion. In the end this was just one of those awkward moments where he would meet someone else in an impromptu manner, not the first, wouldn’t be the last. “Shoot. Didn’t realize there was a friendly in here, sorry about that.” He said a little concerned he might’ve got her in the impact.


“Tis fine, I moved before you charged.” Standing up she dusted herself off, her wraith floating about the room, studying them both. “Though you have fallen thy pick pocket, I hope he is not wounded.” Moving across the room she reached for his face to feel for the steady breath that brushed against her fingers. “Seems to be well, aside that he is in sleep, would you mind helping me retrieve him?”


“Yeah sure, gimme a sec.” Girard said as he moved over to the unconscious pickpocket checking the man over making sure he wasn’t seriously hurt and clearing the rubble before slinging him over his shoulder. The criminal wasn’t particularly bad off, maybe a few nasty bruises would stay but other than that he would be just fine. The big guy shifted the man into a comfortable position for him and looked back down at his teammate curiously. “We dropping him off at the station or somewhere less obvious?” He asked interested in what the other vigilante had to say on the subject. The two of them hadn’t really had a chance to mingle so to speak so this was a good a time as any he thought.

“I have ways of leaving the wicked in their place without being caught, come, I’ll show you.” Tapping her cane she began to move to the outside world, keeping sure to stay a few steps ahead. She hated the idea of it, but Tank scared her a little, he could kill her without much thought….
“Kaite? Dispers my friend, we shall speak in the marrow.” The creature giving a haunting melody vanished before she even left to the streets. Her head tilted down only slightly. “I did not know this place was under your protection, strange since we never crossed paths.”

“I move around plenty between different areas, harder to leave a pattern that way and keeps the bad guys on edge not knowing where I’ll hit next.” The big guy said giving some explanation as to why they might not have found each other but tactical insight to a lesser degree. He kept up at an even pace a couple feet to the side occasionally scanning around them looking to see if there was anything else to worry about in the vicinity. There was a noted interest in him to see how the blind woman handled attracting attention to her subdued criminals from the police. Generally he left them in a visible spot where he knew cops would be and it wasn’t particularly hard to pick up on a knocked out baddie lying there for the taking so it worked well enough. Of course that was for street crimes because a lightning assault on a hideout or operation usually didn’t need much to get attention as he was leaving the scene, but it made him wonder how someone significantly different to him did it.


“I see, I tend to have a pattern in this place, I must or I may not find my way home.”She was only half lying, Millennium city was not the only place to see the Raven mask. “Is strength your only ability?”

Girard slotted the tidbit about Raven Tale into the back of his mind for later since it was useful to remember. However her question did bring up a valid point in that the others might not know the full extent of his powers so he figured it wouldn’t hurt to say a little more. “The tissue density makes me very durable too besides that, helps with fights and the shock tactics keeping me from getting hurt for the most part.” He said keeping it a simple explanation since he honestly didn’t know how to put it better himself. Of course he went without saying for the moment just how many problems it caused as it prevented, best saved for later and only if someone really wanted to hear it or it was a necessary evil in a conversation. “Not the most power flexible I guess but it gets the job done with a little thinking.” The big man said speaking a big truth about a power such as his.

“Sounds like a useful ability, one that I will be sure to keep in mind when under fire.” So, she was right, he could snap her in half without trying, without thinking. And it only made her take a step away without realizing it.
“It's a grand ability to protect those who wish you harm. Who knows, maybe you may take the place of captain powerhouse, would make the news less insulting.”

Tank listened to Raven Tale talk and noticed the step away though he didn’t make a big deal of it knowing full well that him still sort of being a stranger and just being him was enough to keep people at a distance sometimes. “It has its upsides I guess, but most powers are a double edge sword and mine most certainly is at times.” He said frankly. However her quip at the rather annoying Powerhouse made him chuckle being highly amused by the concept though he it did make him think why he despised the man. “The man might be an ass, I won’t argue that, but it's his lack of restraint that bothers me, you can have glory but not at the cost of civilians.” Girard said clearly irked by the thought of what people considered his counterpart’s methods. Sure the two had some similarities but the overinflated ego mixed with a lack of control was going to get the other man in trouble eventually and honestly the big guy could see himself stepping in if it got too much.


“Indeed, the more one uses their abilities, the more hated they become.” Her hand absently feeling her book she began to think of her family, how they were not the best with supers due to some cheating in the arena with their powers.
Still, the lighter topic brought a smile to her lips. “Even I can see how he believes himself to be a god, a gift to mankind though all he has done was become an even larger threat than those he defeats. At least you hold back enough not to harm an innocent.”

She could hear the voices of one of the police officers, the glass door and the beep of a metal detector. “I believe this is the place, will you be so kind as to set him here?” She began tapping a step, just out of view from the station.

Girard noticed them walking up on the station though he didn’t want to interrupt his fellow vigilante while she was speaking, plus he figured she would probably notice quickly. After listening it seemed like the woman had hit the nail dead on as to what went through Powerhouse’s head and the acknowledgement of his control was a nice note. The big man kept a close eye around just in case any of the officers or straggler might be in eyeshot but he saw nothing so it was a good time to see what Raven Tale had in mind for getting attention from the cops inside. “Sure no problem.” The big guy said taking a moment to prop the man up using the stairs but back against the wall. “Should be all set to do your thing.”

“Than follow me” poking the poor soul on the ground to make sure he was not conscience she began to leave, walking down an alleyway so that they were far from prying eyes. Unclasping her book she rested it on her arm, fingers brushing the passage as she leaned against a brick wall. "He seeks where we are lost, eyes the color of moss, with heart beating true, he only wishes to find you." The sounds of claws scraping on the ground, she reached out to pet the Grim, coarse wiry fur under hand with scales down his legs and a few bones showing through his skin. “Station, you know what to do my friend.”
A strange growl was all that was given as he began to move. Running down the way they came, Raven began to count down from five. A smirk on her features when screams of alarm echoed, “And that is how you draw attention to whom you wish.” Pushing herself from the wall she stilled again, trying to figure out where she was.
“I thank you for the help, so, is there anything you have planned on this pale moon night?”

Tank followed not entirely sure what to expect from the woman since she had a couple tricks up her sleeve he imagined. Once the Grim appeared the big man got a good look at the creature and thought it was pretty cool all things considered and probably quite useful. Once Raven Tale gave the go ahead as the beast moved off heading back towards the station though it took a moment before he realized what the trick was once the sounds of alarm came from around the corner. Sending the creature out was certainly one way to get attention he had to admit thinking that he himself would probably be interested in following it if he was on the receiving end without having rationalized the tactic. “No problem, it was a happy accident. As for that I had a small hideout eyed up for tonight, some particularly tough customers from what I hear in there. If you're up to it you're welcome to join along for the ride, might be a nice exercise come to think of it.” Girard said at first quite pleased with the turnout and more than willing to share his target of the night to his teammate with interest in seeing if the woman might be up for a little more action.

Once the screams begin to fade from the Grim leaving. Raven Tale closed her book, the pages giving a loud thump before she strapped it back to her waist. Listening to the plan Tank had bubbling in his mind. And honestly, it did worry her, working with most worried her and she was the exact opposite of him. Still she allowed a smile to slip on her features, taking in a breath of misty air before tapping her cane.
“Why not, a night alongside a comrade seems like something I myself must get accustomed to.” Bowing her head a bit, she waited for the male to move, following after his footsteps over the slightly damp pavement.

Girard perked up hearing the woman accept his offer for the job, he thought it was a great opportunity to both figure out how they could work together and disrupt some of the local activity. Of course they might have to deal with it a bit more carefully in her case but the big guy had a feeling he could keep the attention of most of them during a confrontation if it came to it, which it most likely would. He started to lead them on a path that would put them behind the restaurant after a bit of walking and leave them some time to figure out an approach. “It's not too far from where we were, couple blocks at the most.” He said wanting to give her an approximate distance rather than leave her in the dark on the subject. “You seem to be doing well with this whole vigilante business, limitations or not, if you don’t mind me saying.”

Few blocks? Seems more than enough footsteps. Her cane raised just above the ground, she ran her finger over the Ebony handle. Her head tilted down as she found the giggling voices of teens out in the night as she listened to his words that soared above her head. “I despise being handheld, and that’s what I was given most of my story. Vigilant work was simply another path that allowed me to feel normal from time to time, least more so than I am outside the mask.”


“Don’t think a single person is normal, no one is ever normal around here.” Tank said honestly followed by a happy chuckle. “You probably fit in a lot more than you think here or there.” He panned around to see how close they were and saw they still had a little ways before they were in position. It made him wonder what it was like for someone who thought they were so different like that but it was hard for the big man considering his unique situation of never being normal from the start. The concept was a very foreign one but he supposed it had its reasons that he just wasn’t going to understand yet. “From everyone I’ve heard it always seems like a perspective thing, who is and isn’t normal. Just people making up rules in their heads.” Girard said broaching the subject further in his own way.

A bit of laughter escaped her at the idea that she could fit in. A sound that caused misty air to be pulled between her teeth. Well, Raven can yes, but Aurora? Not so much. How many times has she felt the eyes of others watching when she was doing mundane tasks? The clicking of her cane and paleness of her skin was said to be like a beacon that attracted attention wanted or not. “I guess it is in a way of perspective. Though I have yet to walk theses streets and not feel the gaze of many. Only when a mask is donning my features is when I’m free of the small burden. Though I assume tis something both of us face.”

Although he didn’t exactly know why the woman laughed or for what reason specifically but he would take it for now. “Hard not to turn heads when you're a head and sometimes shoulder above most people or when you're smaller and paler than them. Some people would kill for that kind of attention though it's probably not all it's cracked up to be.” Girard said humbly while trailing off slightly, almost an unconscious statement from him. It took a moment for the big guy to rebound but once he did he noticed they were getting awful close but he didn't want to interrupt if Raven Tale had anything left to say. Though he did stop and look quietly to check for visible activity.

“I would take a life to not gather one’s gaze. Makes my mind uneasy.” Shrugging her shoulders, she felt her cane brush against something that gave a ting, the rolling sensation making her think it’s a can as she walked past. The cracks in the sidewalk were becoming more frequent, the air passing by less and less. Buildings must be eating at their path, looming over them like a guard of sound. The air began taking on a smell of iron, rust even. “Seems we’re getting close, I can hear fighting...something breaking..Glass?”

Tank snapped to attention at the sound of glass shattering fully aware of the neighbourhood but also that such a thing doesn’t just happen for no reason around here. It sounded a bit muffled to him, kind of like it was inside a building rather than outside which he could see happening if the criminals in question were present. The target building was an old restaurant so there was a chance it could have been an old display case or container inside. However, unlike Raven Tale he couldn’t hear the fighting she spoke of from where they were but he had a damn good idea where it was happening. “If that's right than it sounds like our hosts are around tonight right on time, but the fighting is different for them. The place is an abandoned restaurant, small place, but I figure they might be in the front room close to the counter or a table.” Girard said relaying some information to his fellow vigilante now rather than later. “How do we want to approach this exactly? I’d like your thought on it.”

“Restaurant hmm?” Idea’s already playing in her head, Raven mentioned for Tank to stay put. No longer tapping her cane, she hovered it over the ground again. Her steps light, airy even as she moved off the side and across the street. Finding a spot that was nestled away from open air, she began to sit down, the dampness of the pavement reaching her clothes. Head lulled forward, her breathing and movements began to still.
She stayed like that for moments, to minutes. Ears keen as she picked up bits and pieces of what was told before making her way back to her companion.. “Seems there's a group, yelling at one individual about goods. Poor thing seems to be in tears.”

A sigh escaping her, she unclasped her book. Resting it on her arm. “It's a restaurant, meaning there must be a back door. Either you, or my wraith can enter from the front to cause chaos, only to be taken from the back. Simple, no?”

“Point made, always good to get a partners’ insight though. I think I’ll take the front given my...lack of stealth and get some attention. Let's get in there before it gets worse for whoever was on the receiving end of that, they should have any information if we need it.” The big guy said lightly patting the woman on the shoulder before moving off to get into position. He figured that there wasn’t much need for an alarm or signal between the two because if anything they weren’t going to be the only ones who heard the commotion. A plus for getting the police to come once they were done and gone letting the officers take over from there. Tank was glad there were shutters on the windows because they worked both ways at the moment hiding his profile from the men inside as he gave Raven Tale time to get into a decent position. Once he felt enough time had passed he back up slightly before blasting through the door into the old building to dish out some justice.

Quickly making her way to the back, hand on the building, Raven followed a crack she found in the wall, rounding a corner before shakily climbing a set of crates that groaned in protest before jumping down, a sigh of relief when she found that the handle under hand click in approval. She could already hear yells of alarm. Swear words and gun fire that hammered painfully against her ears, as they tried to take Tank down.
“Time of death, estimated at october 12th, 2010”
The sound of a shriek echoed through the halls, a comforting sound for the albino. But yells turned to screams. “What is that thing?!” “Fucking A! Shoot it!” The pounding boots, the slamming of bodies all bouncing off the walls. Raven herself joining in under the guide of her wraith, the scene of a nightmare as the corpse whispered over her, grabbing those who get to near, sucking away their energy as the life seeped from their eyes before slipping into unconsciousness.

Girard made his impression quite quickly upon entering delivering a solid punch to the first man who was closest as the rest fired shots at him to no effect. He turned around to lift one up by his collar before tossing him in the general direction of his partner’s wraith before kneeing one of the aggressors as he came running in for a pistol whip, he went down quickly and with several cracks accompanying it. Whoops. Between the big guy’s punches the next couple of men ended up against walls one with a definitely broken jaw and the other with more than the wind knocked out of him. Tank took a moment to look and see if there were anymore left standing given how quick and effective the assault had been but it appeared between the three of them the only remaining one was a man who was tied up to a chair looking a bit beaten up.

The sounds of crushing bones, gargled screams and flying body had caused Raven to be light on her feet. Her movements always half made, just ready to spring away if need be. By the time it was over she stilled, her cane of ebony still in her hand, gripped like a blade in her ghostly grasp, stance ready to attack for several moments till she finally heard Tank ease up. “Who still lies with open eyes?”
She could hear the harsh, slow breathing of the defeated. Her cane tapping one’s clothes as she made her way to Tank. Her wraith still following behind with haunting grace.

The man tied looked at them with fearful eyes. Wide like a newborn fawn as he squirmed at the sight of the two beasts that caused more terror than the gang ever could. His skin was raw from where the rope bit him. Shaggy brown hair plastered to his brow with sweat. Brown eyes laced with pain, one eye reddened and bruised, glasses by his feet. His vision was still dizzy, head swinging side to side in a rhythmic pattern. But even so, he could make out the giant and the elf. “Please..Please I don’t have anything on me, I swear if I did I would give it to you. I..I just want to get back to my kids.
Voice quivering, he watched with baited breath as death vanished. “Where...where did it go?” He couldn’t help but ask, yet the one dressed in black only offered a uncharacteristically kind smile. “Do not fear us, we offer no harm, do you need medical attention?”

“No...no, I, I just have to get back to my store before they take everything. I’m...I’m loosing everything.”

Girard took the time to look the man over closer while Raven Tale handled the talking for the first part. It definitely could have ended worse for him, he was a lucky man in that respect but it sounded like his troubles had yet to end if what he said was right about the thieves. Of course if that was the case it seemed like tonight was going to get all the more interesting since they uncovered something a bit bigger than he thought initially. This shit just gets more complicated all the time. He thought having the urge to rub his temples but he resisted. “How about you tell us where this place they’re robbing is while I get these ropes off you, no need for them.” The big guy said moving over to work on the surprisingly well tied restraints.

The man simply watched, he found his mouth dry as he studied the two. The large man seemed to be kind, careful as he tried to free him. And while the girl’s beast was a hellish thing in itself, he started to realize that she was the size of a child, hardly even reaching his shoulder as he stood. “I...I got a shipment of goods from a partner company..they, they had high quality goods, and I was getting a higher income. I tried to keep it from getting too out in the open but not even a month in, they found out….”
He mentioned them with an incline of his head. Watching while the girl tapped an unconscious male by her feet with the strange rod in her hands. “Do you trust us to help you?” He found his breath cut short at the words, looking at them again, only to picture his shop being ransacked. “I, my store, it's a tech pawn shop...back to the future, I know, my daughter came up with the name, it's near first street.”

Like a switch, he watched the girl become animated once more. Moving across the room after bowing her head in thanks. “We will clear them out. Tank, if you follow I have Dullahan, she can get us there in a moment before they leave.”

The big man listened as his partner worked to getting a bit more information out of the distraught man who had been looking closely at them mostly in fear before but calming down once they didn’t continue the bad night he had been having. Wasn’t hard to tell why the two could be intimidating or terrifying at times, it tended to help when dealing with criminals using fear as a weapon because it made them think twice or kept them on edge. It was a strategy Tank made extensive use of as his sudden assaults left little room for else besides maybe anger in the higher ups because of its effectiveness. As the man said what the thieves were after it made plenty of sense how aggressive they were like, taking the owner to prevent further issues, he hadn’t been wrong about them being tough nuts after all. The name and location of the shop were something he would dedicate to memory so he might spend a little extra patrol time in the area after tonight just in case, but he had something to say before they left in a hurry.

“Police should be here soon enough, you tell them what happened and they’ll take care of you from here. Stay safe.” Girard said before following after Raven Tale with a question in mind. “Sounds good whatever a Dullahan is.”

"Its hooves of thunder shall carry another. Under the guise for eyes that have not yet seen, it shall punish those, who have yet to bleed." The words fell from her lips as she left the building, back to the open streets and away from prying eyes.
The sound of a great stead fit for the horsemen themselves echoed across the streets in ghastly moans. The clicking of hooves on pavement and the heavy breathing of something large. Yet all that was seen before them, stood a motorcycle. Black in color with little else, yet shown strength that many people would fawn over. “Dullahan is how I get from place to place, a sweet thing till she shows her true self.”
With light steps she put her cane away and climbed on. Taking the handles and turning her head back in Tank’s direction. “Causes less of a disturbance.”

Girard watched not entirely sure what he was seeing but he would go with it regardless if it meant they got to the store faster. There were still more than a few things he didn’t understand about the female vigilante or her powers but if anything she seemed very dedicated to dealing with the city’s crime problem and he couldn’t fault that. However one thing he did like was the kickass ride in front of him and while he walked everywhere out of necessity, mostly, taking a ride would be a nice change of pace. The only thing that had him maybe more than a little worried was the fact he was letting a blind person drive him but it was the only way he was going to get there particularly fast. Tank moved up to the vehicle and sat down still mildly uncomfortable but in the mindset to get it over with quickly. “Time to go give them another caning.” He said eager to be back on his feet and kicking ass soon.

She could tell the Tank was uncomfortable. But honestly she felt like she didn’t want to tell him it was not her driving. Let the guy think he was being lead by the blind. Nodding her head at the words, she grabbed hold of the handles, her hands feeling leather beneath, knowing it had to be the reins. “First street” with the words spoken the beast flared to life. A whinny that sounded worlds away as they sped off into the night, the city streets becoming a blur as they cut corners, and passed others with ease, vanishing before people could even turn their heads.
“Ease up”
Again dullahan responded. Slowing her strides in another part of town that seemed to be quiet. Void of life aside from the winds that stirred trash about the streets. Climbing off she waited to hear Tank do the same before she asked the beast to disperse in a wave of wispy smoke.

Girard was in disbelief at first that they were going as fast as they were, of course he had never exactly gone this fast before but once it got through to him, he was just impressed. He thought it was an amazing thing to have as much utility that Raven Tale did as compared to someone like him who was usually very straight forward. It wasn’t that he didn’t get creative occasionally but it took a bit of thinking and often ended up causing a mess even more so than normal which kept him away from it. There was barely any time to register where they were before the motorcycle had slowed down and his partner had jumped off only waiting on him to do the same which he did quickly as to not hold them up. “Hell of a ride.” The big guy said honestly having enjoyed in it a way but also feeling maybe a bit more confident that the female vigilante’s powers were extremely useful.


“Should cast your gaze upon her true form one day. She’s quite the sight I assume.” Nodding her head in thanks, she began to take her cane back out, feeling the curb and stepping from the street. She could smell smoke, and rain. A strange combo that caused her nose to scrunch up when introduced to the trash. “Come, can’t be fa-”
The sound of rummaging, a building coming to life with more than a few people. Common sounds of a ransacked home causing the woman to start to move. “They must have gone through the back, they’ll be thicker there, you go and I’ll keep them from escaping.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Tank said quite curious but it would have to wait for the moment prompting him to follow his partner. It was certainly not the best part of town so to speak but it certainly wasn’t as dirty or crime filled as a couple other major areas in the city which made it a little more bearable for the big man, though you’d rarely catch him complaining. Tonight was a bit more active it seemed, especially with the noise that was being kicked up in a nearby building which had interrupted Raven Tale. As soon as she mention the back of the building Girard was on the move to cut off the thieves in a hurry though he did catch some of the back half of the sentence it wasn’t entirely clear but it was hard not to get the drift. He was ready to blitz the criminals if necessary but and ambush was what he would have preferred, but either was workable.

Inside was ravaged. Tables flipped boxes open and their treasures thrown about like copper coins. The harsh whispers growing louder as the group began to find what they were looking for. Becoming less and less careful, their worries cast aside as they began to believe that no one would punish them for their deeds.
“I’ll keep an eye out” the voice was cocky. Steps heavy as he made his way to the front. A bit taller than Raven but not by much, she listened to his words to find him. The male made only one mistake in not looking forward, causing himself to be met with an ebony cane pushed harshly against his throat, air being stolen from his lungs while the door behind them burst forward. Swears and curses exploding, creating more of a scene only for the man’s world to turn black. “Get the shit! Come on get out!”
As they ran forward, they were met with the jaws of a beast. “He only wishes to find you” a haunting voice as she sent the Grim even further into the building, herself met with a spar when someone came at her with a bat. Adrenaline burst through her veins, ducking low to the ground only to feel the weapon fly over her head, just a breath away. Kicking out at him she dove for his legs, bringing him down with her, her fist colliding with his nose with all the force she had, knocking him out.
Bang!
A hot searing pain ripped through the sleeve of her coat from inside the building. Raven did not even have the time to voice her surprise, when another hand was brought to her shoulder, her head flying back only for the skull upon her face to crack against his features, listening as the body ragged with pain fell to her feet.

The crash from the back culminated in a door flying into one of the criminals sending him to the floor, a bit of foreshadowing for what was to come for the rest. While Raven Tale engaged the two at the front the big man swiftly followed behind the door delivering a punch to the nearest man sending him into a wall and brought an arm up to deflect a crowbar which groaned in protest as it bent back. The owner of the weapon made a similar sound when he received a ‘light’ kick to the gut. Tank was in a rhythm up until he heard the gunshot from not that far away, it wouldn’t have bother him if it was at him but he felt nothing so there was only one answer to the thief's target of choice. He blurred out momentarily holding the shooting arm of the gunman pulling up as the man shot once more causing it to hit the ceiling instead though he saw another man was going to attempt to free his comrade only to take a backhand slap to the face taking him out. The currently restrained man struggled to try weaseling out of the big man’s grip to no avail and now he had the man’s undivided attention. Girard noticed out of the corner of his eye one of the scum had recovered from getting knocked aside before and made a clumsy dash for the back entrance. Thinking quick the giant hefted up the gunman and launched him straight at the other criminal with surprising accuracy, he had done this before, taking both out in one a fell swoop. His blood was still buzzing as he scanned around for new threats though he was worried about his fellow vigilante now that he was more aware of himself. “You alright?” He called to Raven Tale hoping for a decent answer since the woman had been shot at.

“Just a graze, nothing a drink won’t fix.” Her voice showing the woman was out of breath, she let a curse fall from her lips when she began to listen to the retreating footfalls. Hurried things that were sure to have been scarred for some time.
Eyes snapping open under the mask, the woman turned in the direction of Tank. The distant sounds of sirens dancing through the streets. “Time to go,” without another word she ran, her riding boots clicking against the stone streets, almost tripping on a crack before turning into what seems like another alleyway a few streets down.

Girard was glad to hear it wasn’t a direct hit, still not a great thing but it would do all things considered. He had also picked up on some of the footsteps but they were faint to him so chasing them was a lost cause for him at least. That was only reinforced when the police sirens appeared shortly after the other vigilante mentioned them. He bolted shortly after her deciding to take a bit of a roundabout route away from the shop initially be aiming for the same general direction Raven Tale had gone towards. He started to slow down after a little bit once he was pretty sure no one was following him but continued walking while keeping eyes and ears open.

Sides heaving, and wounded, Raven leaned her back on the alley wall. The sound of distant sirens being nothing more than a melody in the back of her mind. “You are slow my friend, can you not keep you with the blind?” A smirk on her lips, she waited for the lumbering steps of Tank following close behind. “Tis was a grand night I shall admit, yet even I can tell that Dawn shall approach soon and I do not do well in sunlight.”

Tank turned to face Raven Tale once she spoke, he had admittedly missed her in the dark area what with the black costume. “Rather be slow and unpredictable to everyone else.” He said with a little laugh. He had a quick listen to the other vigilante and had to agree with her about it being a good run for them. He had to admit it was a shame how close it was to being light around the city but he had nothing but family time to take over yesterday so a long night worked out well. “We should do it again sometime, you get yourself fixed up and have a good sleep though. I gotta get back home, stay safe.” Girard said remarking on the night a little and voicing his mild concern quickly. He wasn’t wrong that he had to go even if the activities were going to be later on but he would rather not fall asleep during them. The big guy gave a quick wave before remembering Raven Tale was blind again and mentally shrugged before heading out for his apartment.

“And to you as well my friend, may your path lead to fortune upon fate.” Bowing her head a bit in thanks, the woman called forth Dullahan, the echoing whinny running down the alley, a shadow showing on the city streets of a great horse missing it’s head. Hopping on she put her cane away, the first sun rays starting to caress her coat. “Till we meet again, maybe next time it will be without the destruction of someone’s creation.”
With the spoken words she sped off on the creation, the distant hum of a motorcycle followed by the ghostly whinny.