FunnyGuy

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Derby-King Outfit

Time:1 p.m.
Location: Race Track
Interaction: Hat Contest Contestants!
Mention:

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Ruby Davis, Crystal Damien, General Lyra Carris
1 p.m.

Lorenzo had scanned the crowd in front of him, giving every single bombastic hat a few seconds of his attention. Unlike the horse race, this competition would be judged by him and only him. Considering the duke's judgment, especially under the influence of the contents of his flask, this would surely be interesting. Size, color, style, and creativity were all players in this game, and by the gods did nearly every hat have combinations of all.

“Psst. Kier, I think I may have narrowed it down to a few,” Lorenzo chuckled as he scratched his chin. “Our beloved Crystal. She is simply flaunting her favorite color in a hat that is both large and beautiful. Ooh, I can't be biased Kier. I can't. Then there's General Carris almost clashing against Crystal's. Passionate crimson flowers nested in black feathers and matching ribbons. This woman is someone who likes to win it all. And finally… that girl from the park. I… I don't know what to think of her, however, her hat is a prime candidate. The flowers and feathers decorated on top overshadow the hat itself. No one and I mean no one can scan this crowd without laying eyes on it. This is difficult indeed. Maybe I can have three winners? No, I have to choose one. I have to-”

Lorenzo abruptly paused as his eyes widened. We're his eyes deceiving him? They could have been because how did he miss such an intricate detail?! Simple in color with a dash of vibrance! The shape and style were unmatched and unique! He clutched the megaphone and brought it up to announce the winner.

“Contestants of the hat competition! You have clearly brought your best and finest hats! Yes, yes, yes! But there can only be one winner, and I have finally found them!” Lorenzo made a dramatic pause while keeping his face stern. The man appeared as if he was announcing the next heir to the throne with how seriously he took this.

“The winner of the hat contest is… YOUUUU!” He pointed toward Crystal Damien but his finger was slightly off as it aimed at someone sitting in her vicinity. “I do not know your name young woman but you with the hat depicting a regal steed on your head! YOU HAVE WON THE HAT CONTEST! Your hat shall be recorded and displayed for all to see for years to come!”

---

Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Edin Theater
Interaction:
Mention:

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3 p.m.

Lorenzo choosing to attend the afternoon play had been planned since this morning, yet he almost felt like he should have simply gone home. The hosting of the horse race and hat competition had been unbelievably draining, and then there was his run-in with Prince Wulfric Danrose that took more out of him than he expected.

Easily taking a front-row seat due to his status, Lorenzo sat with his arms crossed in front of him while Kier rested on his lap. He heard word this play would be a comedy, so he hoped it would get a good laugh out of him. Perhaps this is exactly what he needed. Surely, it would distract him from remembering Wulfric's sharp words.

As he watched the play, he did find it quite funny. Chuckling as books erupted from Violet's dress, and surprisingly even when the Duke character arrived. Now this is what I needed!

Young Justice

Location: The Bank
Interactions: The Team

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A sigh escaped Viktor as he watched Talos hurry up one of the stairwells after Metamorph's order which was cut off oddly at the end. I can embarrass you later… He turned his attention to Zatara and the hostages. “Something's wrong, I can feel it. But what do I do?” He muttered, his scowl hidden behind his visor. He knew something was wrong with Kila, and until there was anything else communicated he had to place Kila's last order as the priority. It was what he had been trained to do. Still, he wouldn't ignore what he heard following that order.

“Zatara, I don't wish to be redundant but please remain vigilant. We're not in the clear just yet.” Turning from him, ran to the opposite stairwell with the rifle still in hand. Coincidentally, he climbed up the stairs three at a time as well.

“A-squad, B-squad, this is Iceburn, of C-squad. I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is, the hostages on this floor are safe.”

Viktor stopped in his tracks halfway up the second flight of stairs as he listened in.

“The bad news is that Metamorph has gone, uh, AWOL? As in, have no idea where he is. And he apparently… is approaching with violent intent. And I got a goon down here with two broken arms which seems like a little much. So. Yeah. For now, I’m gonna guide these hostages out of here and…meet up with whoever’s closest?”

What is he doing?! He momentarily tightened his grip on the rifle before he decided to patch in on comms.

“Iceburn. The path to the first floor through the stairwells is clear. Meet up with Zatara.”

“Cybergirl. Attempt to locate Metamorph using the building's surveillance.”

“Mirage. you will be the first to act on anything Cybergirl reports.”

“Nymph, Stormcaller. Clear the fifth floor. Remain wary of the ones using the elevator.”

“Team. We can do this. Over and out.”

With that all relayed, Viktor climbed up the remaining steps to the second floor, hugging the wall beside the door. He could hear footsteps pacing about on the other side. One up but several people are breathing. Easy. Viktor pushed through the door with the rifle at the low-ready. One of the bank robbers was just turning to face the abrupt sound of Viktor's entrance. Without hesitation, Viktor fired the hardening agent at the right side of the man's torso before seamlessly firing another burst at his mouth. Viktor proceeded forward but not without continuing to fire at the robber's legs and the rest of his front torso including his weapon.

“Pathetic.” Viktor was only a foot away now. The robber tried to swing with his free arm but Viktor simply took a swift step back, allowing the momentum of the desperate motion to send the man toppling over. His muffled yells and squirming on the ground were mostly ignored except for the gray boot that was firmly planted on his back.

“Talos. I took one down on the other side of the second floor. We should be clear here. Inform any hostages on your end to head down to Zatara and make your way to the fourth floor.” Viktor dropped his weapon. Turned to the hostages who were still huddled on the floor.

“All of you. Head downstairs to the lobby. There's a celebrity magician there that will ensure you're safe. Go!” His order was taken seriously by the hostages who were quick to get up and run to the doors of the stairwell without question. Firing the rifle at the robber's free hand to pin him on the ground, Viktor followed the hostages to the stairwell. This won't be like last time. I'll ensure it

Young Justice

Location: Bank Lobby
Interactions: Vincent and Zach

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Viktor had ceased his coughing and swiftly moved into the prone the moment Talos struck one of the robbers. He had his rifle trained on a target but was pleased he didn't have to squeeze the trigger as Zach quickly apprehended the robbers. “Exceptional. Swift and focused.” Viktor complimented as he picked himself off the ground, his suit returned to his appearance while he retained the strange rifle he acquired from the van.

The hostages had begun to stand and chatter with relief and happiness, unfortunately, Viktor did not meet them in kind.

“Quiet! The threat remains.” Viktor spoke coldly and pointed the barrel of his rifle toward the service counter. “If you're unharmed, get behind there and maintain noise discipline until we can confirm the enemy is neutralized… please,” He added the last bit like a bandaid to the sting of his cutting tone. Should have known the day would come when I'd be saving hostages.

Viktor paced around the lobby with his head on a swivel while keeping away from the barricaded front entrance. The last thing he wanted was to be placed right in front of a breaching attempt by the police waiting outside.

“No traps but keep an eye on the elevators. We can't get complacent… even with this lousy bunch.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Derby-King Outfit

Time:1 p.m.
Location: Race Track
Interaction:
Mention:

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1 p.m.

“WOW! Just wow! I believe we've witnessed the greatest race yet! Just as promised! The winner with no contest… Queen Tulip the Bitch Slayerrr!!!!” Lorenzo announced with such excitement that it caused the majority of the crowd to roar in applause. Those who cast bets on the losing horses weren't too pleased but even some of them found a reason to cheer for the spectacle. Lorenzo hurried to the table to set the megaphone down so he could clap along with the crowd. Kier pounced onto his near arm and climbed up Lorenzo's shoulder which continued to bounce with each fervent clap. As Lorenzo felt the claws of his furry friend dig into his jacket, he ceased his clapping and grabbed the megaphone once more with a huge grin on his face.

“Give it up for the General. She raced splendidly and beautifully… BUT this race is not what she truly wished to conquer this day! That's right! The race was definitely grand, no one can contest this but…” Lorenzo whispered to Kieras he picked him up with one hand and placed him back on the table. “I don't wish to startle you.” He whispered before grabbing the flask from his jacket and taking a quick swig of its contents. “THE MAIN EVENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! THE END ALL, BE ALL! SPEED WAS TESTED TODAY, BUT IT IS BEAUTY AND EXTRAVAGANCE THAT SHALL WIN THIS DAY! IT'S TIME! YES, IT'S TIME… FOR THE HAT CONTEST! Claim your winnings for your bets at the tables to my right if you must, but be as quick as the Bitch Slayer for the chance to earn the title of Best Hat in Eromora is what everyone will be raving about for seasons to come! DON YOUR HATS AND THE TRUE COMPETITION BEGIN!”

Lorenzo raised both fists, letting the megaphone fall to the ground. The man was on one and it was glorious!

Marvel: Judgment Day

Troy

Name:Troy Deacon
Alias: TBD
Age: 26
Place of Birth: Harlem, New York City

History: Troy Deacon was born and raised in Harlem, New York City. Though most in his family were on the path of remaining in the concrete jungle, Troy aspired to see the world. Even in his childhood, he was ambitious with his father playing a pivotal part in his work ethic. Like his father who worked for the city conducting maintenance to the New York City subway system, Troy viewed himself as "just another."

His father was a positive role model but he spent many hours working and resting for another day of arduous labor. Not wanting that kind of life for himself and with a lack of financial stability, he forged his own path by enlisting in the US Army as an infantryman. It was not the best occupation but it came with a contract bonus at an amount he'd never seen in his bank account, even after the taxes hit. His parents weren't agreeable to the life choice but they knew they couldn't stop him. He was too stubborn and was considered a man by this time. In hindsight, Troy might have given up every dollar of that bonus if he knew what would follow.

After his initial training, Troy found himself stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the 82nd Airborne Division. Like the rest of his upbringing, he never considered himself gifted, and would instead describe himself as he always had… "just another" soldier in the line of duty. Despite that belief, he was considered a top performer in his unit and a few perks in the form of additional military schooling came with it. Nothing flashy but he was on the path to eventually putting his hat into becoming a Ranger. Unfortunately, destiny had different plans for him. Before he could apply for selection, he received orders to deploy to assist with a peacekeeping mission involving rioting protests over the Avengers announcing their neutral stance on Krakoa, and in none other than his home city.

He found the mission to be a little beneath him if not a hassle as he and a contingent of his unit assisted the New York National Guard and the New York City Police to bring some semblance of order to the city. What made matters worse was that there were people on both sides. During some moments he held frustration for those against Krakoa, in others he held frustration against those that were for the new nation… and then there were the few times he wished the Avengers had just shut their fucking mouths about it, to begin with. Troy didn't even have time to see his family when he was so close to them now than he'd been in over two years. It couldn't be helped, however. Troy was just another person tied to the effects of people's pride and fears. Only this time he couldn't shoot away his enemies or his problems.

Right place, right time? Maybe… or maybe he tripped on a crack in the sidewalk and accidentally kicked a black cat underneath a ladder and into a mirror. Good or bad, his life would be changed forever.

He and his squad were responding to a gang of rioters escalating tensions in Time Square. The group his squad came upon appeared to be very different from the usual rowdy protesters. They were fitted in strange black equipment and had access to superhuman abilities. Little did Troy and the other soldiers know, these were members of the Cult of X and not just ordinary members either, they were artificially enhanced, former U-Men. With their sealed helmets and armor, CS gas and rubber bullets only pissed the fuckers off and drew their attacks toward his squad. Outmatched and as his squad was downed one by one, he found himself outnumbered. It wasn't long until he was hit hard by one of the U-Men that had some form of enhanced strength before being thrown high into the air. As he fell he could only be reminded of a time he performed a bad jump during an airborne mission. Only this time he was too close to the ground with no janky parachute or reserve to save him. No time for some haphazard prayer or even a flash of his life before his eyes. Just concrete.

Instead of death, something else caught him. Someone else caught him. The blonde woman adorned in red and white carried him through the air as if he was as light as a handbag across several blocks before setting him down. As he looked at her in awe, she rhetorically asked if he was okay before flying into the fret.

Strangest thing is if he would have answered "yes" he'd be lying. As brief as it was, she did something to him unbeknownst to both of them. Troy and his squad were pulled from the line of duty that day. If only that was the end of his troubles. During his debrief of the events that transpired, a chromatic construct of a large fist appeared flying toward his chest before shattering into nothingness. It frightened him and the military officer questioning him enough to postpone the debriefing. It wasn't until several hours later that someone not in uniform sat across from him with different questions. The man wore the sharpest black suit he'd ever seen while also wearing an eerie aura mystery.

How long have you had your powers? Are you a mutant? What are your thoughts on Krakoa? All the questions received almost the same answer. Some form of "I don't know"

The last question was easier.

“With this potential liability I don't think you're fit to serve your country in that uniform. Mostly like a "change of lifestyle" chapter… but if we can find out the nature of your powers, and if they are of use, would you be interested in serving your country in another way?”

“Shoot.”

Powers: Construct Creation

Builder - Troy can create chromatic-colored constructs seemingly out of nowhere. He can form the shapes of things that are familiar to him. The more familiar or the simpler the shape, the better the quality of the construct. With enough innovation and creativity, he can create objects he imagines. Whether they function or even appear the way he thinks they will is another matter. He can manipulate and move his constructs without ever having to touch them, but drastically changing their shape causes them to shatter into nothingness.

Demons and Sometimes Angels - Troy has never had full-blown episodes of post-traumatic stress aside from a few nightmares and being overly wary of oblong objects on the road. However, his powers at many times conjure life-like constructs on their own, sometimes on a level of complexity he's not capable of creating on his own. He once awoke to a team of soldiers re-enacting stacking up beside his room door. Another walked into a restroom to find a construct of one of his comrades aiming a pistol at another construct that appeared to be a quivering civilian. He can expel them like his own but sometimes the sights leave him paralyzed. On the flip side to this, there are times when constructs appear in reaction to what Troy may want or need. It's not always a sure solution

From the Mind but Not of the Mind - Troy and his 'handlers" as he calls them believe his powers are simply the product of mental constructs. Yet despite being in an exhaustive or fugue state, he can continue to conjure his creations and it doesn't seem to give him any strain.

Story Arcs:

“Just Another…”
Troy finds himself at odds with his new life after being recruited into the Commission of Superhuman Activities operative. He isn't used to having and being expected to do so much. The man accepts that this is the new normal and that the days of being just another guy are over.

“Accepting Reality”
Troy eventually finds out the origins of his recently discovered abilities. The one responsible is someone he's grown close to. What will he choose? Gratitude or Enmity?

Young Justice

Location: Bank Lobby
Interactions: The Team

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“Affirmative. Out.” Viktor replied to Kila's orders over comms. He rounded the van to check on Zach and Vincent who had completed the check on the police casualties. He gave them both a swift nod of acknowledgment before Zach spoke up.

“Guys, we can’t exactly storm the lobby and start a fight with these guys. People are going to get hurt. Hmm… I have an idea.” He pointed his wand up and exclaimed “Emutsoc egnahc!”

“Change…” Viktor looked down at the new clothes already dawning on his form. “...clothes?” Viktor removed the shades and shot a scowl at Zach before a sigh escaped him.

“These aren’t exactly my style, but when have you known criminals to have taste? Anyway… Now we just need to get in there and take these guys out without anyone getting hurt.”

"You've gotta be kidding," Vincent grumbled as he shouldered one of the weapons from the back of the van. "I'm not cut out for this sneaking around crap. I'll play along for now, but if things go sideways, I'm cutting loose."

“I hate to say this, but this is an adequate approach to the situation.” Viktor placed the shades and took a glance at the weapon he had in hand. “It's not sneaking, Talos. We'll be hidden in plain sight. We use familiarity as our element of surprise. It'll allow us to get in close enough to strike before they discern we're not their comrades. I don't care what method either of you chooses. Just be quick about it and focus on the objective.” Viktor voiced as the three entered the bank from the back entrance. Upon entering, Viktor fired his weapon on the door behind him, sealing the exit off while he feigned several loud and heavy coughs.

“Who's there?! Don't fuck with us! We will END these hostages!” One of the robbers in the lobby threatened as he and the two others with him heard A-Squad enter the building. Viktor nodded his head forward to signal his squad mates to continue moving in.

“Just us three! Viktor's voice came out very hoarse before he continued to cough using one of his hands to cover his mouth as he proceeded. The hostages and three robbers were in view. All the trio had to do was get closer before the jig was up. “You only require two to get away with the cash. We figured you *cough* could use the backup.” Viktor continued to cough several times again before he kneeled and fell over on his side helplessly, his coughs becoming more aggressive.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Derby-King Outfit

Time:1 p.m.
Location: Race Track
Interaction: @Blizz Lyra
Mention:

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1 p.m.

After several minutes and getting a tray of snacks to himself he set on the white cloth-covered table, Lorenzo eyed the race track with a satisfied grin. The racers were ready.

“Kier, I think it's time but finish your nibbling my dear friend. I can handle the rest” Kier was indulging in the diced salami on the tray, something Lorenzo couldn't interrupt. He grabbed the megaphone once more and stepped away from the table and towards the track while digging into one of his pockets. From it, he pulled out a sheet of paper with a scribbled list on it.

“Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats as the race will be starting in mere moments!” He looked at the sheet with focus before shaking his head at what was written. On the paper was the name of the horses participating in the race but he wasn't very excited to be calling out what was listed. He had to be a showman this evening and he couldn't do that with names like these. Discarding the paper to the ground, he dug into his pocket again, this time pulling out a gold flask with the image of a bouquet engraved into one of its sides. Tucking the megaphone under his arm he opened it up and took a good swig of its contents.

His eyes shut momentarily as the elixir went down smoothly.

“Perfect.” He said softly before placing the flask back into his pocket and taking a firm hold of the megaphone. “Alright, before we begin this magnificent test of speed and endurance, we need to announce and celebrate our participants. With the betting tables closed, ensure you retain your tickets! I typically keep mine in my breast pocket to be safe! It's the safest pocket in my opinion! And speaking of opinions! I see many wonderful hats! The competition is fierce! But, before we get to that, we have a race to watch!” Lorenzo pointed toward the start line.

“In lane one we have…. the elegant, the brave, the heartbreaker… Dastardly Daphodile!” People looked on in slight confusion as Lorenzo literally renamed the first horse.

“In lane two! We have the majestic… hoof beater, the sour apple eater… Drummer Boy Jack!”

“In lane three! Oh! It's her! The one horse to rule them all… the fierce, the powerful Empress Victoriaaaaaa!”

“In lane four… And I don't think I've seen him before. He's dark with the eyes of a tiger! Harder to break than steel! The knight of night… Sirrrr Ominous Dominus Black"!”

“In lane six! The beautiful… the charming darling of the kingdom… and maybe even King Danrose himself…. Edin's Finest Mistress!” His eyes finally fell on Lyra and Lady Avarice, two he was somewhat familiar with, which only filled him with more excitement. Good or bad, he'd give them the biggest introduction yet.

“And finally in lane six! In lane six?! Excuse me, everyone, I think we have a bit of a celebrity here! And I don't mean you, General Carris!” The duke chuckled. Lorenzo was primed. “Everyone knows her as Lady Avarice but those in the horse's inner circle like Kier and I know her true name! A name I'll reveal right here and now for like her rider, this horse is more than meets the eye! IN LANE SIX! THE FAMOUS! THE GRACIOUS! BUT ALSO DEADLY! QUEEN TULIP THE BITCH-SLAYERRRRR!” Lorenzo raised his arms with enthusiasm.

Young Justice

Location: Outside of the Bank, South Side
Interactions: The Team

---

"So you wanna play catch huh?"

“Sure.” Viktor shrugged at the three robbers just before Talos landed on the other side of the vehicle where Zach had been to assist. He was somewhat confident Zach could hold his own there but with Vincent, it spelled a sure victory. That left Viktor with three thugs; the driver and the three that had exited from the rear of the vehicle.

They fired their weapons, and whether as a show of intimidation or incompetence, one of the robbers fired his weapon, releasing foam that hardened contact with the ground before him. One of them moved to the opened door for cover, while the other two remained at the rear.

“Catch!” With another sphere in hand, Viktor pressed down on it with his thumb and tossed it up high above the two robbers at the rear. The attention it grabbed was enough, enough to give Viktor the time he needed. Viktor sprinted forth too fast for the robber who was using the door as cover to react. The improvised barrier became the robber's undoing as the door swung closed, crushing his body painfully against the van's frame. His scream alerted the other two who took aim, but only one fired. The other fumbled backward as the sphere smacked down on the ground due to him anticipating something from it.

Tracking the barrel of the fired weapon, Viktor sidestepped and circled around as a stream of foam followed him.

“Step back! That thing he threw!” The one who was more worried about what the sphere might do warned.

“Huh?” He stopped firing and glanced down at the sphere that suddenly protruded small spikes, bouncing once less than an inch off the ground. As underwhelming as it was, Viktor made up for it as he used the smallest windows of opportunity to strike. Viktor came in and delivered a crushing kick to the wary robber's knee. Then proceeded to the other by grabbing his weapon and elbowing him in the jaw, sending him flying back without it.

With the weapon in hand, Viktor shot at the robber now reeling on the ground from his shattered kneecap. The foam was fired at his limbs to pin him to the ground.

Viktor couldn't help but feel fortunate to have the opportunity to wrap his hands around another firearm. The dart rifle nor this hi-tech rifle were conventional, something he was more used to but they still struck him with a bittersweet nostalgia. There were no lives taken every time he squeezed the trigger, and somewhere deep inside, that made him feel grateful.

“I'm going to put this to use.” Viktor stated as he looked over to find Vincent had used the door to his advantage as well. The driver was now on the floor beneath the door he attempted to use as cover. Good. He then watched as that same robber's gun was hit by lightning from Zach, causing the weapon to spark and steam before the light it gave off died out. And even better.

Viktor turned, firing at the robber, sticking him in the door frame of the van. He intended to do this to the rest to ensure they didn't become a problem later.

“Zatara. Talos. Good work, now check on the downed officers. I'm gonna send up a status report.” Vincent and Zach would find them all unconscious. If they check the inside of the back of the van they'll find more of the strange weapons, money, and valuable items taken from the hostages inside.

“Team. Zatara, Talos, and I have dealt with the robbers and the van on the south side. No casualties and we're ensuring these guys stick around. They're mediocre at best but they're using unique weapons. So far we've identified two types of rifles. One that fires highly electrified bolas and another that fires a hardening foam. The weapons utilize some type of power supply that's vulnerable to electrical currents. Fortunately no brass, but I can't infer that for the thugs inside. We're checking on the police casualties at the moment and plan to search the van after. Any further instructions, Metamorph? Over.”

Young Justice

Location: Bank Rooftop
Interactions: The Team but mostly Zatara

---

As Viktor was dropped onto the rooftop, he contemplated how this mission would play out. It had been the first time Kila took the lead of the entire team. Viktor was confident in his ability to do so and also knew of his capacity to be decisive firsthand. In a hostage situation, this was absolutely necessary.

Exceptional. He thought as Kila briefed the team on their given tasks and the critical objectives. He didn't consider being paired with Zach favorably but he knew it was the right call. Leaving personal gripes aside, Viktor gave Kila a swift nod.

“Affirmative.” He turned toward the southern edge of the roof with Zach who levitated down below and proceeded to disable the getaway van. “My turn.” Viktor peered down the building's edge before jumping and swan-diving down. Squeezing against his torso with his arms, he activated the glider webbing in his suit that was comparable to that of a wingsuit. As he glided down he could hear the engine of the van revving as it could with no effect. When the criminals realized their attempt was fruitless thanks to Zach's quick response, they started exiting the vehicle. Three came out of the back doors while the two up front swung their doors open in frustration on the matter.

“Who the hell's that?!” The thug that exited from the passenger side shouted as he saw Zach, drawing an unrecognized long gun that was chrome in appearance. It was the weapon that had left the police officers incapacitated or worse around the vehicle.

“That's…” He actually recognized Zach due to his subscription to the young hero's YouTube channel! “Fuck just shoot him!” Viktor landed beside Zach with a roll that ended with him throwing not a knife but a spherical object into the face of the thug who exited out of the passenger side door. The solid projectile crushed against the bridge of his nose, causing him to drop his weapon as he grabbed his face.

For the first time in a long time, Viktor altered his equipment set again. It was a decision he pondered on making after the mission in Taos. Throwing a knife with his strength wasn't always warranted. Deliberate nonlethal incapacitation was something that seemed to hinder his decision-making at times, limiting his versatility. And what better projectile than one sharing the shape of an object from his favorite childhood sports game?

“Zatara, weapons malfunctions, now!” Without those, he and Zatara would wipe the floor with the remaining four.

Young Justice

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