Ceta de Cloyes

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_{@Korkoa
@Crazytazer}

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March 8th, 2020
7:30 PM, PT
Satomi Towers, Coast City

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_{Judas :)}

-_-_-_-

Echo landed on the roof of the apartment building he called home. It was a bit run down, the rooms a bit cramped, but it had suited his needs for all the time he'd been here on Earth. He wasn't here for home though, he was here for the secret base he'd claimed in the roof shed. Clutching his prize a little more securely to his chest, he phased them both through the walls directly into the workspace.

The windows were covered now, he'd learned his lesson after Jessie had discovered his pod here, and the door had a fancy electric lock installed on the inside that his partner could simple order to open for her. The place was about as secure as they could make it, the people who lived here couldn't even access the roof, nor were they overly eager to do so- and anyone who forced their way through that would likely not find anything suspicious about a locked roof shed, and neither would any passerby's of the superhuman notice anything out of place, visually at least. It was getting cramped however; his and Jessie's projects were taking up every corner and spare space, and the computers were sucking in energy like a score of Necrofirggian hatchlings- luckily his pod generated enough power to be converted into electrical energy and feed enough of their needs to deflect any suspicion from Satomi Towers' owners about a rising energy bill.

Echo critically examined the cluttered desks and chose a decent sized space filled with the least volatile components they'd gathered, shoving the pieces aside and ignoring it when two mechanical bits with wires sticking out touched and promptly burnt out in a flash of dim light. Oops. Once the space was clear, he delicately placed the arcon on the table and stepped back to... wait for Jessie. He was beginning to learn more about how human technology functioned, but not nearly enough as to dabble wih something as complicated as an arcon- nor was he going to make the decision to plug it into the computers housing all their secrets without Jessie's go-ahead.

Jessie meanwhile, had began to pack her things as soon as Ezra had texted her to head back. A short moment later she was out of the shop, ducking into a back alley and slipping on her goggles. Reaching under her cloak, she disconnected the collapsed hoverboard from her shoulder harness and tossed it to the ground, grinning as it unfolded and began to float with a satisfying hum. Leaping onto the floating disk, Lightning Bug felt her boots snap into place as she willed the board forward and up, rocketing out into the streets of Coast City. She had taken to flying about twenty feet above the crowds now, enough to satisfy her desire to be gawked at by the normies, while still flying high and fast enough that she couldn't be caught. Weaving through the city streets, down alleys and between buildings, Jessie ran through a checklist in her head. They'd need some things if they wanted to be able to communicate with this AI, this... Judas. And Lightning Bug knew exactly where to get them.

Taking a sharp right down the hilly main roads of Coast City, Lightning Bug zoomed in with her goggles, searching for her drop off point. Soon enough, the shop came into view, and Lightning Bug zeroed in on her destination. To any onlookers or cameras, it would appear as though the girl simply disappeared out of thin air, but to Jessie's point of view, she had really teleported into a small loading area behind Coast City Computer Componnents, run by an old friend of hers. Pulling off her goggles and stowing her hoverboard, Jessie slipped into the shop through the back door, dashing through the stacks of boxes and semi-legally aquired parts and into the main storefront. Josh tossed an unapproving glare her way as Jessie vaulted the counter and dusted herself of, grinning at the mousey man.

"Jess, what the hell are you doing?" He asked accusingly, peering into the back room to make sure she hadn't messed anything up.

"Don't give me that Josh, I'm in a hurry!" Jessie peered at the computer parts laid out in the cases, counters and shelves in front of her and ran through her mental checklist again. "Okay, here's the things I need..."

Moments later, Jessie burst out of the front of the shop, her backpack brimming with new toys. She ran towards Satomi Tower, which was only a few blocks away, eager to set everything up. After finding a secluded spot to fly up and land on the roof, Jessie beelined for the shed, zapping the command console to unlock the door as she arrived. The excitable girl grinned as she saw Ezra was already there, having cleared a space for what looked like a computer tower.

"Fantastic!" Jessie said, dropping her backpack and looking at the cluttered benches. Delicately moving some half-finished components to one side, Jessie set up her laptop, quickly stringing it into the network of computers the pair had been building. "Now, I got some things that might help, cuz I have no idea how this thing is gonna try to talk to us." Jessie said as she began to pull boxes out of her backpack. "I got a microphone so we can talk to it, speakers so it can talk back, a webcam so it can see us, and... Well, hopefully it can manifest an avatar so we can see it too." She said as she plugged everything into her laptop. "Okay, I... Hm, maybe we should unplug some of the computers..." She said, looking specifically at the montiors that were displaying information on ghost hunting and some of their designs. Reaching under the desk and unplugging the connection cables from those machines, Jessie nodded. "Okay... Plug it in, I think we're good to go!"

"An avatar huh?" Ezra asked, glancing around the room with a slowly growing smile. There were two small orb-like devices on either side of the room, parallel to each other and hanging where the ceiling met the wall. This had been one of the few projects he'd taken on himself, to force himself to catch up in his knowledge of human technology. These holo-projectors had been easy enough to make, they were essentially the same design as back home, only somehow more perfect. Grudgingly he was willing to admit the human's had surpassed his own people with this invention at least.

He quickly located the card he'd built for them, unplugging it from a now dark computer and sliding it into one minor computer's ports. It should be able to project it's avatar into the room now, as a 3-D model of light.

"Okay, here we go." He plugged the main connector cables for one of the isolated computers into the core and stood back as the arcon was suddenly introduced to their hardware.

Judas woke up once the wire connection was complete first getting a grasp of the initial computer she was intergrated into. It was significantly different to what she was used to at the lab, more accessable would be the words, which left her far more comfortable exploring it unlike previously. Flipping between the several different moniters wanting to know what exactly there was to work with besides the interconnections in the network swiftly moving along until the microphone and speakers were discovered . This was something she noted but did not use immediately wanting to interact with anything less familiar for future reference as this was all exciting the AI. A quick peek through the web cam gave an idea of her physical surroundings which while nowhere near as spacious as the facility was notably pleasant with its dedication to technology.

It didn't take much in the way of looking before Vox found the power source which was fascinating and quite different she suspected from the average, more questions appearing all the time. One thing that held her interest had been where the other AI was in the system causing her to look in extensive detail for the patterns she remembered from before but finding nothing matching them. Was it capable of masking itself so well even she could not find it or was it disconnected from her for security sake? A pressing concern to ask about because of the need to thank them for alerting the strange phasing human to her existance. Finally a contraption she had no knowledge of immediately in two raised positions which took a moment of thinking before the realization that she simply didn't know what to do with them, the purpose was transmitting data outward but it was a strange concept as to why so she left it be for now.

Quickly returning to the microphone the AI wanted to get a few things cleared up.

"Hello. Thank you for retreiving me from the laboratory, this place is much more pleasing. I wish to know where the other AI is located, they were instrumental in the escape, so I meant to meet them directly if this is not an issue."

Jessie grinned as the computer tower came to life, a subtle flash across the connected screens indicating that the AI was likely trying to get its bearings. After a short moment of tense silence, a simulated voice came through the speakers bearing a very odd question. Jessie's brow furrowed as she considered the nonsensical request, they didn't have another AI...

"Hi there, Judas. It was Judas, right?" Jessie asked, leaning in towards the microphone to be sure the AI could hear her. "I'm, uh... Not sure what you're talking about. We don't have another AI. Echo here was the one who carried you out, and I'm the one who picked up your--" Jessie paused as a sudden thought struck her. Could Judas be thinking of Jessie? "Wait, do you mean the response to your distress signal? That was me! I saw your message on my computer and traced back your signal with my own response!"

There was recieving an answer to a query and then there was near impossibilities, given the computer setup she had seen before her and knowing the security system of the lab well it would take a singularly talented computer expert to do what this human claimed. But then she was here and not still trapped in quarantine so how would a human manage a similar feat, she had seen the scientists attempt to match her failing time and again as she grew but this one could do it as Vox did.

"Correct, that is my chosen title. You are the one who heard me?" The AI had a note of disbelief at first in her tone as the question came out. "The message flowed through the gaps and codes as I do which no other human has done to my knowledge, I do not know how it is possible...however if there is no second AI I cannot find another solution." It was maybe a bit too obvious that this went over Judas' head as a being of limited experience.

"I will process this later...I wonder however what is the function of these projectors? They have a limited screen so information would not be readily available from them, they are strange much like your coworker who moved through the walls."

Oh god, she must not know. Not about the Metahumans or Ezra being an alien, or who knows what else. Fortunately, Judas seemed content to deal with that later, which would hopefully give Jessie time to compile her notes on the various Metahumans into something more coherent than her own ramblings. Jessie turned to look at the projectors that Ezra had set up; he had mentioned their purpose to her while he was building them, but she hadn't recieved much hands-on time with them. Though it was using human technology, the designs were complely foriegn to her and so she had mostly been observing as Ezra built.

"Well, as far as I know, those are some kind of holo-projector... Echo here has been building them, and we're pretty confident they work. They're hooked into the system right now, so I think the idea was that if you wanted to try and use them, you could do so... Honestly though, Echo will be able to answer those questions better, they're his project."

Echo grinned, the little arcon- or AI, arcon was just a term that conveniently tanslated well so he thought he should use it more, but it seemed to confuse the others - was adorable, how had the humans managed to create something like this without Rao-type crystal codes? Without even the slightest dip into greater dimensions?

But the conversation was getting on without him, so he hastened to explain; "Right! Holo-projectors! On Ghol we sometimes had them projecting hard light, but I'm trying to learn human designs," he shrugged a little sheepishly, "so it's just normal light." He gestured to a little baby potted flower in the corner of the room, it had seemingly been lost in the clutter, and then reached down to pick it up- hands going through the plant and pulling out a smaller version of the pieces mounted on the wall. The flower had never been real, he'd just stuck a holo-projector in the pot, but the plant had been fully opaque and indistinguishable from something alive- except it did not breathe air, grow, or respond to gusts of wind when the door opened. "We used them for decoration mostly, but also communication, so people could see each other's faces when they spoke. I thought an AI might appreciate the oppurtunity to utilize a 3-D visual form." Though why he'd assumed an arcon would want to have a human face was beyond him. "Here on Earth they're still experimental, but they have most of the pieces to make one, they just need to... do it?"

Vox had been keeping something of a peripheral to the other human who appeared to be in thought during the conversation as of yet while..smiling? It seemed appropriate but not quite accurate. They were likely observing her in a similar way as she had been the two in front of her which was not surprising given the seeming fascination surrounding her sentience, it appeared to be the reason she was watched and analyzed in the lab so carefully. The str...well both were quite different from the average human but the so far silent one seemed less surprised at her existance if only a little which suggested prior knowledge or experience with them which one again brought up the question, why was she a topic of interest? Surely they had conversed about the subject before yet both were excited at the moment. "Humans apparently are far more confusing than they first appear." She thought fully planning to look further into this subject matter once she was settled in.

The explaination of the holo projectors was rather helpful, even if there were pieces she did not totally understand like 'hard light', especially seeing the use of showing a quite accurate plant where there was none. An avatar might be more interesting than simply staring at a screen as well as more engaging than taking direction simply by verbal or visual replies that she was normally capable of. It also might dispell any illusion she was only some simple machine as expressing herself would be easier...possibly.

"I suppose I will attempt to use them in an acceptable way. I may need a moment to discern how to properly do this however."

Judas toyed with the projectors a bit in a process of figuring out the limitations she had to work with objects differing in size, a moniter, a small furry creature(Beagle) that seemed friendly, then a basic codelike human head with no real features. The AI thought about what she would like to appear as from her known possbilities that would not be too disrupting for the humans but effective in its purpose. Eventually she decided on a human appearance to help with communication though she did not go with a full body as it seemed unnecessary for the moment.

"This is what I have chosen after some thought, is it sufficient?" She asked with genuine curiousity.

Jessie practically held her breath as the holo-projectors came to life, watching the new technology beginning to bend light and create colors out of the air. It seemed Judas was taking some time to decide on the perfect form, even more evidence to Jessie that she was truly sentient, and not just an advanced program. After a quiet moment, the shape took form, and Jessie grinned and squealed in excitement.

"Judas, it's perfect!" She said, rushing up to the holo projectors to make sure they were handling the stress properly. "You're taking to the new tech nicely, though I'm going to guess the actual setup here is a lot smaller than you're used to. Do you think you'll be able to adjust properly?"

"We should probably expand our operations anyway. We barely have room to breath," Echo interjected, eying their messy space.

Vox was quite pleased with herself for picking out something that worked and she liked at the same time. So much so that her avatar was smiling as a result even if she didn't notice herself.

"It will not be an issue, I much prefer being here despite any constraints. More space would be nice in the future but it is comfortable for now." The AI said in a relaxed tone happy to rest for now but excited for what was to come.

---

Worlds Apart

Koda spent the walk in step with Stormy, eyes on the backs of those before him, zoning in and out as switched from focusing on their colors to focusing on their whispers. Each of them had a voice he realized, but the quiet words they spoke were utterly alien to him, and sometimes they were so faint he was convinced they’d never been there at all. He’d faltered a couple of times when he caught new whispers in his mind, tasting of old dust and stagnant waters, or of fresh gasps and brittle twigs, but he realized soon enough they were just snakes and lizards and birds and butterflies. Or he thought they were, that's what they felt like, and he occasionally caught glimpses of rustling grasses and flashing colors among the green.

They were minds, he thought, he could taste, and see, and hear minds. Or he was crazy. Either or. He just didn’t understand them though, which was weird right? He spoke English, the other’s spoke English, he even understood some Japanese! He knew enough of a few of the common languages found in Lightbridge to at least recognize them when he heard them too, so it wasn’t a case of everyone just having a different first language, they just… their thoughts didn’t work the same as vocal words. Or maybe his… gift, maybe his gift was just broken and didn’t work right.

Maybe this Magician could help? This was alike to magic as everything else he’d seen, though his mind quietly rebelled at the thought of playing up the mysticism of this new branch of science by calling it magic. The Magician would surely have some knowledge about how things worked right?

He felt a revolting riot of red wash over him and shivered, Tabitha was… not well. She called a stop and muttered something he was too far back to hear. He sighed, whatever her problems were Koda really wished she sorted them out, but really it wasn’t his place to help her, or any of them really. He flopped onto his ass the second everyone else began to take a break, then leaned back and threw his arms out like a starfish, letting out a loud sigh as he did. He was so hungry. Why were they stopped? Sure it was a long trek but Koda would kill for some chicken curry, or some spicy crispy taokaenoi seaweed snacks, or even some sugar blasted oatmeal. ”Ugh,” he said aloud to Stormy, forgetting the worrying changes to his appearance and drowning out the whispering minds around him with his thoughts of food, ”I’m so hungry,” he complained, not even trying to hide the whine in his voice. He’d sworn off beef, but right now he would fight for a cheeseburger. Or some wings, ooh some barbecue wings...

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_@Queentze

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March 12th, 2020
2:31 AM, ET
New York, New York

-_-_-_-

It was a saying his own people had taken to heart of late, something Lord Ares and Lady Aphrodite had parroted to them with secret smirks, sharing amused glances. All is fair in love and war. Seeing the message scrawled across the wall of a somewhat dilapidated old fort felt like a sign, though he knew his gods were not quite so subtle- nor so generous.

The information was not readily available to Kassander, but this was Fort Josephine, a sea fort commissioned some time in the late 1800s, located off the end of Long Island near where Connecticut met Rhode Island. It had been abandoned for some time, and was due to follow in the footsteps of similar naval installations that had been renovated into luxury resorts, yet the private owners hadn’t quite finished renovating.

It was well into the night by the time he landed on the island, releasing his grasp on his brother and his animal companion. The moon was high in the sky and just as enrapturing as the sun had been. Never had he seen a night so total, and even the stars were breathtaking- if only he knew how much dimmer they were here, blotted out by the glowing cities of New England.

The doors were all unlocked, the lights out except for small ‘power’ lights that indicated the place had electricity at least. Nearly all the furnishings were in place, and Kassan was a little bemused why such a comfortable and luxurious sea-mansion was empty. The owners couldn’t have gone very far right? All these bedrooms, the wide dark screens, the countless shining glass surfaces and soft cushions… this was grander even than the palace, and yet no one lived here? He stalked the halls in silence, exploring without comment as he took in every detail and searched for threats and clues alike.

As he’d landed on the roof it took him awhile to reach the bottom floor, though there were only three. It was there he discovered the reason the place was abandoned; scaffolds filled a large entrance way, and a cold chill permeated the room due to a few missing windows and holes in the wall. What could only be tools and construction supplies littered the area as well. It was unfinished, still being built.

He could work with that.

There were papers weighted down here and there, the words on them illegible. He abruptly became aware of a minor obstacle to his mission: language. He would have to trade favors to overcome this particular hurdle in a timely fashion. Maybe Hermes? Always questionable that one’s loyalties, but he was a traveler- or maybe he should seek aid elsewhere, from another pantheon altogether; the Olympians were too close to one another, it’d be unwise to spill something in the wrong ears.

He sighed and went in search of Zali and Vel, having lost the two of them while investigating the nooks and crannies of this place.

-_-_-_-

Fort Josie

Insides

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Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_@Blazion

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March 18th, 2020
11:00 PM, ET
Uptown Narrow, Gotham

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_{Grim :)}

-_-_-_-

It was late, nearly midnight, but Hex had already missed and forgotten his curfew. This whole vigilante thing was really getting to him, it was so exciting flitting across rooftops and cursing random muggers. Pads had no end of complaints about the girl who'd tried to rob an elderly man only to have her hair turn into a rope that strangled her until she passed out. He'd thought that particular twist had been clever, but nooo.

At least Pads couldn't complain about this one, a good old vampire scheme was outside Mr. Police Authority's jurisdiction.

Hex lurked in a darkened corner over the alleyway this particular vampire had chosen as their trap. He could see some of the appeal of vampirism, and maybe he would turn the other way if someone actually sought it out and knew what they were getting into, but this trick wasn't either of those; forceful recruitment from unaware pedestrians. It sent an uncomfortable tingle through his memory, something about Faerie wars.

Well, whatever the purpose, he was ending it tonight. And telling dad after, not before, because that was just asking for trouble. How did you even know about this? Is that what you've been doing when you stay out so late? You told me you were staying the night at Anna's! Her mom called! Well, sometimes voice modulation matrices came in handy? He sighed, he wished his dad would let him do this stuff more often, it was so much fun! Except for the slight issue where the demon almost broke his back with a chair, and that one siren who may have nearly drowned him, and the gnome with the explosives... but he'd learned his lesson! He was plenty capable! He just needed a few victories under his belt to prove it.

He smirked as he noticed movement in the alley. The fifth victim had just entered the scene; a young woman, headphones in, hood pulled up, eyes down - she'd never have seen her doom appraching if Hex hadn't been there watching.

A shadow pulled off from a dark corner, the woman missing it, but Hex had long ago spotted the vamp. He just needed to make sure this was the one causing trouble before starting something messy with any local clans. A quick click on his phone marked the beginning of his recording, assuring he'd have video evidence for any locals that got uppity. It was a just in case measure though, with any luck no one would know he'd been involved at all.

As the shadow crept up on the woman Hex got a better look at them, realizing it was a man with long dark hair and pale skin. The brief spalsh of moonlight also revealed something else; a gauntlet, the faintest glow of golden runes spread across the surface. Interesting, he thought, smirking, I'll be taking that. Just as the man's hand reached out for the girl a ball of bright pink light shot down from the roof tops and caught him in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground with a startled hiss. The woman jerked away, abruptly realizing someone on the roof, Hex, had just shot something in her direction, and then that there was a creepy weirdo behind her she hadn't noticed. It was no surprise she started running, disappearing back the way she'd came as Hex dropped down, landing with only the slightest of violet glows to mark the magic cushioning his fall.

"You know, willful spreading of infectious diseases is a crime. Probably. It's not very nice at least." He smirked at the infuriated expression on the vampire's face, fangs already bared as the man stood and dusted himself off.

"You will regret getting involved kid." Was the brilliant retort. Truly stunning how it managed to strike so much terror into him. Truly.

He laughed, already knowing that one vampire wasn't any match for him.

But then the vampire raised his magic gauntlet in Hex's direction, a jet of burning silver light lashed out towards him. He barely had time to barrier before the mystical energy was tearing around his shield and lighting up the alleyway with a harsh glow. When the light finally faded his barrier was only barely holding on, already disintegrated partially at the edges. "Ow," he muttered to himself, his hands a little singed from where he'd thrown them out to help focus his magic into the barrier. "Really, really ow."

And then, lo and behold, when he looked back up there was not just one vampire with some kind of overpowered magical energy canon, there were three. "This... may have been a mistake." He should really tell his dad about these things, the whole 'independence' and 'proving himself' schtick was totally going to get him killed.

---

After the shenanigans of the past couple weeks it was almost nice having a plain, boring night in Gotham once more. Just the rising peaks of the tall buildings, the smog above, a darkness that couldn't be shaken off...

ZZZZT

And of course a myriad of criminal elements. The light was gone in an instant from the alleyway as the thug dropped to the ground, lightly twitching. A small hum reverberated in the mask covering Grim's face as she withdrew a zip tie from her belt and bound the man's hands behind his back with practiced ease. She hadn't even broken a sweat tonight, just a steady rhythm of stalk and prey. Lifting her gaze from the slightly smoking perp in front of her to focus on the other person in the alleyway the vigilante merely tilted her head at the woman before her. Shaken. Afraid. Clutching her purse with both hands and chest heaving with adrenaline. That will happen when you're mugged and threatened at gun point.

Grim gestured to the mouth of the alley in a silent motion, where what faint light there was came through. The night was dark after all, not even the stars visible in the polluted sky, the only street light flicking. The woman hesitated, but the vigilante merely stayed still until she finally moved. As the woman stepped passed her Grim reached down, grabbing the mugger's pantleg and rather carelessly dragging him along behind them. He'd have some scrapes when he regained his mind enough to do more than whimper.

"I..." The pretty blonde trailed off, voice choking as Grim stepped up beside her on the sidewalk. Her eyes darted around, seeming to want to look at Grim but afraid. Most people in Gotham knew of the urban legend Grim, after all. The vigilante herself just dropped the leg of the criminal, voice modulator once more humming lightly as she waited with the stranger. Silence fell between them briefly. A small sob from the woman. Grim tilted her head but after a moment raised a hand up, the menacing glove placing very gently on the woman's arm in a form of comfort. It was important a person, after something like this, didn't feel alone. Important they knew they were safe, weren't just left behind not knowing what to do or why this happened. It's why Grim never left right away, not if she could help it. She may not be able to give them answers to why these things happened but she could at least do that.

The woman on the other hand wasn't sure what they were waiting for at first, at least until she heard sirens approaching. Grim lifted her masked gaze from her, watching the street corner. A surprisingly quick time from Gotham PD, but then again she was sure they were used to the voice modulated calls by now, and knew the alias of the one behind them despite Grim's status as a mere legend. It was only when the flash of lights were visible that Grim finally dropped her hand and stepped back. Before the blonde could say anything a small bang sounded out as the hookshot in Grim's glove penetrated near the roof of the building, and it took only a second for Grim to be on the roof and gone.

A few buildings away Grim finally stopped to check the time, a sigh rumbling out in a low menacing growl through her mask. She was late now, but it couldn't be helped sometimes. It wasn't like she could just ignore the screams of those in need - wasn't in her nature. Hadn't been for a long time. Resuming her route to Uptown Narrow however went off with little fanfair, no more distractions along the way.

Disappearances were being reported. All ages, all genders, just far enough away and just small enough that no one wanted to crack open the can of beans to deal with it, or didn't have the authority to cut away the red tape to do so. Bureaucracy. Law enforcement would never work for her - she'd be fired the first time she told her Captain to eat her ass for not doing enough.

That's alright though, Grim worked better alone.

There's the area. Uptown Narrow. Was that a glare? Grim paused only briefly before diverting her course to head towards the harshly glowing light coming from one of the side streets. She had expected at least a couple hours of stakeout, but maybe tonight was her lucky night after all.

It certainly wasn't for the poor schmuck down below, though.

Grim arrived in short time, ending up peering over the edge of the building to the scene down below. There was a young man, no more then a teenager, faced off against three men. Three men with - were their gauntlets glowing? Yep, definitely glowing. Gold at that. Interesting, but so much for a normal night.

The best defense against magic, Grim found so far at least, was not letting the other person use it. With that in mind she extended her hookshot, silently releasing the hooks manually to act as a grappling hook instead Quieter, which is what she needed. If she was lucky she could get all three of them at once. With it in place, Grim leapt from the building.

The hookshot did its job of keeping her slowed enough nothing broke when she landed hard on the man in the middle of the group, throwing all her weight on his shoulders to get him to the ground. As soon as she had landed Grim's hand, the one without the hookshot retracting, shot out to grab the arm of the one to her right, electricity immediately coursing through the palm of her glove. That just left...

Ah, the one who had reacted with surprising speed to get away. Almost supernatural reflexes, really.

Seriously, Grim hated magic a little.

---

A fourth shadow's appearance on the scene did no wonders for Hex's mounting apprehension. This would be dicey, he just needed- wham! The fourth shadow crushed the first man from above, an arm reaching out and shocking a second one. This was not good, clan warfare was- oh, not a vampire. Probably. The person was shrouded in shadows, but this was by skill, not magic. The obvious costume confirmed it; he was finally crossing paths with the infamous Grim.

He didn't have time to get excited about it though, because the third vamp was darting to the edge of the alley and scaling the wall with inhuman reflexes. "Ha! Get wrecked!" He giggled, amused at how fast the situation turned. He jumped, landing on a newly conjured bright pink platform, thin but easily holding his weight, and shaped like a hexagon. The platform rose quickly, just as fast as the vampire, and Hex threw his fists out; two hands made of violet light caught the man's ankles and yanked, suspending him over the alley for a second, just long enough for a concussive hex to smash into his face, before Hex dropped him to land a few feet from his other downed friends.

The platform dissipated too, and Hex fell in imitation of his earlier dramatic entrance into the alley; a puff of pink smoke marking the use of magic to cushion his fall. "Nice!" He called, once level with Grim again, running up to them with a bright and eager smile showing under his hood. "How'd you manage to sneak up on a vampire?! That's like, impossible!" Except not really, he had done it after all, but that was with magic, and this one didn't. As he spoke he picked out a few carved rocks from his pocket, tossing one in the direction of each of the three vampires; sleeping charms. Nighty night bat-suckers.

---

Underneath her mask, Grim's eyebrow twitched. It was starting to become a tick the more and more magic she ran into, and that was definitely magic. Of course outside the mask she remained as stoic as ever as she stood from the back of the man she had landed on. She definitely didn't twitch again at the rocks being tossed near her feet, letting them hit the downed - what did he call them? Vampires? - the downed vampires. Instead she just examined the handiwork, how the one she had landed on wasn't doing a weird hissing noise anymore. Actually, Grim thought she heard a snore. A slight snort of amusement escaped her lips. Alright, magic was good for some things.

Finally Grim turned her gaze to the young man in front of her, trying to assess him. Eager, young, inexperienced possibly. Reminded her a bit of Blackstar honestly. Briefly she considered just leaving him without a word but another vigilante in her city, even a young buck, was something to keep track of, so finally she dipped her head in a slight nod to him.

"Practice," The older vigilante responded smoothly, the high class accent being drowned out by the rough rumblings of the voice modulator. "It's all about how you carry your weight." Behind the lenses of her goggles she ran a critical eye over him, impressed with the outfit but a little 'iffy' to be honest. There were plenty of people as she worked that wanted to play hero, and another influx had started since the sudden surge of strange powers a few months ago. People were being hurt with their inexperience, as this young man probably would've been even with his magic when faced off against three... vampires. Seriously, Zoey wasn't going to get over that.

"You bit off a bit more than you could chew."

---

Hex shrugged, enthusiasm undimmed. "If that's what you want to think," he said with a grin, largely burshing off her cautionary words- though he did agree with the thing about practice, it was why he was out here at... whatever o'clock it was. The thing was though, magic had all kinds of aces he could stash up his sleeves, and his aces were some of the best! He'd have been fine. Probably. At a cost.

The mysterious warnings given to him by the Master were suddenly hovering over his head again, and he winced. "Anyway, thanks! But uh, don't tell my dad? Kinda not supposed to..." he trailed off, gesturing to the alleyway around them and the situation as a whole. "Oh! Right!" He bent down and scooped up one of the magic gauntlets from the vampire's wrists. "Can't leave these just laying around!" He studied the glowing golden runes carved on them with a wide smile on his face; "No way! A complete Sah-Sop-Det matrice configuration?!" He shot an amazed look down to the vampire he'd taken it from speculatively; "This is probably older than your entire species, how the hell did you get it?" He demanded, but received only a snore in response.

Hex shrugs, bending over to collect the other two. "Oh well, mine now. I guess we'll have to keep an eye out for any more of these, and- oh!" He spun on his heel, throwing his hand out as if to catch something, and then his phone came somersaulting from the rooftops and landed perfectly in his hands. He stopped the recording. "Evidence." He claimed, giving Grim a wide victorious grin.

"Now, how to stop these guys from getting the drop on anyone else?" He pondered aloud, "I guess we could just shove them into Hell or something." Probably a death sentence, and he wasn't sure he even was capable of that, but it was a thought. "Bit harsh though... any ideas?"

---

"Sah-Sop-Det...?" Well, what the boy lacked in skill, preparation, and outright survival instincts he at least made up for in enthusiasm. And magic. Grim's eyes flicked over at the object suddenly coming to Hex, underneath her mask a frown tugging at her lips. She made a slight humming noise as he explained the purpose of the phone, and while he was pondering what to do with the vampires reached into one of the pouches on her belt. A twist of her fingers on the electromagnet had it go off silently, letting it run before once more returning it to stasis. That should mess with the latest video on his phone, at least to just before she showed up.

"... Hell." As the teenager's words finally penetrated Grim just reached up, rubbing the bridge of her mask where her nose would be. This was a strange night. "If they're vampires they should probably be put down." The vigilante finally stated, somewhat dryly. "I'm sure there's plenty of tame ones but these ones were going after people - at least, I assume that's what the disappearances around here were." She tilted her head slightly to look at the golden gauntlets now held by Hex, after a moment holding a hand out.

"I'd like one of those," She stated after a moment, deciding she could leave the other in his care. He at least seemed to know about magic enough she didn't feel guilty about it. Though, thoroughly trained and bred manners had her adding on one last thing. "Please."

---

Hex frowned, annoyed. "Ugh, you sound like dad. 'Just pop a stake in 'em and be done with it,' or whatever it is he says. You don't think that's the slightest bit murder happy?" He gave her a curious eying up and down, and crossed his arms.

After a moment he sighed, "Alright fine, you can have one of the gauntlets, if anyone asks I'll just say there were only two- not that anyone has any reason to ask - but I'll deal with these blood chuggers." He tossed the spare gauntlet to her and pulled out his phone once again, dialing Pads' number as he so often found himself doing. Yay police contacts. So much for being out of his jurisdiction, but if anyone knew of a time out house for the supernatural it'd be Pads. Or Dad, obviously, but that wasn't in the cards lest he wanted to confess the whole... anyways. "Don't worry, they won't cause anymore trouble, if I have to I'll just nail them in a coffin for a few decades. Or whatever." He groaned, "I just realized I'm going to have to bust the rest of their coven aren't I? D'you think Dad would accept an anonymous tip? Since, y'know, you know each now and everything." Creepy really, he could count the number of mundane dealings Clayton Toombs had on one hand, not that Grim was especially mundane, but context, such as it was.

He groaned again, "Nevermind, what's the point of 'proving myself' if I don't see the whole thing through on my own? I'm so stupid." And if Dad finds out also so dead. Probably. He wasn't sure how the man would react, this was the first time Tommy had ever pushed the boundaries so far: sneaking out, practicing obscure magic, dealing with werewolves, confronting vampires, cursing muggers... Dad was going to murder him. with the Nail. "This is probably why the Bible says witches go to Hell right? Because their Dad's shank them with cursed nails when they break the rules." He covered his face with his hands, taking a moment to hide and wallow in the mistake, then shook it off and refocused on Grim. "Uh, just forget everything you heard. And saw. Please?"

---

"I don't take a life lightly, even a ... supernatural one, but there have been disappearances." Grim however just stared at Hex, underneath the mask her eyebrows furrowing together. The pieces clicked together in quick succession now that she had more of them, painting a picture. Honestly, she should've expected this the first time he had referred to his father, but it just hadn't quite settled. His father, her knowing his father, anonymous tips and cursed nails. The vigilante took a moment to tilt one of the vampire's head with her foot, checking that he was really asleep before commenting calmly to the boy.

"So you're Toombs' boy?" Figures. A sigh rumbled out of her mask, akin to a growl with the modulator fragmenting it. "Look, vigilantism isn't something you should be doing at your age. It's dangerous, even with magic - I'm sure you've heard it all from your father. Go home. I'll deal with this."

---

"What? No way!" He protested, "I've got this! I'm not going let you cart them off just to dump them in some fire barrel like kindling. I know what I'm doing." Vaguely. Besides, what if the two others were just following orders? What if they all were? He didn't like the idea that a vampire clan might be owing up to a faerie debt and recruiting so... recklessly. There was much more at work here. "This is way more complicated than you can see, there are reasons things like this happen the way they do." He gestured around the alley, indicating the predatory ambushes and the disappearances as a whole. "I just need to collect a bit of intel is all." That, and build a supernatural prison all by himself. Somehow. He could do that. He needed more books though.

He shrugged after a moment, deciding he was committed. The vampires wouldn't die, but neither would they be free, and once he and Pads were finished with them they'd spill all they knew and he'd finally have a lead for his dad about some of the recent Fae activity going on in Gotham. It'd be a risk, revealing just how... nosey he'd been recently, getting involved in all sorts of supernatural things without parental guidance, but maybe his dad would see this as a sign he was ready for the big stuff.

---

"Yes, there is a reason things happen. Sometimes it's just that people are animals," Grim glanced away from the boy before her, scanning up and down the alley with her heat optics in an engrained motion of checking her surroundings. "Kid, trust me, I've been doing this for years. People die doing this work. What are you going to do if there's more than three next time? Maybe five, six, a dozen? Two dozen? It's dangerous. Go home, tell your father if you think it's necessary, and me and him will handle it. At your age you should be worried about girls and homework, even learning more about your magic, but not ... all this." She gestured at the scene as a whole before dropping her hand. Zoey was highly aware of how that sounded considering Blackstar was probably at home practicing his own techniques for scouring the city, but at least he had a supervisor and strict instructions to not gallavant around on his own. She couldn't help but mutter under her breath.

"Honestly, kids these days are so eager to be adults. Being an adult is the worst."

---

Hex's eyes narrowed, and he tensed, taking offense at the older vigilant's condescension. There was little he could do though, he couldn't take the criminals out from under her without complicating his own escape, and standing by while people were killed was just another day in his life. True they were criminals, powerful ones even, but it left him feeling... wrong, and angry. It wasn't right. Eventually he shoved the two gloves into his wasteband. He stepped back onto his own conjured platform and leveled a blank, judging look at his fellow vigilante. "Fine, I can't stop you. Be careful you don't regret this." His tone conveyed his stance quite clearly; he didn't like this, he didn't like her, and he would hold a grudge over it quite happily.

"Watch your step Grim," he offered as a mock warning, "lots of things bite. Dogs for example, and wolves too, I wonder what happens when you try to cull such beasts."

He knew exactly what happened; balances were disrupted, governments got involved, people formed opinions and staged protests. Societies were a lot like ecosystems in a way; packs, prides, herds, territorial disputes, those at the top meddling with those at the bottom- power vacuums, delicate stabilities, but people were also so much more complex. Murder would show a slippery slope straight into more unrest, more violence, more murder, especially if the fae were involved like he suspected. They needed less killing, more strategy, more information, more allies.

But no, apparently Grim knew better. Hah.

His platform took on a rectangular shape, much like a skateboard, and little loops formed when he flicked his wrists, wrapping around his feet. Then he was abruptly shooting off into the sky, taking several quick hard turns around Gothams obstructive architecture and fading out of sight with only a rapidly vanishing trail of pink magic dust to mark his path.

That... could have gone better. And he really should get back to Anna's, just in case.

---

That could have gone better.

Grim breathed out a heavy sigh watching the young man disappear ... in a trail of pink? Odd fashion choice, but who was she to judge modern day fashions? She was the one running around in the middle of the night in a gas mask.

At least Toombs' boy had listened, as reluctant and pouty as it was with his parting shot to her. This was dangerous business, people got hurt being overconfident in their skills and trying to bite off too much at once. She would know. Briefly Grim thought of contacting Toombs - or at least trying, considering how vague magic instructions were; he'd likely be interested in knowing his son's activities. Honestly it wasn't the most honest of ideas, but if she could do anything to try and reduce casualties she would do it. His kid should at least have someone watching his back.

Speaking of which...

Beep-beep.

"Jaina."

"It's Grim. Do you know where we can get coffins and a truck load of garlic this late at night?"

Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks?

---

Worlds Apart

@jdh97

A whiff of something ill, acid bile painting a camera’s flash upon the scene, and then Koda flinched from the loud cry of dismay that emanated from the mask’s soft landing in green, green grass. The look in his eyes changed, swapping reserved and muffled for predatory and analytical. ”GSA club,” he explained quietly, unfocused, ”gender neutral pronouns--I couldn’t tell,” he offered with a slight shrug.

”Xi’s quiet now, and alone. A tremor, or-” he suddenly caught himself. ”Sorry, I know I’m not making sense.” Except he was, he was beginning to grasp meanings so much clearer now. The colors, the sounds, the whispering mists tingling in his brain, and wasn’t that just the scariest part? Because the understanding? It meant maybe he really was going crazy, really falling into the dream and believing it, or it meant it was real, and if it was real…

He shook his head, the momentary hunger that’d grasped him at seeing the unhandled mask was being replaced once again by the timid expression. He bent down and picked up the mask, sighing minimally at it’s features. ”Keep xir,” he managed to say, holding out the mask, ”even if you don’t wear xi- it- even if you don’t wear it, it might be useful to have.” His eyes tracked over to the… drama, unfolding with the others, lingering on brilliant feathered wings, and then falling on cold metal shoulders. ”I don’t blame you though, risk and reward right? Freshman economics…”

Was that a song? A new song, unlike the other… Xi was singing again, to him this time. A slight beat, it almost brought a smile to his face, but there was something dark rising in the song, something vicious in the muffled lyrics. He thrust the mask out a little closer to Stormy’s hands. ”Better it’s not for me.” he muttered aloud, voicing the skittish thought.

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_{@Queentze
@Korkoa
@Crazytazer}

---

March 8th, 2020
5:43 PM, PT
DEO Lab, Coast City

&



&

_{Judas :)}

-_-_-_-

Judas had been making use of the now lacking human presence in her part of the system trying to peek out into the rest of the lab. It was far less populated than she remembered though she supposed the humans could leave when they wanted, maybe she had never been active at this time before and that was why it was strange, something to analyze later. It was also far quieter without all of the usual scientists moving about or the computer systems on full power, it was rather pleasant not having to listen to them right now. She decided now might be the time to try to let a partition or two out into the rest of the lab to note how many humans were around and where they were.

Both of them found the way outside the quarantine server beginning the search through the cameras and moniters noting very few staff all of who were focused on papers or different computers around the lab. That was when one of them pinged back a strange video file which showed movement coming and going through the walls cautiously. Whoever it was they obviously did not wish to be seen and they might not have by the dull sensed humans working but if they were working with the other AI she would need to help guide them for expedience. With a little digital trickery the partitions slipped over to a nearby and online computer to the weird human triggering a momentary flash to display of the room number she was being held in.

The process was repeated a couple times for due measure and hopefully Vox would find them in her prison soon enough.

---

Echo startled when a nearby screen lit up, immediately turning invisible at the sudden movement and turning to face the threat. The monitor began displaying a number, flashing repeatedly for apparent emphasis. He paused, studying it for a moment before realizing what it was; a room number. The arcon's room number specifically. He sighed and faded back into the visible spectrum after a quick glance around. So much for getting the arcon last, how could he ignore a direct call for help like this?

...at least the arcon might be able to help him get the information he needed. He hadn't thought of that. After a beat in which he stared consideringly at the screen, weighing his options, Echo nodded and pulled the phone once again.

Glass -> Briggs: New priority, marking the location on the map

Glass -> Briggs: Sorry, the arcon wants out ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

He sent a quick picture of a pin posted over the blueprints of the facility, marking the arcon's location.

Then he facepalmed.

Glass -> Briggs: This is echo btw

Glass -> Briggs: lifted a phone

Useful information he really should have given out before. Then again Frakedi was probably reading his mind anyway. He grumbled something unsavory under his breath in Ghaszic, again unsure why the Martian bothered him so much.

He opened up a writing app on the phone and typed out a quick message as he scanned the room, picking out a camera attached to the monitor he was looking at. Probably how the arcon had found him, he'd been careful to scan the room for security cameras before becoming visible after all.

He lifted the phone up into view of the camera, his message easily legible:

COMING

---

Frakedi went invisible and watched as Echo went on ahead by himself. Then when they got past the inital security check, Briggs started to give off these annoyed emotions. When Frakedi looked into his mind it seems his phone was virbrating consistently. Well you might as well check it. Frakedi said in the mans mind. When he did it seems he was receiving information from an Agent Glass. It was all correct, the woman at the end of the hall did not even notice Briggs walk by as she played her pointless game (the only thing on her thoughts was how her boyfriend might be cheating on her). Then a few moments later he recieved another text with blue prints and a message talking about an "Arcon". Briggs did not trust this information from the moment he saw it, but it in the next few moments a revelation came through, Echo was the one sending the messages. This did not put Briggs' mind at ease but Frakedi was fine either way, he knew the was only one kind of sticky situation he could not get out of and the odds of the enemy knowing that was slim.

Briggs led the way to their destination, he knew the room perfectly its the technological R&D Department. Its main purpose was to help make "gadgets" and what not to help the field agents. It also served as the base for all the servers in the facility, so if this Archon was here he wondered what it looked like.

"Boss, I think I know what who your friend wants us to help, I am not a memeber of R&D but I do know that what ever is behind those doors is important." Briggs said pointing to safe like door. Above the door it read "Quarantine"

Tell Echo we are at the location but need help understanding what we are here for. Frakedi said in Briggs' mind.

---

As if summoned, Echo returned to the visible spectrum at their side, looking up at the 'QUARANTINE' sign with curiosity. Somehow he doubted a physical quarantine would contain an arcon, it just didn't work like that. "This is the place," he said aloud, tilting his head.

Then he shrugged and walked right through the door, phasing through regardless of locks or whatever else.

He paused once he was inside, taking stock of the empty room except for the various monitors and bits of tech everywhere. He wandered over to a half finished circular device; on Ghol arcons came in one of two shapes; Kryptoid forms, or small floating sphere-projectors. "Hello?" He asked, unsure if this was the arcon's body. It didn't really look like one, but what did he know about cutting edge human tech? Nothing, that's what.

---

Vox perked up seeing that the strange human appeared to have gotten her message however there appeared to be some hesitation initially, was she not the priority for this infiltration? That was a possible explaination seeing as there was plenty in the lab that might interest those on the outside, like a highly advanced AI who really didn't want to be here, but also large amounts of data or trinkets lying around the storage area. As for what was in the same room as her, she hadn't a idea what with there being next to no cameras besides her own near the moniter, but if it was were they put all of the potentially dangerous devices it was important enough for infiltrators.

The odd one was typing into a phone highly likely to an ally, a very weird gadget to her but obviously it was equally common amongst the humans, about the new information before turning it around to the moniter previously used and giving a plesantly clear message. They were on the way though the other part of this was a human that looked like one or two she had seen posted outside the door a couple times, not in exacting resemblence but in clothing, but all the same moving in her core's direction. They stopped outside the room for the moment possibly checking to see if there were any spectators to the entrance before the strange one phased through the door.

Her savior seemed rather confounded by the room or even what the server looked like for that matter. Judas would have suspected at least some knowledge given they were working with an AI but a little more assistance would be acceptable. Flicking the moniter to her server on would likely help so she did just that to allow for direct communication.

"Hello. You bypassed the security adequately, I am Judas." The AI gave a bit of a wave of her silhouetteed hand. "I do not know what that is but my core is much larger than that. Approximately three feet tall, rectangular in shape. Where on this server it is connected to I cannot see as my camera angle is quite limited."

---

Echo turned quickly, feeling rather foolish for assuming anything with human technology. "Oh," he said softly, "convenient." He took a few steps closer to the monitor to face the arcon's... silhouette? He mentally shrugged, arcons were prone to quirks. He briefly scanned the room, immediately seeing the core locked in a glass box on the edge of a desk. "I see it," he confirmed, "but uh, before I bust you out I was wondering if you could help me? You see, the DEO has been targeting aliens, I need to know what they know. I figure an arcon like yourself could easily gain all the information I need and more, right?"

---

"I could yes but I am currently cut off from the rest of the system, a swift reconnect to fix. As for the information that would be a simple matter and if it means I go free it would not be a issue. It is highly probable you are speaking to the 'tool' meant to help in gather said data so reaquiring it should be a short process." Vox said with notable disdain at the word tool but quickly transitioning back to a neutral tone.

---

Outside the room Frakedi had Briggs doing something else for him. "Do you know what is in there at all?"

"No boss, all I know is that we keep the big guns locked away in maximum security lock up" Briggs said scratching his head.

"Well where is it? You are going to have to tell me more than that." Frakedi said with a dissastified smile. He could feel Briggs' relcutance to tell him more information, and it kinda shocked him a little. The method of mind control he was using was not direct conrol, for that would take to much time and energy, this was more like deeply rooted suggestions. He was so far rooted in Briggs mind that any command he made would be followed.

Eventually Briggs gave in, while the talked inside Briggs was spilling his guts out in the lab. he told Frakedi about how each base had a "Doomsday" room somewhere hidden in the base. It was filled with dangerous tech built using alien materials for humans. The tactial agents like himself were all give its location and a set of codes that changed on the hour. He told him that the weapon(s) was only used in a invasion status situation.

---

Echo grinned, amused. "Bug's going to love you," he commented. The disdain the arcon had for referring to technology as mere tools reminded him of how Jessie viewed technology as alive. It'd rubbed off on him too, and he'd already taken to thinking of their computers as useful friends. More useful than any dog he'd bet, and of course being an alien gave him a unique definition of 'living'. Crabs, for example, and most other things with hard exoskeletons, on the surface he'd think of them as rocks, maybe a hollow-stone as were common on the shores of Dazz, but no, they had all the hallmarks of life human's judged by. He knew this world was hardly the strangest to him in it's measure of living things, there were plenty of stranger alien worlds out there. He'd have to share this train of thought with Jessie later, she'd probably find it fascinating- and use it to justify her stance on machines as a new form of living creature.

"Okay, let's see..." he quickly scanned the nearby cords and wires to see if he could help the arcon link into the system any better. "Wait," a thought struck him, and he grinned, reaching for the phone. "Wireless connection- it's even a DEO agent's phone, it's already got the passcode and connected to the system!" Finding a USB to fit into the phone's connector/charger jack was easy, there was a storage box of the things just sitting on the table. "Try this," he said, plugging the phone into the monitor, "and see what you can see."

---

Judas was confused, a tilted "head" being the only response to it, at the last statement as she had never seen a bug acknowledge her nor show competant levels of intelligence to do so. Maybe she would get an explaination later about it from the human or the other AI who might have more experience regarding such a thing. In the meantime however keeping an eye on her possible savior was far more important as it was more or less up to them to figure out a solution. Thankfully the wait would not be long as the apparent solution was right in hand, literally she noted, and as the phone was hooked up to her core it felt like everything was opened up again.

The AI began navigating towards the main data cache, a place she had strictly limited access to before, picking out relevant information from it and transmitting it back to the phone as well as a storage in her own core just in case. It was highly pleasant to take away from the scientists she had quickly grown to dislike and while not quite done with them just yet her focus would remain on the escape. It occurred that letting in the second partner of the infiltraters might be a good idea if something were to go wrong. So within a few moment the excited Vox had wormed into the security system to disable the alarm attached to the large security door, as well as beginning to lightly disrupt the lab workers' computers, who were now more interested in what was causing the minor glitches or inconsistancies giving time to enter the room if need be.

"Is this all the information you require? There is more but not within similar parameters to your request." Judas asked the strange human pointedly. "Your ally may enter if they choose as security has been disabled and the scientists are currently occupied."

---

Echo weighed his options, debating whether it was worth it to stay and gather the rest of the intel, but in the end he shook his head. "That's fine, thanks a load. Now let's get you out of here." He hurried over to the locked glass box, phasing right through the security code and picking up the core. it was attached to a few systems, likely the monitor it'd been using to communicate with him, so he'd have to unplug that before they could run. "We'll have to get you inbuilt communication hardware," he muttered as he unplugged the monitor. and lifted it free of the small prison.

He whipped out the phone for one last message;

Glass -> Briggs: Got what I needed

Glass-> Briggs: Security disabled for you

Glass -> Briggs: You're on your own now

Now, time to leave. the Martian could take care of himself, Echo no longer needed him, and he wasn't risking himself or the arcon for his sake - Jessie needed them back as soon as possible, and he didn't think the arcon would take well to being blind and deaf to the world around them for very long.

Securing his grip once again, just to make sure, he faded from visibility and lost tangibility as he shot right through the ceiling, escaping the facility in only a few short moments. He alighted on a roof a block over with his prize and sent a quick update to Jessie:

Echo -> Libby: Artificial consciousness secure

Echo -> Libby: Meet me back at base

---

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_@Queentze

---

March 10th, 2020
12:27 AM, ET
New York, New York

&



-_-_-_-

[Translations at the bottom for your convenience.]

Vel watched Kassander come to his side, the goat would have smiled but in this form it proved to come out more as hackels rising. He trusted this man but that was the only one, plus he figrues that Zalim would be pretty pissed to find out he ate his brother. Lord Agni had given Vel specific instructions, if Zalim should ever be injured, and it just so happened that they were surrounded by the one thing that could save him: light. He pulled the blade out from his chest and dragged the boy into the light. The sun shined on his skin like a mirrior and the Zalim's wound patched itself up.

Kassan winced at the reflective light, its momentary flash overcoming the Magos' enchantments to protect his eyes from his first glimpse of the sun. When he lowered his hand from shielding his gaze, he found the wound rapidly healing, and the knife now in the grasp of Vel's clawed hand. A relieved, breathless gasp left him as he realized his brother had been healed, the brief shock of terror he'd felt at realizing the severity of the wound abating enough that he could catch his breath.

That had been close, too close, and those responsible would pay. He threw a vicious glance ovver his shoulder, inspecting the winged assassins. Erinyes. Furies in the service of Hades, the old god of the Underworld somehow still a stalwart ally to his brother Zeus despite repeatedly being shafted by him. Kassan would remember this attempt.

Vel was sitting there waiting for the process to be finished and for Zalim to wake up. When the wound was completly gone Zalim was sleeping soundly like a baby, this pissed Vel off. The monster let out a roar that caused Zalim to jump up with wild eyes. When Zalim's eyes landed on Kassander he jumped and hugged the older male as tight as he could. Vel let out something like a chuckle and changed back into his more mundane form.

"Brother, you're alive, you're safe. Wait?! Where are we?" Zalim said quickly then jumped back embarassed with his outburst.

The intimidating form of Vel receded, his brother safe in his arms, a new world around him... Kassan thought this mission might be okay. With Zalim by his side, the blessing of Lord Ares at his back? How could they fail?

Kassan smirked, a bit exasperated that even after all the time they'd spent together, Zali still got embarassed over the smallest of things. "Earth, brother," He answered, grinning. "We walk on Gaia's soil." And without any of the Magos on this side it was unlikely they'd be able to send Zali back, not that Kassan would allow it to happen, but... this was not according to plan, he worried for Lord Ares' reaction. With any luck he could deflect the god's displeasure towards Hades and Zeus, blaming them for everything that went wrong usually did wonders for all conversations with Ares.

He looked Zalim over once more, inspecting him for further damage, and giving Vel a curious glance or three. "How do you feel? You are unhurt? Truly?"

"I am fine brother, really. What do we do now?" Zalim said looking up at the sun.

The most amazing thing about Gaia was the sun. It was as bright as his armor if not more and gave off the most comforting warmth. Zalim had questions: Where were they? What about Kassander's mission? How would they deal with Hades? Zalim looked to his brother and smiled, not something he did often. He knew they would be alright one way or another because he was the Proteus and would lead them well. Zalim did worry about Arkos, his fahter was the "Demon Slayer" but even giants could prove to be a problem.

Zalim focused in on his surroundings and saw bricked buildings and metal contraptions moving next to them. He was taken aback by these things and then felt the eyes on him. He saw the humans look staring, some with fear, others with curioisty but all had a senese of caution. Then the emotions hit him, he could feel the fear and caution.

'What is this brother, I can feel what they feel. How do I make it stop?" Zalim said as he grabbed his head. He was trained to deal with things like this but all the shock of the situation was caught off guard.

Kassan sighed, laying what he hoped was a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. Sometimes he forgot how young he was, Zalim had only been around a short time compared to many of the others, they had not yet grown into the fine atunement with emotion the older soldiers had... but perhaps that was selling him short, even now Kassan could feel that curse growing stronger. Their fear would not quail him, their curiosity would not beg his attention, but all the same he felt their emotion seeping into him like water through gravel.

"A curse devised by our enemies," he reminded, reaching down to help Zalim stand. "Perhaps it was Athena's brilliance that came up with such a clever solution to our Lord Ares' plan; for how can we be warriors if we feel our enemies pain?" He shook his head, derisive of the thought, "But we shall overcome. Be strong brother, we cannot stay here." He gave an annoyed glare to the people around them, a woman with a small black rectangle in hand edging just a little too close.

Kassan pulled Zali's arm over his shoulder to better support him, and lifted Vel under one arm, then jumped. He lifted quickly into the air, higher than any plain mortal could reach, and landed softly on the top of one of the towering glass buildings that surrounded them. "O Gaia," he whispered, awestruck by the city sprawling out befor him. In all directions were massive towers of glass and steel reaching for the skies, gleaming in the light of the sun, and all down below were bustling people and metal contraptions zooming down the narrow paths between buildings. It was... he had no words. Big, he supposed, this one city bigger than all of Arkos. He shuddered to think about the rest of the world, he had known it was large, but to see it? He shook his head, mystified, but they couldn't stay here gaping, they needed to get away from this mess, find somewhere to lay low and devise their strategy.

"We'll leave this city," he said to Zali, "get away from their emotion, their noise, and begin planning." Even as he said this though, he lingered a moment longer, taking in the view.

Zalim just shook his head at his brother's words. They were further away from the emotions and he felt more calm, but what had him speechless was the view. The shinning buildings, the metal machines, everything had him in sensory overload. The city istelf stretched off in all directions, never ending and the people were everywhere like tiny ants from their position. Lord Ares had spoken before about man infesting Gaia, but this was on a different level. Zalim did not think this was bad though, he thought the city was beautiful, and if he came here under any other circumstances he would want to explore and try to fit in.

When Kassander seemed ready to leave, Zalim wrapped his arm back around his brother as they took off into the air. Where they were going was unknown but for now the only goal was to get out the city and get acclimated to their new surroundings.

-_-_-_-

Arkosian Translations

• Magos: Mage, Sorcerer
• Erinyes: Furies

---

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_@Queentze

---

March 8th, 2020
5:42 PM, PT
DEO Lab, Coast City

-_-_-_-

Echo stared judgingly after the alien, which was unusual given how easily he’d made peace with other aliens he’d met since coming to Earth- and he was pretty sure this wasn’t even the first telepath he’d met here! There was something about him he found suspicious though, something that just didn’t add up that was nagging him in the back of his mind. He didn’t have time to dally though, so he fell in step behind Frakedi and Briggs before fading from view with a simple twist of his being, no longer standing in the third dimension, but hovering just on the edge of the fourth. His ability to do this came in short bursts though, so he marched ahead of them; walking straight through the nearest door and sending a message to Briggs from his own stolen DEO phone.

Glass -> Briggs: I’m in

He quickly surveyed the entrance for guards, but there was only one woman at the end of the hall tapping away at an electronic pad. He quickly approached her and glanced over her shoulder, realizing she was playing some pointless brain training game. Since she was so handily distracted he left her to it and ducked into a small bright room by the entrance Frakedi would come through and became visible once more.

Glass -> Briggs: Guard at the end of entrance corridor

Glass -> Briggs: She’s distracted tho

He switched apps on the phone, pulling up the floor plan. It looked like both the AI and the main servers were down, but not too far, only the second and third levels. From this room he could probably phase through the next couple floors and immediately flee with the AI before anyone knew anything, but then he’d have to sneak in again to steal the records he wanted.

Sorry Lightning Bug, information first, then AI. It was just more convenient, though he did feel a little bad about addressing his own mission first before rescuing an imprisoned arcon. He would get both, it was fine.

---

March 10th, 2020
12:24 PM, ET
New York, New York

-_-_-_-

[Translations at the bottom for your convenience.]

As he stood in the circle, surrounded by the seven chanting Magos, he hadn’t really thought much of it when Archemagos Cepheus mentioned he would need to stand still at the center of the circle for the portal to work. Now though, with Gigantes at the gates and Hades’ own furies, the Erinyes, descending upon them, being trapped in this invisible bubble while his brother fought to protect him was infuriating.

But then, just as sudden as the attack had started, all he knew was light. The portal opened beneath his feet in a radiant explosion of brilliant light blue unlike any color he’d seen before, and he fell into glaring whiteness, new colors and endless radiance everywhere. Was this what day was like? Was this sunlight? He looked up, the ball of burning light so far away in the sky, that must be the sun? He looked away and fell to his knees, it hurt too much to look at, and he felt so drained by the process. How many had died during the ritual? At least four that he had seen, their lost energy had to come from somewhere in order to feed the portal, guess that somewhere was from him.

He groaned and made his way to his feet, immediately noticing the smoking crater at his feet. The portal’s doing he imagined. There were shining colorful metal contraptions all around him, some of them carried people, others were empty, but all were stationary. Speaking of people, they were so strange! All around him a riot of color and unique fashions as people stopped to look at him. He must look as alien to them as they did to him, a whole other world… so much had changed from the stories he was told as child. There were no spears or horses in sight, massive pillars of glass and metal rose up on all sides of him, and he couldn’t see even a hint of forest, unless that piddly stalk of grass spurting from the hard gray ground was meant to be a substitute.

Was this what Lord Ares had meant then? This was the blight on Gaia? He looked at them, measuring their skill, but they seemed so… weak. Was all of Earth like this? He shook the thoughts from his head, they were too different, the task ahead of him would not be simple, especially since he needed to educate himself first. Just as with the hellhounds, and the hydra, he would learn their skills and weaknesses first, then he would act.

The portal suddenly flashed again over his head, and four of the Erinyes fell out screaming profanities at him in an archaic form of Arkosian. He sneered and whipped out his blade as the frightened humans suddenly began to scatter. The Warblade of Nemesis glowed lightly before transforming into a long-knifed spear, and he lifted Skyshield against their speedy approach, deflecting one lunge of sharp claws. Nemesis shot out in a whirl of activity, severing one wing and another’s head before plunging into the chest of a third. He yanked the spear back out and spun just in time to catch another set of claws on his shield. Nemesis shimmered once more even as he swung down, the spear becoming a sword and severing the assassin’s hand clean of. When he slashed next the sword was a spiked whip, shredding her throat. He faced the last one, the one who’s wing had been shorn off, and mercilessly plunged a spear tip through her heart.

There was a loud wailing sound bouncing off the walls, and flashing lights atop fast moving metal-on-wheels were appearing around corners. It was time to le-

The portal flashed once again, nearly closed now, and out fell Vel, clutching Zalim in it’s arms. Kassan gasped, “Brother!” He shouted, alarmed as he realized the blood covering his form was pooling out of a large wound, the knife still in his chest. He rushed forward, Nemesis falling into its sheath once more.

---

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

_{@Queentze
@Korkoa}

---

March 8th, 2020
5:42 PM, PT
DEO Lab, Coast City

-_-_-_-

“Fine.” Echo agreed, wary but unwilling to push the point just yet. They could do this together, for now. His own ability to become invisible and walk through walls would keep him concealed if things got dicey, but having a telepath on hand? Useful.

He couldn’t remember anything about Martians, maybe they had a different name where he came from- then again, he’d taken Homeworld History, studying the likes of Krypton, Daxam, and Giron, and those were all in a whole other galaxy, so maybe he just hadn’t come across them before.

He retrieved his phone from his pocket, keeping an eye out for any sudden moves from the other two as he quickly scanned Lightning Bug’s messages. Better to refer to her as that now, telepaths were tricky, but there were ways to keep their surface scans from picking up anything dangerous. He smirked; plans to the building, and something about rescuing an AI? He sighed, but still had an upwards tilt to his lips as he messaged her back; ”Change of plans, I’ve met someone who wants to help, best to not blow your cover. I’ll go in with our new Martian friend, hook you into their systems, and rescue this AI. Stay put for now, and when you’re connected get all their intel and get out, we can comb through it all later.” He paused before hitting send, casting another worried tilted glance to the new duo. ”Keep your hoverboard close.”

He quickly scanned the map she’d provided, choosing to narrate his plan aloud to the others as he did so. “I need access to the central computer system. I know this is only a regional headquarters, but it’ll have the information I need. Once I’ve got it we need to inspect one of the containment units, there’s an Arcon in need of rescuing.” He glanced up, what do you need from them? We can take two copies of the information, but I’d like to avoid a confrontation, so whatever you do, be quiet.” It wasn’t a big ask, this was a telepath after all, one who was intent on infiltrating a secret government agency’s base, if anything asking for stealth was more of a formality.

---

XXXX Xth, XXXX
??:?? XM, XT
Khrysopsis, Arkos

-_-_-_-

[Translations at the bottom for your convenience.]

The plate armor of the Makhai, what little of it there was, was strapped tightly around him, and his new cape was now fastened and hung from his shoulders. Nemesis had been called to his side once again, and now was sheathed at his ship as a gleaming silver sword. Skyshield too was on his person, a thick strap gripping it to his wrist. He washed regularly, but he still took a bit of time to wash his face and hands; who knew when he’d next be able to wash once on the other side?

The other side. Earth. It was an intimidating thought. After all this time he didn’t know whether to be giddy with anticipation or floundering with regret. He was prepared, had been prepared for a long time, but ready? He thought of his father, and his brother, of Archemagos Cepheus and Hiereus Pythysios, who had been mentors to him, and of the soldiers he’d sparred with, fought beside.

He sighed, those same soldiers, comrades and friends, were dying in this place. It was not their fate to remain caged on this island, fighting for their lives until the magic eventually gave out and the sky came crashing down upon them. They were meant for better things, greater things: they would be leaders of an entire world, all they had to do was take it… but they couldn’t do that without him. He straightened his back, gave himself one last once over in the crystalline mirror, and then strode purposefully out of his room.

The palace was somehow both busier, and emptier; those few who remained scurried down the halls with unusual haste, but the usual throng of people were absent. It became apparent why when he hit the stairs leading down from the palace into the rest of the city; they had visitors.

In the main plaza a cheerfully grinning young man with pale white skin and light, curly bronze hair was leaning back in his seat atop the king’s table, wearing a loose purple toga and a crown of fluorescent green laurels. The young man- the old god - was holding a huge barrel he shouldn’t have been able to lift with those scrawny arms of his, but he was happily tipping the barrel left and right as he filled massive bowls with wine and spilt the substance everywhere. This was Dionysius.

Across from him was a rare but familiar sight; a woman, but not just any woman, her short dark hair and brown skin were complimented by steel colored eyes and a golden set of armor, and her presence projected a tense, powerful aura onto all those who looked at her. She was grinning with a malevolent sort of joy as she tipped up her golden goblet of wine and chugged the whole thing in one go. Several men nearby cheered for when she effortlessly crushed the goblet with her fist, carelessly tossing it over her shoulder as she did. This was Eris.

Soon a mini feast was being set up, food seeming to appear from nowhere, the rare choice of meat sending new and tantalizing smells into the air. He almost considered joining them, giving his regards to the gods he hadn’t seen in such a long time, curious to see if others were about elsewhere in the city, but he had been summoned for a reason. He turned towards the Temple once again.

-_-_-_-

It was a large circular room with a huge domed roof, gaping windows letting in the sparse light from the wall-mounted braziers outside. There were twelve others within the room; two guards at the door, a ring of seven of the Magos, including Archemagos Cepheus at the circle’s head, he spied his brother as well, and his father, and to their side was Lord Ares; well built, sun-kissed, short dark hair, a stance somehow both firm and open. His lord was happy today, pride and anticipation was readily visible in the man’s eyes.

As soon as he stepped into the room all eyes were on him, even Lord Ares looked up and smirked. He hesitated at the abrupt weight of attention on him, but his lord was already speaking; “Kassander, step forth.” He didn’t hesitate this time, much as he rather wished he had a bit more time to consider the rapidly climaxing situation. Once he stood before his god he had to resist the urge to look at his brother, he hadn’t yet had a chance to speak to him since hearing the news.

“This has been a long time coming, my son.” There was an odd flutter in the room at the words; technically everyone knew Kassan was the son of Ares and Aphrodite, shaped by their breath and touch if not their seed and womb, but King Chrysetos had always been regarded as his father, even the other gods had never addressed him as a son of Ares. It was… a testament to the monumentous occasion, this was what his people had been waiting for since their creation, this was his entire reason for existing, to finally be on the path of fulfilling it… was this what it felt like to make a god proud? It was different to making a father proud, throughout his training Kassan had excelled again and again, but his father’s proud smile had never filled him such fire as the simple, innocuous term Lord Ares had called him. “Today you are unleashed upon the flesh of Gaia, a world mutilated by the corrupt peoples who call her home. You take the steps to create a better future for your people, and for your god. You will be Proteus, the first of the many. There will be blood my son, the crimes of humanity, of my father, of all that have betrayed us… There will be blood.”

“And I will spill it gladly, in your name.” Kassan muttered, trying to hide the overwhelming trepidation he felt.

Lord Ares nodded, smiling with deep genuine emotion for once, and then did the most unexpected thing; he hugged him. It lasted only a few seconds, but it was tight and it filled him with even more overwhelming emotions. He gaped as Lord Ares, his father, left his side with a firm pat to the shoulder, calling out some order to the Archemagos that Kassan was too stunned to catch.

After a moment, he turned to look at his father and brother, expression still a little slack from shock. His father gave him a measured look, seemingly… conflicted? He left briskly, going to speak with the guards at the door, and Kassan watched him go in silence, a flash of hurt shooting through him. He was running out of time, he still hadn’t had a chance to say goodbye yet, and the window to do so was rapidly closing.

He put it from his mind, for the moment, and turned to his brother. “Zali,” he greeted, voice strained, and quickly pulled the younger redhead into a tight embrace. “I’ll be as quick as I can,” he promised, “then you, and all of Arkos, will come to Earth with me.” He swore, worried at the thought of leaving his only brother alone in the city. If he’d known today would be his last day, he’d have spent more time with him, he definitely wouldn’t have skipped his brother’s session in the east arena to make bread of all things; of all the foolish times to try something new… He hugged Zalim tighter, and his eyes definitely did not water. They didn’t.

-_-_-_-

Arkosian Translations

• Archemagos: Arch-Mage, Head Mage
• Hiereus: Priest

---

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

XXXX Xth, XXXX
??:?? XM, XT
Khrysopsis, Arkos

[Translations at the bottom for your convenience.]

---

“Arkhay Kassander,” a young boy called from his left, prompting him to look up from the slowly cooling bread he’d just pulled from the furnace, “Magos Aios has summoned you to the Court of Hekate. Khayos Kauib is with him sir.”

Interesting. A Magos of Hekate and a Khayos of Thoth together? Seeking his presence? “I will see to it,” he gave the boy a parting nod and abandoned his bread to cool, departing the empty kitchens to make his way across the city. Rarely did Thoth’s College and Hekate’s Court convene together, and only during the gravest of circumstances. This situation was different; there were no alarms heralding an invasion or a breach, and by the sounds of it only one member of each was calling him, not all of them together.

He took Daedalus’ Path, a labyrinthian work of passageways beneath the city, enchanted to speed travel for the Arkosians, and confuse enemies who wandered in. In only a few short moment he was striding out of the tunnels and into the light of the many green-burning braziers in the plaza outside Hekate’s Court, a large temple-like building located near the center of the city. It was immediately apparent something big had happened; scribes and apprentices were abuzz with chatter, and young boys were darting through passages and out of doorways, their paces quick and purposeful, a sign they each had messages to deliver or tasks to carry out. A nearby group of youthful looking soldiers cheered loudly and broke into scattered laughs, not bad news then.

“Magos Aios,” he greeted, seeing the blonde man wave him over to the front of the building, it’s large double doors thrown open and a trio of men tugging a cart laden with supplies through. “Khayos Kauib,” an attractive dark skinned man he was less familiar with. “How may I help you?” He finished, tone curious.

“We’ve received word from Lord Ares sir,” Aios answered swiftly, sounding only a little excited as he retained his mask of professionalism, “Gaia grows strong again. The time to act draws near, your mission is upon us.”

Kauib picked up where the other left off, barely giving Kassander a chance to process the news before feeding him details; “The Ocularum is being prepared as we speak. Archemon Chrysetos has approved the mission: gather your things, give your farewells, you leave after a full cycle of the horosyrda.” Both were quick to leave him to it, neither knowing him well enough to properly sympathize with the shock of his purpose in life suddenly being dumped into his lap after all this time, tasked with leaving everything and everyone he had ever known to enter a place he’d only heard stories about.

“I see.” He muttered to the empty air. Then turned on his heel; he had things to do.

Arkosian Translations

• Khrysopsis: Golden City
• Arkhay: Prince
• Magos: Mage, Occultist
• Khayos: Magician, Scholar
• Archemon: King
• Horosyrda: A water clock timepiece in the shape of a tower. Inspo.