Uncle Ben Moment. RIP Mr. Miyagi.
Summer 2021, Week 3
Saturday evening
Akira Kakimoto's Home, Lakeview
Isaac Crysentine
It was a semi-cloudy Saturday evening, and the whole city was raving about the concert held in the Octavium the night before. Xander Knight and his band put on a great hit, but Isaac wasn't too interested in that. He had spent Tuesday and Wednesday night training with Mr. Akira with Friday being spent on meditation and control over his powers, with a few quick practices of the hand-to-hand his teacher had started to teach him the two days prior. It was Wednesday night when the old teacher offered to the young student an opportunity to have dinner with him and maybe even his granddaughter. Isaac was pretty satisfied with his work this week, and he felt confident enough that he could go out on patrol without feeling he would mess up. Guess it's a good time to have dinner with the old man. Time flew, and he stood under the patio of Kakimoto, clouds holding their greyness over the vast , still city. Knock, knock, knock.Akira Kakimoto
Kakimoto got up from his recliner chair and opened the door for his dear student. He was dressed in plain, simple comfort clothes. "Isaac, welcome welcome! Come in, come in. I made dinner today, very good, a lot of great food. The recipes were handed down in my family. I hope you will enjoy." Excitingly, he led the boy to the dinner table with a lot of food already on display. Traditional Japanese cooking and cuisine filled the length of the furniture, with a few sodas thrown into the mix for the fire user. "Come, eat, eat your heart out. My granddaughter will arrive soon." Mr. Akira sat down as well, feeling a sense of happiness that he has at least someone in his life who is willing to spend time with him.Satsuka Nishiyama
It had been a few weeks since she’d been over to visit with her grandfather. Their last encounter had been full of hurtful and angry words, most of it coming from her side. The fight had been over her voicing her desire to change her major in Uni; fickle girl. Granted she only had a year left before graduating and her grandfather was helping with some expenses, but still… When am I going to be able to be in charge of my own life? I’m not a child anymore. Ah, the rebelliousness of youth. The stubborn not-child had been standing on the porch for a few moments, sullenly staring at the door, and deciding on whether or not to go in and face the music. But food. God, she missed his cooking. It had been too long that’d she had been away, having to rely on take-out and food from the school. The thought of his cooking was the siren call that had her pulling the door open, feet shuffling across the threshold as she stepped in. Her voice calling out a greeting, tone aiming for carefree and happy. Maybe he's forgiven her already; she hoped so. “Grandfather, it’s Satsuka! Is food ready?”Isaac Crysentine
The ramen on Isaac's chopsticks fell back into the bowl as he stared blankly at the person who walked through the door. You've got to be fucking kidding me. Slowly, he put his chopsticks down, unsure as to what to say. "Uh.... hi?" With a quicker glance, he turned to his teacher and without speaking, he pleaded with his eyes. "Is this actually your granddaughter?" Is what Isaac's eyes were saying.Akira Kakimoto
The man smiled when his granddaughter walked through the door. "Satsuka, come, welcome, oh how have I missed you." He moved to give his granddaughter the biggest hug, his step quick and quiet. "I have taken on a student to teach his powers, as I have taught you your own powers. While yours was energy, the young man's is fire. His name is Isaac, but I call him Young Isaac." Kakimoto pointed to the fire user, who he realized was now completely dumbfounded and shocked at everything that was being said. "Did I say something wrong?" Akira glanced, confusingly.Satsuka Nishiyama
There was a moment, probably somewhere in the middle of that warm and loving hug, where Satsuka had felt apologetic and ready to make amends. Ready to own up to her harsh words and stupid actions. Ready to let her grandfather know that she had mulled over his wise words and decided that he had indeed been correct in saying she was acting rash and needed to think things over. That she was going to stick with her major ‘til the end. That all ended when he introduced her to the other person. A familiar face that was sitting at her grandfather's table. Their table. Trash eater. “Oh fu-- what is he doing here?!” An accusing question was leveled at the both of them, but an evil glare was firmly fixed upon Isaac. Promises of pain and death in that look.Isaac Crysentine
"What are you doing here? I had no idea you were Mr. Akira's granddaughter!" The question was more rhetorical and less of an actual question, meant to completely encapsulate Isaac's disbelief at the revelation. What... I was talking to her the whole time? He thought back to the conversation at the Dining Hall and how insignificant he thought the whole thing was. "I was invited here, I'm really sorry. I had no ide- was I going to be interrupting something? Oh god." Isaac started freaking out slightly, worried that this girl might actually flip. "And you have powers? What?!"Akira Kakimoto
Kakimoto felt like the situation was starting to spiral out of control, and he visibly saw the distress of his student and the anger in his granddaughter. "Satsuka, please, take a seat. We can talk about this. Young Isaac is good student and friend. You two would be great friends! Two Evos, making way in the world." The old man took a seat, beckoning for his granddaughter to sit as well. "Please, Satsuka. I forgive you for all. Anger and hate are not meant to exist in the hearts of man. Only love and family. Please, take a seat."Satsuka Nishiyama
And just like that, the woman’s temper flared to life. She didn’t even know what to be pissed off about either. That her grandfather just casually dropped the fact that she had powers to a complete stranger or that he was saying they could be friends, like she was some child and he was setting her up on a play date. Delicate features twisted into a defiant scowl, and she moved away from her grandfather, her fists clenching at her sides. “You forgive me?” Or that. She could be angry at that. “Forgive me for what? For having a mind of my own and wanting to do things my way? Is that it? For not fitting into the perfect little mold of rainbow and fucking butterflies that-- All I have is anger and hate in my heart. I'm not her. I'm not my mother." There had been a tremor in her voice, anguish in her last words and angry tears in her eyes. That is, until she noticed that Isaac was still present. The woman, absolutely mortified to have had a tantrum with another present, immediately stormed out of the house, the door slamming behind her. Where she was going? Fuck if she knew, but she wasn't staying here.Akira Kakimoto
The old man stayed seated, watching his granddaughter storm off in anger. Defeated, he put his head in his hands, and let out a tear or two before turning back to his student. "Young Isaac, I apologize that you had to see this. Ever since her mother and father passed away, she's been troubled. I have done everything I can to help, but she is too hurt by all that has happened in her life." Solemnly, Akira reached for a sushi roll he had made himself. "We will be having a lot of leftovers, but please feel free to eat as much as you'd like right now."Isaac Crysentine
Two hours passed, and by this time the scattered clouds had formed a cohesive grey sheet. The wind was starting to pick up, and the weather apps began to issue severe thunderstorm warnings. It was as if the whole of New Victoria was collectively holding its breath. It was the calm before the storm. Isaac, cluelessly and out of complete shyness after what had happened, devoured a solid third of the food his teacher had prepared. He saw Mr. Akira eat a third himself, leaving almost a perfect third for what was supposed to be a third guest. The time was coming for Isaac to leave, and Kakimoto let him take half of everything that remained. "Share with friends and family, Isaac. Treasure them all. Love and happiness above all else." The old man gave his young student a warm, hardy hug. "We train again next week. Bring your sword, I might be able to teach you a thing or two." Mr. Akira gave a half-hearted smile. "And remember, with great power comes great responsibility." He gave a wink to Isaac, "Read that in comic book." Isaac thought through all of this as he walked away, hauling the large amount of food in his backpack. As he was walking down the block, the first drops of rain started to fall. The storm had come.Storyteller
Two minutes after Isaac had departed, before the loneliness of an empty house could be felt by the kind and wise Akira Kakimoto, a soft series of knocks came to the door. Most likely Young Isaac, having forgotten something or a question popping into his head he just had to ask. As the knock came, seconds after, a clap of thunder rolled across the city.Akira Kakimoto
Kakimoto got up from his recliner chair, unsure as to what his student could have forgotten. I'm sure I saw him take everything. With a slow walk, he reached the door and looked through the peephole. All he saw was a man in a hoodie, wearing nothing that Isaac wore. His features were covered, but the kindness of Akira's heart and the willingness to try and do better for people like his granddaughter took over. Not hesitating any longer, the teacher opened the door to the man standing in front of him. "Hello, do you need anything? Are you hurt? I can help you if needed." Seeing him now without the peephole made Akira feel like something was off, and he kept his hand behind him ready to bend the water falling down from the sky should the situation arise.Blood Bolt
The man's body started to tremble. It was a man, that much could be deciphered from the stance of figure in the hoodie with hidden features. Glancing over his shoulder as if looking for something in worry, the man spoke quickly almost as if in a panic. "I--I didn't know what to do. I didn't know where--" The figure slumped lower as the weight of whatever situation he was in settled on him, raising his hand slowly to remove his hood as the other was held out to show it was free of anything. "I'm so sorry, sir, I didn't mean to disturb you in the middle of the night. I guess it's best to start from the beginning. I--" The man slumped once more, his body shaking. But not in fear. A lightning bolt came down from the sky in a brilliant show of white-blue light, striking the man center mass as the light slowly turned from blue to red. The ambient light served to illuminating wide red eyes and an overly broad and toothy smile under the hood. The sharp laugh was drowned out by the roar of thunder that tore the air around them, and the following words barely could be heard. "Awh, shit. I'm sorry, Gramps, but I just couldn't keep that up anymore. I do need something from you though." Red veins of energy coursed from where he was struck and down Bolt's arms as he spoke with more authority than anyone living had ever heard. "I need you to die." From his hands, Lucius released the entire force of a lightning bolt into the older man. All this occurring mere moments after the strike and disorientation from the thunder.[x1 Strenuous, -15EP (25/40)]
Akira Kakimoto
Akira went flying back into his home, the whole thing happening too fast for him to even react with his water. Why... why must the world be like this? Was all he could think. With barely an ounce of life left in him, all he could do was barely voice his dying question. "....W.....h....y...?" He could feel his muscles failing, and his sense of touch was fading. His vision was getting blurrier, and his hearing was getting deafer and deafer. But the one thing he could still sense was the assailant walking over, leaning over him and almost listening to what he had to say before he died. "I'm dying. This is it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything.... I'm sorry... Satsuka...." Akira Kakimoto let out his last breath, his last words hanging in the air, a question that only the cruelest of gods and worst of deities could only ever hope to answer.Blood Bolt
Tapping the man with the tip of his boot, Bolt looked over his shoulder as a shadow blocked the dim light coming from outside. "Pretty sure the fucker is dead, Greggy Boy. Job well done." Walking around the kitchen, Bolt found a bowl of some partly eaten food and started digging in with just his fingers. "Wonder if the fiery wonder will get the message. Maybe we should make a sign. I'm thinking pink one black."Greg
The bodyguard walked in and said, "The boy will probably come back. Likely he saw that."Blood Bolt
"And your point is, tall, scary, and handsome?"Greg
"That you just used a lot of power to finish him off, and I'd rather not take the risk." Greg said in a no-nonsense fashion.Blood Bolt
Pausing, almost believing it was a challenge. Bolt shrugged. "Yeah, suppose that’s fair. Besides, it's more fun to let him rot in it for a bit. Let the lesson sink in. Let it sink in deep. But first--" Bolt walked over to a desk and rummaged around in it for a moment, before taking a piece of paper and a pen and writing down something before standing up. "And done. That'll do, Donkey. That'll do." Walking out the door, leaving it open to the elements, Bolt looked over at Greg. "I'm thinking Tacos, sound good to you? I mean, it's not Taco Tuesday, but still."Storyteller
On the body, right over the seared hole of burned flesh, was a note.I told you I'd be back. Next up is your family. Flame On Kiddo. P.S. Tell Sashimi, Sooka, I don't know, whoever, the old man said wassup before he died. Love, Bolt.On the bottom of the note was an arrow with the words underneath saying, "turn over". On the back side of the note, written in elegant script, was another arrow saying, "turn over."
Isaac Crysentine
The fire user was 3 blocks down when he saw the literal bolt of lightning crashed down on the neighborhood. "What? Why was there a bolt..." his voice trailed off, Isaac's eyes widening as he realized the lightning crashed in the direction of Mr. Akira's house. "What the fuck." Isaac immediately dropped all his bags and let the fire from his Fire Feet burn through his shoes as he accelerated down the block. Please let him be ok, please let him be ok, please let him be ok. He wasn't hearing any more signs of struggle, and soon he was at his late teacher's doorstep. The door was left wide open, and the neighbors were coming out to see what had happened due to the lightning bolt. Isaac didn't care at this point and used his Fire Feet to land somewhat aggressively on his teacher's lawn. Doing a small tumble, the college student dashed inside yelling "MR. AKIRA!" What Isaac saw when he walked through the door.... well, he didn't know where to start. The ground beneath him was charred, with small embers creeping up on the edge of the wooden floor. As Isaac's eyes followed the path of destruction across the home, tears began to swell in his eyes. No, please god no, no no no. Isaac ran towards the motionless, charred body laying coldly on the floor. The eyes were left wide open, and his hands were left outstretched. People began crowing around the entrance of the apartment and looked on in horror as they saw the boy crying over the lifeless body of the old man. Isaac could barely see it through the tears, but out of the corner of his vision he saw the note left by the madman. With a hand shaking full of anger, sadness, and desperation, Isaac reached for the note. He read it carefully, and all it did was fuel his emotions even more. He could feel the room getting visibly warmer, but he calmed himself slightly before flipping the note over and then back again. "My family. MY FAMILY." Isaac jumped back up, prepared to fly, but he didn't know how quickly he could get there. Dammit, what do I do, what do I do. Isaac stood motionless, frozen, the tears still falling down his cheek. He saw the people standing by the door, looking at him in awe. "Call the police. Call everyone." He looked back at his teacher and got down to his knees. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." Was all Isaac could say, over and over again for two minutes. Finally, he took out his phone and dialed Andre's number. "Please.... please pick up."[x1 Normal, -3 Ep]
Phone Call
To Andre"Come on, please, pick up, please, please pick up."
DeAndre Walker (Victory)
Picking up the phone. "Isaac, what’s up man? It's pretty late. I doubt you started another fire."Isaac Crysentine
"Get to my family, NOW. I don't have time to explain but just get there and protect them, please. Please, that is all I want." Isaac hung up the phone, the wind whooshing in the background as the call ended. After the phone call, Isaac stuffed the phone into his pocket and looked back at the scene. Sirens could be heard in the distance, but a feeling of hope was not what came. Dread was all that formed. The tears hadn't stopped either, and all he could think off was the last 2 weeks of training with his teacher. He thought to moments after they finished sparring, staring at the night sky and the endless, vast space above. The memories of the dinner itself, the vast amounts of food and the many stories Mr. Akira told Isaac about his past life and the war with Ragnorak all came to the forefront. What he remembered most was the gentle old smile of a kind, tired man who has seen too much and experienced far too much for any one lifetime. "You were my second father," Isaac choked, letting the tears fall down his cheeks again. He crouched down, putting his hands behind his head and just letting the rivers of sadness flow from his eyes. The people kept watching from the doorway, but all were somber in their expressions and looked down in mourning. "And you were one of my best friends," Isaac barely managed to say, looking down at the charred body of his lost friend. With a heavy hand, he closed the eyes of his fellow Evo, and crossed his arms on his chest and closed his hands. "Be at peace, Mr. Akira." The sirens had finally arrived, and the police were completely shocked at the scene. It took some convincing and showing of identification and paperwork, but Isaac managed to prove to the police he was Inferno and, yes, Blood Bolt killed his friend. Soon, the scene was closed off, and the neighbors were all dispersed back to their homes. An hour had passed since the attack, and Isaac was left standing motionless in front of the cordoned off crime scene. He couldn't cry any more than he already did - all that was left was frozen sadness. But something inside of him grew hotter and hotter by the minute. This feeling of undeniable anger, of a complete fiery fury he had never felt before in his life. The air around Isaac got visibly warmer, until soon his skin was dangerously hot to the touch. "Bolt is going to fucking pay for what he's done." Not wanting to risk his energy be expended, Isaac dashed to the subway and made his way to HQ. "He's fucking going down tonight."DeAndre Walker (Victory)
Text Message
To: IsaacOn my way. Text or call me when you can explain.
Isaac Crysentine
Text Message
To: AndreBring them to HQ. They're safer here. And get ready. We're doing this tonight.
DeAndre Walker (Victory)
Text Message
To: IsaacGot it. I'm with them now. Be there in under an hour.
Henry, The Wards
Blood Bolt
The car ride back was peaceful. Vanilla cone in hand, Bolt slid his tongue over the ice cream--with jimmies mind you--as he looked at his phone. The first text was from Dennis. Can't get to them. Victory is there. The. Fuck. A rapid back and forth ensued.Text Message
To: Dennis Say again?Text Message
To: Blood Bolt Victory is here, Boss, watching the family.Text Message
To: Dennis Why the fuck--Dennis, are you high? I told you no pixie dust and flying off to Neverland when I need you to kill someoneText Message
To: Blood Bolt Nah Boss. Well, okay, yes, but I know what I saw. Dude flew over here like a rocket and landed. What should I do?Text Message
To: Dennis Fuck me donkey style. Fall back. They get to live another day. Well that just ruining his night. Thank Greg for ice cream though. Why would Victory be at the family's house though? That was a question for sure. That meant the little brat found the note. This brought a smile to Bolt's face until he frowned and sent a series of texts to Paula in curiosity. That turned into confirmation. There was a member of the AERI team codenamed Inferno. Not spotted in public, but apparently a fire user. That sonofabitch. Denies me just to play for the other team. Well, either that or the kid called AERI and there just happens to be another fire user. Not exactly far out there. Either way, AERI is likely involved now. That just ruins all my fun. Taking out his phone again he texted the 'Queen of Hearts'Text Message
To: Queen of Hearts Hey, I need to fuck up AERI.Text Message
To: Blood Bolt No.Text Message
To: Queen of Hearts But I have to get back at this punk kid. Let me have some fun.Text Message
To: Blood Bolt I said no.Text Message
To: Queen of Hearts Well maybe I don't like what you said.Text Message
To: Blood Bolt Are you testing me?Text Message
To: Queen of Hearts Mayhaps.Text Message
To: Blood Bolt Listen, Lucius. I keep getting reports about rises in killings and other events that is bringing a lot of heat towards me. You know how I feel about that. I'm already this close to ending your annoying existence, so be a good little dog, sit down, and stay the fuck out of trouble. No AERI, no more killings, nothing. I want you to go underground until this blows over. Do you understand? Lucius looked at his phone, the joy of ice cream and tonight's events fading away as he did. Nearby, in the sky above, the lightning roiled, and thunder rolled.Storyteller
As the car pulled up to a seemingly abandoned building, Greg hopped out and waited to hear Bolt's door close. Once it did, he locked it and started to make his way to the door before he stopped and turned to noticed Bolt standing in the rain looking up at the sky.Greg
"Boss? You want to head inside?"Blood Bolt
The flash of lightning in the sky above sent his heart racing each time he saw it. Almost like his body was calling for the energy, yearning for that power. "Greg my boy. I was thinking, I think I want to give this City something back for all the great things it’s done for me. All the fun times and amazing memories of my youth."Greg
"What do you want to give back to it?"Blood Bolt
"I want to give it its AERI team, heads wrapped up with a cute little bow, and I want to set it on the mayor’s doorstep. I want to that ember of hope these fucking normies cling to like cats to catnip and snuff it out."Greg
"But...Dall--"Blood Bolt
Twisting around with the snap of electricity from his eyes, "WHAT ABOUT DALLAS!? You think I should answer to that little bitch, sit in my corner like a good fucking dog! Is that it, Greg! IT THAT WHAT YOU THINK I SHOULD FUCKING DO!?" Streetlights popped as the thunder above them roiled as the storm seemed to grow more intense.Greg
Greg took a step back. Fear, something he hadn't felt concerning Bolt coming up at the outburst. What is going on with him. Before, he was fine. Yeah crazy, but his normal self. Sometime in the car that had changed. The persona of relaxed indifference replaced by the old Lucius, the one who fought and killed every petty gangster who stepped up to him. "N-no, Boss. I was just wondering--"Blood Bolt
"Leave the thinking to me, Greg. You're just supposed to stand there, look pretty, and take a bullet for me when needed. Thinking isn't in your job description." Bolt snapped, the red light fading down to a reasonable level as he breathed out. "Now call everyone. I want them here, now, with as much heat as they got. I enjoyed that concert yesterday and it inspired me to put on a little show of my own."Storyteller
"Y-yes, it has to be him. I saw red lightning and he--he killed two people! Please you have to help, send--oh, oh my god I think he--" A crack of lightning sounded, and the phone line went dead. The 911 Operator kept asking. "Miss, Miss." To no avail. Turning to dispatch, she relayed the reports of a Bolt sighting in Henry, active an on the move with two potential KIAs. As was normal procedure at the moment, the Police sent two cruisers to confirm with intentions to confirm the sighting and call the AERI team. It was all new to the NVPD, outsourcing a response, and it was fair to say the four officers in the cruisers didn't feel like calling in outsiders to help them.Blood Bolt
"Did they buy it?"Storyteller
"Yeah, I think so. I make a pretty good actress, dontcha think?" Paula said with a grin. "Betcha $10 they don't even call for backup off the bat, thinking they want all the glory to themselves."Blood Bolt
"Let's hope on it. Get ready. The opening act will be starting soon."AERI HQ, Victoria Field
Isaac Crysentine
With a fiery of a thousand suns, Isaac burst through the doors under the large "Universal Supply" sign and bluntly hit the elevator button for the main floor of the HQ. He had contacted Andre and the rest of the team, and ideally, they would all be arriving soon. As the doors opened, Isaac saw some staff meandering about, enjoying the rainfall that had descended on New Victoria with the occasional bolt of lightning. How can they fucking be calm? "Get me the Chief. Get me every single precinct of NVPD, now. And get all of the team's utility support and medical staff ready. This is urgent, necessary, and needs to fucking be done now." He knew he was being unfair and unjust for simply barking at the staffers, but he didn't have time to worry about that right now. I'm more worried about bringing this asshole to justice. With the look of pure flames in his eyes and his body tangibly radiating heat, Isaac took a seat at what was his assigned seat, waiting for everyone else to arrive. Please, for the love of god, tell me Andre will bring my family back ok. They've been through enough.Sloane Whittier
The woman showed up in a black silky camisole and matching shorty shorts with basic bitch flip flops. Her black and purple hair was thrown into a messy ponytail, and she had a stylish backpack slung over her shoulder. Dodging through the staffers buzzing all over, she walked to Isaac's desk. "I swear, not a word about the outfit. I figured it would be easier to changer here." She yawned and rubbed her eyes. "You didn't give many details on the phone. You okay? What's going on? Or are we waiting for everyone? Where do you need me?"Roslyen Van Steele
The gods themselves would be held to pay for whoever dared wake up the Pop Queen from her damn beauty sleep. Having the concert the night before left her drained. Having been sleeping when her manager informed her of the information, she had to go and go now. They would hear her before she arrived. The roar of her bike echoing through the silent streets. Having managed to toss on clothes that weren't covered in glitter, makeup, or sweat. She tossed her keys towards a police officer rushing into the building. "Park this. Don't scratch it." She barely growled wondering where she could find some coffee. Pushing into the building doors, she most likely ran over a few staff walking towards the elevator. When the door popped open, she had managed to wipe a smile on her face and toss her platinum blonde hair up in a reasonable bun. Her ear was to a cell phone arguing with Tina, her manager. "No, I don't know what’s going on. Yes, I was told we need everyone… No, the national guard is not needed... Currently… Does this city even have one?" She paced over to her seat at the table leaning back as she finally remembered she actually had to tie her own shoes. "Isaac what’s going on?"Isaac Crysentine
The fire user watched the two ladies enter the room, along with a handful of firefighters Where the fuck is the Chief, and where is Andre? He knew it was 11 pm at this point, and everyone was settling into their nightly routines. But by god did they need to get their asses here yesterday. He kept quiet, dead serious when the two of them asked Isaac questions about what was going on. "Get your teams, uniforms, support staff, anything. It's fucking going down tonight." His eyes were full of sorrow and rage, and his head was swirling with so many thoughts and emotions one could not pinpoint an exact, cohesive idea.Sloane Whittier
Her face grew more somber listening to the tone in his voice. "Okay, Isaac. We'll get it figured out. I'm going to go get ready downstairs. Shout for me when everyone's here and then you can give us the details of what happened tonight. Just yell real loud in your head. I'll hear you." She put a hand on his shoulder. "We've got your back, okay?" Not waiting for a response, she went down to the suites to get dressed and take a power nap. Thank god for naps.Chief Butler
The Chief stepped off the elevator, holding his new mug, as Sloane was heading down. Coffee was definitely needed at this hour, even more than normal. The two nodded to each other.Sloane Whittier
'It's bad, isn't it Chief?'Chief Butler
'It's bad. He's gonna need y'all tonight. You're going to have to make sure he doesn't get himself killed. I've seen plenty of good men with much more experience than him get too focused on revenge and lose their way.'Sloane Whittier
She slid past him and into the elevator. 'Yes sir. I'll be back. Gotta get changed.'Chief Butler
The Chief continued on into the main HQ. He said hello to each of the staff that he passed. He prided himself on always getting to know their names at the very least, but usually he could recall their personal details as well. Tonight wasn't a night for chit chat, though. He made his way over to Isaac. "Son, I stopped by the police headquarters first. Sarge is getting everything organized there. We're putting everyone on standby that we can. I've spoken with the Mayor and I'll be keeping her updated as we go forward. She will do whatever she can to assist us as well. We have a lot of resources at our disposal."Roslyen Van Steele
Rosy was still on her phone, though now her tone was far less joyful. Talking to her manger, she was organizing all she could. Having staff rushed this way - from nurses to clothing to waking up her PR lady. They would all be adding to the swarm of first responders within the hour. As the chief walked in, she stood up and snapped her phone shut. "Done. Do we have a location? Staff’s on the way. Hospital has been warned to expect a possible MCE. Anything I’ve missed?"Isaac Crysentine
"Thank you, Chief. Keep me updated, we're still waiting on Andre and Luna. Everyone's getting ready, and I'm gonna go get my sword and my suit on soon. Just need to make sure everyone's here first." He thought back to the kind words Sloane had said to him just before she went downstairs, feeling slightly better knowing the team has his back. "We don't have a location, but we can talk specifics once everyone is here."Luna | Mecha Loli
The elevator opens and a young girl comes sprinting out of it, dodging the staff as she makes her way straight into the meeting room where she comes to a halt. Out of breath, she does her best to speak up through her panting. "I ran here... as fast... as I could... What's happening...? Is everyone... okay...?" Immediately following her attempt at communication, she pulls a bottle of water out of her backpack and chugs the entire thing in less than 5 seconds.Alexander King
Receiving a call in the middle of the storm so soon after his training wasn't something the white-haired boy was entirely expecting, but heedless he'd thrown on a sweatshirt and some running pants to begin the long, winding trek from bus stop to bus stop to inevitably arrive of Aeri HQ right on Luna's heels. It was only a few minutes after her arrival did he come barreling inside while dripping from the storm beyond. "Hey guys! I'm not late, not at all... What's up?" He asked, huffing and puffing as he looked over everyone gathered in the meeting room currently.DeAndre Walker (Victory)
The doors opened with a ding. Having taken Isaac's family directly to the suite floor to get settled--and keep them out of the operations center--Andre took it back up a floor to the main room. Stepping out of the elevator, Andre arrived in the main room full of chaotic running about and looking for stations. Fingers to his lips, he let out a sharp whistle that pierced the ambient noise. The room slowed as eyes turned to him in his newly dyed black and gold uniform that he just had time to get back today. Modeled after the blue EMR suit he had found, he had a tailor customize the colors and fit. "You either act calmly or you can leave. Panicking doesn't do anything for anyone. Station leads, I need a report on our situation in 15 minutes." Stepping through the room as the murmuring, a bit more controlled, started, he was stopped before getting to the conference room. 'The Chief is in there as well, Victory.' A new staffer told him. One of the few who must have been pre-set to come in tonight. They were still very undermanned, but the room had about a dozen people set to working, mostly associated with the Police rather than AERI controlled. "Thanks." Stepping into the main room, he saw the Chief, Isaac, and Roslyen around the main table. "Evening Chief, I'm surprised to see you here." Turning to the room, he asked clearly, "Who are we waiting on and can I get an update."Roslyen Van Steele
Seeing Victory step into the room, Roslyen stood up and gave a quick solute. She was mid-way through a brush on her long hair, having been trying to quickly brush it down to be semi manageable... Though that was never happening. “Morning Victory, I’m waiting for my manager. She should-"Storyteller
Just as the popstar was speaking there was a loud commotion behind them, only to have a police officer run in gasping as if he had been sprinting. A woman in a rather form fitting suit and tie, carrying a briefcase behind him, yelling at his incompetence. She stopped the moment she saw Rosy and gave a very tired looking smile "Rosy… dear! Your make up isn't done up yet… and you let your costume at home… whatever will I do to you."Roslyen Van Steele
Rosy gave a sigh and dropped her head looking defeated. "Guys… Miss Tina Waller… Best slave driver the world has ever given birth to."Storyteller
"That is very right Miss Roslyen, but it is what you pay me for… Good-morning boys, if you don’t mind making yourself at least semi presentable for being seen with miss Steele while I’m gone... I’m going to go get her in costume... Myself."Roslyen Van Steele
Rosy mouthed a quick “Save me” towards Victory as Miss Waller walked over to her, grabbing Roslyen by her arm, she quickly and rather effectively dragged her off to the side, looking for just any room she could change in.Isaac Crysentine
"Welcome, everyone, and I think we have everyone Andre. Thank you for bringing my family in alright. Sloane is downstairs but otherwise everyone is here. I'll wait for Sloane to get back upstairs but for now, if you haven't gotten your costumes on or anything I suggest you do that now. Any items you need or have to fight, get them now. Tonight, we're taking down Blood Bolt. And it seems like he's looking for a fight too."DeAndre Walker (Victory)
Andre gave a nod and a "Ma'am" at Ms. Waller's appearance and prompt snatching of Roslyen. Turning back to Isaac, he asked. "We're doing what now? I think someone better catch me up and explain what's going on. Because when we drop a line like we're taking down the most dangerous Evo in the City tonight I have some expectations about reports, sightings, a plan at the very least."Isaac Crysentine
"Right, let me just... get everyone back here." *Quickly enough, Isaac sent texts to Sloane, Roslyen, and everyone who was currently not present to meet in the main meeting room. Briefings about to start. He was visibly almost hitting his phone at this point, hurriedly trying to get everyone back. Please, hurry the fuck up. "SLOANE. GET IN HERE NOW."Storyteller
"You have no need to text her. She will be right back" Miss Waller yelled from around the corner, while muffled complaints echoed from the same location.DeAndre Walker (Victory)
"Did...." Letting out a sigh, Andre rested his face in his hand. "Isaac. She's a telepath." 'Walkie Talkie, waiting on one.' "You can just think to her."Isaac Crysentine
"Ma'am, with all due respect, the last thing Rosy needs is how the city thinks her costume looks. What we all need right now is for her to get in here so we can bring this asshole to justice." Isaac was visibly annoyed at this point, the room getting a few degrees warmer thinking of this manager in their meeting space. "And yea, my bad." Sloane, get in here now, please. We need you.Sloane Whittier
She opened her eyes to the darkness of her room. 'Shortest power nap ever.' 'Alright you two. Heard you in stereo. On my way.' She swung her legs off the edge of the bed, her head hanging down for a second, and summoned all of the energy she had. She knew she was gonna need it. Flicking on the light switch across the room, she finally got up and headed back to HQ. When she walked out, she was in much more appropriate clothing for the situation. Unlike the others, she didn't have a fancy suit yet, so she just went with gym clothes. Gotta stay comfy when you're waging a war on ... well she didn't know on what yet, but on something. She waved at everyone as she walked in and stifled another yawn. "Alright. I'm here. What's the sitch?"Storyteller
"You may not care, but I promise you the entire city will be watching. You want good funding? You… Hold still, you’re almost done.” Small screams of pain and terror could be heard in the corner. The death of Miss Roslyen soon followed... Of course, she lived. Her dignity didn't. She walked out of the corner tugging her shirt sleeves. "See? There, all better and ready to start. Now I’ll be downstairs directing whatever chaos you call order." She stormed off as quickly as she came in, returning to yelling at the poor officer by the door as she stepped out... Something about being useless and to show her where she can give orders.Roslyen Van Steele
"Sorry for her... She is something, but she is good at her job." Adjusting her shorts, she sat down at the table. Ignoring the small gold crown sitting atop her head falling a bit to the side. "So, what’s going on?"
Isaac Crysentine
Isaac stood up, glossing his eyes over his teammates, the Chief, and the staffers in the room. This... this'll be enough to bring this asshole down. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself amid the hurricane of emotions within him. He remembered the words of his teacher, pain him as it might, to keep one's emotions in check - especially as a manipulator. Yeah, we'll see how that goes. "Thanks for being here, I'm sorry if I've been demanding but this is important. I'm well aware I'm upset, and angry, and damn near ready to kill, so please just listen to everything I have to say. A few hours ago, I was with my teacher. I leave for the night, but I go back after seeing a bolt of lightning streak down from the sky into the general area of his house. When I get there, I see...." his voice trailed off, his mind recalling the picture he saw as he walked through the charred doorway. "I.... I see...." Isaac stopped, putting his hands on the table and his breath visibly shaky. "I see him dead on the ground, electrocuted and with a note left for me that my family was next from fucking Bolt. And I don't know about all of you but I'm beyond angry right now. I'm mourning, I'm in grief, but most of all I'm pissed. I want to bring this asshole to justice, this fucking maniac who has killed so many innocent people while we've sat here on our asses doing absolutely fucking nothing. The Chief has basically mobilized NVPD, and the mayor is aware of all of this. They can't handle Bolt and his fucking clown car alone. They need us, and it has to happen tonight. I am no longer going to idly sit by and watch as innocent people die. I'll go alone if I fucking have to, but I know damn well that by midnight we're going to be raiding the Wards and ending this tonight. I don't have all the information, but I know for a fact we are doing this." Isaac was heated up now, getting ready to fight the entirety of the criminal underground alone if he had to.Roslyen Van Steele
"You won’t be going alone." Thousands of people every day saw Roslyen’s smiling face. Millions have seen her cry, laugh, and just about everything in between, but this small group of people before her, this team, will be some of the very few to ever see her look as if she planned on murdering someone. Even in her a bit extra outfit she was staring towards Isaac with bloodshot eyes, her fingers having been digging into the wood of the desk they sat around, splinting the oak and shattering her fake nails. Bolt had been a problem before, but like many she had largely ignored him. Tonight, she would change that with Isaac and for Isaac. “If it’s just us you can hop on the back on my bike... But… I think it has to be said… What are we considering justice?" Looking away she frowned and refused to look towards her teammates till they answered her. She knew her answer and believed she knew Isaac’s. "Life in prison? Just doesn’t sound right."DeAndre Walker (Victory)
Andre had moved to take his seat while Isaac went through the briefing. He stayed silent throughout it and even when Roslyen spoke, multitasking as he read through reports from the Station Heads on his tablet. NVPD engaged with Sixth Street and other gang forces. Multiple officers kidnapped. Bolt spotted original and not currently under surveillance. Multiple hostile Evos in the field. Multiple Responder injuries as well as civilians caught in the crossfire. Frowning at the report, he closed the tablet and looked around the table. Goosebumps started to appear on his skin, a cold anger growing not because of the story, but because of what was being said and the implications it set forth.Alexander King
The usually rambunctious, flighty individual that Alex tended to be had bled away into something more solemn and focus as his piercing blue eyes locked on Isaac as he spoke. Moments ago, he'd been frantically glancing between everyone, but now his sole focus lay on his classmate before him. It was a surprise to him to hear of such a significant loss. Not just a few days ago things were going okay, but now... His thoughts trailed off as he pursed his lips together in a thin line, a familiar feeling of dread and anger swirling within his gut before finally he spoke. "Hey man, we're in this together. I may not be as strong as you guys, but I'll help however I can." He had his own niche to fill, but in terms of raw power in an instant, he was far behind his peers within Aeri but despite this there was determination as he clenched both of his fists. "Wherever you guys need me, just tell me. I want to help bring this guy in so nobody else has to die!"Sloane Whittier
Sloane looked down at her hands, pushing at the cuticles of her nails, her anxious habit. A tear rolled down her cheek as she listened to Isaac. The reality check of the situation was hitting her full force. It hadn't been a game, but this hadn't been fully real either until this moment. This wasn't almost throwing a pole into some kid's face. Her mind was reeling as it went through all of the members of the team and just how vulnerable they were. What would she do if any of them were killed by this monster? She had only known them a short time, but they were already important to her. 'Fuck.'Chief Butler
The man did something that none of them had seen him do before - he put down his coffee cop as he went to stand. He laid his hands flat on the table and leaned forward, looking at each one of them as he spoke. "What we're not gonna do is get carried away. While I may have given a lot of room to this team to figure out how it wanted to be structured, you are still considered a part of this city's defense, an Evo extension of the NVPD. That does not give any one of you carte blanche to do as you please, Evo or not. We will come up with a plan to bring him into custody and we will execute it to the best of our abilities while simultaneously doing everything in our power to protect the citizens of New Victoria." His gaze softened as it stopped on Isaac. "I can only imagine what this man meant to you, son. I have lost mentors, fellow officers, proteges. I've looked death in the eye myself a time or two. I know what it does to you. And I'm the first person to say that it takes a special breed of person to be able to put aside your personal feelings and do what's actually right as opposed to what feels right in these moments. You won't feel better if you snuff out his life with your own hands. Trust me." Standing up, he put one arm on his waist and gestured with the other as he talked. "Tonight is not about revenge. Tonight is about securing peace for our citizens. Some of you have no training. Some of you weren't prepared for things such as this, for life and death. I want each of you to take a hard look inside. Ask yourselves if you can follow these protocols. Ask yourselves if you're ready to witness horrors that will live inside your heads rent free for the rest of your lives. Ask yourselves if you're ready. If you aren't, there are no hard feelings. You can sit this one out. The stakes changed tonight. We're not playing here, folks. This is the big time."Henry, The Wards
Blood Bolt
The radio made a click when he pressed it. "Ello Governor, can ya hear me?" Some garbled response tried to come through before Bolt cut it off quickly. "Great! So...my name is Bolt. I like long walks in the park, soaking in the blood of my mortal enemies, and ice cream with jimmies! I also happen to have five of your fine ass officers--seriously, these guys put the stereotype doughnut eaters to shame, they are H-O-T hot--with me. They're my guest. Or playthings. Let's just get to business, hmm? I am bored. So very very bored. And angry. All these cops, all the AERI team, and no attention paid to little ole me. I mean, how much leg does a guy have to show 'round here?" "So." A clap was attempted and failed as he realized he had to hold the radio. Fucking lame. "So--clap--yes I said clap, sue me, I can't clap with the walkie thingy. So, any who, can you pass a message onto the aqua teen hunger force, for me? Tell them either they come play with me, or I'll have my fun with our boys and girls in blue here. Kay? Kay. Thanks, love you, byeeeeee."Storyteller
Inside the warehouse, there were five officers lined up, arms handcuffed behind their backs and in various states of being beaten. Surrounding them was the entire gang, standing inside the warehouse. A mishmash of different faces and states of awareness. Some were high, others a bit hungover, a group itching to spill some blood. In total, there were 26 men and women armed with different weapons from Uzi's to Pistols to Knives, and the good ole American beating stick. In front of them were the Lieutenants, also most of them high or covered in some blood from the officers. "So what's the plan boss. Do I get to fuck these pigs up? Imma aching, foorrrr some bacon." Paula said. The petite woman covered in tattoos with a row of piercings in her ears and a rock star style pixie cut. Her fingers were still morphed into wolf claws and her teeth unnaturally sharp as she smiled. Scoffing, Dennis shook his head. "Was that from Lion King?" The speedster asked. "Yup." Added Richard as he swung his rebar beating stick over his shoulder. The others stood silently, waiting for Bolt. Timothy, the Earth Manipulator who was just waiting to take his next hit. Jeremiah, the flyer most considered to be next in line after Bolt. Savannah, Jerry's 'Greg' who turned into a Rock Golem larger than the big man himself. Rachel, the small telepath and telekinetic, stood off from the group in the background, her leg nervously twitching. Paula said. The petite woman covered in tattoos with a row of piercings in her ears and a rock star style pixie cut. Her fingers were still morphed into wolf claws and her teeth unnaturally sharp as she smiled. Scoffing, Dennis shook his head. "Was that from Lion King?" The speedster asked. "Yup." Added Richard as he swung his rebar beating stick over his shoulder. The others stood silently, waiting for Bolt. Timothy, the Earth Manipulator who was just waiting to take his next hit. Jeremiah, the flyer most considered to be next in line after Bolt. Savannah, Jerry's 'Greg' who turned into a Rock Golem larger than the big man himself. Rachel, the small telepath and telekinetic, stood off from the group in the background, her leg nervously twitching.Blood Bolt
"No playing with your food Paula darlin, Daddy taught you better than that. And you know how Momma Greg gets when you make a mess in his house.Greg
Glaring at Paula, the big man made sure she got the message that he didn't like a mess in his house.Blood Bolt
"For now, I want a cordon. Break up into teams, grab whatever glory seekers there are on the street and enlist them, and start making a perimeter. Any cops come close, you can turn them into BLTs. The AERIs you leave to us. It's time to give the new kids on the block a Sixth Street Welcome."
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
July 10, 2021
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