<Snipped quote by Lord Wraith>
Oh sorry I got her confused for Guessica Kruz
Jessie Cruise.
Get with the program.
Lord Wraith
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Actually Three Otters in a Trenchcoat
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Most Recent Posts
Jessie Cruise.
Get with the program.
<Snipped quote by mattmanganon>
Go nuts. Then when she is available again she can get her Iron Man suit.
Hey, leave me out of this. I don't use canon characters.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: Undisclosed - Classified Information
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Shoot to Thrill #1.09: Compensating
Interaction(s): None
Previously: Hot Rod Red
Anatoli Knyazev was having a very, very good day.
Not only had he successfully killed the thief known as Tony Stark, but he had captured not one, but two of the prototype suits he was instructed to procure. The only thing left to do was open the can and pry the sardines from inside.
“<Good shot>,” His comrade complimented him as Anatoli turned to look at the larger blonde man. Arkady Gregorivich, a failed member of the Red Guardian program, turned Winter Solider much like the legendary KGBeast himself. The mutant cracked his neck before extending his Carbonadium tentacles towards one of the downed suits and lifting it so that the visor came to his eye level.
“<What do we do with pilots?>” A cruel smile accented the rhetorical question before Omega Red began to slowly reposition the suit’s limbs into one that would break those of the human inside.
“D…nv…s” Cara took a deep breath as her suit slowly came back to life, her comms crackling with Rhodes’ voice. The HUD suddenly flashed a message of recalibration before the whirl of servos and actuators sounded like a triumphant orchestra in her ears. Fighting back against the metallic tentacles, Captain Danvers, tucked her knees to her chest before igniting her thrusters and breaking free of Omega Red.
“Danvers, Jordan, do you copy?”
“Little busy right now, Colonel,” Danvers replied moving to Jordan’s side, “Brainy, I need countermeasures, what do you have for me.”
“Might I suggest these?” Brainy replied, flashing an image of the suit’s schematic onto the HUD and highlighting the shoulder missiles. “Stark Hummingbird missiles, armour piercing, full spread.”
“Make it so,” Danvers ordered as the two assailants were forced to beat a small retreat as Brainy pelted them with the missiles.
“<Return fire, we can not lose target.>” Omega Red growled as the KGBeast steadied his cybernetic arm, targeting the pair of War Machine suits before loosing another shot. Danvers didn’t have time to react, still unfamiliar with the suit, she braced for impact before the projectile was deflected from its intended target by a repulsor blast.
Standing up, Jordan let out a whoop as his suit had power returned.
“Alright Spectre,” Highball smiled, “Who’s ready to send these Cold War relics back into the icy wasteland they came from?” Opening his comm channel, Jordan turned towards Danvers, “Do you want the big guy or the ‘borg?”
Instinctively cracking her knuckles in the suit, Cara smiled behind her helmet while answering Highball.
“Dibs on the big guy,”
“Alright Maiden of Might, he’s all yours,” Jordan smirked before rocketing forward and tackling KGBeast. Omega Red let out a roar before sending forth a tentacle. Wrapping it around one of her gauntlets, Cara smiled before speaking to her integrated A.I.
“Hey, Brainy, can I get a material analysis?” She asked.
“Affirmative, the tentacle appears to be made of Carbonadium, an Adamantium alloy.”
“That’s conductive right?” Danvers asked with a smile.
“Affirmative.”
“Light him up then,” Cara ordered as Brainy rerouted power from the suit’s reactor and opened a circuit on the gauntlet. The large mutant suddenly went rigid as the electrical shock shot through his body, paralyzing him before he slumped to his knees, the metal tentacle going limp.
“One down,”
“<Filthy American, get your metal hands off me,>” KGBeast muttered as Jordan maneuvered the suit into the air, taking his assailant off the ground. Managing to free his cybernetic arm, KGBeast rammed the nozzle of his weapon into the cuirass of the armour and opened fire, lighting up Jordan’s HUD like a Christmas tree.
“Fine, if you don’t enjoy the trip,” Jordan muttered before suddenly releasing the Winter Soldier, “Then I’ll see you next fall!”
“<Then we die together,>”
The Agent of the Red Room suddenly fired again, striking the suit in the chest and penetrating the armour.
“Catastrophic damage detected. The rector has been decoupled, rerouting power from the emergency cells to sustain flight.” Spectre relayed as Major deployed his brake flaps.
“Flamebird, I need an assist.” Major relayed before looking towards the ground as Danvers moved to intercept him.
“Wait, Danvers, watch out!” Jordan tried to warn her before Omega Red lept to his feet around, the Carbonadium tentacles wrapping around the neck of the suit and its torso.
“<No one said the suit had to be undamaged.>”
“Brainy-” Cara choked out, “I’m open to options.”
“Engaging thrusters, overclocked, 241%.”
The suit struggled to move against the grip of the tentacles, but Omega Red let out a screech of agony as the thrusters burned his skin, his healing factor unable to keep up. Fighting the pain, he tightened his grip before he was eventually forced to break. Cara rocketed forward, careening wildly as the overclocked thrusters launched her through the air toward Jordan.
“Brainy, I need inertia dampeners online,”
“Compensating.”
“Hang on, Jordan,” Danvers yelled before the two suits collided midair. Wrapping her arms around his, Danvers steered the pair back towards the base.
“We need to regroup, if those guys aren’t beating a retreat by now, we can’t continue to take them on our own.”
“No arguments here, girl of steel.” Highball retorted.
“Danvers, Jordan, do you copy?”
“We copy, Colonel, what’s your status?”
“I’m in the tower, looking for survivors. The whole place is coming down.” Rhodes’ voice was frantic.
“We could use some suppressive fire,” Danvers replied, “Might have a tail,”
“Kari, get them off us,” Jordan added as a streak of purple appeared above them.
“We’re clear, but so much for an undisclosed location.”
Not only had he successfully killed the thief known as Tony Stark, but he had captured not one, but two of the prototype suits he was instructed to procure. The only thing left to do was open the can and pry the sardines from inside.
“<Good shot>,” His comrade complimented him as Anatoli turned to look at the larger blonde man. Arkady Gregorivich, a failed member of the Red Guardian program, turned Winter Solider much like the legendary KGBeast himself. The mutant cracked his neck before extending his Carbonadium tentacles towards one of the downed suits and lifting it so that the visor came to his eye level.
“<What do we do with pilots?>” A cruel smile accented the rhetorical question before Omega Red began to slowly reposition the suit’s limbs into one that would break those of the human inside.
“D…nv…s” Cara took a deep breath as her suit slowly came back to life, her comms crackling with Rhodes’ voice. The HUD suddenly flashed a message of recalibration before the whirl of servos and actuators sounded like a triumphant orchestra in her ears. Fighting back against the metallic tentacles, Captain Danvers, tucked her knees to her chest before igniting her thrusters and breaking free of Omega Red.
“Danvers, Jordan, do you copy?”
“Little busy right now, Colonel,” Danvers replied moving to Jordan’s side, “Brainy, I need countermeasures, what do you have for me.”
“Might I suggest these?” Brainy replied, flashing an image of the suit’s schematic onto the HUD and highlighting the shoulder missiles. “Stark Hummingbird missiles, armour piercing, full spread.”
“Make it so,” Danvers ordered as the two assailants were forced to beat a small retreat as Brainy pelted them with the missiles.
“<Return fire, we can not lose target.>” Omega Red growled as the KGBeast steadied his cybernetic arm, targeting the pair of War Machine suits before loosing another shot. Danvers didn’t have time to react, still unfamiliar with the suit, she braced for impact before the projectile was deflected from its intended target by a repulsor blast.
Standing up, Jordan let out a whoop as his suit had power returned.
“Alright Spectre,” Highball smiled, “Who’s ready to send these Cold War relics back into the icy wasteland they came from?” Opening his comm channel, Jordan turned towards Danvers, “Do you want the big guy or the ‘borg?”
Instinctively cracking her knuckles in the suit, Cara smiled behind her helmet while answering Highball.
“Dibs on the big guy,”
“Alright Maiden of Might, he’s all yours,” Jordan smirked before rocketing forward and tackling KGBeast. Omega Red let out a roar before sending forth a tentacle. Wrapping it around one of her gauntlets, Cara smiled before speaking to her integrated A.I.
“Hey, Brainy, can I get a material analysis?” She asked.
“Affirmative, the tentacle appears to be made of Carbonadium, an Adamantium alloy.”
“That’s conductive right?” Danvers asked with a smile.
“Affirmative.”
“Light him up then,” Cara ordered as Brainy rerouted power from the suit’s reactor and opened a circuit on the gauntlet. The large mutant suddenly went rigid as the electrical shock shot through his body, paralyzing him before he slumped to his knees, the metal tentacle going limp.
“One down,”
“<Filthy American, get your metal hands off me,>” KGBeast muttered as Jordan maneuvered the suit into the air, taking his assailant off the ground. Managing to free his cybernetic arm, KGBeast rammed the nozzle of his weapon into the cuirass of the armour and opened fire, lighting up Jordan’s HUD like a Christmas tree.
“Fine, if you don’t enjoy the trip,” Jordan muttered before suddenly releasing the Winter Soldier, “Then I’ll see you next fall!”
“<Then we die together,>”
The Agent of the Red Room suddenly fired again, striking the suit in the chest and penetrating the armour.
“Catastrophic damage detected. The rector has been decoupled, rerouting power from the emergency cells to sustain flight.” Spectre relayed as Major deployed his brake flaps.
“Flamebird, I need an assist.” Major relayed before looking towards the ground as Danvers moved to intercept him.
“Wait, Danvers, watch out!” Jordan tried to warn her before Omega Red lept to his feet around, the Carbonadium tentacles wrapping around the neck of the suit and its torso.
“<No one said the suit had to be undamaged.>”
“Brainy-” Cara choked out, “I’m open to options.”
“Engaging thrusters, overclocked, 241%.”
The suit struggled to move against the grip of the tentacles, but Omega Red let out a screech of agony as the thrusters burned his skin, his healing factor unable to keep up. Fighting the pain, he tightened his grip before he was eventually forced to break. Cara rocketed forward, careening wildly as the overclocked thrusters launched her through the air toward Jordan.
“Brainy, I need inertia dampeners online,”
“Compensating.”
“Hang on, Jordan,” Danvers yelled before the two suits collided midair. Wrapping her arms around his, Danvers steered the pair back towards the base.
“We need to regroup, if those guys aren’t beating a retreat by now, we can’t continue to take them on our own.”
“No arguments here, girl of steel.” Highball retorted.
“Danvers, Jordan, do you copy?”
“We copy, Colonel, what’s your status?”
“I’m in the tower, looking for survivors. The whole place is coming down.” Rhodes’ voice was frantic.
“We could use some suppressive fire,” Danvers replied, “Might have a tail,”
“Kari, get them off us,” Jordan added as a streak of purple appeared above them.
“We’re clear, but so much for an undisclosed location.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: Undisclosed - Classified Information
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Shoot to Thrill #1.08: Engage
Interaction(s): None
Previously: Hot Rod Red
“J.A.R.V.I.S,” Stark’s voice echoed over the tarmac as the four test pilots were fitted into the suits. Helmets closed, momentarily leaving each pilot in the dark before the interior was illuminated with a cutting-edge heads-up display.
“Begin A.I. integration, sync to each pilot and ramp up the interface, I don’t want a pilot so much as blinking without the A.I. compensating.” He snapped as the H.U.D.s in each suit changed from a pale blue to a glowing green while the upload occurred.
“I’m integrating a Virtual Integrated Rapidly Evolving Grid-based Intelligent Lifeform, or V.I.R.G.I.L., but you’ll each have your own instance so you can give them nicknames. V.I.R.G.I.L. is the brains of the suit, translating your movements and intents to the suit.” Stark explained, “If you thought the suit handled well under just your skills, Highball, wait until you fly with power steering.”
“The brains of the suit, huh?” Captain Danvers replied, looking around the helmet before speaking again. “Do you mind if I just call you ‘Brainy’ ‘then?”
“Not at all, Ma’am,” Came the disembodied response.
“‘Nuff of that ‘Ma’am’ nonsense, Flamebird or Cara will do.”
“Understood,” Brainy replied.
“Each instance of V.I.R.G.I.L. will grow and adapt to you, so y’know treat the kids right and they’ll grow up to respect you,” Stark added over the shared channel, “That goes double for you, Major.”
“Hey, don’t pick on me!” Jordan laughed, “I’m a sensitive soul.”
“Based on the data from Mr. Stark, I find that unlikely, if anything you’re a boisterous blo-”
“Geez Louise, cheese on crackers, you scared the living daylights out of me, Cowgirl.” Highball practically smashed his head on the inside of the helmet as the A.I. spoke. “Freakin’ ghost in the shell up in here.”
“Apologies Mr. Jordan,”
“Nah, don’t like that, Major or Highball will you, Spectre.” Major replied, “Actually, yeah I like that, you’ll be Spectre.”
“Copy that, Major.”
“Look at that, the kids are all getting along,” Stark replied, “Go on Shellshock, give yours a name.”
“I’m okay with Virgil,” Rhodey replied.
“Alright, what do you got Star Sapphire?”
“I’m going to kill Jordan,” Karoline replied, “It’s Spitfire,”
“That’s what I said,” Stark replied, Karoline could practically see him smirking from the tower.
“Alright, Virgil, how do you want to be addressed?” She asked the A.I. as a faint glow illuminated the helmet.
“I was doing some research just now and I’m rather fond of the name ‘Krystal’.”
“Works for me.” Karoline smiled, “Welcome aboard, Krystal.”
“A.I. integration complete, removing locks and there-” Stark exclaimed, “The suits should be-”
He didn’t even have the words out of his mouth before Highball had left the ground, rocketing into the air. A scowl appeared over Tony’s face before slowly giving way to a smile as he watched his invention soar through the air, seemingly effortlessly as the pilot and A.I. readings began to light up on the screen green. The integration had been a success, Jordan and Spectre were perfectly in sync.
“This is unreal,” Came Jordan’s voice over the comms, “Kari, you’ve got to get up here.”
“Don’t jizz your pants just yet, Jordan,” Stark snarked, “Unlocking defensive and offensive systems.” He relayed over the open channel. “Deploying targets, try not to get hit.”
Behind Jordan, the other three pilots shot into the air, following the course that lay before them. Drone emerged onto the course and began targeting the four personal aviation suits before opening fire as the War Machines were forced to engage in evasive actions.
“I have to admit, Tony,” Rhodes’ voice came over the comms, “It truly does handle like a dream.”
“You’re missing out not being out here, Stark,” Danvers’ voice echoed followed by Spitefire.
“I’ll give you props, Mr. Stark, you made a good pro-”
Her words were cut short as an explosion rocked the tower overlooking the testing grounds. The building began to crumble as smoke and flame engulfed the room where Tony had stood seconds earlier.
“Stark!”
“Tony!” Rhodes roared before turning around and flying towards the tower. Another missile flew through the air, striking the blue and white suit.
“Shellshock!” Danvers roared as she and Highball turned towards the source of the missiles, evading another attack.
“Do… not…” Rhodes’ voice crackled in the comms too late as both Jordan and Danvers were hit with an electromagnetic pulse. Their H.U.D.s suddenly went black before the pair of suits plummeted towards the ground, landing in front of a pair of feet.
“Engage. Do not engage.”
“Too late, comrade.”
“Begin A.I. integration, sync to each pilot and ramp up the interface, I don’t want a pilot so much as blinking without the A.I. compensating.” He snapped as the H.U.D.s in each suit changed from a pale blue to a glowing green while the upload occurred.
“I’m integrating a Virtual Integrated Rapidly Evolving Grid-based Intelligent Lifeform, or V.I.R.G.I.L., but you’ll each have your own instance so you can give them nicknames. V.I.R.G.I.L. is the brains of the suit, translating your movements and intents to the suit.” Stark explained, “If you thought the suit handled well under just your skills, Highball, wait until you fly with power steering.”
“The brains of the suit, huh?” Captain Danvers replied, looking around the helmet before speaking again. “Do you mind if I just call you ‘Brainy’ ‘then?”
“Not at all, Ma’am,” Came the disembodied response.
“‘Nuff of that ‘Ma’am’ nonsense, Flamebird or Cara will do.”
“Understood,” Brainy replied.
“Each instance of V.I.R.G.I.L. will grow and adapt to you, so y’know treat the kids right and they’ll grow up to respect you,” Stark added over the shared channel, “That goes double for you, Major.”
“Hey, don’t pick on me!” Jordan laughed, “I’m a sensitive soul.”
“Based on the data from Mr. Stark, I find that unlikely, if anything you’re a boisterous blo-”
“Geez Louise, cheese on crackers, you scared the living daylights out of me, Cowgirl.” Highball practically smashed his head on the inside of the helmet as the A.I. spoke. “Freakin’ ghost in the shell up in here.”
“Apologies Mr. Jordan,”
“Nah, don’t like that, Major or Highball will you, Spectre.” Major replied, “Actually, yeah I like that, you’ll be Spectre.”
“Copy that, Major.”
“Look at that, the kids are all getting along,” Stark replied, “Go on Shellshock, give yours a name.”
“I’m okay with Virgil,” Rhodey replied.
“Alright, what do you got Star Sapphire?”
“I’m going to kill Jordan,” Karoline replied, “It’s Spitfire,”
“That’s what I said,” Stark replied, Karoline could practically see him smirking from the tower.
“Alright, Virgil, how do you want to be addressed?” She asked the A.I. as a faint glow illuminated the helmet.
“I was doing some research just now and I’m rather fond of the name ‘Krystal’.”
“Works for me.” Karoline smiled, “Welcome aboard, Krystal.”
“A.I. integration complete, removing locks and there-” Stark exclaimed, “The suits should be-”
He didn’t even have the words out of his mouth before Highball had left the ground, rocketing into the air. A scowl appeared over Tony’s face before slowly giving way to a smile as he watched his invention soar through the air, seemingly effortlessly as the pilot and A.I. readings began to light up on the screen green. The integration had been a success, Jordan and Spectre were perfectly in sync.
“This is unreal,” Came Jordan’s voice over the comms, “Kari, you’ve got to get up here.”
“Don’t jizz your pants just yet, Jordan,” Stark snarked, “Unlocking defensive and offensive systems.” He relayed over the open channel. “Deploying targets, try not to get hit.”
Behind Jordan, the other three pilots shot into the air, following the course that lay before them. Drone emerged onto the course and began targeting the four personal aviation suits before opening fire as the War Machines were forced to engage in evasive actions.
“I have to admit, Tony,” Rhodes’ voice came over the comms, “It truly does handle like a dream.”
“You’re missing out not being out here, Stark,” Danvers’ voice echoed followed by Spitefire.
“I’ll give you props, Mr. Stark, you made a good pro-”
Her words were cut short as an explosion rocked the tower overlooking the testing grounds. The building began to crumble as smoke and flame engulfed the room where Tony had stood seconds earlier.
“Stark!”
“Tony!” Rhodes roared before turning around and flying towards the tower. Another missile flew through the air, striking the blue and white suit.
“Shellshock!” Danvers roared as she and Highball turned towards the source of the missiles, evading another attack.
“Do… not…” Rhodes’ voice crackled in the comms too late as both Jordan and Danvers were hit with an electromagnetic pulse. Their H.U.D.s suddenly went black before the pair of suits plummeted towards the ground, landing in front of a pair of feet.
“Engage. Do not engage.”
“Too late, comrade.”
“I know things can be confusing, but you can’t ever assume a girl feels the same as you do. And you’re never entitled to her feeling such.” Aiden explained, “There’s this myth about being ‘friend-zoned’ that’s built entirely on the idea of being owed a relationship. You’re never owed anything and so you need to learn to either take the initiative to move to the next step or be content in being friends.” He put a reassuring hand on Lorcán’s shoulder.
“You’re getting to an age now where you’re going to start having new feelings about people, and those feelings come with some powerful urges, urges you need to keep in check because they’re tied to your powers.”
“So, if I like a girl,” Lorcán asked, “The best thing I can do is be friends with her?”
“The best thing you can do to anyone in life is be their friend.” Aiden replied, “And when it’s time for you to be something else, you’ll know, life has a funny way of telling you.”
“How’d you know with Mom?”
“I learned to be honest,” Aiden replied,
“And by that, he learned that he honestly wanted to kiss me,” Came Tori’s voice as she interjected, “He just got lucky that I kissed him back.”
“This is all still very confusing,”
“How about next time you like a girl,” Tori started, taking a seat on the other side of Lorcán, “You get to know her first like your dad said, be a friend and most importantly, be intentional about it. Girls like that.”
“But I thought Ryan was my friend,” Lorcán replied.
“She may very well be, but you’re thirteen and she’s seventeen. Plus, did you ever ask Ryan if she had a boyfriend or was interested in dating at all? These are things a friend would have known.”
“Huh, I guess I didn’t,”
“Your time will come, Lion Lungs, you don’t always have to rush into everything. Learn to ride the waves and wait until the right swell comes along.” Aiden interjected, reassuring the boy before speaking again.
“Now then, I think you owe Ryan an apology.”
“You’re getting to an age now where you’re going to start having new feelings about people, and those feelings come with some powerful urges, urges you need to keep in check because they’re tied to your powers.”
“So, if I like a girl,” Lorcán asked, “The best thing I can do is be friends with her?”
“The best thing you can do to anyone in life is be their friend.” Aiden replied, “And when it’s time for you to be something else, you’ll know, life has a funny way of telling you.”
“How’d you know with Mom?”
“I learned to be honest,” Aiden replied,
“And by that, he learned that he honestly wanted to kiss me,” Came Tori’s voice as she interjected, “He just got lucky that I kissed him back.”
“This is all still very confusing,”
“How about next time you like a girl,” Tori started, taking a seat on the other side of Lorcán, “You get to know her first like your dad said, be a friend and most importantly, be intentional about it. Girls like that.”
“But I thought Ryan was my friend,” Lorcán replied.
“She may very well be, but you’re thirteen and she’s seventeen. Plus, did you ever ask Ryan if she had a boyfriend or was interested in dating at all? These are things a friend would have known.”
“Huh, I guess I didn’t,”
“Your time will come, Lion Lungs, you don’t always have to rush into everything. Learn to ride the waves and wait until the right swell comes along.” Aiden interjected, reassuring the boy before speaking again.
“Now then, I think you owe Ryan an apology.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dance Monkey #4.028: Far Too Young to Die
Interaction(s): None
Previously: But It's Better If You Do
“We’ll have to find him, but I think you’re the answer,” Miranda started to explain as Aurora’s memory followed behind her. The pair moved through a corridor of memories, before bursting into an open space of discombobulated thoughts and feelings circling around an orb encased in red tendrils and silver crackles. Suddenly from above, the Apparition pounced, intent on absorbing the orb only to be deflected by its powers. Genuine power, not a shadowy imitation, a figment of someone much stronger, left behind for Lorcán.
“It belongs to me!” The Apparition shrieked before lunging for Miranda and Aurora. Taking hold of Miranda, Aurora teleported the pair across the void at the last minute, dodging the attack by the Apparition. Its twisted imitation of Amma shrieked again, giving chase as the pair ran.
Ducking into another memory, waves of hope and love washed over the pair deflecting the Apparition from its mission before Aurora took Miranda by the hand and teleported her projected form back to the figment.
“I don’t like it, but we need this.” Aurora yelled, placing her hands on it. The raw energy resisted her touch, fighting against her as Miranda too joined her hands while voicing her agreement.
“If that thing wants it, yeah I think we need it.” She stated, “Where is he?”
“Where he always is.” Aurora smiled, teleporting the pair again before they landed on a sandy beach. A lone figure sat on the water atop a surfboard, staring up at the stars. Taking a step forward, Miranda found the water supported her and Aurora as they carried the figment towards him. It resisted them every step of the way like someone or something was calling it back.
The closer they got to Lorcán the darker it got, until suddenly they were plugged into the blackness as Lorcán sat before them, no older than seven, knees gripped to his chest as he rocked back and forth.
“She’s coming for me,”
“Not if you fight back, this is your mind,” Miranda explained kneeling beside Lorcán, “You can’t give up, you have to fight. Roths are fighters.”
“Please, do it for me,” Aurora urged, “Do it for the redhead,” She added playfully.
A shriek alerted the trio that they had been discovered as Lorcán’s eyes went wide.
“She’s coming for me!”
“Then take this,” Miranda motioned towards the figment that crackled with the same energy the Apparition sought to imitate.
“That’s from her, I can’t, people will get hurt. She hurts people, I hurt people.”
“You need to,” Miranda urged, followed by Aurora.
“No one will get hurt,” She smiled,
“Please Lorcán, you have to take it.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“It belongs to me!” The Apparition shrieked before lunging for Miranda and Aurora. Taking hold of Miranda, Aurora teleported the pair across the void at the last minute, dodging the attack by the Apparition. Its twisted imitation of Amma shrieked again, giving chase as the pair ran.
Ducking into another memory, waves of hope and love washed over the pair deflecting the Apparition from its mission before Aurora took Miranda by the hand and teleported her projected form back to the figment.
“I don’t like it, but we need this.” Aurora yelled, placing her hands on it. The raw energy resisted her touch, fighting against her as Miranda too joined her hands while voicing her agreement.
“If that thing wants it, yeah I think we need it.” She stated, “Where is he?”
“Where he always is.” Aurora smiled, teleporting the pair again before they landed on a sandy beach. A lone figure sat on the water atop a surfboard, staring up at the stars. Taking a step forward, Miranda found the water supported her and Aurora as they carried the figment towards him. It resisted them every step of the way like someone or something was calling it back.
The closer they got to Lorcán the darker it got, until suddenly they were plugged into the blackness as Lorcán sat before them, no older than seven, knees gripped to his chest as he rocked back and forth.
“She’s coming for me,”
“Not if you fight back, this is your mind,” Miranda explained kneeling beside Lorcán, “You can’t give up, you have to fight. Roths are fighters.”
“Please, do it for me,” Aurora urged, “Do it for the redhead,” She added playfully.
A shriek alerted the trio that they had been discovered as Lorcán’s eyes went wide.
“She’s coming for me!”
“Then take this,” Miranda motioned towards the figment that crackled with the same energy the Apparition sought to imitate.
“That’s from her, I can’t, people will get hurt. She hurts people, I hurt people.”
“You need to,” Miranda urged, followed by Aurora.
“No one will get hurt,” She smiled,
“Please Lorcán, you have to take it.”
The path towards campus was long and Lorcán did not doubt that Ryan probably had a fairly sizable head start. His Dad had no doubt been disappointed in the events of the afternoon but had remained surprisingly calm. Not that Aiden Roth was a man quick to anger, but his abilities, much like Lorcán’s own, didn’t allow either of the Roth men that luxury. A flash of the setting sun reflecting off a head of scarlet hair gave him hope he had caught up as Lorcán pushed himself over the next hill coming face to face with Ryan along with Lance and a stranger.
“What?” Lorcán started but the words were barely out of his mouth before Lance struck him. The blow caused Lorcán to tumble backwards, his wound from early striking against a large stone protruding from the path. The impact rendered him immediately unconscious.
“Lance!”[color=#ead1dc] [/color]Ryan screamed before the young man suddenly retaliated and slapped her across the face.
“Shut up, don’t tell me you actually care for that punk-” Lance’s own words were interrupted by a blow to the jaw as Sullivan staggered the younger man backwards.
“Don’t you dare touch my daughter,”
“Oh,” Lance smiled with reddened teeth as a trail of blood dripped from his bottom lip. “I’ve done so much more than touch her.”
“Shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you,” Sullivan replied, moving towards Lorcán, “I didn’t sign up to be hurting kids.” He muttered, turning his back to Lance who suddenly jumped forward and wrapped an arm around Ryan’s throat, quickly squeezing.
“That kid is our meal ticket, and trust me, he’s better like that.”
“Dad-” Ryan choked out, “I can’t breathe…”
“Aw, she calls me ‘Daddy’ too.”
“You take your hands on my little girl, now!” Sullivan bellowed.
“Oh no,” Lance chided maliciously, “The minute I let the girl go, you have everything you want, no, grab the boy and let’s go old man.”
“I’m warning you, boy, you’re messing with the wrong man.”
“Give me a break old timer, you’re nothing but a washed-up con,” Lance sneered, tightening his grip on Ryan.
“Daddy!”
“Ahhhh!” Sullivan roared as he extended his hands and Lance’s clothes burst into flame. The young man screamed as he flailed to no avail, Ryan falling from his grasp before she was caught by her father. She rubbed a hand to her neck, tears filling her eyes as she looked from Lance back to her Dad.
“You need to run,” She sobbed, “You need to get out of here now, you were never here”
“But princess,”
“I’ll be fine, but they’ll arrest you, go!” Ryan pleaded. Sullivan looked at the unconscious boy, to Lance, and back to his daughter again before standing and running for the tree line. Ryan was right, if he stayed he’d end up in H.E.L.P.’s custody, or worse. He couldn’t be found on the island, and he couldn’t go back to prison.
Standing while rubbing her neck, Ryan removed her jacket and ran to Lance, smothering the lingering flames before the sight and smell of the boy caused her to gag and throw up.
“Help!” She screamed, “I need help over here!”
“Help!”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“What?” Lorcán started but the words were barely out of his mouth before Lance struck him. The blow caused Lorcán to tumble backwards, his wound from early striking against a large stone protruding from the path. The impact rendered him immediately unconscious.
“Lance!”[color=#ead1dc] [/color]Ryan screamed before the young man suddenly retaliated and slapped her across the face.
“Shut up, don’t tell me you actually care for that punk-” Lance’s own words were interrupted by a blow to the jaw as Sullivan staggered the younger man backwards.
“Don’t you dare touch my daughter,”
“Oh,” Lance smiled with reddened teeth as a trail of blood dripped from his bottom lip. “I’ve done so much more than touch her.”
“Shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you,” Sullivan replied, moving towards Lorcán, “I didn’t sign up to be hurting kids.” He muttered, turning his back to Lance who suddenly jumped forward and wrapped an arm around Ryan’s throat, quickly squeezing.
“That kid is our meal ticket, and trust me, he’s better like that.”
“Dad-” Ryan choked out, “I can’t breathe…”
“Aw, she calls me ‘Daddy’ too.”
“You take your hands on my little girl, now!” Sullivan bellowed.
“Oh no,” Lance chided maliciously, “The minute I let the girl go, you have everything you want, no, grab the boy and let’s go old man.”
“I’m warning you, boy, you’re messing with the wrong man.”
“Give me a break old timer, you’re nothing but a washed-up con,” Lance sneered, tightening his grip on Ryan.
“Daddy!”
“Ahhhh!” Sullivan roared as he extended his hands and Lance’s clothes burst into flame. The young man screamed as he flailed to no avail, Ryan falling from his grasp before she was caught by her father. She rubbed a hand to her neck, tears filling her eyes as she looked from Lance back to her Dad.
“You need to run,” She sobbed, “You need to get out of here now, you were never here”
“But princess,”
“I’ll be fine, but they’ll arrest you, go!” Ryan pleaded. Sullivan looked at the unconscious boy, to Lance, and back to his daughter again before standing and running for the tree line. Ryan was right, if he stayed he’d end up in H.E.L.P.’s custody, or worse. He couldn’t be found on the island, and he couldn’t go back to prison.
Standing while rubbing her neck, Ryan removed her jacket and ran to Lance, smothering the lingering flames before the sight and smell of the boy caused her to gag and throw up.
“Help!” She screamed, “I need help over here!”
“Help!”
Miranda and Aurora extended the crackling figment to the boy. Timidly taking hold, Lorcán suddenly grew before their eyes from the meek boy into the man he was today. Long locks of caramel and gold spilling over his shoulders as deep pools of ocean blue became molten and flame. A scar parting his right eyebrow and extending down his face like a lightning strike. Bulging biceps and a toned abdomen stretched his t-shirt to its limits as he took hold of the swirling essence.
His feet spread, steadying his balance as Lorcán stood, his hands holding the powerful figment between them while crackles of red and silver pulsed around his arms. The raw power, the essence of someone else but given freely to him to have and to hold. He could feel her turmoil, he could feel her trauma but most importantly, in that moment he felt her affection.
Amma Cahors cared for Lorcán Roth.
He held it to his chest, tendrils of red and silver bursting forth and covering Lorcán as they moved to shape jagged plates along his spine and wings that erupted from either shoulder blade. Horns curled around his head before smoke billowed from both nostrils as Lorcán threw his head back and breathed fire into the darkness surrounding him.
Lorcán Roth cared for Amma Cahors.
The dragon raged and thrashed. Miranda moved Aurora to a safe distance before the mighty beast crashed against the Apparition. The shade wearing Amma’s face clawed at the dragon while Lorcán roared and bore forth flame from his snarling maw. At first, it seemed like the molten-eyed boy was winning but then, for the briefest of moments his hair turned jet black while his eyes glowed a pale, icy blue. The raw power rippled through him, threatening to blind him as he began to feel lost to the abyss.
The Apparition laughed, pushing its advantage while Lorcán thrashed about wildly, its tail nearly striking Aurora and Miranda. The latter nodded to the young woman and Aurora knew what she had to do. Moving into action, Aurora teleported across the room, blinking in and out of view. She struck the Apparition, creating a gap only to watch as Lorcán was engulfed by the darkness he sought to destroy.
But then the light illuminated the darkness and Lorcán felt her hand pulling him back from the edge. Draped in white, and crimson hair flowing around her marble-like skin, Aurora was illuminated in his mind’s eye, radiant and glowing as she pulled him upwards. She smiled before she began to pour more and more of herself into Lorcán, the feeling of the two of them becoming one.
“It was always supposed to be you and me.”
A silhouette in a tent, a tumble on the beach, a hand gripping his own while he laid in bed.
“I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I’m sorry it took me until now to realize it.”
Aurora Mitchell loved Lorcán Roth
The scales fell away from his body, the red tendrils about him glowing violet at first before pulsing blue and then a vibrant orange as the daunting silver turned to a brilliant gold. His raven hair and icy eyes suddenly reverted as his mane turned gold again and eyes like molten.
Lorcán Roth loved Aurora Mitchell.
A roar came from his mouth before he looked to Aurora, his heart pounding in his chest. Lorcán threw back his arms again, the Apparition laughing defiantly before flame erupted in the form of the king of the pride lands from with the young man. The lion bursting forth before flames devoured the Apparition, mauling it with both fire and fury.
Jolting with start, Lorcán found himself back in Dr. Rivers’ office as he looked around wide-eyed while his heart raced inside his chest.
“Quite the mind you have,” Miranda commented, holding a hand to her own head. “Thankfully, I think you’ll be free now.”
“Rad,” Lorcán responded with a smile and a small shaka, “Already feelin’ way more myself,”
“I’m glad, Lorcán, I really am,” Miranda replied, “But I think you should come back again next week. There’s probably some more you could talk through.”
“Uh sure, yeah I can do that,” Lorcán answered before standing, “But I need to go and change, my shorts are waterlogged and I need some fresh air before something goes bogus.”
“I understand,” Miranda nodded with a forced smile, “Enjoy yourself tonight and I’ll see you next week.”
She watched the young boy go before allowing her brow to furrow in frustration. She was glad the presence had been purged by Lorcán’s own strength from his mind, but something still was bothering Miranda.
Who put the mental blocks in the boy’s mind, and why?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________His feet spread, steadying his balance as Lorcán stood, his hands holding the powerful figment between them while crackles of red and silver pulsed around his arms. The raw power, the essence of someone else but given freely to him to have and to hold. He could feel her turmoil, he could feel her trauma but most importantly, in that moment he felt her affection.
Amma Cahors cared for Lorcán Roth.
He held it to his chest, tendrils of red and silver bursting forth and covering Lorcán as they moved to shape jagged plates along his spine and wings that erupted from either shoulder blade. Horns curled around his head before smoke billowed from both nostrils as Lorcán threw his head back and breathed fire into the darkness surrounding him.
Lorcán Roth cared for Amma Cahors.
The dragon raged and thrashed. Miranda moved Aurora to a safe distance before the mighty beast crashed against the Apparition. The shade wearing Amma’s face clawed at the dragon while Lorcán roared and bore forth flame from his snarling maw. At first, it seemed like the molten-eyed boy was winning but then, for the briefest of moments his hair turned jet black while his eyes glowed a pale, icy blue. The raw power rippled through him, threatening to blind him as he began to feel lost to the abyss.
The Apparition laughed, pushing its advantage while Lorcán thrashed about wildly, its tail nearly striking Aurora and Miranda. The latter nodded to the young woman and Aurora knew what she had to do. Moving into action, Aurora teleported across the room, blinking in and out of view. She struck the Apparition, creating a gap only to watch as Lorcán was engulfed by the darkness he sought to destroy.
But then the light illuminated the darkness and Lorcán felt her hand pulling him back from the edge. Draped in white, and crimson hair flowing around her marble-like skin, Aurora was illuminated in his mind’s eye, radiant and glowing as she pulled him upwards. She smiled before she began to pour more and more of herself into Lorcán, the feeling of the two of them becoming one.
“It was always supposed to be you and me.”
A silhouette in a tent, a tumble on the beach, a hand gripping his own while he laid in bed.
“I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I’m sorry it took me until now to realize it.”
Aurora Mitchell loved Lorcán Roth
The scales fell away from his body, the red tendrils about him glowing violet at first before pulsing blue and then a vibrant orange as the daunting silver turned to a brilliant gold. His raven hair and icy eyes suddenly reverted as his mane turned gold again and eyes like molten.
Lorcán Roth loved Aurora Mitchell.
A roar came from his mouth before he looked to Aurora, his heart pounding in his chest. Lorcán threw back his arms again, the Apparition laughing defiantly before flame erupted in the form of the king of the pride lands from with the young man. The lion bursting forth before flames devoured the Apparition, mauling it with both fire and fury.
Jolting with start, Lorcán found himself back in Dr. Rivers’ office as he looked around wide-eyed while his heart raced inside his chest.
“Quite the mind you have,” Miranda commented, holding a hand to her own head. “Thankfully, I think you’ll be free now.”
“Rad,” Lorcán responded with a smile and a small shaka, “Already feelin’ way more myself,”
“I’m glad, Lorcán, I really am,” Miranda replied, “But I think you should come back again next week. There’s probably some more you could talk through.”
“Uh sure, yeah I can do that,” Lorcán answered before standing, “But I need to go and change, my shorts are waterlogged and I need some fresh air before something goes bogus.”
“I understand,” Miranda nodded with a forced smile, “Enjoy yourself tonight and I’ll see you next week.”
She watched the young boy go before allowing her brow to furrow in frustration. She was glad the presence had been purged by Lorcán’s own strength from his mind, but something still was bothering Miranda.
Who put the mental blocks in the boy’s mind, and why?
“Lorcán, this is Summer Carlyle, she’s here to help with your memory of the event.”
Jonas sat down beside the young boy while gesturing for Summer to take a seat opposite his grandson.
“I didn’t ask your parents here today, because I think this is something better taken care of without their knowledge.” Jonas added, “When we’re done here today, I think you’re going to feel a whole lot better.” He paused, removing his glasses before massaging the bridge of his nose.
“I know your father doesn’t believe it was possible, but I can’t deny the testimonies of both Mr. Patterson and Miss Clarke. However, I’ve already taken care of Mr. Patterson and his family, they won’t remember a thing.”
“What do you mean?” Lorcán asked, uncertain eyes looking at Jonas.
“Summer specializes in the management of memories, what happened to Lance, while unfortunate, can’t be your defining memory. Miss Clarke had no interest in your getting in trouble and even tried to blame her own abilities. As for your folks, I’ll have to visit them next but otherwise, I think this incident will be contained. I built this island to bring about a better future for our people and I don’t want you going through life carrying this guilt and letting it hold you back.” Jonas explained.
“Jonas, I don’t understand.”
“Shh, shh relax,” Jonas gently soothed, “Everything is going to be just fine.” He motioned for Summer to take a seat beside him before speaking again.
“Now I need to know everything about what happened with Lance Patterson.”
Jonas sat down beside the young boy while gesturing for Summer to take a seat opposite his grandson.
“I didn’t ask your parents here today, because I think this is something better taken care of without their knowledge.” Jonas added, “When we’re done here today, I think you’re going to feel a whole lot better.” He paused, removing his glasses before massaging the bridge of his nose.
“I know your father doesn’t believe it was possible, but I can’t deny the testimonies of both Mr. Patterson and Miss Clarke. However, I’ve already taken care of Mr. Patterson and his family, they won’t remember a thing.”
“What do you mean?” Lorcán asked, uncertain eyes looking at Jonas.
“Summer specializes in the management of memories, what happened to Lance, while unfortunate, can’t be your defining memory. Miss Clarke had no interest in your getting in trouble and even tried to blame her own abilities. As for your folks, I’ll have to visit them next but otherwise, I think this incident will be contained. I built this island to bring about a better future for our people and I don’t want you going through life carrying this guilt and letting it hold you back.” Jonas explained.
“Jonas, I don’t understand.”
“Shh, shh relax,” Jonas gently soothed, “Everything is going to be just fine.” He motioned for Summer to take a seat beside him before speaking again.
“Now I need to know everything about what happened with Lance Patterson.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: Pacific Royal Campus - Dundas Islands, Pacific Ocean
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dance Monkey #4.026: Dancing On My Own
Interaction(s): None
Previously: A Change Is Gonna Come
The helicopter kicked up quite the stir of wind as Jim kept a firm hand on his hat. From within, Teresa Torres emerged, stepping down onto the platform and walking away before the chopper lifted off again and disappeared over the horizon.
“How was y’alls trip out to San Fransciso?” Jim asked, walking beside the Foundation representative as the pair made their way towards campus proper.
“Exhausting and ultimately unproductive.” Torres replied, “I was hoping you could escort me to the H.E.L.P. base at a later time, I’d like to requisition some of their agents to aid the Foundation. Even we can admit when we’ve hit a dead end and some fresh eyes on Triton’s murder may go a long way.”
“I mean, it’s in the name, I’m sure they’d be willing to lend a hand if it goes towards a better coexistence.” Jim replied, “You’re back just in time to see the A.R.C. set up for the senior’s formal dance tonight.”
“Ah, so you managed to pull one together after all, I’m glad,” Torres responded, “Some of my fondest memories were at similar events while attending school, I’m glad you’re willing to provide an opportunity for the students to have the same.” She continued, “Though I understand there has been some security issues on campus as of late.”
“Yes, we had a visit from one of yours, which led to several abductions, thankfully the last of which we were able to end without bloodshed. Beyond that, we found an exploit in our student identification system that may have allowed several persons to travel to the island without proper permissions.” Jim explained, “We’ve begun reparations, the exploit has been isolated, now we’re just working to ensure our systems can’t be so easily fooled again.”
“As for your other issue, I’d like to offer the Foundation’s Foot soldiers to better defend the campus grounds. I can have them installed before this evening. They’re very discreet, you won’t even notice them, and they won’t put a damper on the mood.”
“I’d appreciate that after everything that’s happened in the last couple of weeks, it’d be nice for the kids to go through an evening and the worst thing that happens is a bad hangover the next day.”
“Agreed, now then, let’s see this A.R.C.,” Torres insisted, “I would like to congratulate the students who went through such an effort to put this together.”
*Baxter and Galahad are here, unfortunately Miss de Léon won't be able to see her work. She was recently called home on account of an attempt on her father's life. Her brother was caught in the crossfire and is currently clinging to his life.” Jim replied, explaining Calliope’s absence.
“Reminds me of why it's so important that we do succeed with these students, we’re trying to make the world a better place.” Torres replied as Jim enthusiastically nodded.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“How was y’alls trip out to San Fransciso?” Jim asked, walking beside the Foundation representative as the pair made their way towards campus proper.
“Exhausting and ultimately unproductive.” Torres replied, “I was hoping you could escort me to the H.E.L.P. base at a later time, I’d like to requisition some of their agents to aid the Foundation. Even we can admit when we’ve hit a dead end and some fresh eyes on Triton’s murder may go a long way.”
“I mean, it’s in the name, I’m sure they’d be willing to lend a hand if it goes towards a better coexistence.” Jim replied, “You’re back just in time to see the A.R.C. set up for the senior’s formal dance tonight.”
“Ah, so you managed to pull one together after all, I’m glad,” Torres responded, “Some of my fondest memories were at similar events while attending school, I’m glad you’re willing to provide an opportunity for the students to have the same.” She continued, “Though I understand there has been some security issues on campus as of late.”
“Yes, we had a visit from one of yours, which led to several abductions, thankfully the last of which we were able to end without bloodshed. Beyond that, we found an exploit in our student identification system that may have allowed several persons to travel to the island without proper permissions.” Jim explained, “We’ve begun reparations, the exploit has been isolated, now we’re just working to ensure our systems can’t be so easily fooled again.”
“As for your other issue, I’d like to offer the Foundation’s Foot soldiers to better defend the campus grounds. I can have them installed before this evening. They’re very discreet, you won’t even notice them, and they won’t put a damper on the mood.”
“I’d appreciate that after everything that’s happened in the last couple of weeks, it’d be nice for the kids to go through an evening and the worst thing that happens is a bad hangover the next day.”
“Agreed, now then, let’s see this A.R.C.,” Torres insisted, “I would like to congratulate the students who went through such an effort to put this together.”
*Baxter and Galahad are here, unfortunately Miss de Léon won't be able to see her work. She was recently called home on account of an attempt on her father's life. Her brother was caught in the crossfire and is currently clinging to his life.” Jim replied, explaining Calliope’s absence.
“Reminds me of why it's so important that we do succeed with these students, we’re trying to make the world a better place.” Torres replied as Jim enthusiastically nodded.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Mr. Patterson,”
Lance's eyes strained to open, the steady beep of the infirmary equipment was like a defeating drum on his skull. He felt cold everywhere and simultaneously numb.
“I’ve asked your family to wait outside in the hallway. The nurse is administering something that will make you more lucid.” Jonas stated, taking a seat on the edge of the bed before motioning towards another woman beside him. Outside the soundproof window, Lance’s mother and father look inside, along with his younger brother. Jonas locked eyes with the boy, roughly the same age as Lorcán and much like the young Roth, Chadwick was slated to be starting at Pacific Royal the following fall.
“I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me?”
Lance only groaned as his eyes rolled between the bandages from Jonas to Summer. Jonas nodded before reaching into his jacket and producing a couple images of different young men.
“Is one of these the boy who attacked you?”
Lance grunted, tears streaming out of his eyes and staining the bandages as he tried to nod. A finger slowly lifted before tapping directly on the image of Lorcán Roth. Jonas nodded solemnly, putting the images away before gesturing towards the blonde woman at his side.
“I need you to tell Miss Carlyle everything you remember about the night you were attacked.”
Lance's eyes strained to open, the steady beep of the infirmary equipment was like a defeating drum on his skull. He felt cold everywhere and simultaneously numb.
“I’ve asked your family to wait outside in the hallway. The nurse is administering something that will make you more lucid.” Jonas stated, taking a seat on the edge of the bed before motioning towards another woman beside him. Outside the soundproof window, Lance’s mother and father look inside, along with his younger brother. Jonas locked eyes with the boy, roughly the same age as Lorcán and much like the young Roth, Chadwick was slated to be starting at Pacific Royal the following fall.
“I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me?”
Lance only groaned as his eyes rolled between the bandages from Jonas to Summer. Jonas nodded before reaching into his jacket and producing a couple images of different young men.
“Is one of these the boy who attacked you?”
Lance grunted, tears streaming out of his eyes and staining the bandages as he tried to nod. A finger slowly lifted before tapping directly on the image of Lorcán Roth. Jonas nodded solemnly, putting the images away before gesturing towards the blonde woman at his side.
“I need you to tell Miss Carlyle everything you remember about the night you were attacked.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dance Monkey #4.025: But It's Better If You Do
Interaction(s): None
Previously: Viva Las Vengeance
“Aiden, this isn’t the first time this has happened,” Jonas pinched the bridge of his nose, massaging it before replacing his glasses. “There was the boy two years ago, even with some of our healers, he still bears the scars of the incident with Lorcán. And now the young Mr. Patterson will be lucky to survive.”
“This wasn’t Lorcán,” Aiden argued, “The first incident was the manifestation of his Hyperhuman abilities, we’ve had him doing practical ability training since the age of eleven, no other Hyperhuman has had the privilege of having their abilities that closely trained from such a young age. Lorcán hasn’t lost control again.”
“He’s a boy of intense emotions, how can you be so sure his infatuation with Ryan didn’t emotionally compromise him?”
Aiden’s head hung slightly at Jonas’ challenge, a reluctant sigh escaped his chest, hanging in the open air before he replied.
“I don’t,” He admitted, “I didn’t expect Lorcán to grow so attached to Ryan, not in that way. I figured the age gap would be enough of a deterrent.”
Jonas suddenly laughed, a long hearty laugh that started in his belly before bellowing out into the air.
“Do you not have eyes, my son?” Jonas asked, wiping mirthful tears from the corner of his own eyes while Aiden looked at him with confusion. “Miss Clarke is a young, attractive woman while your son is a boy going through puberty. She has been nothing but kind to him, friendly and goes out of her way to ensure he feels like he belongs. Of course our boy wasn’t deterred by the age gap.”
Jonas smiled sadly, patting Aiden on the shoulder.
“And the boy does love a redhead.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“This wasn’t Lorcán,” Aiden argued, “The first incident was the manifestation of his Hyperhuman abilities, we’ve had him doing practical ability training since the age of eleven, no other Hyperhuman has had the privilege of having their abilities that closely trained from such a young age. Lorcán hasn’t lost control again.”
“He’s a boy of intense emotions, how can you be so sure his infatuation with Ryan didn’t emotionally compromise him?”
Aiden’s head hung slightly at Jonas’ challenge, a reluctant sigh escaped his chest, hanging in the open air before he replied.
“I don’t,” He admitted, “I didn’t expect Lorcán to grow so attached to Ryan, not in that way. I figured the age gap would be enough of a deterrent.”
Jonas suddenly laughed, a long hearty laugh that started in his belly before bellowing out into the air.
“Do you not have eyes, my son?” Jonas asked, wiping mirthful tears from the corner of his own eyes while Aiden looked at him with confusion. “Miss Clarke is a young, attractive woman while your son is a boy going through puberty. She has been nothing but kind to him, friendly and goes out of her way to ensure he feels like he belongs. Of course our boy wasn’t deterred by the age gap.”
Jonas smiled sadly, patting Aiden on the shoulder.
“And the boy does love a redhead.”
Lorcán’s mind was like a maze as Miranda chased after the Apparition. Walls were erected around so many memories, that it was almost terrifying to think of the consequences breaking them down would have. Whoever had placed these here had engineered a nostalgia fueled childhood within the boy, one free of most hardships, only ignoring defining moments from his youth.
The Apparition continued to feed, breaking down the artificial barriers and unlocking more memories while simultaneously changing some of those Miranda had already ventured through. She watched as memory after memory played out before her, only to disappear and reveal a meek boy who would then scurry away to hide again as the Apparition continued to devour.
If Miranda couldn’t get Lorcán’s psyche to stand up and fight back, she was on the receiving end of a losing battle. There was no way of knowing what could happen if she lost, could the Apparition truly take Lorcán’s mind and body for its own? And where did the creature come from?
The fate of Lance Patterson weighed heavily on Lorcán and now the illusion was shattering. What had originally been simply guilt derived from his affections for two young women, was multiplying rapidly to the boy taking the rap for a murder Miranda couldn’t be sure he had committed.
Without answers, there was no way to make the boy fight back. There was no one who could make the boy fight back. It had become so dark inside Lorcán’s mind, it was no wonder the boy’s psyche had been lost and forced to hide in the shadows. In his despair, he had lost sight of his guiding light.
Miranda was falling through the memories again, they were a jumbled mess of non-linear events, each taken out of context to scramble his perception. But if the Apparition fed on guilt and angst, then hope and love would be its undoing.
Planting herself on firm ground, Miranda thrust a hand into a memory, forcing herself through the barrier before tapping the smaller figure on the shoulder.
“Come with me,” Miranda smiled, watching the flash of recognition from the figure’s blue eyes before they turned to Miranda.
“Lorcán needs you.” The older woman stated, extending a hand. It was immediately accepted before the pair were plunged back into the dark labyrinth of Lorcán’s fractured mind.
“Where is he?”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Apparition continued to feed, breaking down the artificial barriers and unlocking more memories while simultaneously changing some of those Miranda had already ventured through. She watched as memory after memory played out before her, only to disappear and reveal a meek boy who would then scurry away to hide again as the Apparition continued to devour.
If Miranda couldn’t get Lorcán’s psyche to stand up and fight back, she was on the receiving end of a losing battle. There was no way of knowing what could happen if she lost, could the Apparition truly take Lorcán’s mind and body for its own? And where did the creature come from?
The fate of Lance Patterson weighed heavily on Lorcán and now the illusion was shattering. What had originally been simply guilt derived from his affections for two young women, was multiplying rapidly to the boy taking the rap for a murder Miranda couldn’t be sure he had committed.
Without answers, there was no way to make the boy fight back. There was no one who could make the boy fight back. It had become so dark inside Lorcán’s mind, it was no wonder the boy’s psyche had been lost and forced to hide in the shadows. In his despair, he had lost sight of his guiding light.
Miranda was falling through the memories again, they were a jumbled mess of non-linear events, each taken out of context to scramble his perception. But if the Apparition fed on guilt and angst, then hope and love would be its undoing.
Planting herself on firm ground, Miranda thrust a hand into a memory, forcing herself through the barrier before tapping the smaller figure on the shoulder.
“Come with me,” Miranda smiled, watching the flash of recognition from the figure’s blue eyes before they turned to Miranda.
“Lorcán needs you.” The older woman stated, extending a hand. It was immediately accepted before the pair were plunged back into the dark labyrinth of Lorcán’s fractured mind.
“Where is he?”
“Hey!” Ryan froze as she walked the path back towards the campus. She immediately recognized that voice as he stepped out from behind the tree.
“Dad, I don’t have your money,” Ryan replied, a scruffy, graying man stepped out of the shadowy treeline and onto the path. “It’s just not like that here,”
“There has to be something of worth here, I know you’re holding out on me.”
Ryan let out an exasperated sigh.
“No, Dad, no I’m not.” Ryan responded, “Look, these are genuinely good people, they aren’t after money or wealth, just a place where we can be,” She pleaded, “There are people here who can help you, just please stop asking me to steal from them. I’m not going to do it.”
“What about your tutor gig, aren’t they paying you?”
“No, Dad, they’re not.”
“She’s lying.” Another voice interjected and Ryan turned to see Lance smugly approaching. “In fact, Mr. Clarke, ” He smiled, “I know she’s getting paid and she’s working for the richest family on the island. And I happen to know where they live and exactly how to get anything you want out of them.”
“And just who is this charming young man?” Ryan’s father asked while putting an arm around his daughter and squeezing her tightly.
“I’m her boy-”
“He’s not,” Ryan interrupted, “He was just leaving.”
“No, babe,” Lance smiled, extending a hand to the older man, “I don’t think I am.”
“Sullivan,” Ryan’s father smiled.
“Lance Patterson.”
“Dad, I don’t have your money,” Ryan replied, a scruffy, graying man stepped out of the shadowy treeline and onto the path. “It’s just not like that here,”
“There has to be something of worth here, I know you’re holding out on me.”
Ryan let out an exasperated sigh.
“No, Dad, no I’m not.” Ryan responded, “Look, these are genuinely good people, they aren’t after money or wealth, just a place where we can be,” She pleaded, “There are people here who can help you, just please stop asking me to steal from them. I’m not going to do it.”
“What about your tutor gig, aren’t they paying you?”
“No, Dad, they’re not.”
“She’s lying.” Another voice interjected and Ryan turned to see Lance smugly approaching. “In fact, Mr. Clarke, ” He smiled, “I know she’s getting paid and she’s working for the richest family on the island. And I happen to know where they live and exactly how to get anything you want out of them.”
“And just who is this charming young man?” Ryan’s father asked while putting an arm around his daughter and squeezing her tightly.
“I’m her boy-”
“He’s not,” Ryan interrupted, “He was just leaving.”
“No, babe,” Lance smiled, extending a hand to the older man, “I don’t think I am.”
“Sullivan,” Ryan’s father smiled.
“Lance Patterson.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lorcán sat outside the infirmary, his hands between his knees while his head hung low. Lance had been rushed inside, his injuries deemed life-threatening. On either side of Lorcán sat his parents, his father, Aiden was completely stoic, his expression grim while his mother gave Lorcán a reassuring squeeze before reapplying the ice pack to the back of his head.
The Pattersons had been notified the minute Lance’s injuries had been discovered. Third-degree burns covered his body, inflicting mass trauma that left him incohesive and desperately clinging to life. He was found nearly naked, any residual clothing burned and tattered, melded with the melted skin that barely covered the sinew and tissue beneath.
“I came as fast as I could,” The grandfatherly voice of Dr. Jonas Lehrer broke the tense silence as Lorcán lifted his reddened eyes towards the bald man.
“It’s not good, Jonas,” Aiden replied, “It’s worse than last time,”
“And our boy has no recollection of what happened?”
“No,” Lorcán managed to croak out before his mother leaned over to put a hand on his back reassuringly.
“He took a nasty blow to the head, Lorcán stated he blacked out and woke up to find Lance in the condition he was in. The doctors have already looked at le petit prince and found that he has a minor concussion.”
“Talk me through the events that led to this moment,” Jonas replied as Aiden stood and put an arm on his mentor’s back, leading the older man away from his wife and child.
“Why don’t we take a walk?”
The Pattersons had been notified the minute Lance’s injuries had been discovered. Third-degree burns covered his body, inflicting mass trauma that left him incohesive and desperately clinging to life. He was found nearly naked, any residual clothing burned and tattered, melded with the melted skin that barely covered the sinew and tissue beneath.
“I came as fast as I could,” The grandfatherly voice of Dr. Jonas Lehrer broke the tense silence as Lorcán lifted his reddened eyes towards the bald man.
“It’s not good, Jonas,” Aiden replied, “It’s worse than last time,”
“And our boy has no recollection of what happened?”
“No,” Lorcán managed to croak out before his mother leaned over to put a hand on his back reassuringly.
“He took a nasty blow to the head, Lorcán stated he blacked out and woke up to find Lance in the condition he was in. The doctors have already looked at le petit prince and found that he has a minor concussion.”
“Talk me through the events that led to this moment,” Jonas replied as Aiden stood and put an arm on his mentor’s back, leading the older man away from his wife and child.
“Why don’t we take a walk?”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dance Monkey #4.022: Viva Las Vengeance
Interaction(s): None
Previously: House of Memories
Miranda’s mental projection sized up the Apparition. Whatever it was, it had grown powerful, feeding on Lorcán’s guilt and self-pity, indulging those emotions to the boy and then siphoning those feelings back into itself and taking further root within the younger Roth’s mind.
But any guilt that Lorcán felt for how he looked at Amma was trite compared to that which leached out from behind the mental barriers. The Apparition leaned on the projected walls of Lorcán’s mind, the emulated tendrils of red and silver coming from its hands injecting themselves into every crack and fracture before shattering the artificial blockage and freeing the guilt inside.
Miranda watched it grow, feeding as Lorcán further retreated into his own mind. Everytime it became stronger, Miranda could feel herself having to fight harder to stay within the boy’s mind, let alone preventing Lorcán from losing himself to whatever entity had claimed him as its own.
“What are you?” She asked. It looked like Amma, but it wasn’t her, more like a version of the girl viewed through a mirror darkly. The eyes were uncanny, almost inhuman, and there was an insatiable hunger radiating from the visitant.
“So many repressed memories,” The Apparition spoke, “Each filled with more guilt than the last, who knew the golden boy, the prince of P.R.C.U. could hold so many secrets.” It smiled wickedly.
“Could have such a pronounced darkside!” It suddenly shouted as the Apparition disappeared, Miranda finding herself falling through glimpses of memories before landing on a hard surface. Fractures spread beneath her before suddenly it gave way and she found herself back at a moment she already knew.
“Yeah,” Lance interrupted, “I’m her boyfriend you little punk.” He winced while opening and closing his hands. “C’mon, Ryan, let's get out of here, the twerp is putting me off.”
“I didn’t think we put a label on it yet,” Ryan muttered, her eyes shooting daggers at Lance. It was in that moment that Lorcán saw his opportunity, ducking under Ryan’s arm and kicking Lance straight in the groan.
The older boy dropped to his knees, his face twisting into a snarl before lunging forward. Lorcán suddenly found himself gripped by the shirt before his feet left the ground and he was tossed into another corner of the woodshed. A small whimper came out of Lorcán's mouth before his fingers touched the back of his skull. Something warm and moist stained his fingertips but before Lorcán had a chance to react, he felt the wind go out of his lungs courtesy of a boot to his gut.
“Lance! Enough!” Ryan yelled, trying to restrain the older boy before he stretched his hand out and pushed her back with a pulse of his abilities.
“He started this fight, I’m finishing it.” He warned before approaching Lorcán further. “You’re a persistent pintsized punk, but you’re out of your league, and Ryan is out of yours,” Lance cracked his knuckles before balling his hand into a fist.
“And I’ll make sure you remember it-” His words were interrupted by an agonized yowl. His wide eyes looked down to his foot where Lorcán had stomped on it before superheating the air around himself and pushing the older teen back.
“Lance!” Ryan shouted, moving forward to stop him before Lance simply turned and sent Ryan flying out of the shed.
“No!” Lorcán cried, frantically flicking his hands open trying to ignite a plasma blade just like Ryan had shown him.
“Heh,” Lance sneered, “Watch how a real man uses his abilities.”
A pulse of vibrations erupted in all directions, spreading outwards from Lance as the woodshed was reduced to splinters. Debris was scattered in every direction before Lorcán was tossed alongside it. Tools impaled the grass on all sides, narrowly missing the small boy while Lance stood triumphantly among the wreckage.
“Did you really think you could win?” He boasted. Taking a step forward, Lance rolled up his sleeves before reaching towards the fallen boy. Suddenly a blazing beam of red burned a line across the ground, halting Lance in his tracks.
“Ryan, Lorcán, inside the house now,” The voice of none other than Aiden Roth bellowed before the papa wolf turned on Lance with a guttural snarl, “You! Get out of here, I don’t want to see you around my son or Ryan again,”
“Your son’s a real piece of work,” Lance shot back, spitting on the ground. Aiden’s eyes glowed red as he reared himself up, his gaze unwavering as he watched Lance suddenly back and slink backwards.
“I’m going, I’m going,” He raised his hands, motioning towards Ryan, “C’mon, babe, let’s let the baby go wth his daddy.”
“No,” Ryan replied shrilly, barely masking the horror in her voice. “One, I’m not your babe, two I’m not going anywhere with you, and three, I, most importantly,” She stopped, helping Lorcán to his feet before putting an arm protectively around the young boy.
“I decide what league I play in,” She retorted, “And it certainly isn’t whatever that display was.”
“House, now.” Aiden interjected, his tone made it clear he wouldn’t repeat himself again as Ryan quickly obliged.
“This isn’t over, babe!” Lance yelled before disappearing into the distance. Aiden watched the older student, his eyes continuing to glow red while Tori helped Ryan and Lorcán into the house.
He had no doubt about one thing, that boy was the worst kind of trouble.
But any guilt that Lorcán felt for how he looked at Amma was trite compared to that which leached out from behind the mental barriers. The Apparition leaned on the projected walls of Lorcán’s mind, the emulated tendrils of red and silver coming from its hands injecting themselves into every crack and fracture before shattering the artificial blockage and freeing the guilt inside.
Miranda watched it grow, feeding as Lorcán further retreated into his own mind. Everytime it became stronger, Miranda could feel herself having to fight harder to stay within the boy’s mind, let alone preventing Lorcán from losing himself to whatever entity had claimed him as its own.
“What are you?” She asked. It looked like Amma, but it wasn’t her, more like a version of the girl viewed through a mirror darkly. The eyes were uncanny, almost inhuman, and there was an insatiable hunger radiating from the visitant.
“So many repressed memories,” The Apparition spoke, “Each filled with more guilt than the last, who knew the golden boy, the prince of P.R.C.U. could hold so many secrets.” It smiled wickedly.
“Could have such a pronounced darkside!” It suddenly shouted as the Apparition disappeared, Miranda finding herself falling through glimpses of memories before landing on a hard surface. Fractures spread beneath her before suddenly it gave way and she found herself back at a moment she already knew.
“Yeah,” Lance interrupted, “I’m her boyfriend you little punk.” He winced while opening and closing his hands. “C’mon, Ryan, let's get out of here, the twerp is putting me off.”
“I didn’t think we put a label on it yet,” Ryan muttered, her eyes shooting daggers at Lance. It was in that moment that Lorcán saw his opportunity, ducking under Ryan’s arm and kicking Lance straight in the groan.
The older boy dropped to his knees, his face twisting into a snarl before lunging forward. Lorcán suddenly found himself gripped by the shirt before his feet left the ground and he was tossed into another corner of the woodshed. A small whimper came out of Lorcán's mouth before his fingers touched the back of his skull. Something warm and moist stained his fingertips but before Lorcán had a chance to react, he felt the wind go out of his lungs courtesy of a boot to his gut.
“Lance! Enough!” Ryan yelled, trying to restrain the older boy before he stretched his hand out and pushed her back with a pulse of his abilities.
“He started this fight, I’m finishing it.” He warned before approaching Lorcán further. “You’re a persistent pintsized punk, but you’re out of your league, and Ryan is out of yours,” Lance cracked his knuckles before balling his hand into a fist.
“And I’ll make sure you remember it-” His words were interrupted by an agonized yowl. His wide eyes looked down to his foot where Lorcán had stomped on it before superheating the air around himself and pushing the older teen back.
“Lance!” Ryan shouted, moving forward to stop him before Lance simply turned and sent Ryan flying out of the shed.
“No!” Lorcán cried, frantically flicking his hands open trying to ignite a plasma blade just like Ryan had shown him.
“Heh,” Lance sneered, “Watch how a real man uses his abilities.”
A pulse of vibrations erupted in all directions, spreading outwards from Lance as the woodshed was reduced to splinters. Debris was scattered in every direction before Lorcán was tossed alongside it. Tools impaled the grass on all sides, narrowly missing the small boy while Lance stood triumphantly among the wreckage.
“Did you really think you could win?” He boasted. Taking a step forward, Lance rolled up his sleeves before reaching towards the fallen boy. Suddenly a blazing beam of red burned a line across the ground, halting Lance in his tracks.
“Ryan, Lorcán, inside the house now,” The voice of none other than Aiden Roth bellowed before the papa wolf turned on Lance with a guttural snarl, “You! Get out of here, I don’t want to see you around my son or Ryan again,”
“Your son’s a real piece of work,” Lance shot back, spitting on the ground. Aiden’s eyes glowed red as he reared himself up, his gaze unwavering as he watched Lance suddenly back and slink backwards.
“I’m going, I’m going,” He raised his hands, motioning towards Ryan, “C’mon, babe, let’s let the baby go wth his daddy.”
“No,” Ryan replied shrilly, barely masking the horror in her voice. “One, I’m not your babe, two I’m not going anywhere with you, and three, I, most importantly,” She stopped, helping Lorcán to his feet before putting an arm protectively around the young boy.
“I decide what league I play in,” She retorted, “And it certainly isn’t whatever that display was.”
“House, now.” Aiden interjected, his tone made it clear he wouldn’t repeat himself again as Ryan quickly obliged.
“This isn’t over, babe!” Lance yelled before disappearing into the distance. Aiden watched the older student, his eyes continuing to glow red while Tori helped Ryan and Lorcán into the house.
He had no doubt about one thing, that boy was the worst kind of trouble.
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