|
Post by AlexJ on Aug 15, 2016 21:50:45 GMT
GRACE SCOTT | STARLASS Heartania | The Citadel 2nd December 2063 | Morning She didn't even have to think of the answer to give. "I do," she edged a bit closer, in order to try and make her feel a bit more comfortable. Grace could see the anxiety in her eyes, despite how much she tried to hide them, "I don't know if you feel the same, but to me you're a friend, and that means we stick it out for each other, no matter what. Lay it on me."
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Aug 15, 2016 22:14:42 GMT
APOLLO | Jay Hearne Heartania | Leo's Gym 2nd December 2063 | Morning Jay stuttered, surprised by the offer. "... Sure?" he responded. He looked to the woman who had offered to be his opponent. She seemed flustered after having been roped into participating. Jay hopped off of the edge of the ring and spoke directly to the woman, concerned. "Is that okay? You can fight right?"
|
|
|
Post by Jaminx on Aug 15, 2016 22:24:38 GMT
"Err a little, I kind of know the stance and i've taken some punches in my time... Though i'm more of a biter than a puncher." Haley replied her tongue running away by itself. She hadn't been near a ring since before she died.
Leo laughed again, though his eyes turned serious as he laid a hand on her shoulder.
"None of that here. It doesn't have to be anything exhaustive Jay, just get her to run through some basics, a bit of footwork, a bit of blocking and a couple of solid punches." He looked down at Haley carefully.
"First we'll need to get some protective gear on you."
"Okay." Haley murmured before turning to Jerry more confidently. "Jerry how long do you need to set up the shots and which side do you want."
"Here and now are fine." He nodded. Haley scowled as she thought she saw the start of a grin. This was going to be hard to live down later if she messed up.
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Aug 15, 2016 22:53:53 GMT
APOLLO | Jay Hearne Heartania | Leo's Gym
2nd December 2063 | Morning Jay nodded, listening intently as the boss spoke to him. "Sure thing." he answered Leo, before turning to the woman who identified herself as Haley, "And sure, sounds fun. You go get your gear on, I'll be in the ring." Jay smiled and walked over to the gloves he'd dropped across the other side of the room. Picking them up he quickly threw them on and swung through the ropes of the boxing ring and into the centre.
|
|
|
Post by Jaminx on Aug 15, 2016 23:14:02 GMT
Haley's hands felt tight with the bindings and gloves as she made her way into the ring. It was strange how much of her balance seemed to have changed. She felt self conscious as she stepped up bending over in a borrowed pair of shorts that felt a little too tight. Her tattoos were still visible encircling her. She looked almost as thuggish as her sparring partner who was only a couple of inches taller.
As she stood upright she felt calmer. She could feel a thread of happiness and fulfilment from behind her. This would make Leo happy, for that she could be strong. Her grin to Jay was toothy and challenging. Her body took on a light bounce as she faced him with her bright shining eyes.
"So you're the master here. What do you desire me to do?" The words were that soft playful to the ear. Jay was in charge and she was his willing servant.
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Aug 15, 2016 23:30:02 GMT
APOLLO | Jay Hearne Heartania | Leo's Gym 2nd December 2063 | Morning Jay grinned, catching Haley's cheeky smirk. Bouncing from one foot to the other he blushed slightly at her toying. He hadn't boxed with a girl before. "Let's keep it simple," he replied, the corners of his mouth upturned, "Keep it above the belt and we'll start slow." He turned to Jerry, "Y- you filming?" he asked awkwardly.
|
|
Would you like some Earl Grey with milk and sugar?
Posts: 167
|
Post by Newspaper Swatting Queen on Aug 15, 2016 23:32:49 GMT
- Jade Blythe -
Jade lowered her hands and looked down at the floor, closing her eyes as she restrained herself from giving Grace another sudden hug. For the first time in a long time, she felt two things; a spark of hope which took the form of warmth in her chest, and the sensation of humility. She didn’t deserve her help, for her to listen to her precarious situation. And somewhere deep inside, the pride and façade which had followed Jade all the way from when she was a little, rich man’s young child, started to crumble down. She shook again, though this time no tears or hics came out, before she carefully leaned her head on Starlass’ shoulder and said with a grateful whisper: “Thank you, and I do. Thank you.” Slowly but surely, she went back to the beginning, determined to tell Grace everything. She told her about how she had gotten help from the Broker, robbing a bank to collect the ransom for her family locked up in police custody and how the incident had ended; with the Broker’s first faked death. At this point, she let out a little mumble, calling herself an idiot for ever wanting anything to do with him or his network to do again. When she briefly mentioned how she’d gotten invited to join the inner circle her blue eyes opened slightly and she stared blankly out the window. She had asked for and received the files on her cousin’s murder, and needed somewhere to work in peace and quiet, so she decided to come along- but why would the others need her here? Just to prove how ridiculous, how useless she was, she mentioned her failed conversation with Ragno and smiled. It was the shame of not even handling a small phone call which had made her question the Broker why she was even there, and then things just slipped out of her control. “My eyes change colour depending on my feelings. I looked in the mirror after the kiss, and now I remember what pink is made of; red and white. I don’t know, I wasn’t mad or scared then.. I’m sorry, this isn’t relevant. It turns out, Councillor Paige had a crazy sister.” At this point she lifted her head and picked up her old cell phone and played the recorded message, then glanced nervously at Grace as she put on the following conversation. {Spoiler}Recorded Message: yogforum.boards.net/post/11034/threadConversation: "How does it feel? To feel your past creeping up on you?"“My past is none of your concern,” *sips tea* “and I haven’t even shook hands with your brother. Why, Miss Paige, are you coming after me?”
"I've read the report. Female matching your description offering money to a Councillor before you and your associate shot him and his two protectors. Fortunately for me your associate is already dead, but you weren't charged, you weren't hurt, and you were not dead."
*tone raises* "Isn't it a coincidence that the report mentioned that my brother was working with your family? Isn't it a coincidence that he died over an exchange of money? Why is it that you were never identified and why was the money never found?"
*speaks slightly louder* "If I'm a smart woman I would say you paid off the chief commissioner before he was gone later that day. It was the last report he filed so I'd say you paid him off and he scooted."
*faint noise of a door opening* "WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT KNOCKING AND WAITING?"
"Sir...we found him...the commissioner."
"Oh...perfect timing," *suddenly cheerful voice change* "Set up the room, chainsaw, I'll deal with this personally."
*brief pause*
"You're going to listen to your dog give up the details."
*The voices become more distant, but still clear*
"Where is the Blythe money?"
"I don't know."
*thud*
"Where is the money?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
*thump*
"Why are you protecting my brother's killer?"
"I worked with your brother, we had a healthy relationship, we ate at the Bronze Tree regularly."
*twack*
"DON'T CLAIM TO KNOW MY BROTHER! NOW WHERE IS JADE BLYTHE!??"
"I don't know, I swear!"
"Absolutely pathetic."
"Oh god.....please, I didn't do anything!"
"Exactly, you did nothing, and my brother died." *the sound of a chainsaw started revving, soon drowned out by the screams of the police commissioner*
"..." *quick, low breaths*
"Dispose of him, put him in the sea for all I care!"
*Paige's voice, completely loud and clear;* "You better prepare yourself, something far worse is coming!"When they were finished she wasn’t as calm as she had been. “I’ve spent two months in the Citadel, and after a while I felt as if the Broker- I mean, Jonathan, he cared for me, but some time I stopped caring for him, and I had to pretend to stay safe. But yesterday- <hic>, sorry,” she took a deep breath to calm down slightly, but it made little difference, “I got caught in a hostage situation and he didn’t seem to care whether I lived or died. And now- <hic!> He’s dead! And, I don’t even know why I’m crying over him!” Some tears escaped the edge of her eyes but she quickly wiped them away again. After all the explaining, she had finally come to the reason why she almost stepped out of the window. “But I didn’t almost.. you know,” she looked at the window and frowned, “not because I was mourning him. I’m trapped again, and I can’t get out- <hic> because I argued with Claudia, and I don’t want to be involved with her anymore, and I don’t know if she’ll protect me if things go bad. And I also have the files, and my costume in the suitcase- if the police find them, I’m doomed!” She started to sob again, and placed her head back in her hands. At the very least Jade had let Grace know everything, even if it was a lot to take in, and only that in itself was a huge lift off her shoulders and a sense of freedom Jade had longed for for a very long time.
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Aug 15, 2016 23:42:13 GMT
BACKLASH | Mason Vance Heartania | Highrise
2nd December 2063 | Morning Heartania was a large, open city. Scarlet was claustrophobic, the buildings built too close together as - decades ago - the city couldn't expand outward. Heartania was flat and sprawling while Scarlet crept upwards onto multiple tiers with his hilly and mountainous terrain. While Scarlet City would always be Mason's playground, ending up here wasn't so bad. There was the girl, of course, but while Mason was here in the superhero capital of the US there was another he had to see. Clyde was always to predictable. Who knew he'd be overlooking the city from a ledge atop some shady rooftop, not like him at all. Mason walked up behind him in civilian gear - a dark blue long-sleeve shirt, dark jeans and a black single-breasted trench coat with an upturned collar. We knew Clyde well though he still couldn't tell whether or not he had clocked him standing behind him; Clyde had always been perceptive, but Mason had always been quiet. "How's the brooding going, old man?"
|
|
|
Post by Jaminx on Aug 15, 2016 23:43:25 GMT
Jerry rolled his eyes. "Yes."
"Slow, just test the waters." Haley nodded taking a steadying breath.
Haley tried to focus on her footing and kept her eyes wide open as she watched Jay. She paced carefully just out of range. He may never have faced a girl before from his stance and the blush spreading a crimson glow across his cheeks but she had been battered by men and worse before now, some had even been boxers.
She spun forward quickly hitting out with some short and sharp jabs from her left to test his reactions, nothing too heavy or nasty. She was stronger on her left as her preferred side. Favoured by the devil her Nan had said to her as a kid. How right you were Nan.
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Aug 15, 2016 23:55:42 GMT
APOLLO | Jay Hearne Heartania | Leo's Gym 2nd December 2063 | Morning Jay blocked, pulling his arms up and together. Wow, she was faster than he'd anticipated. "Not bad..." he grinned. His eyes narrowed as he too hop forwards and then back swiftly, throwing two jabs at his partner.
|
|
|
Post by Jaminx on Aug 16, 2016 0:23:17 GMT
Haley brought her arms up to block still watching through the gap. She gasped a little as the punches hit. It had been a while since she had willingly let anyone hit her. The blows weren't killer but her arms unused to the impact stung a little. Bruises would likely be her late reward.
She eased back again watching her footing and circling to the right. Let him come at her again. She would be ready.
|
|
|
Post by AlexJ on Aug 16, 2016 14:14:06 GMT
GRACE SCOTT | STARLASS Heartania | The Citadel 2nd December 2063 | Morning Grace listened to what she had to say, with her arm around her back and on the lower-end of her shoulder. Paying close attention to every detail; she contrasted what she was told with her first impression of the roguish thief, on that October day inside the Heartania Museum. Things were so different then. Starlass would never have taken to calling what she once saw as a petty criminal a friend, and Jade's spirit seemed to unbreakable back then. Although her will had indeed been broken, she knew that didn't mean her friend would be out of the ring forever. Out of everything Starlass had learnt: a simple teaching resonated most with her. People get back up.Whatever calm Jade had summoned to tell her tale, it soon dissipated into the sharp winter air. That was no problem, though. She was alive, and confronting the feelings she had likely repressed for so long. Grace's natural instincts pushed her to try and help as much as she could, but from experience, she knew all she could do was be there for her. "You've done a pretty good job of barring the entrance. I think it's safe to say you won't be hassled by the police," she smiled her way, and then turned her head to look out of the window, "If you ever need my help with Paige's cuckoo sister, or if you want to make sure a Kramer doesn't mess with you again, you know I'm here in an instant. I'm sure I can easily take Claudia on even now, in my state." She smirked; allowing the silence to seep in for a few dozen seconds, before suggesting, "I know you've got things you may want to do on your own, but for now, get out of this place. If it means you having to fly on my back... be careful, I think my ribs are a bit cracked." CLYDE IRWIN | KINETIC WARDEN Heartania | Highrise 2nd December 2063 | Morning Clyde wasn't sure how long he spent perched upon the rooftops of the city centre, watching the world go on without him, but he was sure that he didn't care. He was too focused on what came next. He may have burnt down his bridges with Ali, and Argent Mind would likely be more focused on his brother than anything, which meant the weight of work fell heavier upon him than ever. Not that he particularly minded: he was always one to unhealthily devote his life to responsibilities. Almost suddenly, he began to hear very gentle footsteps from behind, advancing carefully to his position. His eyebrow arched upwards, as he slowly placed his hand on the collapsed quarterstaff that rested on his belt. In a way, allowing whoever was creeping up on him to believe they had the element of surprise was his own element of surprise. And then that voice began to talk. It was not one Clyde had heard for a long time. Although it had more of an air of maturity about it than he last remembered, it was one that would always be familiar to him. He instantly stood up, and sensibly turned around, to see his old student; with the same confident pose he had always struck, even in his younger years. More spectres of the past. What a day to be me.Initially, he was unsure how to respond. It had been about six years since the two had worked together, and even then the rapport was not what one would typically expect of two superhero partners. Despite this, he still felt as comfortable around Mason as ever, even if the casually-dressed hero didn't know it. "I thought you'd be the last person to leave Scarlet." His register was almost nonchalant, and though he wanted to know why his old Deputy was in town, he knew with a little perseverance that truth would come out naturally.
|
|
|
Post by iCaramelBird on Aug 16, 2016 22:07:44 GMT
- HUNTER -
Luke was surprised that they had made it, he half expected that their journey would soon be stopped and end with them in cuffs if anyone at all had noticed that they had escaped from The Citadel at the time of the police arriving. He hoped not, and not only for his sake. Thankfully he could walk, if barely, trying to keep slow and stick to the walls in case he needed to rest of if he nearly collapsed again. James was always close to him too, never rushing ahead, always staying close by his side, he realized he was probably doing this for similar reasons and was happy to see James walking almost normally, stumbling and struggling slightly, at times, but both of them wouldn't let their injuries suffice, not now in such a time of uncertainty and desperation. Yet at the same time, as soon as they entered their apartment, they both fell down onto the couch, not heading to the bedroom, not rushing around to begin packing or for Luke to look up some place else he could go or stay, but simply sat down, breathing heavily, next to one another and simply looking up.
“Are you okay?” asked James, it was a simple question and one that Luke bitterly hated most of the time, especially in situations like these. He reminded himself of the constant times both Lilly and James asked him this after he was taken, when he was simply trapped in an unfamiliar bedroom for most of the day, with little time spent walking until he felt comfortable enough to begin venturing out, being the hero he always wanted to be, even if there was the constant threat of death at his doorstep.
“No,” breathed Luke as he continued to stare at the ceiling, lost in his own trance of thought as any second now he felt like the both of them would hear rapid knocking at their door and know that it was too late, Luke felt as if the world, then and there, would cull for his blood and happiness. He turned his head, glancing at James' face, cuts and bruises were on his face, starting to fade. “Are you?” Luke added. James smiled but this time Luke could see he didn't hide his sadness, he faintly saw the tears that brimmed in his eyes.
“No,” said James, he was short and sharp, and sighed, Luke saw him begin to blink away the tears before turning his face away, staring back at the ceiling. Even when the two of them were alone together, Luke now thought, the circumstances at hand couldn't let them even feign happiness. And so, the two of them sat stare, deep in thought, it felt like they had thought of a million words yet they both uttered none. It felt odd, James with his revolver, the heat on his hands, the burns and cuts that stung his skin, Luke with the same, feeling bandages wrapped underneath clothing, his legs pulsing with pain, and through their pain, he still felt empty. He didn't know how, but both their hands had wrapped themselves into each other, and for the time being they were stuck there. For a while, Luke almost felt like he relived the past few weeks and its sickly end, the relief, the joy, the concoction of emotions and events. The sound of a police siren bursting through their room and suddenly disappearing off into the distance, shook them back to their senses, the both of them jumped. “I'll go take a shower, and pack up.”
“Sure,” replied Luke, he felt James' presence leave the couch as he watched him pass by. It was soon after that he heard the sound of shower curtains and running water, steam beginning to escape the bathroom into their bedroom. It was at that point, he got up and headed into the direction of the bedroom.
|
|
Would you like some Earl Grey with milk and sugar?
Posts: 167
|
Post by Newspaper Swatting Queen on Aug 16, 2016 22:55:27 GMT
- Jade Blythe - At Starlass’ suggestion, her eyes widened a bit in surprise before she smiled slightly and shook her head; if only it was that easy to leave the hellhole they were in. She was so afraid of what waited for her once she got out, that she just for a second considered staying behind and making up with Claudia… ..but that option had long since been eliminated. Grace had saved her life when, for the two past months, the Kramers had only been able to hide and (maybe) unintentionally break her down. The only thing she wished now was that she’d gotten in touch sooner. “N-no, I couldn’t ask that of you, you look so.. beat up,” she said and gestured to the bruises on Grace’s face, “and I have to bring that with me as well. If your ribs are cracked you shouldn’t even be carrying me.” Pointing to the cardboard box containing the files, she shuddered. She did not have the strength nor the time to continue her own little investigation at this time, but they were the reason why she had come to the Citadel in the first place. The two past months of her life would be completely wasted if she left them behind, and she was pretty sure that the files would only remain in the box, dusting down in some office as the years passed by. “M-maybe I can sneak out somehow, if you take my little briefcase I can turn invisible and carry the box through the Citadel. Unless you think you can carry me- hmm, maybe if I use my telekinesis to drag it along..” Jade cleaned her face with a tissue she pulled out of her sleeve, and looked at Grace once again to let her decide- but not before she’d given her another hug and said ‘thank you’ once again.
|
|
Citizen
V&V Veteran
[b]OwO what's this?[/b]
Posts: 41
|
Post by EpicBuffalo on Aug 16, 2016 23:28:37 GMT
A short while had passed. Alex sat at his workbench, adjusting his prosthetic with a drill under the bright, fluorescent lighting. Sparks flew from the drill and landed like feathers, extinguishing upon contact with the concrete flooring. The drill halted sharply. Alex had to be quick to pull it away before the resistance of the prosthetic caused the bit to snap. He set it down and examined the adjustments closely. He went to touch the ebony material, but a loud, piercing beep stabbed through his concentration. A sound like he remembered in that cursed factory.He propped his legs against the workbench and pushed them off, forcing the wheely chair the glide across the room. He span it 180 degrees in order to face the other way, snatching a knife off of another bench as he did so. The chair halted to a stop as he faced the screen display, flashing in big text: THREAT NEARBY Trying to keep his composure, Alex made hurried gestures to bring up a feed of cameras he had hid in the faultline. One of which, flashed red as it pointed towards The Citadel. It relayed a short clip of a being flying past the window meekly, like a weak butterfly. Alex recognised the form instantly. It was Starlass She was headed towards a window of the Citadel which faced towards the ocean, but could not make out any more as the screen would not relay any more footage, instead reverting to the start of the clip. Alex punched worktop. The system clearly needed a few tweaks. He looked back at the footage and a realisation hit him. He remembered that one room which faced towards the ocean was Jade's! He hesitated to leave. If Jade were in trouble, would it be worth seeing The Broker again? Especially with the police surrounding the bridge, he didn't want to get caught up in any useless schemes. He could not leave his friend in danger though. Especially when it seemed they were in such short supply. The only people he really had were Jade and Lilly. What would he do if they were gone? Before another minute could pass, another large gap appeared out of view in the cliff face in a fashion not dissimilar to the one which made an appearance at the entrance of the cave. Alex jumped out and the rock reappeared behind him. Heading towards the water, he made a quick turn mid-air and extended his arm. The hand shot out of the black appendage, hurtling towards the rock wall. When it made contact, the fingers burrowed in sharply and the wire contracted, pulling Alex back towards the rock. With a thud, he planted his feet on the wall and clung on cautiously, looking for the fastest route to the Citadel. He continued hand-pulling his way close-by to the bridge, where he had a clear shot to Jade's window. It was a tall order and a long distance, but with the right jump and trajectory, it seemed possible. The hand embedded itself into the brick above Jade's window as Alex soared, pulling on the wire to swing himself into position. All looked good, and Alex congratulated himself on the success, but as he veered closer and closer to the window, one thing came into vision that made him panic. The window had been shut. (my new favourite emoji) He braced.
|
|