Artifex

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

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.”

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

The boy was responding just very slightly to the attempts at calming him. He was still absolutely terrified, but could sense that he wasn't necessarily in danger. Manny had dealt with a few traumatized kids at the hospital, and he knew that this boy's whole worldview was warped. If they were gonna get anything from him, they would have to use a good bit of finesse...

...And just like that, they're chances took a nosedive. For some reason, Reaper had lashed out at the boy as he scrambled away and scared the daylights out of him. Manny wasn't sure why she'd done that after being the first to start helping the kid, but it made him a bit weary if the shadow manipulator. The kid immediately dove into Ecto’s shirt, and went into an all-out panic. Yep, we're screwed. And if that wasn't enough, Wraith had returned with some sort of bracelet.

"Umbra's mark. Found it at the end of the alley. There's every chance that Ditch's little rescue mission didn't go unnoticed."

Manny turned his head in Wraith’s direction wearing more of a surprised look than he may have intended. He saw how frantic Ditch had gotten over the news, and he was most certainly in the same boat. When she pushed passed him to get to the boy, he thought that there might still be a bit of hope when the kid stopped crying so hard. But his reaction to the Umbra bracelet had completely changed the game.

"Please, please don't put the bracelet on me, please, please I'll do anything, anything you want, I'll talk to the ghost again, I'll do it, please, please.. please.."

He had that bracelet on him? I'm not sure what it does, but if it has to do with Umbra, it's obviously not good. And what was that bit about talking to ghosts? Is that his power? We have got to calm this kid down so we can get some answers.

Ditch then proceeded to crush the bracelet underfoot, hoping that would gain a bit more trust from the boy, but he still didn't fold. Instead, he started to warn them about some potential threat.

"I need to go, you can't.. he'll come, and he'll hurt me, and he'll hurt you...Umbra."

Of course...of all the things to be dealing with right now, Umbra himself isn't exactly at the top of my list. If this kid had been attacked by Umbra, how did he escape? Is this a setup? Did the boy get dumped just so he'd be found? Is our secret hideout really a secret?

Manny made his best attempt to wash away the bewilderment that had taken over his mind, and return to his comforting manner. First order of business was to win the boy's trust. He slowly approached Ditch and the kid, and lowered himself to their level.

“She's right, kid. We may have gotten off to bad start here, but you gotta trust us. Umbra or no Umbra we're gonna protect you, ok? You really are with the good guys.”

Manny motioned to the crushed bracelet and gave the boy a reassuring nod.

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

@Blaine Crommet
What's funny is that Manny actually loves Spanish guitar. :P

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

It looked as though Omega’s attempts to calm Ditch had fallen short. Seeing her up close like this, he noticed how awful she looked and it only increased his concern. When Wraith walked over to offer Ditch a flask of coffee, he noticed a change in her demeanor. She no longer oozed arrogance, but instead was pretty even-keel, maybe even a bit somber. He inwardly wondered if she was alright, but set it aside in his mind to deal with the issues at hand. As she left to check for potential threats, Ditch contiued her spiel. She had a real knack for leaving Omega puzzled whenever she spoke.

“Ok...so you've found out why supers are disappearing....and then this battered kid shows up talking about your father? Didn't you say he was dead?”

Omega furled his brow and shook his head.

“I'm not sure which one I wanna hear first…”

A sudden scuffling caught his attention and he turned his focus to the stage. The child had woken up and scurried away from the others. He looked scared, though who could blame him? He was surrounded by strange people in masks and such. His eyes definitely glowed like Ditch mentioned earlier, so by default they all already had that in common with the kid.

Just a few moments ago, he was this pitful little thing, and now he's on his feet without even being halfway recovered. Tough kid.

“Well, Ditch, it looks like we're all gonna get some answers. Just gotta get you both to chill.”

Omega followed TB’s lead and removed his goggles, placing them in his pocket, and he flashed his best kid-friendly smile, speaking after Raven.

“Yeah, little dude. We're the good guys. Just take it easy, alright? We're gonna help you get better,” Manny said with a gentle nod. “My name's Manny.”

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

Also yay us! 20th post is a go! Stolen from us hard working posters by the diabolical Artifex!

@Blazion

I prefer 'cunning and strategic'.

Ha....haha....muahahahahahahaaaaaaaa!!!!

(Nerds.)

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

Omega paced the floor of the newly renovated headquarters. Well, he was walking as if he were on the floor, but was actually strolling around on the high ceiling of the auditorium. He had been checking the integrity of the repairs, seeing as they were in the middle of a rainstorm and Ditch had yet to arrive. It was quite odd when he thought about it. Ditch had always been the first to show up the previous couple of times she called the team together, so he assumed she was the punctual type.

He looked up -- or down rather -- at his fellow vigilantes and a pleased grin formed on his face. It looked like most everyone had made the return trip, and it seemed the team was solidifying. With the steady flow of supers being captured and the threat of Umbra increasing, it was good to see things coming together. He had even started training with Raven Tale in the past few days, something that he had only done alone before.

Just as he bent down to examine the ceiling once more, a loud series of bangs rocked the barely-furnished auditorium and echoed throughout the room. He looked down to see Reaper already headed to the entrance. He could faintly hear Ditch’s voice screaming through the door, and she sounded panicked, though he was too far up to hear exactly what she was saying. She burst through the door as Reaper opened it cradling a small, unconscious child and Omega’s eyes widened behind his goggles. Even from his current position, Omega could see that the kid was in bad shape. He quickly descended landing on the ground as Reaper rushed the boy to the stage, followed by Raven Tale and Turn Back. With first aid, warmth, and provisions already being applied, Omega turned to Ditch who was still standing at the entrance, soaked and shaken. He figured he didn't want to overcrowd the operation, so he proceed quickly to help her.

“C'mon, let's have a seat.”

He walked her to the nearest couch while simultaneously keeping an eye on the vigilantes helping the child. Not trying to increase her panic, he spoke in a calm but urgent voice.

“Alright, calm down and tell me what happened. A little slower this time.”

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

@Inertia
Little late, but good luck with your schooling, dude. Look forward to you coming back. ^_^

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

It was very satisfying to see the positive response that the team was having in this moment. Everyone appeared to be on board with helping Wraith deal with her problems rather than chastising her for past mistakes. Ecto even found it in himself to forgive her. Omega gave a small laugh when he mentioned Wraith owing him a pizza and couldn’t help but to agree. It seemed this team was going to be alright after all.

He accepted Tank’s handshake with a genuine smile. He appreciated the big man’s humility in spite of his size.

"If you still got some hope in the rest of us how could I say no to getting some old fashioned teamwork organized around here, and then we can show Umbra what he has to worry about between all of us who are still standing here ready fix the problem."

“Hell yeah, dude. We’re gonna rock his world.”

Omega regarded Ditch carefully as she began to speak about her abilities. It seemed her lack of control came from her lack of experience using them. He assumed that everyone had gained their powers at a young age, but apparently that wasn’t always the case. When she finished, he gave her a warm smile and placed his hand on her shoulder.

“We’re all in this together now. We’ve got your back.”

He gave her a thumbs up and turned to the rest of the team.

“Take care, everyone.”

His faith in the team now restored, he made his way out, giving a small salute. As he walked, he felt a pat on his shoulder and turned his head to see Raven Tale.

“Come with me if you have time.”

He kind of expected them to be having at least a small chat after the mission. Now that he thought about it, she probably recognized his voice. He didn’t speak any differently out-of-costume, and he’d seen how well she could decipher distinct sounds first hand. He let her leave HQ ahead of him and waited just a moment before following her out. He wasn’t sure how this conversation was going to go, since no one outside of his family (and now Ditch) has ever known is identity. He was certainly intrigued.

He left HQ and looked around trying to see where Raven went. He saw her round the corner of a warehouse and made his way over, taking the higher ground. Omega simply walking from point A to point B was pretty uncommon. He dropped down and landed softly near where Raven Tale was leaning and folded his arms.

“Looks like I had some time...so, what’s up?”

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

@Blazion
The 'Laugh' kudo doesn't sufficiently express the amount that I actually laughed at this.

Never Normal - a Superhero Vigilante RP

@Blaine Crommet
I've noticed throughout this RP that Ecto thinks quite highly of Omega. :P