Stylistically, this is more story-oriented than stat-oriented, but I wanted to try and establish this guy before we get the ball rolling. Anyway, I regret NOTHING!
10:10 AM: New York City, NY
“C’mon, man, hurry up!” The young man kneeling down in front of the safe shoots an irritated look over his shoulder at his cohort, both of them clad in casual clothes, the color purple dominant in their ensemble, and both of the brandishing pistols tucked in their waistbands. As the safe is emptied, the overseer calls to the rear of the shop, a pawn shop which had been ripping off people in the neighborhood for years. Now, in all the chaos surrounding the city, the gang finally had an opportunity to rob the place, and take their time doing it.
A third member of their gang emerges from the back room, his gun in-hand, “What’s taking so long, man?” He asks, clearly agitated.
“Relax, man, we’re all good.” The lookout grins, “The cops are too busy dealing with whatever, and we’re free to cash in…” He glances at the collapsed form of the shopkeeper over in the corner, his grin turning to a sneer, “This bitch has had it comin’ for too long.”
The kid who had emerged from the back looks around the shop, “Yo, man, where’s Ruiz?” He asks, noting the absence of one of their crew.
“He’s keepin’ an eye out front.” The overseer says, turning his attention back to the one unloading the safe, “Don’t worry, everything’s good.”
Just then, almost as if on cue, the plate glass window at the front of the shop shatters, a purple-clad thug being hurled through it. The startled gang members all draw their weapons, aiming at the now-open air window and whatever instinct tells them to open fire and not bother asking questions later is silenced by the sight of a white-clad, hooded vigilante stepping through. The crunch of glass under his boot heel echoes across the silent shop, the ambient noise outside not doing much to fill the void.
Just as one of the gangsters finally has enough sense to pull the trigger, the vigilante leaps to the side, taking cover behind another counter extending all the way down towards the rear of the store.
“Damn, man, it’s that White Knight guy!” The gangster who had just emerged from the back room asks in a panic, firing blind and not counting his ammo.
The man under the hood rolls his eyes, Who did he have to kill to find a superhero-friendly publicist?
The overseer helplessly replies over the sound of gunfire, “Let’s get the hell out of here!” He grabs the half-full bag sitting beside the gangster emptying the safe, him and the other gang member making a run for the back room.
“Hey!” The gang member still ducked behind the counter shouts after his friends, outraged at being left behind. As he rises to try and follow after them, he’s overtaken by the sight of the vigilante barreling straight at him. He tries to pull his gun to defend himself, but isn’t quick enough as the vigilante vaults over the counter and plants both feet in the criminal’s chest, dropkicking him into the back wall of the shop, the shelves lining the wall behind him collapsing and burying him under a pile of valuable merchandise.
He makes after the two fleeing gang members, one of them turning ‘round before reaching the back and getting a couple of shots off. His aim is true, but the bullets pancake against the vigilante’s body armor, totally ineffective.
“You’ll have to do better than that!” He howls after them, the back door of the shop being thrown open and the two gang members fleeing into the alley out back. The vigilante is right on them, sprinting after them and drawing two crescent blades from his greaves and launching them with pinpoint accuracy into the backs of the fleeing thieves. The one lagging behind topples over, his gun skittering away out of reach, but the one ahead of him, the overseer, only staggers, holding onto his gun and letting go a pained cry. He stops momentarily, turning and lifting his arm to fire, fighting through the pain shooting up his spine as he does.
The vigilante goes into a roll, avoiding the bullets whizzing overhead and pulling another crescent blade halfway through. He comes out of his roll, simultaneously hurtling his dart and clipping the gang member’s wrist and making him drop the gun. Seeing his opportunity, he rushes forward and nails the hoodlum under the jaw with an uppercut, lifting the kid off his feet and sending him sprawling onto the ground, out cold.
The vigilante shakes his hand off, massaging his wrist, “Damn, I still got it.” He mutters to himself, grinning under the cover of his hood. He reaches down and plucks the crescent blade from the back of the lingering gang member, trying in futility to crawl towards his gun, so far out of reach.
The vigilante places his knee on the back of the thug’s neck, “I need this back.” He says simply, plucking the crescent blade from the criminal’s back. The gang member yelps in surprise before catching a boot to the face, “By the way, I’m the Moon Knight, not the White Knight; get it right.”
Moon Knight drops the bag full of cash beside the unconscious shopkeeper, leaving the same way he came in: through the blown-out window. As he walks back out into the street, he’s witness to more of the gang’s members running amok. For the one shop’s he’s saved, ten more are in the process of being robbed. Smoke billows up from somewhere a few blocks ahead of where he is now…
The looting, the rioting, the chaos… there was no end in sight, not with that devourer, or whatever it is they called him on the news, looming over New York City. The authorities were occupied, the Avengers were M.I.A., and aliens were invading…
He supposes now was as good a time as any to step into the light.
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Most Recent Posts
Name - Marc Spector
Alias - Moon Knight
Age - Late 20's
Powers - Hand-to-hand combat, advanced weapons training, first-hand knowledge of government agencies and protocol.
Weaknesses - No metahuman abilities, effectively human
Personality - Ruthless, erratic, efficient
Experience - Trained by the United States military (Marine Corps, specifically), training supplemented by working SHIELD black-ops; operating as a vigilante for about four months.
Appearance - Tall, dark, not-so-handsome:
BRIEF Bio - The wayward son of a rabbi, Marc Spector took to violence like a duck takes to water. He was recruited into the United States Marine Corps while training to be a boxer, and plucked from the USMC by SHIELD (in its infancy as a governmental organization) to run black-ops mission with the best of the best. Some years after being picked up by SHIELD, he went A.W.O.L. Not much is known about what happened to Marc Spector in the interim, but he resurfaces several months later in New York City, acting as an anonymous vigilante (Think a prototypical Punisher). He must avoid the public eye as he's being hunted by the government, whether to force him back into service or throw him down a deep, dark hole is anyone's guess, but with his extensive work inside the government as well as funds he pilfered on his way out the door, it's safe to assume it'll be the latter.
Key Differences - On the surface, Marc is vastly different from his comic book counterpart: he isn't superpowered under the moonlight, he isn't crazy (at least, not yet), and he isn't rich by any stretch of the imagination, any funds he gathers he uses to stay under the radar or fund his "crusade."
Notes - Marc's past as a black-ops goon has brought him into contact with all manner of mercenary and government operative
Alias - Moon Knight
Age - Late 20's
Powers - Hand-to-hand combat, advanced weapons training, first-hand knowledge of government agencies and protocol.
Weaknesses - No metahuman abilities, effectively human
Personality - Ruthless, erratic, efficient
Experience - Trained by the United States military (Marine Corps, specifically), training supplemented by working SHIELD black-ops; operating as a vigilante for about four months.
Appearance - Tall, dark, not-so-handsome:
BRIEF Bio - The wayward son of a rabbi, Marc Spector took to violence like a duck takes to water. He was recruited into the United States Marine Corps while training to be a boxer, and plucked from the USMC by SHIELD (in its infancy as a governmental organization) to run black-ops mission with the best of the best. Some years after being picked up by SHIELD, he went A.W.O.L. Not much is known about what happened to Marc Spector in the interim, but he resurfaces several months later in New York City, acting as an anonymous vigilante (Think a prototypical Punisher). He must avoid the public eye as he's being hunted by the government, whether to force him back into service or throw him down a deep, dark hole is anyone's guess, but with his extensive work inside the government as well as funds he pilfered on his way out the door, it's safe to assume it'll be the latter.
Key Differences - On the surface, Marc is vastly different from his comic book counterpart: he isn't superpowered under the moonlight, he isn't crazy (at least, not yet), and he isn't rich by any stretch of the imagination, any funds he gathers he uses to stay under the radar or fund his "crusade."
Notes - Marc's past as a black-ops goon has brought him into contact with all manner of mercenary and government operative
"...the War Room is pretty much the same as it was. Only the upper part of the HQ was damaged during the fight with Deathstroke. Or Bronze Tiger. Whatever you wanna call that guy..." Ditto1 explained as they walked past the elevator leading down to the War Room level of the headquarters.
"Hey, your call on what you call the guy; it was before my time anyway..." Robbie tries not to let his words sound bitter, but a part of him can't help it. He still laments that he missed out on more of an experience with the team, "Anyway, it seems you guys have upgraded a bit since the last time I was around. I'm impressed."
"It's all thanks to Billy and the Flash really, back when Billy was still the one wearing the cape. We have a couple spare rooms, and I thought about asking Canary if we could have like a 'Hall of Fallen Heroes' shrine or something. Maybe statues or plaques with pictures of Red Nova, Patriot, Plas, Cyber, and Apollo..." Ditto1 started to suggest, "How've things been back in Boston?" the young hero with the glowing green eyes asked.
Robbie pauses, as if lost in thought, and then shrugs nonchalantly, "It's fine. According to Billy, I've got a new Monster Society to look forward to. Lately though Billy's been riding me pretty hard. More training, talking down to me like I'm some dumb kid... he was Captain Marvel when he was 10, and he's giving me crap!" Any mirth that Robbie had once felt is gone from him now, an inadvertent airing of pent-up resentment overtaking him, "I mean, what do I have to do to get him to wake up and realize he isn't Captain Marvel anymore, I am! I undertook the trials, I earned the right! I..." Robbie stops when he realizes he's rambling, and Ditto openly staring at him isn't exactly a subtle clue.
"...Sorry."
"It's cool Rob, it's like a right of passage for most heroes with mentors. I'm just glad there was never a Multiple Man running around in Metropolis..." the Carggite responded with a little laugh, "Superman knew I was a stranger in a strange land and got me in on this Young Justice program early on. Back on Cargg I never thought twice I'd ever be considered a hero. Let alone get the power upgrade I did. It's so strange having more than two duplicates..."
"...that up there's the new Meeting Room. The League thought it'd be good to have most of the HQ visible from up one spot and that's it. Should we get a room ready for you or...?" Ditto1 asked not knowing where the young Marvel stood as far as being a member of the team again.
Robbie feels like his stomach is about to drop out from under him, "Actually, that's kinda what I'm here to talk to you about. ...Can I get your opinion on something?" He asks, his tone becoming hushed as if it were some secret what he was about to say.
"What's up?" the alien responded.
"Superman came to me a few days ago." Robert sighs, "He offered me League membership."
"...Seriously?" Ditto1 asked raising his eyebrow.
"I know, right? I can barely believe it myself..." He drops his head down, "I don't know if I can do it, Kilian.
"You're one of the toughest humans I've met, Rob. And one of the most honest. I'm sure you'll do great. And if not we've always got room for one more..." Ditto1 said jokingly at the end.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, Kilian." Robert grins, his face quickly falling, "But... but what if they just feel sorry for me? Y'know, because of Billy... what if this is all because of him losing his spot? What if I'm not good enough and I screw up... in front of Superman no less?!" His shoulders slump.
"Superman isn't the type to look down on somebody for making mistakes. He told me once you can never learn from them if you don't make them." Kilian said sternly and to the point.
"Yeah, that sounds like Superman." The blue-clad hero said.
"The Flash called Superman a big boyscout. But I don't know why Superman would go out looking for boys..." Ditto1 commented oblivious to all of Earth's customs even still.
Robert breaks down laughing at that, beside himself at just how alien Kilian really is. He's gasping for air, nearly falling over by the time he gets a handle on himself, his face reddened, "Oh man, and here I thought you got all serious after that Cadmus run-in." He pats Kilian on the shoulder, "Who says you don't have a sense of humor anymore?"
Robbie takes a moment, "...So, you think I should accept?"
--
*Collab w/ The Kid Lantern
"Hey, your call on what you call the guy; it was before my time anyway..." Robbie tries not to let his words sound bitter, but a part of him can't help it. He still laments that he missed out on more of an experience with the team, "Anyway, it seems you guys have upgraded a bit since the last time I was around. I'm impressed."
"It's all thanks to Billy and the Flash really, back when Billy was still the one wearing the cape. We have a couple spare rooms, and I thought about asking Canary if we could have like a 'Hall of Fallen Heroes' shrine or something. Maybe statues or plaques with pictures of Red Nova, Patriot, Plas, Cyber, and Apollo..." Ditto1 started to suggest, "How've things been back in Boston?" the young hero with the glowing green eyes asked.
Robbie pauses, as if lost in thought, and then shrugs nonchalantly, "It's fine. According to Billy, I've got a new Monster Society to look forward to. Lately though Billy's been riding me pretty hard. More training, talking down to me like I'm some dumb kid... he was Captain Marvel when he was 10, and he's giving me crap!" Any mirth that Robbie had once felt is gone from him now, an inadvertent airing of pent-up resentment overtaking him, "I mean, what do I have to do to get him to wake up and realize he isn't Captain Marvel anymore, I am! I undertook the trials, I earned the right! I..." Robbie stops when he realizes he's rambling, and Ditto openly staring at him isn't exactly a subtle clue.
"...Sorry."
"It's cool Rob, it's like a right of passage for most heroes with mentors. I'm just glad there was never a Multiple Man running around in Metropolis..." the Carggite responded with a little laugh, "Superman knew I was a stranger in a strange land and got me in on this Young Justice program early on. Back on Cargg I never thought twice I'd ever be considered a hero. Let alone get the power upgrade I did. It's so strange having more than two duplicates..."
"...that up there's the new Meeting Room. The League thought it'd be good to have most of the HQ visible from up one spot and that's it. Should we get a room ready for you or...?" Ditto1 asked not knowing where the young Marvel stood as far as being a member of the team again.
Robbie feels like his stomach is about to drop out from under him, "Actually, that's kinda what I'm here to talk to you about. ...Can I get your opinion on something?" He asks, his tone becoming hushed as if it were some secret what he was about to say.
"What's up?" the alien responded.
"Superman came to me a few days ago." Robert sighs, "He offered me League membership."
"...Seriously?" Ditto1 asked raising his eyebrow.
"I know, right? I can barely believe it myself..." He drops his head down, "I don't know if I can do it, Kilian.
"You're one of the toughest humans I've met, Rob. And one of the most honest. I'm sure you'll do great. And if not we've always got room for one more..." Ditto1 said jokingly at the end.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, Kilian." Robert grins, his face quickly falling, "But... but what if they just feel sorry for me? Y'know, because of Billy... what if this is all because of him losing his spot? What if I'm not good enough and I screw up... in front of Superman no less?!" His shoulders slump.
"Superman isn't the type to look down on somebody for making mistakes. He told me once you can never learn from them if you don't make them." Kilian said sternly and to the point.
"Yeah, that sounds like Superman." The blue-clad hero said.
"The Flash called Superman a big boyscout. But I don't know why Superman would go out looking for boys..." Ditto1 commented oblivious to all of Earth's customs even still.
Robert breaks down laughing at that, beside himself at just how alien Kilian really is. He's gasping for air, nearly falling over by the time he gets a handle on himself, his face reddened, "Oh man, and here I thought you got all serious after that Cadmus run-in." He pats Kilian on the shoulder, "Who says you don't have a sense of humor anymore?"
Robbie takes a moment, "...So, you think I should accept?"
--
*Collab w/ The Kid Lantern
Young Justice HQ
He didn't join in the fight.
It wasn't that he didn't want to; part of him, the part that had been dealing with Billy riding him for the better part of two months, wanted nothing more than to leap into the fray and lay into an enemy of stone, maybe chip away at him a bit and let loose some anger. But he didn't do that. This new team needed its chance to prove itself, to work on their own to accomplish something, not get help from a kid with the powers of a god. As brief as it had been, Robert had had his chance. He needed to step back and allow the next generation to step forward.
Listen to me, sounding like an old man, he chuckles to himself, Canary casting an odd look his way as he swivels in his seat beside her. Without much else to do until Ditto returned to the compound, he'd taken a seat beside her and watched the fight unfold with an eye in the sky. It had been entertaining to say the least, especially the part with the cement truck... he'd laughed out loud at that. More than that, though, this team had some raw talent. That Ditto and Shock had advanced in skill was no surprise to him, they had always been at the head of the pack, but these newbies, however untested, were quickly proving their worth.
He's torn from his internal assessment of the new members by the sound of the monitor room door sliding open, the light blasting a muscled figure from behind so that he can't really see who it is until he steps closer.
"Well, that's one cement truck that'll never piss you off again, eh, Ditto?" He laughs, greeting his friend.
"For somebody with the speed of Mercury, you'd think you would've come around before now! How've you been, Robbie?" Ditto asked, excited to finally be in the same room with his former ally once again.
"Ah, you know how it is, a super-strong criminal here, a killer android there... makes it hard to come out and see the team." Robert replies, "Though Billy running my schedule isn't making it any easier." Just as he's about to rejoin his pity party, he pulls himself back, "But that's a story for another time!" He slings his arm around Ditto's shoulders as easy as breathing, leading him back out the door he just came through, "For now, why don't you show me around, introduce me to the new crew..."
--
*Collab with The Kid Lantern
He didn't join in the fight.
It wasn't that he didn't want to; part of him, the part that had been dealing with Billy riding him for the better part of two months, wanted nothing more than to leap into the fray and lay into an enemy of stone, maybe chip away at him a bit and let loose some anger. But he didn't do that. This new team needed its chance to prove itself, to work on their own to accomplish something, not get help from a kid with the powers of a god. As brief as it had been, Robert had had his chance. He needed to step back and allow the next generation to step forward.
Listen to me, sounding like an old man, he chuckles to himself, Canary casting an odd look his way as he swivels in his seat beside her. Without much else to do until Ditto returned to the compound, he'd taken a seat beside her and watched the fight unfold with an eye in the sky. It had been entertaining to say the least, especially the part with the cement truck... he'd laughed out loud at that. More than that, though, this team had some raw talent. That Ditto and Shock had advanced in skill was no surprise to him, they had always been at the head of the pack, but these newbies, however untested, were quickly proving their worth.
He's torn from his internal assessment of the new members by the sound of the monitor room door sliding open, the light blasting a muscled figure from behind so that he can't really see who it is until he steps closer.
"Well, that's one cement truck that'll never piss you off again, eh, Ditto?" He laughs, greeting his friend.
"For somebody with the speed of Mercury, you'd think you would've come around before now! How've you been, Robbie?" Ditto asked, excited to finally be in the same room with his former ally once again.
"Ah, you know how it is, a super-strong criminal here, a killer android there... makes it hard to come out and see the team." Robert replies, "Though Billy running my schedule isn't making it any easier." Just as he's about to rejoin his pity party, he pulls himself back, "But that's a story for another time!" He slings his arm around Ditto's shoulders as easy as breathing, leading him back out the door he just came through, "For now, why don't you show me around, introduce me to the new crew..."
--
*Collab with The Kid Lantern
~We now return you to your regularly scheduled player~
Boston, MA
A straight jab with a kiloton of force behind it strikes Robert in the chest, knocking him off his feet and sending him rocketing backwards down the street and slamming into the side of a police car used to create a makeshift barricade, denting it.
“Whoa!” The police sergeant overseeing the scene, MacManus, bellows while peering over the hood of the car, “You okay, kid?”
He could say no, that his head’s swimming and the wind was knocked out of him, but he figured that wouldn’t inspire much confidence. As much as being a superhero was about saving lives, there was the inescapable facet of image.
“I’ll live.” Robert grumbles, getting back up to his feet. His foe must hear his declaration.
|Living is unacceptable. Death is target objective. Living is counter-productive.|
Robert rolls his eyes. He hated fighting robots, but apparently this one was special, an old school foe of the Marvels.
Billy told Robert its name was Mister Atom, though it didn’t look anything like the pictures Billy had shown him. That made sense, Robert figured, what with it being a piece of technology that was capable of being upgraded; if it still looked the same every five years he’d either be shocked or supremely disappointed. Sure enough, whoever was maintaining Mister Atom had gone and given him a new coat of paint as well as a few extra bells and whistles hidden away in a sleek, new body.
Like machine gun turrets hidden away inside the forearms.
|Kindly die.|
Robert’s quick on his feet, speeding towards Mister Atom and grabbing hold of the android’s arms before it can react. Whoever rebuilt the robot did well, but its build is nothing compared to the strength of Hercules. The arms rip from its body like a cheap action figure, Robert tossing the useless limbs aside. Mister Atom tries to strike back, lifting its leg to kick Robert, but he catches the foot before it can connect, tightens his grip, picks up and slams the android into the ground, over and over again.
He gives the android an appraising look, now nothing more than a dented husk, and he drops the limp body onto the concrete, “Clear!” He shouts to the onlooking police force.
“Yeah, I’ll say.” MacManus is the first one over the barricade, chuckling at the sight of what’s left of Mister Atom, nearly unrecognizable from a hunk of scrap metal one might find in a junkyard.
“You really did a number on him.”
“I’m just doing my job, Sergeant.” Robert flashes a smile, playing it off like a joke.
“Well then, keep up the good work.” MacManus extends a hand to Robert, one the hero readily takes.
“Thanks for the help, Captain Marvel.”
It still feels weird to be called that, Robert thinks to himself.
“Please, Sergeant, I’ve told you before… it’s just Thunder now.”
“Yeah, well,” MacManus brings his hand back to his side, “we hadn’t seen the big guy around in a little while; we figured you’d inherited the title or something…”
Robert clears his throat uncomfortably, “The other guy’s just… on vacation.”
MacManus gives Robert a look, one that says he doesn’t quite believe him, but it doesn’t seem as though he’ll press the issue, “Uh-huh… well, whatever rank you are, we’re just happy to have you here, protecting our city.”
“Glad to be of help. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” Robert begins lifting off the ground, floating away from MacManus, “I’ve got an appointment in Star City.” He turns and picks up speed, out of sight before the sergeant can even blink.
As he’s flying through the air, his earpiece begins ringing, alerting him to an incoming call. He taps the tiny earbud, “Hello?”
-Where are you off to in such a hurry?-
Billy. “Well, y’know, it’s such a nice day out today, I figured I’d go for a leisurely stroll—”
Oh, can the jokes, would you?- Robert bites his tongue. No, Billy wasn’t bitter, not at all…
“I’m headed to Star City.” Robert tells him straight up, “I’ve got to talk to Ditto.”
-Why? Y’know, you don’t owe him or his team anything. You were only a part of Young Justice for three months, if that. Besides, you’ve got larger concerns now. Mister Atom usually only comes around when there’s a new Monster Society in the wings. You should be focusing on that.-
Robert rolls his eyes. Since he’d lost the mantle of Captain Marvel, Billy had become a bit insufferable as of late. Robert figured it was him regressing, back to when he was a kid in the foster care system, before he had powers, but he was nearly at wits end with him. What Robert didn’t say was that the visit to Young Justice was also a chance to hang around some people he actually liked.
“Look, Billy, I actually consider these guys my friends, so if you don’t mind—”
-Y’know what, do whatever you want!-
The call ends there, with Billy snapping at Robert and hanging up, and Robert breathing a sigh of relief that his “conversation” with Billy was over. He felt bad for him, honestly, but that didn’t change the fact that Billy was acting like a total jerk to him. Why, though, because he was jealous? That was one theory, but Robert didn’t pay it much mind, especially not in the last few days or so. Not after an impromptu meeting with Superman. Not after Robert had been offered probationary Justice League membership.
Still, there was some part of him, some small, nagging part, which made Robert think he wasn’t ready. He hadn’t even been Captain Marvel for a year yet, but the League was already considering him for membership? Was it because of the name he carried? Was it penance for having to remove Billy after his fall from grace? Or was it that they genuinely considered Robert up to the task?
He needed a second opinion, and he knew where to get the best available, from a man who knows Superman as well as anyone.
Star City, home to Young Justice and the hero sponsored by the Man of Steel himself: Ditto.
A straight jab with a kiloton of force behind it strikes Robert in the chest, knocking him off his feet and sending him rocketing backwards down the street and slamming into the side of a police car used to create a makeshift barricade, denting it.
“Whoa!” The police sergeant overseeing the scene, MacManus, bellows while peering over the hood of the car, “You okay, kid?”
He could say no, that his head’s swimming and the wind was knocked out of him, but he figured that wouldn’t inspire much confidence. As much as being a superhero was about saving lives, there was the inescapable facet of image.
“I’ll live.” Robert grumbles, getting back up to his feet. His foe must hear his declaration.
|Living is unacceptable. Death is target objective. Living is counter-productive.|
Robert rolls his eyes. He hated fighting robots, but apparently this one was special, an old school foe of the Marvels.
Billy told Robert its name was Mister Atom, though it didn’t look anything like the pictures Billy had shown him. That made sense, Robert figured, what with it being a piece of technology that was capable of being upgraded; if it still looked the same every five years he’d either be shocked or supremely disappointed. Sure enough, whoever was maintaining Mister Atom had gone and given him a new coat of paint as well as a few extra bells and whistles hidden away in a sleek, new body.
Like machine gun turrets hidden away inside the forearms.
|Kindly die.|
Robert’s quick on his feet, speeding towards Mister Atom and grabbing hold of the android’s arms before it can react. Whoever rebuilt the robot did well, but its build is nothing compared to the strength of Hercules. The arms rip from its body like a cheap action figure, Robert tossing the useless limbs aside. Mister Atom tries to strike back, lifting its leg to kick Robert, but he catches the foot before it can connect, tightens his grip, picks up and slams the android into the ground, over and over again.
He gives the android an appraising look, now nothing more than a dented husk, and he drops the limp body onto the concrete, “Clear!” He shouts to the onlooking police force.
“Yeah, I’ll say.” MacManus is the first one over the barricade, chuckling at the sight of what’s left of Mister Atom, nearly unrecognizable from a hunk of scrap metal one might find in a junkyard.
“You really did a number on him.”
“I’m just doing my job, Sergeant.” Robert flashes a smile, playing it off like a joke.
“Well then, keep up the good work.” MacManus extends a hand to Robert, one the hero readily takes.
“Thanks for the help, Captain Marvel.”
It still feels weird to be called that, Robert thinks to himself.
“Please, Sergeant, I’ve told you before… it’s just Thunder now.”
“Yeah, well,” MacManus brings his hand back to his side, “we hadn’t seen the big guy around in a little while; we figured you’d inherited the title or something…”
Robert clears his throat uncomfortably, “The other guy’s just… on vacation.”
MacManus gives Robert a look, one that says he doesn’t quite believe him, but it doesn’t seem as though he’ll press the issue, “Uh-huh… well, whatever rank you are, we’re just happy to have you here, protecting our city.”
“Glad to be of help. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” Robert begins lifting off the ground, floating away from MacManus, “I’ve got an appointment in Star City.” He turns and picks up speed, out of sight before the sergeant can even blink.
As he’s flying through the air, his earpiece begins ringing, alerting him to an incoming call. He taps the tiny earbud, “Hello?”
-Where are you off to in such a hurry?-
Billy. “Well, y’know, it’s such a nice day out today, I figured I’d go for a leisurely stroll—”
Oh, can the jokes, would you?- Robert bites his tongue. No, Billy wasn’t bitter, not at all…
“I’m headed to Star City.” Robert tells him straight up, “I’ve got to talk to Ditto.”
-Why? Y’know, you don’t owe him or his team anything. You were only a part of Young Justice for three months, if that. Besides, you’ve got larger concerns now. Mister Atom usually only comes around when there’s a new Monster Society in the wings. You should be focusing on that.-
Robert rolls his eyes. Since he’d lost the mantle of Captain Marvel, Billy had become a bit insufferable as of late. Robert figured it was him regressing, back to when he was a kid in the foster care system, before he had powers, but he was nearly at wits end with him. What Robert didn’t say was that the visit to Young Justice was also a chance to hang around some people he actually liked.
“Look, Billy, I actually consider these guys my friends, so if you don’t mind—”
-Y’know what, do whatever you want!-
The call ends there, with Billy snapping at Robert and hanging up, and Robert breathing a sigh of relief that his “conversation” with Billy was over. He felt bad for him, honestly, but that didn’t change the fact that Billy was acting like a total jerk to him. Why, though, because he was jealous? That was one theory, but Robert didn’t pay it much mind, especially not in the last few days or so. Not after an impromptu meeting with Superman. Not after Robert had been offered probationary Justice League membership.
Still, there was some part of him, some small, nagging part, which made Robert think he wasn’t ready. He hadn’t even been Captain Marvel for a year yet, but the League was already considering him for membership? Was it because of the name he carried? Was it penance for having to remove Billy after his fall from grace? Or was it that they genuinely considered Robert up to the task?
He needed a second opinion, and he knew where to get the best available, from a man who knows Superman as well as anyone.
Star City, home to Young Justice and the hero sponsored by the Man of Steel himself: Ditto.
Name: Robert Currie
Alias: Thunder
Age: 18
Sponsor: Captain Marvel
Personality: Courageous, Optimistic, & Friendly, if a bit Sarcastic at times.
Powers: An acolyte of the Marvel family, Robert is bequeathed all the gifts of a champion of magic:
• The Wisdom of Solomon – The wisdom of Solomon expresses itself in many different ways, including superhuman knowledge, a photographic memory, and making Robert omni-lingual.
• The Strength of Hercules – A patron of the most famous demigod, when Robert invokes the power of Captain Marvel, he’s granted incredible strength, able to lift over 100 tons with little effort.
• The Stamina of Atlas – When in superheroic form, Robert does not need to eat or sleep and does not tire easily.
• The Power of Zeus – Chief among the gods, Zeus grants the powers of magical resistance, physical muscular enhancement, a healing factor, and is able to teleport to the Rock of Eternity, home base of the Marvel Family, wherever it may be.
• The Courage of Achilles – On top of being granted a degree of invulnerability, same as the ancient Greek hero, Robert is also given supreme confidence and optimism in the face of dire odds.
• The Speed of Mercury – Swiftest of the gods grants Robert the ability of flight and as well as superhuman speed while on foot.
Weaknesses: Despite his powers being derived from the oldest of magicks, Robert is not unstoppable:
• Magic -- Despite his numerous abilities and resistances, magic powerful enough is still capable of harming Robert as it is Captain Marvel.
• Magic Word/Lightning – Like any member of the Marvel Family, Robert is dependent on uttering the magic word in order to transform into his alter-ego. Without being spoken, Robert is simply another mortal man. As such, his magic lightning is also capable of stripping his powers, if it’s called down and connects with him.
Appearance: In his civilian identity, Robert Currie stands just over six feet tall, broad-shouldered and with honey brown hair and earthy green eyes. When transformed, his stature remains largely the same but his eyes and hair darken considerably, Robert somewhat adopting the guise of former partner to Captain Marvel, Freddie Freeman. His hair turns jet black and his eyes turn chestnut brown, all in the name of preserving his secret identity.
Brief Bio: A teenaged resident of Boston, Massachusetts, Robert once lived what some might call a mundane existence. His city was one of the few major metropolitan areas that lacked any constant superhero presence, metahuman or vigilante. However, that didn’t stop the city from being targeted. During what would later be referred to by Captain Marvel as “a tear in the seal between dimensions,” Boston was exposed to the horror of an invasion of Costellon Goblins from the southern sphere of some unknown world. Captain Marvel intervened, single-handedly fending off the would-be takeover of Boston, but not before he spotted Robert helping others evacuates the immediate area, saving them from harm. Showing true heroism in the face of disaster, Captain Marvel approached Robert later and, with his consent, bequeathed unto him the title of Captain Marvel Jr. and powers mirroring that of Captain Marvel himself. After his training within the Rock of Eternity was completed, he debuted as Thunder, the rebranded partner of Captain Marvel who now calls the city of Boston his home, defending it from all manner of criminal while still hoping one day to earn the Justice League’s endorsement.
What’s Changed: In the intervening months since joining Young Justice, Robert Currie a.k.a. Thunder has had to face up to a lot. Following his first few months of team membership, there was a radical shift in the realm of magic. Billy Batson was stripped of his powers for reasons unknown to Robert, and the need for a new champion prompts SHAZAM to call forth a new Captain Marvel. Robert Currie, once the protégé to Billy Batson, was the most likely candidate to replace his mentor as the new Captain Marvel. As such, he is granted the power once carried by Billy and must step up as the new Captain Marvel, undergoing the trials necessary for making him worthy of such gifts. Opting to fight crime solo in Boston and beyond for a while, eventually the call comes summoning Robert back to join a team for the first time in months. Which team, however, remains to be seen…
Alias: Thunder
Age: 18
Sponsor: Captain Marvel
Personality: Courageous, Optimistic, & Friendly, if a bit Sarcastic at times.
Powers: An acolyte of the Marvel family, Robert is bequeathed all the gifts of a champion of magic:
• The Wisdom of Solomon – The wisdom of Solomon expresses itself in many different ways, including superhuman knowledge, a photographic memory, and making Robert omni-lingual.
• The Strength of Hercules – A patron of the most famous demigod, when Robert invokes the power of Captain Marvel, he’s granted incredible strength, able to lift over 100 tons with little effort.
• The Stamina of Atlas – When in superheroic form, Robert does not need to eat or sleep and does not tire easily.
• The Power of Zeus – Chief among the gods, Zeus grants the powers of magical resistance, physical muscular enhancement, a healing factor, and is able to teleport to the Rock of Eternity, home base of the Marvel Family, wherever it may be.
• The Courage of Achilles – On top of being granted a degree of invulnerability, same as the ancient Greek hero, Robert is also given supreme confidence and optimism in the face of dire odds.
• The Speed of Mercury – Swiftest of the gods grants Robert the ability of flight and as well as superhuman speed while on foot.
Weaknesses: Despite his powers being derived from the oldest of magicks, Robert is not unstoppable:
• Magic -- Despite his numerous abilities and resistances, magic powerful enough is still capable of harming Robert as it is Captain Marvel.
• Magic Word/Lightning – Like any member of the Marvel Family, Robert is dependent on uttering the magic word in order to transform into his alter-ego. Without being spoken, Robert is simply another mortal man. As such, his magic lightning is also capable of stripping his powers, if it’s called down and connects with him.
Appearance: In his civilian identity, Robert Currie stands just over six feet tall, broad-shouldered and with honey brown hair and earthy green eyes. When transformed, his stature remains largely the same but his eyes and hair darken considerably, Robert somewhat adopting the guise of former partner to Captain Marvel, Freddie Freeman. His hair turns jet black and his eyes turn chestnut brown, all in the name of preserving his secret identity.
Brief Bio: A teenaged resident of Boston, Massachusetts, Robert once lived what some might call a mundane existence. His city was one of the few major metropolitan areas that lacked any constant superhero presence, metahuman or vigilante. However, that didn’t stop the city from being targeted. During what would later be referred to by Captain Marvel as “a tear in the seal between dimensions,” Boston was exposed to the horror of an invasion of Costellon Goblins from the southern sphere of some unknown world. Captain Marvel intervened, single-handedly fending off the would-be takeover of Boston, but not before he spotted Robert helping others evacuates the immediate area, saving them from harm. Showing true heroism in the face of disaster, Captain Marvel approached Robert later and, with his consent, bequeathed unto him the title of Captain Marvel Jr. and powers mirroring that of Captain Marvel himself. After his training within the Rock of Eternity was completed, he debuted as Thunder, the rebranded partner of Captain Marvel who now calls the city of Boston his home, defending it from all manner of criminal while still hoping one day to earn the Justice League’s endorsement.
What’s Changed: In the intervening months since joining Young Justice, Robert Currie a.k.a. Thunder has had to face up to a lot. Following his first few months of team membership, there was a radical shift in the realm of magic. Billy Batson was stripped of his powers for reasons unknown to Robert, and the need for a new champion prompts SHAZAM to call forth a new Captain Marvel. Robert Currie, once the protégé to Billy Batson, was the most likely candidate to replace his mentor as the new Captain Marvel. As such, he is granted the power once carried by Billy and must step up as the new Captain Marvel, undergoing the trials necessary for making him worthy of such gifts. Opting to fight crime solo in Boston and beyond for a while, eventually the call comes summoning Robert back to join a team for the first time in months. Which team, however, remains to be seen…
I'm good to jump games. Bring the Thunder. :p
The Kid Lantern said
I was thinking something may happen to Billy that has Thunder tapping into more power a year later... maybe even getting a cape? LOLNew iCheck is up btw...~KL~
We'll talk. ;)
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