Baphomini

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

@JewelSerket No worries! Take your time, and just a few thoughts for names, maybe you could pull from different types of beetles, such as long horn, hercules, jewel, scarab, or even firefly. Maybe something like Captain Herc, The Jeweled Soldier, or Fireflier!

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

I LOVE THAT!! It's a really good dichotomy! The balance of bugs and plants clashing and relying on each other plays in perfectly to the villain and hero eventually falling for each other hehehe

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

You can just be a dudebro jock to Pine’s nerd. 🤓

@Crimson Flame

True! The clash can come in character too! Pine is a chaotic nerd, whereas the hero could be a more gentle and traditional sort of gentleman who goes for classic dates and nights in, a good foil to the potential danger and excitement the villain could bring with dates and time spent together

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

@Dragonfly 9 You can still try out! This isn't fcfs, it's who I feel is going to offer the most substance for story and character interaction! Tell me your ideas :D

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

@JewelSerket I mean! Lots of things can clash with plants! Tech, of course, a regular Batman or other techy persona. But also natural abilities relating to things like fire, ice, storms, maybe even animals? I don't know, get creative! Even the classic Superman/Metroman with flying, lasers, strength, and all that could be a good clash. Maybe the hero isn't even meta! Maybe he's just trained in martial arts and has a cool weapon! The possibilities are endless!

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

Lilian just likes salad I guess. :P

@Crimson Flame

This made me laugh more than it should have XD

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

Hahaha, same brain moment
Uhhh, this is hard because I don't really want the hero and villain to have the same powers? I feel like they should clash more! Not necessarily opposites (nature vs tech) but something a little more umph, if you know what I mean?

@JewelSerket The scope of powers can honestly be as wide as Marvel, where you literally have omnipotent figures, though when I use god-like abilities, I tend to pile on weaknesses to balance it out and generally just have my ways of keeping op from actually being op. I honestly love the concept of a hero feeling the need to feed into the hypermasculinity of big-time classic heroes? It hints at a lot of personal struggle for the hero that Li can maybe help him work through! I'm interested in this body horror concept too, since I see this being a bit like the X-Men in a way were metahumans can have various physical mutations that may or may not go along with their powers!

@Crimson Flame Professor Oak is a really well-written character and I love his story. I'll keep you and him in consideration for the villain role. For now I wanna see what other bites I can get! I can definitely see Li having a lot of fun with him, and he definitely fills the chaotic role I was imagining for the villain side of the relationship that I know Li would love!

In case y'all want a feel for the reporter character, Lilian, or Li (lee) as he usually goes by, here he be:

The name Li literally comes from "love interest" hahaha

Lilian Maurice Amie
Li, Li-li, Lilly, Shorty, Shrimp, Tiny, Grumpy

BIRTHDAY: April 6th || Age: 25
SEX: M || GENDER: Male || PRONOUN(S): He
HEIGHT: 4'10" || WEIGHT: 92 lbs || BLOOD TYPE: AB-
ORIENTATION: Demisexual - Demiromantic - Polyamorous
ALIGNMENT: Lawful Good

{ APPEARANCE }
Lilian Aime is a man who, despite his age, constantly finds himself "carded" when trying to purchase alcohol or tickets to an R-Rated film. His soft, round face is framed by silken locks of light, ginger-brown, while his eyes are a striking and often unsettling shade of scarlet. Faint freckles speckle his fair skin, resting mainly in the central are of his face across his nose and cheeks, with a few darker ones scattered across his body, including one obviously one on the back of his right wrist. In the eyes of most, he seems to suffer from a bit of "resting bitch face", more often seen to be scowling than smiling, however, he has no trouble expressing other emotions, and in certain situations can actually be found holding a well enough smile.

{ PERSONALITY }
Li is...extremely blunt, and typically very serious. He's not a man who jokes around often. At least, not unless it's some kind of snark-infused attack on someone he finds annoying. A teaser, Lilian seems to find a certain rather sadistic enjoyment in messing with peoples' minds and tearing them down through the use of clever wording and jabs at rather sensitive topics. A bit cruel, he doesn't ever show much remorse for his insensitive behavior, seeming to have little care for others, and only really looking out for himself. He's a very work-driven man, focusing on his own goals and knocking down anyone who stands in his way. He goes to great lengths to achieve, and can be ridiculously stubborn, and just a bit insanely reckless, to the point of throwing himself into the middle of a battle to get what he wants. It really is true. On the surface, Lilian Aime is nothing but a sassy, egocentric, asshole who cares only about his next paycheck and whether or not he can get that milkshake for free if he reports finding a hair in it. The full truth is, however, most of this is simply a mask, a role that Li hides behind. Deep down, Li can actually be quite sweet, and if one manages to get past his walls, they just might find a dorky little cuddle bug who just wants to be held forever more.

{ STRENGTHS }
Despite his odd eye color, Li does not possess any metahuman abilities so far as doctors or any other specialists can tell. However, regardless, Li holds more strength than most would think. Intelligent and sharp-minded, Lilian is an expert at problem solving, and often very skilled at picking up on subtle clues and hints, as well as being able to tell when someone may be lying or trying to hide something. Built small and light, he's quite fast when he needs to be, and finds ease in hiding, being able to squeeze into places that most people wouldn't think to look. A moderate skill in free running also comes to use quite often for his particular lifestyle, allowing him to get to places most can't reach, using his parkour elements to move about without relying on obvious paths. He's a master photographer and cameraman, and an excellent actor as well which helps him to put on a smile when interviewing people for his articles. With that, he as well is a truly terrific writer, and doesn't stick just to news and pop culture, actually having a few personal novels in the works, one of which he's even managed to get published under a pseudonym of Lee Amberly.

{ WEAKNESSES }
Though he tries to use it as a strength, in most senses, Lilian's size is a great disadvantage to him. From not being able to reach most things, to being very easily restrained and overpowered through strength. He's a prime target for kidnapping, and general hostage situations, and fast and agile as he is, it really doesn't take much for one to simply be faster and more agile than he is. Li is by all definition malnourished. Due to poor funds and high expenses, he's really only just barely making by, and really only just lucky to not be living on the streets. Suffice is to say, his small size isn't only accounted to genes. Because of this lack of nutrition, Lilian's immune system is a complete disaster, and he's more often sick than not, having some level of a cold at least three days out of the week. As well, he's typically very low on energy, and tends to get light headed easily. Not to mention a slight case of narcolepsy, which leaves him passing out entirely throughout the day, sometimes in the worst places, typically when he's in a moving vehicle or-- on the very rare chance-- being carried. He has severe allergies to aspirin and acetaminophen, as well as iodine dye and many other medicines and medical compounds. In addition, he has a serious fear of heights he often tries to ignore, inevitably getting himself stuck up in high and hard to reach places, an event which occurs especially often whenever thunder is present. He also has more minor fears of darkness and shadows, and of larger canines and most arachnids and insects. But his biggest fears of all? Abandonment, and being left alone and forgotten. That and dying alone. The mere thought of being left dead with no one to find him and remember him shakes him horribly and sends him into some seriously dark episodes.

{ HISTORY }
Lilian was born and raised in the Quebec providence of Canada, but he doesn't really share much beyond that. He states that he had a normal and fair upbringing, being raised in a bilingual household of French and English with his older brother and two younger sisters. He had a best friend whom he practically grew up with, the two of them being as close as family, and both having a strong fascination with a former hero by the name of Trueheart. Unfortunately, around the time of Trueheart's abandonment of his hero title, Li and his friend had a falling out, and it wasn't long after that that Li found himself more or less alone. After his graduation from college, with his brother long gone and lost to a villain and his sisters gone off to make a fashion empire in Paris, Li chose to move south, and eventually found himself in Wilacrik. He found a cheap apartment and got himself a job with the local paper thanks to his interning references from back home, and that's really all there is to his story. At least...it's all he's ever told...

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

@Crimson Flame Tell me a bit about this villain; what's his general gimmick and character and what all?

@JewelSerketMore akin to Marvel/DC where metahumans are an established part of society, but aren't fully the norm. People accept the heroes, though still turn up their noses at metahumans in general, especially since even the heroes pose a danger and a threat to society. As for transmasc, you've piqued my interest, so I'll hear the idea out 👀 I fully support trans men/women are men/women (be weird if I specifically didn't nsjssj)

Middle Man: Hero x Reporter x Villain- LOOKING FOR HEROES

The city of Wilacrik is in for a wild ride when mild-mannered reporter Lilian finds himself the object of affection for not just one, but two of the city's most powerful metahumans. On one side is [hero], the dashing and heroic protector of the city, who risks life and limb to keep its citizens safe from harm. On the other is the nefarious [villain], a brilliant but unhinged supervillain who plots to take over the city through his ingenious schemes. These two have been sworn enemies for years, clashing in epic battles that leave Wilakrick's streets in ruins. But now, a new battleground has emerged - the heart of the unassuming Lilian.

At first, it's a competition for Lilian's attention, with [hero] and [villain] trying to one-up each other with increasingly bold romantic gestures. But when the clever reporter reveals he has feelings for them both, things take a turn. To avoid losing Lilian, [hero] and [villain] must keep the peace, which proves difficult as they try to maintain their public personas as diametric foes. Through tense truces and private rendezvous, the two slowly become friends, bonding over their mutual love for the plucky reporter.

Soon, another surprise arises - [hero] and [villain] find themselves developing romantic feelings for each other! Now, these two find their hearts entangled in a complex love triangle, or perhaps more accurately, a love triangle rapidly becoming a love triad. Can sworn enemies set aside their differences and past conflicts to embrace an unexpected but powerful love between not just two, but three? The course of true love never did run smooth, but for the sake of their shared love for Lilian, [hero] and [villain] just may be able to build a new future together and become the most unlikely of trios. What happens next promises to be Wilacrik's greatest love story yet!

---

Hi, so, yeah. We got a funny little love story about a hero, a villain, and a reporter, and it's the gayest thing ever /pos
I'm looking for TWO people, someone to play hero, and another to play villain, and I'll be the reporter.
This will NOT be FCFS, I'm looking for solid writing and characters, so show me what you got!

NOTES:

• This IS intended to be M x M x M so if you can't do a gay/bi male character, in the nicest way possible, please go somewhere else, lol, Li is gay all ways to Sunday, and he ain't looking for no femme fatales, he's after that good ol Superman
• Also this IS intended to be a polyam story, and hero and villain are intended to fall in love too, but if y'all would rather them just be bros loving and protecting the same reckless civilian, that's probably one of the only things on which I'm lenient? We can talk more on this if that's the direction y'all wanna go!! There's still plenty of plot to be had if hero and villain don't smooch!!
• I'm open to ideas and stuff, especially about metahumans and how heroes and villains work in this world! I love collaborative worldbuilding!
• Lilian falls in love with the SUPER personas, and knows nothing about their civilian covers unless they tell him, so that could lead into some fun hijinks!!

ASK QUESTIONS!!! I WILL ANSWER!!

WARNING! A LOT OF FUCKING TEXT AHEAD!!

Numans

Numan is an umbrella term that encompasses those individuals who fall outside society's definition of “normal". This broad categorization refers most commonly to people who adopt personas as heroes, villains, or ambiguous figures operating in the space between good and evil. However, it's important to recognize that not all numans conform to these archetypes. Many eschew the path of flashy alter egos and live modest, ordinary lives indistinguishable from the general populace.

Though the exploits of costumed heroes and villains may dominate popular narratives and media depictions of numans, they represent only a fraction of this diverse community. The majority quietly go about their daily business, pursuing careers, raising families, socializing with friends, contributing to their communities, and finding meaning in life's simple pleasures. Their supernatural abilities or atypical attributes do not define them wholly. Like anyone else, their inner lives are complex and nuanced. They contain multitudes.

While the archetypal numans make headlines, they should not be taken as representative of the group as a whole. Numans are first and foremost people. Some may live up to lofty ideals of heroism, others may channel their exceptional natures to destructive ends, but most seek only connection, fulfillment, and an ordinary kind of happiness. Though set apart by their extraordinary traits, numans ultimately want only to find their place in the world as anyone would.

The numan, known colloquially as “supers", possess extraordinary abilities that set them apart from ordinary humans. These powers, which range from telepathy to flight to manipulating the elements, often seem to defy scientific explanations. While some numans use their gifts responsibly, many humans view them as dangerous anomalies or even threats. This unease has led to open hostility and discrimination. Numans regularly face verbal abuse, with hateful slurs like “freak" or “mutant" used to dehumanize them. More disturbingly, some businesses refuse them service, and extremist groups openly raise funds to “eliminate" them. Even well-intentioned humans may patronizingly treat powerful numans as celebrities, badgering them on the streets and invading their personal lives to ask them questions as though they were something to be studied. Tragically, many numans live in fear, unable to access basic rights and opportunities. Their distinctive traits, rather than being celebrated, make them targets.

It is for these reasons that for many decades, those with numan abilities lived in secrecy, concealing their powers from the public out of fear of persecution and discrimination. However, this long period of hiding in the shadows began to shift around the early 20th century as attitudes started to gradually change. The most significant catalyst sparking the emergence of numans into mainstream society was the rise of the hero known as “The White Guardian" in 1912. When a devastating earthquake struck Port Angels, causing widespread destruction, The White Guardian used his abilities to save countless lives and protect the city from total collapse. His selfless and heroic actions captured headlines across the country and even the world. Despite initial controversy and backlash from those who distrusted or feared numans, The White Guardian became a beloved public figure and helped pave the way for more numans to begin openly using their powers for good. Inspired by his example over the next few years, more super-powered individuals started coming forward as protectors and champions of justice. Though prejudice persisted in some segments of society, numans slowly but surely were coming out of hiding and finding acceptance through their admirable acts. By the mid-20th century, the presence of numan individuals was commonplace, marking a profound shift from the secrecy and obscurity that previously surrounded those with extraordinary abilities. The White Guardian's emergence was the spark that ignited a gradual but remarkable change in attitudes, beginning a new era of numans stepping out of the shadows and asserting their rightful place in the world.

Unfortunately, with every hero comes a villain, and, with the steady rise in crime, destruction, and danger in general, it was hard for numans to gain full acceptance, as many humans blamed them for the chaos, regardless of who they were or how they chose to live their lives. Despite the good deeds of many numans, a vocal minority of humans protested their presence, claiming that all numans should be cast out of society once more. These extremists went even further, preaching violence and persecution against the entire population of numans.

Today, despite laws being in place to try to protect numans from extremists and discrimination, many numans still choose to live discreetly among human society. While most don't feel the need to completely hide their identities, many numans make an effort to downplay their supernatural differences and abilities. They try to blend in and live as far below the radar as possible in order to avoid attracting negative attention. This guarded behavior comes from a learned caution - an understandable response considering the lingering undercurrent of prejudice. Numans remember the vitriol hurled against their kind when crime rates rose. They hope to quietly coexist, staying under the threshold that might provoke fearful or hostile reactions. Though progress has been made, numans remain wary, knowing that for every step forward, there are still those who would gladly force them back into the shadows.

Classing it Out

Initially, the emergence of numans with extraordinary abilities bewildered and frightened humanity. However, over time scientists began to study these numans in depth to understand their origins and powers. After years of rigorous research, clear patterns emerged, allowing scientists to create a taxonomy of numan abilities and traits. The first category that emerged was the metahuman - numans whose powers derived from genetic mutations, passed down through families over generations. Their lineages could often be traced back to ancient sources, suggesting their genetics contained latent abilities waiting to be expressed. The second group was the transmuted - numans who acquired their powers later in life due to exposure to strange energies or substances. Their cellular structures and DNA were fundamentally altered, granting them incredible but unstable capabilities. The final group was the proxy - numans who gained powers through mystic rituals of possession or by being granted abilities by higher powers. Proxies channeled forces beyond their physical forms, serving as conduits for arcane energies. While the source of these numans' powers varied, their emergence revolutionized society's understanding of humanity's potential. The new classifications brought order to the chaos, laying the foundation for further research into the extent of numan abilities.

Metahumans

Metahumans are a special class of numan born with extraordinary abilities and powers due to a very rare, double recessive trait called the “Metagene." While they appear mostly human, metahumans may exhibit minor physical mutations such as unusual hair, eye, and skin colors, as well as variations in the structure of their eyes, ears, teeth, nails, and more. The Metagene allows their bodies to evolve and adapt in incredible ways, granting them superhuman powers like flight, super-strength, telepathy, elemental manipulation, shapeshifting, and more.

Overall, metahumans represent the next stage in human evolution. Their numbers remain small, but they play an outsized role in society as both superheroes and supervillains. Feared and revered, metahumans walk among normal humans while possessing uncanny traits and talents, showcasing the remarkable potential of the human genome. Whether using their gifts for good or ill, metahumans have become an iconic part of the modern world.

The metahumans of the world are divided into three distinct castes that exhibit varying degrees of human and monster-like traits.

• Caste A ─ Caste A metahumans appear mostly human, with perhaps only subtle variations like oddly-colored eyes or hair to set them apart. Though they blend in easily with normal humans, traces of their metahuman heritage can be glimpsed in these subtle features.
• Caste B ─ Caste B metahumans exhibit more pronounced physical differences that mark them as distinct from standard humans. They frequently have unusual hair, eye and skin colors, and may have variations in eye shape or structure. Elongated ears, animalistic teeth and claws, tails, spines, or even wings are common mutations among this group. Though still bipedal, Caste B metahumans have a more exotic, otherworldly appearance that evokes mythological beings.
• Caste C ─ Caste C consists of the most monstrous metahumans, often referred to as “beasts." This group includes orc- and goblin-like beings with hulking bodies, tusks, and coarse features that appear far removed from ordinary humanity. Caste C represents a heavy concentration of animal DNA that manifests in a creature barely humanoid in form. These intimidating metahumans with fierce visages inspire unease in normal humans. Though the most inhuman in appearance, Caste C metahumans possess the same inner emotional life and intelligence as the other castes.

Together, the three metahuman castes demonstrate a spectrum of human-monster hybridization. While Caste A could pass as human, Caste C is fully embraced as monster. Caste B lies between, exhibiting an alluring mix of human and animal traits. Despite external differences, all three castes share an inner personhood that longs for understanding and community.

Transmutes

Transmutes, colloquially known as "T-MUs" and pronounced "tee-mews", are a subclass of numans who gained their abilities not through natural evolution but rather through artificial means. They differ from metahumans in that their powers were not inborn but rather bestowed later in life, usually through some sort of outside intervention. The most common origins of transmutes are scientific experimentation, accidental exposure to strange compounds or radiation, and purposeful self-alteration. Transmutes can originate from humans, animals, or even metahumans. Based on their original form, transmutes are categorized as either Hu-MUs (human-origin), Me-MUs (meta-origin), or Be-MUs (animal-origin). Hu-MUs and Me-MUs tend to be more varied in their abilities, which are often geared towards utility, whereas Be-MUs usually exhibit enhanced versions of their original animal traits as well as the possibility of higher sentience. However, transmutes of all types can possess a wide range of powers. The transformation process is unpredictable and abilities, as well as physical mutations, manifest differently in each individual. While less common than metahumans, transmutes are still abundant due to the many possible methods of their creation. Some seek out the change willingly, while others are altered against their will. Regardless of origin, all transmutes must adapt to their newfound gifts and find their place in the larger numan social order.

• Hu-MUs ─ Hu-MUs, or “Human Mutants", refer to a unique subclass of transmuted beings who were originally ordinary humans that underwent genetic alterations, granting them extraordinary abilities and often radical physical mutations. While "transmute" is an umbrella term for any human or creature that has been mutated from their natural state, Hu-MUs specifically denote those that began as regular homo sapiens before undergoing their metamorphosis. The origins of individual Hu-MUs are widely varied - some were accidentally exposed to radioactive compounds or hazardous materials while others were subjects of unethical scientific experimentation. The resulting transformations display a stunning range, from subtle enhancements to dramatic physical changes. Their newfound powers and radically altered bodies set Hu-MUs apart from mainstream humanity, leading to fear, prejudice, and the formation of a distinct subculture of their own kind.
• Me-MUs ─ Me-MUs, or "Meta Mutants", are a unique subclass of transmutes who have undergone additional physical and mental transformations beyond their innate metahuman mutations. As their name implies, Me-MUs start out as metahumans, born with extraordinary abilities and physical features that set them apart from ordinary humans. However, through exposure to experimental chemical compounds or scientific procedures, Me-MUs experience further dramatic mutations that amplify their powers.
• Be-MUs ─ Be-MUs, or “Beast Mutants”, are a fascinating subclass of transmutes - animals who have undergone radical mutations and transformations as a result of exposure to mysterious chemical compounds or experimental scientific procedures. Rather than perishing from the mutagenic effects, these creatures have not only survived but evolved in extraordinary ways. While Be-MUs originated as ordinary animals like dogs, cats, mice, or even insects or fish, they now exhibit an astounding array of abilities and often extreme physical mutations. Their intellect and consciousness have likewise expanded dramatically, with many Be-MUs possessing human or even superior reasoning and problem-solving skills. Just as their bodies have been altered in unpredictable ways, their minds have also made the leap to higher sentience. Be-MUs straddle the line between animal and human, combining the instincts and raw power of their primal origins with sapient contemplation and self-awareness. Once mundane pets or wildlife, they are now fantastical creatures with the potential to change the world. Whether they are peaceful or hostile, Be-MUs represent the next phase of evolution, a glimpse of the incredible possibilities that emerge when science tinkers with the foundations of life itself.

Proxies

Proxies are a unique subclass of numans who possess supernatural abilities not inherently their own. Unlike innate numans who are born with powers, proxies gain their abilities from an external source that can be taken away, such as a mystical weapon, a totem, or possession by a supernatural entity. Though proxies are primarily humans who were born normal, the term can also apply to transmutes, numans, and even once-normal animals that have been granted powers in this manner.

A human who stumbled upon an enchanted sword, for instance, could gain formidable battle skills and strength from the artifact but lose these boons if disarmed. The abilities are not innate but drawn from the external object. Likewise, an ordinary hawk possessed by the spirit of a shape-shifting trickster could gain the power to transform into human form and back for as long as the spirit resides within. In some traditions, shamans and mediums channel deities or ancestors, acting as proxies for their wisdom and arcane gifts. As conduits for these external forces, proxies walk a fine line between empowerment and vulnerability. Their supernatural talents are only borrowed, not born from within. With the source removed, the abilities vanish. Nevertheless, proxy status grants these ordinary beings access to extraordinary feats they could not achieve alone - at least for a time. Though their powers are not permanently their own, proxies experience what it means to exceed their innate limits and tap into mythic realms beyond.

Outlanders

A fairly recent addition to the numan classification are the outlanders, individuals who hail from other worlds and dimensions entirely outside of Earth. While the outlanders consist of various exotic beings like aliens, angels, demons, and deities, and are grouped together under the numan umbrella, they are quite distinct from other numan subgroups like metahumans, transmutes, and proxies. Previously, these supernatural entities were lumped in with metahumans despite their lack of a metagene. However, a movement was made to acknowledge the key differences between metahumans and beings from other planes of existence.

Much like metahumans who are born with their abilities, outlanders have innate powers and physiology tied to their homeworlds and dimensions. This includes traits like having wings, horns, multiple arms, unusual skin tones, the ability to manipulate magic, and more. Additionally, many outlanders have lifespans far beyond normal humans and some are even ageless or immortal. With such fantastic traits, outlanders stand apart from Earthly numans.

Despite their incredible capabilities, outlanders are the rarest type of numan, as most prefer to avoid interacting with humankind due to humanity's long history of prejudice, fear, and violence towards those seen as “other." Outlanders have faced persecution in the past when discovered and many remain wary of revealing themselves to human society. However, a small but growing number are cautiously engaging with the modern world. As outlanders become more integrated into human civilization, they continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be numan.

The Department of Numan Conduct and Control

The Department of Numan Conduct and Control (DNCC) is an important governmental agency that was established in 1923 in response to the rise of super-powered individuals, known as "numans", who began taking on the roles of heroes and villains. As these numans started intervening in matters of public safety and law enforcement across the country and world, the need arose for an organization to regulate their activities. The DNCC was created to fulfill this purpose by bringing order and oversight to the world of numans.

Specifically, the DNCC aims to promote peace and cooperation among numans while also protecting the general public. The agency maintains a registry of all active numan heroes and provides support services to assist them in their duties, such as funding, equipment, training facilities, insurance, and secret identity protection. This allows heroes to focus on keeping people safe rather than worrying about logistics. The DNCC also constructs specialized detention facilities to hold villainous numans who break laws and threaten society. Additionally, they administer a justice system for determining how to handle detained villains and other legal issues arising from numan conflicts. The goal is to enable heroes to apprehend criminals with minimal collateral damage.

Through public funding and taxes, the DNCC is able to offer competitive salaries, benefits packages, and relocation services to registered heroes. If a hero's secret identity is ever compromised, the DNCC steps in quickly to re-establish the hero with a new civilian and superhero identity for their safety. This comprehensive support system allows heroes to serve and protect the public good without putting undue burdens on themselves. Overall, the DNCC provides vital regulation and assistance to the world of numans that enables these super-powered beings to use their abilities responsibly for the benefit of all.

Afterimages: The Mirrored World

Like a marionette without a puppetmaster, Kousuke immediately collapsed as he made contact with his new joints. A sharp gasp was the only sound to escape him as he tumbled into a heap, body splayed across the indefinable flooring of the void realm around him. Grunting, he pushed against the ground with intricately locked ball-joint fingers, fighting against his own weight. It was like that feeling after being submerged in water for too long, when gravity felt a million times stronger than it should be, their body feeling like lead. Slowly, surely, Kousuke rose to their feet, their body becoming lighter as they gained their balance. Dusting themself off, Kousuke looked down at their body in shock. Not only were they dressed to the nines in a pristine white suit with a striking red tie, but their entire body had changed.

Warm, honied skin was now stark white, hard yet fragile like porcelain, no, not porcelain, some kind of wood. His body was a collection of linden parts, strung together through wires and perfectly constructed joints. He realized quickly that what had once felt like hardened cement was now light and limber. He felt like he could dance on the air if he so pleased! He was half-inclined to give it a try, but before he could move, a yell broke through the darkness, splashing his vision with a wave of purple and pink that struck out like claws across the darkness. They shifted, awkwardly at first, turning towards the sound as it echoed out in a circular wave.

The air felt different now. Heat shifted and swirled around Kousuke, moving this way and that. There were cold spots, as cold was merely the presence of less heat, but the cold didn't draw his attention as much as the heat. It culminated in one direction, rising hotter and hotter like a burning flame. Maybe it was instinct, or maybe it was just common sense, but Kousuke felt he could read perfectly clear where he had to go. Now why he had to go, and, furthermore, why he even cared, well, that was something Kousuke decided to worry about later. At that moment, the only thing guiding them was that heat, burning in front of them and searing through the center of their chest like a white-hot blade driving them forward.

Without another thought, Kousuke took off running toward the sound, toward the heat. He stumbled at first as he got the hang of his new limbs, but quickly enough he felt he was running through the air, flailing--no, dancing on the wind of his own speed. For once, his lungs burned not with the inability to breathe, but with a power he couldn't even describe. He felt strong, powerful, commanding even. It was a feeling he had only ever felt in small amounts. Only in fractions of what he felt now. It was almost overwhelming, and he let out a harsh laugh, but kept on pushing toward the source of the heat, which only grew stronger the closer he got, like some kind of overpowered game of hot and cold.

Rounding one last corner, Kousuke found himself in the center of the sun, the heat was so great, but there at the center of it all was the source. Just beyond the horrific creature was another. Though the other looked more human...a girl? It wasn't Sayuri, or either of his sisters, so who could it be? Definitely not... Kousuke shook his head, getting rid of the memory as always, and focused back on the present. There was no time to question who this other individual was, or what the hell was actually going on. Shifting to a more offensive stance from his kendo training, Kousuke looked bigger than they actually were. Stronger. More fierce.

"Get back!" he called the words as a command, directing it at both figures ahead of him. They weren't really sure why that was the tactic they chose, but it felt right, and they had never been one to ignore their gut before.