Attack on St Maria University
Summer 2021, Week 2
Sunday evening
St. Maria Dorms, City Centre
Storyteller
Isaac had a good night of training, a decent night's sleep, did college age male stuff--minus any of the exciting stuff like going to a party because yanno, Isaac--and enjoyed a pretty peaceful day while DeAndre was at work doing whatever it was he was doing. It was pretty late at night, basically the early morning, when a knock came at his door.Isaac Crysentine
Curious, Isaac got up to open the door. He hadn't made many friends and mostly kept to himself. His dorm room doors had no peephole, so he couldn't see who was knocking. Deciding it was some drunk kid randomly knocking, Isaac opened the door and said: "Sup"Blood Bolt
A heavy fist was apparently what was up, as it smashed into Isaac's face with a loud Thwack. The attacker didn't wait a second, sending another fist into the young man's gut with an amount of force to double him over. Manhandling him like a doll, the attacker picked Isaac up and somehow, he ended up on his bed. The attacker, and the person they were with as apparently they weren't alone, waited for a moment until the voice of a man spoke up. "Hey, man. Shit. Sorry about that. Greg is terrible at introductions, you know? I always say--I tell him all the time, 'Greg, you can't just go meeting people with a punch to the face!' Does he listen to me though? No." Greg, a mountain of a man at least 30 years old, had apparently moved over the desk chair. The speaker, a younger man wearing torn up jeans, a shirt and a leather jacket, too a seat. He had a...unnerving smile. And it wasn't unnerving just because he had broken into Isaac's room. "So, Isaac, it is Isaac right? I mean that's what the door says, and all the deep research we conducted. We conducted deep research, right Greg?" The mountain nodded. "So much research. As in social media, but same thing. Anyways, Isaac, I want to have a chat about you and your future prospects. Someone with a skill set like yours. Well, let's just say I'm interested."Isaac Crysentine
The punch had knocked the wind out of him, literally. He was on the knees on the ground, and all Isaac could feel was pain pulsing through his whole body. What the fuck is going on? "Wha-what do you want? I haven't done nothing to anyone, and I keep to myself."Blood Bolt
"Of course, you haven't done anything wrong Isaac my man, of course not. It's not about that. Believe me, if you had fucked up, we wouldn't have been so nice coming in." The man was talking in a weird sing song fashion with that minorly insane smile never leaving his face. "But see, what I want--what we want actually, my group and me...and I? Is it me or I? Ehh, whatever, we want you to not keep to yourself. You see, Isaac, what we want from you is to add a little fire power to my crew. See what I did there? Did you see? Firepower. Get it? That was good, it was good right Greg?" The towering man gave another nod.Isaac Crysentine
The ringing in Isaac's ears finally stopped, and he could feel his body starting to recover from the initial punches. He was on his bed, but that didn't matter much when he could go airborne if he needed. This guy’s insane. And he's not government, city or state or federal. Or associated with any government for that matter, that much is certain. I don't know who he is, but I'm not scared of him. "I'm assuming you and your crew aren't exactly the friendly type?" Isaac said, getting himself ready to strike once the man responded.Blood Bolt
"Not--" The man let out a startled gasp. "Not friendly? What--Greg! See, I fucking told ya didn't I? When you punch people in the face, they suddenly thing we aren't friendly. I mean--" With a strong grip, the man grabbed Isaac's chin and forced him to look at him. Eyes were wide as his smile stretched his features. "Look at my, Isaac my man. Don't I look fucking friendly to you?" Red sparks danced across his wide eyes as he started to laugh softly before letting Isaac go. "Greg, maybe Isaac needs some more of your friendly interaction before we chat some more."Isaac Crysentine
The instant the man threw Isaac back down onto the bed, Isaac immediately spun around and, with a fire-fueled and propelled kick, aimed for Greg's head. He knew fighting in this confined space was not ideal, especially if he were to be pinned down by these two. Isaac also had no idea if they were both Evos, and if Greg himself was an Evo, then his ability had something to do with physical output, like super strength or heavy-hitting or whatever. Regardless, Isaac couldn't wait any longer, and had to act now. If the kick to Greg's head would work, then he could turn his attention to who appeared to be the leader and bring him down next. "Fuck off."[x1 Minor, -1 EP]
Blood Bolt
Greg, as it would turn out, was an Evo. But he did not have some sort of super endurance that allowed him to take a fiery kick to the face and shake it off. The kick was sloppy, but it was on fire after all, so when it smacked into Greg's face, he let out a grunt of pain and started beating at his burning face. "Oh, that was cute." The leader said, having stepped back as he saw Isaac's telegraphed movement coming up. "Greg, wasn't that cute?" A growl came from the man as his face slowed in its burning, the evidence of his skin healing--albeit slowly--evident already. Small flames started to lick at the walls that were beside Greg when he got roundhouse kicked to the face. Still seated, looking more calm now than insane, the man held an arm out behind him and towards the ceiling light. As he spoke, thin blue lines of electricity shot from the light and to his hand. "Are you sure you want to do this, Isaac my boy? I mean...I was going to hurt you regardless. But this just means I might have to kill you?"Isaac Crysentine
The kid had done less than he had hoped, but he was too far into the situation now to do much. I need to get out of this room, and for that I need to really throw them off. "I don't know who you are, or what the fuck you want, but I'm not joining you. You're not a good person, and you're using your powers to harm others. That's not what the strong should do. The strong should protect the weak, until the weak can become strong themselves and protect the others who may be weak. People like you are why we have to live in the shadows, and I despise that." Isaac noticed the healing on Greg, and the tingles of electricity flowing into the man's hand. Fuck, another elemental. With a determined look, Isaac stared the man dead in the eyes while Greg got himself back together. "I'm going to become a hero one day, but today I'm going to royally sweep your ass." With a quick wave of his hands, Isaac used his left to bring all the flames from the wall onto Greg to set him on fire again, while using his right to project flames onto electricity man. I still don't know his name, damn. Probably should have asked. While he did this, Isaac would make a beeline for the door and into the hallway, turning off all the lights and stopping as much of the flow of electricity as possible. Once in the hallway, he would use his Fire Feet move to project himself down the hallway and to the stairs, where he could ideally take the fight outside. Shit, I need to call the police, or Andre. Andre. Once he got into the stairway, he would start dialing Andre's number, hoping for him to pick up.[x2 Minor, -2 EP]
[x1 Normal, -3 EP]
Blood Bolt
The seated man didn't move as the flames came towards him, knowing--as it happened--that even on fire Greg would toss his already burning body in front of the flames. This did cause the burning healing man to land on the electricity user, temporarily trapping him as Isaac got away. As Isaac left the room, he could hear a "Damnit, Greg, you're going to ruin my favorite pair of jeans."Andre's Home, The Heights
DeAndre Walker
Man this kid likes to call at the weirdest times Andre thought as he shook himself out of sleep and looked at his phone. Picking it up, he answered with a, "Isaac? What's up man."St. Maria Dorms, City Centre
Blood Bolt
The pop of lights could be heard far behind Isaac, as streaks of blue light descended from the ceiling in the darkening end of the hallway as the boy ran. Occasionally, streaks of red lightning would flash past him, well over his head. "Isaac, where are you going buddy? I just want to talk." The man shouted out from the far end of the hall.Isaac Crysentine
"ANDRE. I need you. Come to the dorms. Being attacked. I need you NOW." The sounds of bulbs going out and the man shouting could be heard over the phone, just as Isaac hung up. He managed to make to the end of the hallway, with all the electricity following him. Isaac preemptively launched 3 fireballs down the hall, hoping Greg would at least be immobile from all the fire currently on his body. After this, he would make his way down the stairs and outside, where quite a few people were still out and about from the parties. No good. I got to get them out of here. In an attempt to scare them off, he would launch 4 fireballs in each direction just close enough to scare people off. No point in hiding my powers now if I'm about to throw down. "RUN, EVERYBODY RUN AWAY," Isaac yelled, hoping everyone would disperse the area.[x3 Minor, -3 EP]
Blood Bolt
All three fireballs exploded with a crackle of red light as more lights continued to pop and blue light streaked down. Meanwhile, the people in the hallways and lobby started running, some screaming fire, others watching an Evo launch fire from his fucking hands. A few tried to run up the stairs, only to be met by a sharp crack of red lightning, their twitching bodies falling down the stairs as Bolt made his way past their curled fingers. "Tsk. Should have said excuse me." Finally on the ground floor, Bolt decide to see what this wannabe hero could do. Or what he would do. "Oh, Isaac, I'm dreadfully sorry, but I'm not so sure about going outside. I don't have my coat. So why don't you come join me inside or..." Lightning started to crackle on his fingertips, "I have my fun testing the human limit for voltage on the folks here."[x2 Minor, -2EP]
Isaac Crysentine
Shit. He's got me. Guess the lobby is where we showdown, that's good enough. Bigger space than my room anyway. Isaac stopped at the door, and slowly turned around, his eyes filled with anger and determination. He put his arms to his sides in an aggressive manner, and slowly started to create more and more flames from his hands his arms without projecting them to his foe. "It's summertime dumbass, you don't need a coat." Isaac stepped a few feet closer to his opponent to show he was serious about this. "I won't let you hurt these people. Your fight is with me, leave them out of this."[x1 Basic, -0 EP]
Blood Bolt
The man blinked slowly, and then broke down laughing. He laughed sharply for only a second or so, before locking his flickering red lit eyes on Isaac. "An honest to god wannabe fucking hero. I should have known. Tsk." He shook his head in disgust. "This is a waste of fucking time then. Oh well, I can at least make sure you stay out of my way." His mood switching instantly, from relaxed to a cold, killer like menace, he flicked his hand and shot a bolt of electricity at Isaac. Not even pausing, he leapt from the stairs and rolled rising on his feet to come close to the young man, fists raised as sparks flickered across his fists. He was in an actual fighting stance, trained, professional looking, and as he closed in on Isaac, he throws a well-controlled combo aiming for his face--all untrained fighters guard their face--and then his kidneys.[x1 Minor, -1EP]
Isaac Crysentine
Isaac saw the bolt of electricity, and immediately threw fire at it to counter it. Raw energy against raw energy, I can do this. By the time he managed to counter the electricity, electro man had moved. "Where did he g-" Isaac saw him out of the corner of his vision, coming at him with a ferocity he hadn't expected. His arm was raised to strike him square in the face, and instinctively he raised his hands to cover. It was only when the power of his 2nd fist collided directly with his kidney that Isaac keeled over on the ground again. The force was so powerful he felt like he was seeing double. He barely had the concentration left, so all Isaac could do was resort to his more basic attacks. He waved his hands around him in the direction of where electro man was and unleashed a powerful flame which he manipulated to have an incredibly increased temperature. At the same time, he looked around for any objects around him with a rubber handle he could use as a weapon. Besides him, surprisingly, was an umbrella on the larger end of the spectrum, long enough to be brandished for its intended use. He didn't know if the fire he launched threw electro man back, but he reached for the umbrella regardless in an attempt to pick it up. "Fuck," Isaac barely managed to say. "What's your name, anyway? Electro man?"[x1 Normal, -3 EP]
Blood Bolt
"These cute little fire flares are getting annoying." Bolt said as he stood up, having rolled out of the way from the blast. Brushing embers off his jacket, his skin slightly red from the heat and flames that licked his face before he could completely get out of the way, he started to stride with purpose towards Isaac. As he did, Greg, part of his clothes burned off but looking completely healed, started to lumber down the stairs, death in his eyes looking directly at Isaac. "Where the fuck have you been, taking a shit?" Bolt called out, the two of them boxing in Isaac as Greg kicked the limp bodies out of his way to reach the lobby floor. With a cruel frown, Bolt answered, "It's Blood Bolt, you little shit. Why does no one know my name Greg? We need to get a PR person on--"DeAndre Walker
The man speaking was cut off as a SMASH of one of the big glass windows spanning the lobby's front broke in a shatter and a body flew through it and smashed into Greg, slamming him into the wall. Andre looked tired and wind worn, but he was still able to send a sloppy punch to the big man's face. "What the fuck, Isaac!? Who--" Oh...so this is what being picked up feels like. Was Andre's thought before Greg threw him out another one of the windows onto the ground outside. Lumbering after him as he shook his head, trying to rid himself of the blurry vision.[x2 Normal, -6EP]
Blood Bolt
"Who the fuck--Never mind. Looks like we're back to our tango. Come on, Princess. Give me your best shot. If you have it in you. You're looking a bit tired there."Isaac Crysentine
The fire user smiled viciously at this point, knowing full well his support had arrived. Still, he coughed up blood as he stood up before he spoke to Blood Bolt. "Are you kidding, I can do this all day." Isaac smiled halfheartedly, knowing full well he could not. "Oh, by the way Electro man, Greg is fucked. I think you better start looking for a new personal assistant." His jab finished, Isaac held the umbrella in a fighting stance, adjusting himself to the best of the knowledge he had garnered from movies, TV shows, and video games. He breathed, calmed himself, and looked Blood Bolt dead in the eyes. He let his 2nd power activate, channeling fire through the very core of the umbrella itself and controlling the temperature so as not to melt anything. At the same time, he used his Fire Feet to hover slightly above the ground. "Let’s get back to it then." Without a second thought, Isaac flew himself into the direction of Blood Bolt, his flaming umbrella being brandished like a lightsaber almost, ready to block any lightning. Just as he reached him, he unleashed a powerful slash with the umbrella and a smaller, controlled burst from his other hand in case Bolt tried to dodge.[x3 Minor, -3 EP]
[x1 Normal, -3 EP]
Blood Bolt
Blood Bolt didn't move, except to shake his head. "Kid, you have a lot to learn." As Isaac charged at him, Bolt cloaked his fists in energy. Serious, as he seemed to get when under attack, he used a precise strike upwards against the umbrella as it made its arc and knocked it off course with a collision of raw power, with his other hand met Isaac's flame building one with a crack of energy. Being pushed back by Isaac's fire feet, he dropped his weight, holding onto Isaac's hand and pulling him up and over him, and onto the ground behind him. Rolling over quickly, crackles and pops started at Bolts hands as he brought them together and sent bolts of red lightning that broke into multiple strands at the Isaac. He let out a slight growl as he did this, taking more power but wanting to shut this wannabe hero up. The blast was more powerful than anything he had exhibited thus far.[x2 Minor, x1 Normal, -5EP]
Isaac Crysentine
Pain. That was all Isaac could think at the moment. His whole body was experiencing the purest form of pain. The last 5 seconds once he reached Bolt happened so fast, he had no time to react or even process the events. All he knew is that he was on the floor, writhing from the sheer power of the electricity and close to losing consciousness. Breathe. He could feel the electricity ramping up in its discharge. Every single one of his nerves were screaming from the high amounts of electricity coursing through him. Calm. I'm going to die if I don't do something. All I can feel is pain. I have to do something I have... to.... Isaac could feel his consciousness slipping. With every ounce of energy that was left, and with what little concentration he had at this point, he willed fire to project from 3 key points on his body to ward off as much of the electricity as possible. At the same time, he used the hardwood floor itself to channel fire straight towards Blood Bolt in 3 different directions, hoping it would at least throw him off long enough for this pain he was feeling to cease. Unfortunately, the pain proved to be too much and even with all of this, Isaac was pretty much immobile after these last, futile attacks. He was still conscious, though only barely.[Power 1 x3 Normal, -9 EP]
[Power 2 x3 Normal, -9 EP]
Blood Bolt
Fucking little shit. Bolt thought as he tried to put out the fire all on his clothes. He had to discharge a pulse to block a majority of the attack Isaac had sent at him in the last minute. "Made me use more power than I expected there, Champ. Good try though. You would have made an excellent dog, but you had to go and bite your master." Channeling red energy, he took a few steps towards Isaac, a notable limp from one of his legs that did get sufficiently burned. "When you have a bad dog, you gotta put them down. So, I guess--" Greg flew into the room and landed on the lobby floor with a thump and a groan. Through the shattered window, a beaten, bloody, and exhausted Andre came stepping through.DeAndre Walker
"Hey, shit face. Get away from my friend." Andre said between heavy breaths. That fucking mountain of a man gave him a run for his money. How? He didn't have strength. Healing yeah, but still. The healing was obvious when Andre had broken the man's hand--an act which frightened him at first--that is until the healed hand decked him in the face. After that, Andre focused more on putting the guy down, only to find the mountain was a trained fighter and Andre's strength wasn't enough to overcome whatever moves he threw at him. So then we acted like a flying battering ram. Which gave him enough of a break to repeatedly punch a man in the face and gut with everything he had until he went limp enough to toss him inside. Now, standing there, seeing this red lightning arcing mf'er standing over a twitching Isaac, red started to fill Andre's vision as well. Floating above the ground, ready to charge, he gritted his teeth.Isaac Crysentine
"Beat his ass, Andre," Isaac barely managed to stay before finally slipping from consciousness and falling asleep.Blood Bolt
"Another fucking do-gooder. God it's like you fuckers are multiplying. Do I need to pluck your wings too, little bird? Because I will. Feather plucking is so relaxing." Throwing his hand out, Bolt let loose another stream of electricity, weaker than what he sent at Isaac, but about the power of a taser. It hit Andre in the chest, who spun as he cried out, but still managed to complete the spin and fly forward, slamming into Bolt with an "Oof" from the gangster. "Bad." Fuck his breath was knocked out a bit. "Move." Grabbing Andre's arms, he sent power deep into the man’s body. Andre, screaming in pain, managed to push on a bit of strength to slam the two of them into the far wall. A crack of concrete and the slump of a body, Andre's body, was the sound that came. Bolt struggled to stay standing, spitting out a bit of blood and looking down at the now two limp bodies. "Little--" The sound of sirens and screech of police tires cut him off. A silent swear, he looked over at Greg who was just now standing up. The big man nodded weakly, indicating he was ready to leave. Looking down at the two men, Bolt realized he'd have to take the time to drain more electricity to be sure to finish them off. And that's time he didn't have to waste. "Tsk. Looks like you got lucky there, pups. Next time I'll be sure to finish things." And like that, the man disappeared from the lobby, seemingly headed out the back, as the two men stayed slumped on the ground.Isaac Crysentine
The sound of sirens allowed for Isaac to come to, but only barely. He struggled to get up, with a sense of relief washing over him as he saw no sign of Blood Bolt. The lobby was strewn with immobilized people, most of them simply college students going about their lives. Why the fuck would he do this. Who would do this to someone? Slowly, Isaac stumbled over to Andre's resting place. The wall had a large hole in it, and at its foot was the body of the firefighter. Isaac feared the worst for a second, but with a few shakes and a slap to the face he managed to wake Andre up. "Yo, it's over." He coughed up blood in between his words. "Thank you. The police are coming in, too."DeAndre Walker
Slowly, painfully, he came back to consciousness. "Wh--what?" Looking up, he saw Isaac shaking him. And the sounds of sirens and police outside came to him. Sitting up, he groaned and then gasped. Oh shi--yep, definitely a broken rib. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. With deliberation and caution, he started to stand up. "Yeah, no problem. Listen, let me do the talking, okay? We can chat after this." Then, seeing the bodies on the stairwell, his instincts took over and the pain took a backseat. Moving past Isaac, he rushed over to the group of four bodies on the floor, scattered about like tossed aside trash. As the police came in and started shouting, he raised his voice to a command level. "NVFD, I'm checking the injured here. There were two criminals, one a confirmed Evo. I don't know where they went." A quick, heated exchange took place as Andre checked the pulses of students and the cops shouted at him and Isaac, until finally the Fire Fighter, after failing to find a pulse on two of the students, scream. "TAKE A FUCKING LOOK AT HIM! Obviously, he got attacked like the rest of them, as did I. Now go do your fucking job and let me do mine. We--" He cut off; the words stuck in his throat. "We need EMTs here now. I can't find pulses on two of them. I'll start compressions on one, but I need help."Isaac Crysentine
Isaac dropped to the ground, his knees giving way after an hour of fighting. Why are people like this? Why... why must there be bad in the world? "I'm going to become a hero and stop Bolt no matter what." He muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Andre to hear him but not the officers. Stumbling, Isaac walked over to the two students with no pulse and bowed his head in respect. "I'm sorry for not being able to protect you." He muttered again.DeAndre Walker
The time after that moment flew by. EMT's rushed in and took care of the two still alive, while more took over for DeAndre on the compressions and attempted revival. Though the young man knew it was too late for both of them. Looking at their pained faces, features twisted in agony when they were hit with the shock, he felt something in him start to bend and crack. As the police came over, he quickly told them the story. Two gang bangers had broken into the dorm and attacked people. Isaac called him and he was nearby, so he came quickly to try and help get people out as Isaac did. Then the gangsters came to the lobby and tossed the two around for trying to help and that's when the cops came. When asked about the fire ball thrower, with some cops hinting students had started to report that maybe it was the young man who did it, Andre was quick. "I know one of the gangsters used this red lightning thing. If I had to guess, he was throwing balls or whatever at Isaac as he tried to get people out. Makes sense to take out the person trying to help get your prey to escape, those sick fucks." The Cops seemed to agree with this story, seeing that the young man was well beat up. If he was able to throw fire balls, they all imagined, surely, he wouldn't be so messed up. After that, the Cops started to investigate the scene, gave everyone nearby a card and collected their information, and told them not to leave town for the next week in case they had to call them in for another interview. Limping over to his friend, he set a hand on his shoulder. "You're not staying here for now. Pack a bag, get what you need. I'm going to get my car and we will drive you over to your folks. Stay with them for a few days. Let me get things sorted on my end. After that, we need to have a talk to figure things out. We--You were right Isaac. Apparently, there are people out there who do want us for what we can do."Isaac Crysentine
"Fun fact, half of my room is probably charred or electrocuted. I'll just pack my laptop and some clothes, I'll be back." Isaac said halfheartedly, broken from the events that had transpired. Packing his belongings went quickly, and soon he and Andre were in the SUV, ready to head back. "So... that was one hell of a show." And we got completely sweeped in the process. "I'm sorry for bringing you into this. I should have been able to handle it on my own, but I was just too weak. And thanks for covering for me with the police, I don't know what I would have done if they had found out." He took a pause, looking at Andre. "His name was Blood Bolt, and he can control electricity. He's an elemental, like me. It seemed like he was trying to recruit me, and I'm assuming he has some sort of group behind him that he's creating. Bolt knew a lot about me, and about my powers. I don't know how he found out, but he did. He found me in my dorm room, of all places. Bolt can find me easily with my family. He probably already fucking knows where they are though." Isaac hit his knee in disgust, a few small sparks flying from his hands.DeAndre Walker
"That's exactly why we're heading to them right now. I figured he knew something about you considering you were at your dorms. So, until we can sort things out, we're going to go get your family. You probably need to spend the night there. After that, we need to find them somewhere to stay. They can't--Isaac, we have no idea what's going on but until we do, we gotta make sure people are safe. So, they can crash at my place. I have a spare bedroom and an office I can convert." Cruising down the road at maybe just over the speed limit, Andre had to focus on not breaking his steering wheel as he drove. "You're not alone in this. Not anymore. He saw my face too. If he can find you, he can find me considering I'm a bit more public. But at least if we're all at my place we're a bit safer until we can come up with a better plan." The images of the two dead students flashed through his mind, and Andre gritted his teeth. "He just--killed them. Like it was nothing, they were just there. Either he meant it or used his powers like an idiot, but I know electrical burns when I see them, and they were on their chests....right next to their hearts." Shaking his head slowly as he made a turn, his voice was softer now. "I think it's clearer to me why people are scared of us. All that power, and no fear. Fucking monster."Isaac Crysentine
Isaac sat back, nodding slowly in agreement with Andre. "Yea... ok, ok. We should do that." He reclined the chair and let out the deepest of breaths, utterly exhausted from the last 24 hours. The fire user sat in silence, listening to everything Andre had to say. "It's clearer to me too. Ever since society outlawed people like us, there have been no heroes. No one to stop people like Bolt. No one to save people in the most desperate of times." Isaac sighed, looking at his hands. "I wasn't kidding when I said I want to be a hero. This just cements that. I'm going to get stronger, and I'm going to protect society from people like Bolt. And I'm taking his motherfucking ass down." "Oh, one more thing, can we stop at one of those weapons stores on the way home? There's something I want to buy. Not a gun, but something I think would be useful."DeAndre Walker
He didn't say anything as they made their way to one of those all-in-one Pawn Shops. The drive took about 20 minutes, and both of them sat with only their thoughts. Pulling into the parking lot of the shop, the kind that takes only cash and sells everything. When he put the SUV in park, he looked at Isaac, seriousness in his eyes. "We almost died today, Isaac. Two people did die. You get that? Two people had their lives stripped away from them, and we couldn't do shit about it. If a whole fleet of cops didn't show up, it would have been four dead, or god knows how many more. This isn't a game." His voice was filled with emotion, but it didn't rise in volume. Andre wasn't yelling at his friend, as he made clear as he continued. "And I didn't think of that. When you said you wanted to be a hero before I took it as a joke. Like when I watched Titan on the news or something and threw on a cape. But I--I get your passion now. I can save people from a fire. That's just an un-thinking force I can navigate around and stuff. A person, as twisted inside as someone like Bolt? They only respond to two things. Force and fear." "I can't just do that though, you know? I want to stop people like him, yes. But it can't be only that I think. I--I think I'm going to apply to be an AERI. I want to--inspire people too, you know?" Andre got quite as his hands gripped the steering wheel, thoughts racing. "That said, I'm also going to help you stop that son of a bitch. To do that, we have to be smart. We have to train, in more than just powers. That big dude fucked me up without strength because he had karate skills or some shit. Bolt beat both of our asses. We need to be smarter, more skilled, more powerful. Then maybe we can do something about it. Otherwise....otherwise it'll just end up with more bodies on the ground."Talos, City Centre
Isaac Crysentine
Isaac nodded solemnly, acknowledging everything Andre said. I know he's right. And I know this isn't a game. Hell, I almost died today. But that's why I have to do this. "You're right. Personally, I don't want to work for in a situation like that. I would feel too controlled, too confined. I understand working on my own morals can be dangerous, but I like to think I know what's right. I want to inspire people too, but I also don't want to be sitting behind a desk for the next part of my life, toiling away at media showings or doing it for publicity. I'm becoming a hero to save people who keep to themselves, who want nothing more than to go about their lives in peace and tranquility. And that's why we're here," Isaac said, pointing at the pawn shop. "C'mon, let's go." Once inside, Isaac immediately got drawn to the weapons section. There, utilities and tools of all types were on display. Tools that once waged wars across the world and cost the lives of millions. Not anymore. Never again. Slowly, he leaned over the counter, and found roughly what he was looking for. "Excuse me! Could I buy this, please?" The weapon he pointed to was none other than a beautifully ornate katana. The steel was pure silver, with the classic slightly darker shade of gray bled around the inside of the blade. The sheath was made of metal, and the hilt had the classic makeup of ray-skin, cloth, wood, and even some rubber. While it wasn't fireproof, Isaac could make some modifications later. The color scheme was to his style, too. Black on the hilt with red streaks and ribbons, perfect for a fire user. "What do you think?" He asked Andre.
DeAndre Walker
Looking at the sword, then Isaac, then the sword again, he blandly asked, "Do you even know how to use this thing, or are you just trying to be a fiery Samurai?" He laughed and shook his head before looking around at what was there. Nothing called out to him, nor should it, considering his own powers. But he understood why Isaac would want something to make the kid feel more secured. The issue was kid is going to get himself killed. Andre had a lot of thinking to do. He understood what Isaac was saying but didn't entirely agree to it. "One person can't make all the decision, Isaac. That's what Ragnarok did. I know you're not him. You are a good person. But going it alone and calling shots as you deem fit? Let's...let's get through the night and both think on it. I can't say I disagree with what you're saying. But I also want to find out more about the AERI program. Maybe it's like being a Firefighter or a Cop, and I can promise you neither of those involve a lot of desk-sitting. Maybe it is just a media show." Setting a large hand on his friend’s shoulder, he did say clearly. "But you're not doing this alone, got it? I'm not losing my flaming samurai sword friend because he went off halfcocked and alone."Isaac Crysentine
Smiling, he gave a small life. "I don't know about a fire samurai; I don't want to take a people's culture. If we are gonna talk about personas, though... " he drifted off in thought, slowly. "I like the name Inferno. Has a nice ring to it. As for a singular personal calling all the shots, well, that won't be the case. I'll have you with me, consulting and all." Isaac gave a sly smile, feeling better with his new weapon. I'm going to make this my focus for now. Using this as a weapon until I can make my powers strong enough to do damage on their own. Until then, I'll build my training and fighting around this. Afterwards, I'll use it just as a utility. "Well, you wanna head back?"DeAndre Walker
"We are not giving ourselves superhero names right now." DeAndre said with the first actual laugh he had since all this started. He got in the SUV and started it up. "Yeah, let's head back so we can start getting a handle on everything. There's a lot we need to do." And a lot he needed to do. Isaac looked like he had some sort of plan, if a bit optimistic in his opinion. Andre had a plan too, and it was a simple one. Get strong enough so that I can save everyone.St. Maria University
Paige Nelson
'Fuck I'm bored. What the hell am I supposed to do here?? I don't know anyone. They're probably looking for me by now, but to hell with it. They'll decide soon enough I'm more trouble than I'm worth and then I'll be out of here and hopefully I can swing it to go back to Alexandria. At least there I-' Just then a cold washed over her. She got goosebumps all over and shivered, wrapping her arms across her stomach. She started looking around. 'What the fuck was that?! It's summer! What the hell is wrong with this place?! Ugh. Might as well head back.' But that's when she saw them. Two figures were running towards her. They looked... off... but she figured they were strung out students or some shit. Paige shouted at them before they got too close. "Yo, fuck off. I don't have anything for you." They didn't answer and just running heading her way. "Seriously. Fuck. Off. I don't have time for this shit tonight." Now they were close enough that she realized she could... no, nah, that wasn't happening. She couldn't see through them. That was too weird. But the looks on their faces were of pure terror. "Hey, uh... what the fuck is wrong with you? Someone after you or some shit?" They stopped running a few feet from her. 'Shouldn't they be panting from running like that?' The guy started talking first. "Get out of here, kid! We just left the dorms. Some guys are attacking and blowing the place up. They shot fire and electricity around like it was nothing." The girl on the right spoke up. "Yeah, it was seriously insane. You don't want to be here if they come back by, okay? Get yourself somewhere safe." "Okay, sure. I was just about to leave anyway." But as she looked at them, she realized they had scorched places on their clothes. "Uh, are you guys alright?" The guy answered, "Yeah, just get out of here. Go!" She just shrugged and turned around, heading for the station.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
June 27, 2021
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