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    The Ascension: Frigid Beginnings.

    Manny
    Manny
    Freelancer Operative


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    Post  Manny June 18th 2013, 1:06 am

    Exploding heads?

    I rather liked that ability as well.
    Shad0wChas3r
    Shad0wChas3r
    Database Director


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    Post  Shad0wChas3r June 18th 2013, 12:31 pm

    More like exploding brains, but it's technically the same thing Razz .

    Bryce grabs the base of their head, overloads their brains with negative thoughts, and causes them to be like a ticking time bomb. Perfect for distractions.
    Shad0wChas3r
    Shad0wChas3r
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r June 21st 2013, 12:50 am

    Updating this tomorrow.
    Shad0wChas3r
    Shad0wChas3r
    Database Director


    Posts : 1244
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r June 25th 2013, 7:33 pm

    Chapter 7: Endless torment.

    Sleep was seldom come across for Bryce over the past few weeks, and he found himself exhausted for each and every day. Olympus was building his endurance, but Bryce wasn't a heavy hitter, like the beast that almost ate Marissa had been.

    Bryce was more tactical, using his mind as his weapon. Psychological warfare was more his style. Perhaps that was what Olympus had hoped to imprint on him. For the moment, however, all he wanted was to sleep.

    Ugh. I don't think I can take much more of this.

    What's the matter?

    Don't worry about me, you've still got some healing to do from your fight with the rock creature.

    Y'know, communicating with you mentally doesn't harm me physically. They take you into the lab today?

    Yeah, and-

    There was a knock on the door, as Bryce sat up with a grunt. Wincing as he stood, Bryce walked his way over to the door.

    "Time to see you're good friend Dr. Flynt, Psycho." Krieg, everyone's 'favorite' guard.

    "How's the wife doing? She finally leave your pathetic, fascist, wannabee Nazi ass yet?" Bryce spat, as the guard ripped the door open, preparing to smash him with the night stick.

    "I would prefer that you don't do that, mister Streiber." Olympus growled in the intercom. "He is purposefully trying to agitate you, just deliver him to Dr. Flynt and be done with it."

    There was hidden aggression in Olympus' voice today, perhaps today was Bryce's day to choose?

    They're going to make you choose, aren't they?

    I think so.

    You can't possibly say yes to his offer!

    You saw what he did with you during my fighting session. He knows we have a thing. And- and-

    And what, Bryce?

    And I love you too much to see you get hurt. I've already lost everyone else that I love to this 'company'. I will NOT allow you to be another.

    Then we have got to plan an escape, talk to me after your treatments. I noticed some interesting things on my way down there.

    Krieg shoved Bryce in the back with his night stick, making the Meta human walk forward.

    "Betcha she's living with that handsome fellow across the street. What's his name? William, Willhelm? Adolf?"

    Krieg restrained himself, as he continued to force Bryce along.

    "What of poor little Billy. He'll have a father with the same name as him, he'll never get to know his father. Funny, that's almost just... like... me."

    "SHADDUP SVINE!" Krieg growled, shoving Bryce into the lab, as an elderly gentleman turned to face them.

    "Mister Howard! It is so great to see your familiar face again! What's it been, a month since your last check-up?"

    "You mean a month since the last time you decided to play Operation by Hasbro on me?"

    "Well, to be fair, I was going more for a Surgeon Simulator 2013, but at least you acknowledge the joy I get from this."

    "Yeah, you sick old man. You enjoy cutting up meta's especially the young ones."

    "No, I enjoy viewing the innards of GODS!" Dr. Flynt grinned, scratching his beard. "You are no different. I have helped construct you to near God-like ability! You only lack immortality!"

    "Is it because you couldn't help your wife through the delivery, then? How'd it feel, watching your wife die, while your daughter lived?" Bryce asked, finally forcing his way into Flynt's old mind.

    Flynt's grin went away, as he brought out his serious face. Bryce was actually intimidated by the goofy old man for once.

    "Krieg, seize the patient." Krieg did so, with gusto, throwing him onto the restraint chair.

    Bounding up Bryce's arms and legs, Flynt covered his face with a mask, lowering his surgery glasses.

    "You thought you hated my procedures before." Flynt spoke darkly. "But now you're going to wish that you could DIE!"

    Cutting into Bryce's arm with the scalpel, without any form of pain killer mind you, Flynt trailed his incision up the length of Bryce's fore-arm. Lowering into it an implant, something that would give his punches a little more kick, Flynt relished Bryce's pain, as the sorrow of his dead wife filled his mind. Once he finished one arm, he continued onto the other one.

    You wish to kill me, but if you do, Olympus will kill you AND your daughter. So do your worst, just note that he's watching, and every wrong step you make is another reason for him to harm little Annabelle.

    Pouring alcohol onto the wounds, Flynt lowered a warmed iron onto a giant strip of heat-able glue on both arms. Pressing down with all his weight, Bryce gritted his teeth, trying not to yell.

    I hope he is, so that he knows what can make YOU squirm, you little rat!

    With the incisions sealed, Krieg unbounded Bryce, then forced himonto his stomach, as the Doctor made a slight incision onto the back of Bryce's head. Injecting a small syringe into the base of Bryce's brain, Bryce's mind grew sore, as he shuddered in pain.

    It was yet another augmentation to cause his brain output levels to continue to improve. He followed up with yet another, as Bryce's skin soon covered with goose bumps. He felt a chill run down his system, clenching his fists, it was an inescapable cold feeling.

    -----------------------------------------------

    Icicles, in their coldest forms, can be used as spears, Bryce. During the winter, I've been known to sharpen the edge of a few, and use them as arrows too. Not everything has to be made of steel and bullets.

    Bryce hefted one of the icicles in his hand, observing the weight, the sheer danger that one of these things carried. When he looked up, however, he saw Flynt's haunting face covering the body of his Grandfather.

    Stabbing forward, Flynt's face filled with pain, the icicle sticking out of his shoulder.

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Flynt's excessive cries of pain ranged out, as Krieg sat there, dumbfounded. One moment he looked at the clock, the next minute the Doctor had an icicle sticking out of his shoulder. Looking down at Bryce, the young man ran his right hand along the back of his head, the blood freezing into a momentary patch.

    Flynt grasped his chest, as Bryce watched him stumble towards his desk. Flinging aside all of his documents, Flynt searched for his medicine, as he glanced down at his picture frame.

    "Annabelle." Flynt said, a tear rolling down his cheek. "Daddy ain't coming home."

    Pulling a single syringe out of his desk, Flynt grasped the tip of it with his teeth, pulling off the cap. Plunging it into his wrist, Flynt's cries of pain horrified the two, as he hunched over, straining his hands.

    What had once been delusional cries of pain soon became hysterical laughter. Electricity sparked from his hands, as the blue liquid flowed through his veins, highlighting them underneath his skin. Pulling the icicle out, Flynt pulsed his left hand over the wound, kick starting his heart.

    Running one hand alongside the other one, Flynt watched in amazement as his hands generated a long stream of electricity. Flinging it at Bryce, the meta propelled himself around Krieg, who took the brunt of the shock.

    "When I'm done with you, I'm going to take that shape-shifter, and I'm going to putt a gigawatt into her!"

    "Like hell you will." Bryce clenched his fists, Krieg knocked unconscious.

    "We'll see about that." Flynt growled, floating on a thunder cloud, little lightning bolts shooting out of his pure white eyeballs.

    Shooting out into the hallway, Flynt was on the hunt for Marissa. Bryce chased after him, his mind still woozy from the procedure. Guards that were in Flynt's path lay on the ground, electrical currents flowing out of their bodies in the form of red lightning.

    Bryce had better come back alive. Or I'll find his corpse, resuscitate him, and kill him again! Should've told him I love him back!

    How could Bryce hear her from here? He pondered for a moment, as he remembered the good Doctor's augmentation. 

    All the other cells are acting really weird. And why is my hair so static-y?!

    Marissa, watch yourself! Doctor Flynt is coming to get you! He's injected himself with an electrical meta's essence!

    AUGH! BRYCE!

    A shriek filled the air, as Bryce clenched his fists. Time to put the arm augmentations to good use. The thought of Marissa in pain made all of his other thoughts leave his mind, all the pain he felt suppressed. Adrenaline filled him again. Roaring with insurmountable energy coursing through him, Bryce blasted himself forward, thrusting the corpses of the guards down the hallway.

    Using a force-field in front of him, Bryce demolished the walls on his way to apprehend Flynt. Flynt didn't have the proper time to react, as Bryce jetted forward, his force field carrying Flynt on the front of it. Smashing him through the wall, they went through about three layers before they found themselves in the courtyard, the outside guards all preparing their weapons.

    Floating upwards, Bryce knew there was a force field around the facility, and breaking through that would only be possible if the electricity went out. Instead, he pointed straight down at the ground. Yelling with all of his might, Flynt continued to try to shock him with bolts of lightning, as Bryce continued to charge at the ground.

    Without hesitation, Bryce tackled Flynt straight into the ground, a plume of dust filled the air as the guards tensed. A squadron of four armed guards charged out into the courtyard, their M16's raised. The dust settled, as Bryce held Flynt in a head-lock, the middle aged man gasping for air in his arms.

    Bringing down a massive lightning bolt, Bryce held up a force field, deflecting the blow, but it was enough of a distraction to keep Bryce at bay enough to escape. Corrupted by his new abilities, Flynt pointed a single finger at one of the four guardsmen, a single arch of electricity coursed through them and their weapons. Snatching one up, Flynt pointed the rifle at Bryce, who held a force field up to block any bullets.

    "You can block bullets, but your mind is weak, you can't force field forever, and you can't block my lightning!"

    Sure enough, Flynt called lightning down from the sky, as Bryce dodged backwards, using his mind to levitate him just momentarily. However, his mind wouldn't allow him to keep this up forever, as Flynt had said.

    "That is true, but I also have other abilities at my disposal!" Bryce grinned, producing an icicle in his hand. "Courtesy of your, 'fine', work!"

    Propelling it forward with his mind, the sharp object missed it's target, as Flynt strafed, his rifle and lightning combo going strong. Bryce grimaced, he needed to get behind Flynt again, or get rid of the rifle in his hand.

    Focusing, he threw another spear at Flynt, who dove out of the way, firing another salvo of bullets at Bryce. An eerie chill covered Bryce momentarily, as he peered down at his skin. Little patches of ice covered the entirety of his body, as he closed his eyes.

    When he opened them again, he found himself behind Flynt, who gazed around, confused. Producing a pair of icicles with both of his hands. Bryce stabbed both of the blades through Flynt's kneecaps and into the dirt beneath him. Stuck in place, Flynt thrusted his hand upwards, calling in another lightning strike.

    Using his new teleporting ability, Bryce found himself at a new safer distance, Flynt still struggling to move. Firing another lightning bolt, his rifle now out of ammo, Flynt missed his mark, as Bryce teleported yet again. Producing a very large, very thick icicle, Bryce shoved it into the ground, the sharpest edge pointing upwards. Flynt's eyes grew desperate, as the ice underneath his legs began to melt.

    Grinning eagerly, Bryce walked behind Flynt, grasping the back of his skull.

    I've got many more abilities than I've let you realize. I now give you the choice. Allow me to take your mind as my own and impale your face on the icicle, or have your brain explode inside your thick skull.

    "That's hardly a choice!" Flynt growled, unable to control his body, as Bryce's presence kicked out all of his control.

    "Then I will decide for you." Bryce whispered in Flynt's ear.

    Reaching deep into Flynt's mind, Bryce grasped the memories of Annabelle, and of Flynt's wife, Monica.

    "No please, don't take them from me!" Flynt had tears streaming down his cheeks, as he begged Bryce. "I'm sorry for everything I've ever done!"

    But it was too late, Bryce fed on the memories, increasing his knowledge base on what it meant to have a family, as Flynt, now void of all his positive memories, glanced down at the icicle. It wasn't a clean way to go, and he couldn't remember exactly why he wanted to commit suicide, but he didn't have any other reason to live his pathetic life.

    Growling with pain, Flynt pulled his left leg up and backwards, as the icicle shattered, having melted slightly. His balance shifted, as he fell forwards, the icicle there to catch his gaping mouth.

    Bryce stood there for a moment, he glanced down at his hands. Whether or not he liked it, he was slowly becoming no better than Terra Co. themselves. Perhaps that was what Olympus' true reasons for picking him were, his instability when thrown over the edge, anything for the ones he loved.

    Another squadron of guards came out, with Marissa in tow. Bryce held his hands up, as they escorted him back to his cell. He glanced back, having finally rid the place of the most hated person in the building.

    When they arrived at his cell, however, they did not open the door to Marissa's, they shoved Bryce in, as Marissa's form started to change into that of a gangly young man with dirty yellow hair, green eyes, and a blonde soul patch.

    "Oh Brycey wicey!" Sean Wallowitz, the first admitted Shape Shifter, sneered. "You are some kind of pathetic, you know that Howard?! Can't wait to kick your ass in the arena tomorrow!"

    Before Bryce could react, the door slammed shut.

    They didn't let you choose, did they?

    Of course not. They never would let me choose. This was showing me what happens if I say no.
    Shad0wChas3r
    Shad0wChas3r
    Database Director


    Posts : 1244
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r July 4th 2013, 7:05 pm

    Chapter 8: Flight *<---- Link*

    "M'boy, I've got a bit of a surprise for you!" Clint barked into the house, coughing into a tiny handkerchief in his hand.

    Bryce, having been inside his room, rushed out and into the living room, as his Grandfather handed him a dusty, very thin book. On the front was a man clad in a blue suit, an 'S' emblazoned on his chest with red and blue highlights, a red cape flowing down his back.

    Bryce smiled as he lipped the title;

    "Superman." He smirked, looking up to his Grandfather, who placed a hand on his shoulder.

    "I remembered our conversation a few years back, and I decided it would be nice for you to own a copy of your Dad's favorite Superhero."

    "I've heard a little bit about him, mostly from the boys at my old school. But, could you tell me a bit about him?"

    "Sure," Clint grinned. "He's an alien from a Planet many many galaxies away from us. His Planet, Krypton, was destroyed after the inhabitants exhausted all of their resources, and caused the world to become unstable. His father, Jal-El, sent him in a pod to Earth, where he would grow stronger than any normal Human, and have abilities that no Human would have."

    "But wouldn't Humans fear him?" Bryce asked, looking at the man on the cover. "Why idolize him as a hero?"

    "Jal-El knew that his old friend, General Zod, was behind a military coup to take over his Planet's Government, and he sent Superman to Earth to be the shining example that we as Humans can't take things for granted, and strive to become something better. Zod's coup was what utterly prevented Krypton from saving itself, and Jal-El had foreseen the event." Clint smiled. "He knew that not all Humans were oblivious and fearful, especially to a baby that looked much like them. He would be raised by them, and know their ways."

    "His upraising isn't so different from yours." Clint finished. "Raised by older people, he learned many of the ways of us Humans, and also how to control his abilities."

    "Cool!" Bryce's eyes beamed, as his childhood imagination returned to him briefly. "Will I be able to be a Hero like him? Could I save the day? Did he always save the day?"

    "That," Clint's eyes flickered, placing a hand up to stop the energetic young boy. "You'll have to find out yourself."

    Bryce opened the comic book, and began to read all that was contained inside.


    -------------------------------------------

    You alright? You're projecting your thoughts into my head.

    Just remembering happier times, when my Grandfather first introduced me into the whole 'Superhero' regime. Got me a Superman comic to make me feel better about being different than other Humans.

    When we get out of here, I'll show you my designs for your Superhero costume! Then you can feel even more like Superman.

    Yeah, I've got the flight down, but I dunno about strength, heated vision, freeze breath, or X-Ray vision.

    What's it like to fly? I know I can always choose to be an Eagle or some other kind of bird, but as a Human, how does it feel?

    Instead of telling you, let me show you.

    Don't strain yoursel- woah!

    Things grew dark for the both of them, as they found themselves in a grassy knoll, a small wooden shack in the distance. Marissa looked around, as a hand gently grasped hers, Bryce smiled, as the two held hands.

    There was a gentle breeze, and the smell of roses, dandelions, and even lilacs filled the air. Bryce looked up to the sky, clouds dotted the sky, as the sun peeked through, illuminating the powder blue sky. Energy flowed through his mind, as he thought of nothing but flying around with Marissa.

    Lowering himself onto his haunches, Bryce felt the overwhelming energy flow through him, as he nodded to Marissa to hold on VERY tightly. Jumping upwards, his mind rocketed him forward, the air beneath his feet blasting the grass outwards, as they shot through the sky at amazing speeds. Circling above the cabin, the two darted over the forest's canopy, as Marissa stared down at the ground below with wonder, Bryce's mind gently holding her level with him.

    "How is this possible? We're outside!"

    "I have the ability to make a little world within my mind, linking my brain with someone else and causing a dream like world. It's almost like a lucid dream, except we both have control over what goes on. The forest seems like my favorite hangout, or by the ocean. Everything you experience here will feel entirely real."

    Slowing their speed up, Marissa hugged him tightly as they glided over a beach off the coast of Maine, a Lighthouse in the distance. Lowering them onto the cliffs overlooking the ocean, Bryce made a blanket appear on the ground between them, as the sun, moving in fast forward, zoomed down the horizon, until the sky was a mixture of violet, pink, red, and orange.

    Marissa turned to him, locking her lips with his, as the two sat there for a brief moment. When they released, Bryce stared deeply into her eyes, and for the first time since he had been locked up in the Facility, he was finally happy. He had finally found a purpose to live, to rise against the establishment.

    Marissa had been to him, as Lois Lane had been to Superman when he first started out, and she felt the same way about him too, without having to peer inside her mind.

    "I wish this moment would never end." She smiled, snuggling closely beside him.

    "Neither do I." Bryce smiled. "But I've still got some energy to keep this place up."

    The two laid their, watching the sun go over the distance, as they lulled off to sleep, finally ending their dreamscape.

    I love you. Be safe in the arena tomorrow.
    Manny
    Manny
    Freelancer Operative


    Posts : 1365
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    Post  Manny July 5th 2013, 12:26 am

    CLEARLY something went down if Bryce says "I won't lose another person" when Jordan was dying, in the Collab.

    I have a feeling it was Marissa.
    Shad0wChas3r
    Shad0wChas3r
    Database Director


    Posts : 1244
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    Age : 29

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    Post  Shad0wChas3r July 16th 2013, 10:28 pm

    Chapter 9: The Choice

    There was a loud knock on Bryce's door, as Klaus' nightstick made contact with the steel.

    "Today's the big day Psycho. Don't disappoint me."

    "I never cease to." Bryce growled, as the door opened, Marissa also dragged out of here.

    Around him, the minds of his fellow inmates filled with wonder and curiosity as to what would become of the psycho-kinetic and the newest shapeshifter.

    The march down to the arena was slow, almost ceremonious, as Bryce dove deep into Klaus' mind, learning the location of the reactor, and an emergency release switch, which would potentially free all of the meta's in the facility. If this were possible, that would provide him and Marissa a proper distraction to hit the Reactor, hard.

    Relaying the info to her mentally, she acknowledged it, as the doors to the arena opened. Men and women of all ages, most of them wearing white lab coats, some with tuxedos, and even some of them garbed in armor *probably guards* sat along the circumference of the circle.

    "Ah!" Olympus grinned his seat. "My psycho-kinetic has arrived, ladies and gentlemen. What I'm about to show to you, is what your investments to Terra Co. have made possible!"

    "I will show you the might of my soon to be General!" Olympus continued. "As he faces off against one of my most elite meta's available."

    Marissa turned to face him, as she swayed her hips, walking over to him. Glancing behind him, he knew better than to fall for the trick again. Leaning in close to Bryce, Sean grinned beneath the face Bryce had grown to love.

    "With you outta the picture, Marissa and I are gonna have a good time together." Biting his bottom lip, Sean wasn't expecting what Bryce was going to do next.

    Thrashing his head forward in a nasty headbutt, Bryce drew blood as he shattered the shape-shifter's nose. Sean recoiled as the real Marissa passed behind them, sticking her tongue out.

    Returning to his lanky form, Sean tested both of his now repaired nostrils, growling at Bryce with clenched fists.

    "HOW DARE YOU MAKE A MOCKERY OF ME!"

    "You haven't known me for long enough then." Bryce taunted, launching himself forward, striking Sean in the jaw. "I think it's time my fists acquaint themselves with you."

    Falling onto all fours, Sean's form shifted into that of a cheetah, his new cat eyes glaring deeply at Bryce. Dashing madly at Bryce, the psychic placed up a shield of energy to keep himself protected, as he lashed his foot out of the shield in a wide arch, striking the cat in it's maw.

    "Bad kitty, no brains for you!"

    "Good, I prefer CHICKEN!" Sean taunted, making another break neck charge.

    Bryce, however, was restricted from bringing up his shield again. He could feel Olympus tampering with the limitations the room held against them. He was making Sean appear tougher than he actually was.

    Sprinting as fast away from the cat as he could, Bryce could feel it's warm breath down his neck. Sean's cheetah form pounced him to the ground, as his human form delivered blow after blow. Pinning Bryce to the floor, Sean continued a few more nasty right hooks before standing, kicking Bryce in the head, causing his neck to jolt.

    "NUAGHHHH!" Bryce roared, blasting the shape-shifter off of him.

    Clenching his fists, the adrenaline coursing through his veins granted him a much faster reaction time. Blasting himself forward with his mind, he wrapped his arms around Sean as he lifted him high above the Stadium, the guards responding with their weapons at the ready. Cork screwing all the way down, Bryce ignored the punches Sean was delivering, as he plowed the meta into the ground.

    Dust settled, as a giant Pterodactyl like creature rose from the dust, grasping Bryce in his talons. Tossing him high in the air, Sean flew high above Bryce. Forming himself into a Gorilla, Sean swung downwards, striking Bryce in his midriff, causing the psychic to plummet to the ground.

    Bracing himself, Bryce formed a force field around himself, as Sean landed gracefully as a hawk. Growing taller as he walked, Sean's arms shrunk as his maw extended, a row of sharp teeth forming as a massive tail formed behind him. The T-Rex stomped over, smashing his right foot on Bryce's shielded self.

    Dust yet again filled the air, as a roar from the T-Rex shuddered the many by-standers. Had Olympus' supposed 'General' fail in his mission, against a frail shape-shifter, nonetheless?

    As the dust settled, however, things began to appear even more bizarre. Sean stumbled backwards, as his form slowly began to shrivel back to his normal, human form. From the crater left by Bryce, the psychic stood, blood gushing from his nose, as Sean grasped at his head.

    Bryce's eyes were deep with determination, the look of anger on his face could shatter glass. Holding his hand out, his fingers cringed from the stress he was sending on them, as he approached Sean.

    The crowd sat at the edge of their seats as the psychic drew nearer to the Shape-shifter.

    "W-what are you doing to me?!" Sean stammered, unable to control his actions, as he fell to his knees, protruding his chin outwards.

    [color=aqua]Don't worry, the humiliation doesn't last that long. [/aqua]

    Holding Sean's head with both hands, Bryce brought his right knee up and into Sean's chin, knocking him out cold. There was cheering throughout the stadium, as Bryce produced an ice spear in his right hand. Olympus hollered for him to restrain himself, telling him not to kill Sean.

    Instead, Bryce tossed the spear at Klaus, piercing the Guard's throat, as the soldier fell to the ground, coughing all the way there. The rest of the guards stood rigid, their guns at the ready.

    "I've made my choice, Olympus!" Bryce yelled with a smirk. "I'm not going to be your puppet, and you sure as hell ain't going to make me a puppet master!"

    Sighing, Olympus snapped his fingers, as Bryce covered Marissa and himself with a force field. Taking her by the hand, Bryce charged through the wall and into the Security Office. Marissa pulled the switch, as the security monitors showed the inmates all escaping, overthrowing the Security guards, as they worked their way out to the main courtyard.

    Turning to Marissa, she had already changed her form into that of a Security Guard, a weapon in her hands. She would attack the guards attacking the meta's, as they had planned. Bryce would attack the reactor.

    Allowing her a decent ten second head start, he heard the sound of a fire-arm go off, and ran outside. Marissa stuttered for a second as she clutched her chest, blood gushing from a wound.
    Shad0wChas3r
    Shad0wChas3r
    Database Director


    Posts : 1244
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r July 16th 2013, 10:33 pm

    Chapter 10: Snap Freeze

    Author's note: This chapter is a bit disturbing. If you wish to avoid the disturbing part, scroll down until you see the quote box that tells you it's 'safe'

    Also, for the first song, if the song doesn't skip to :45 like it's supposed to, please do so.

    Quote boxes are lyrics to the song, the only lyrics spoken by Bryce through his mind are the ones in colored italics. The song is Johnny’s Revenge, by Crown the Empire. I also used Green and Blue *Halo 4*  in this chapter as well. Finish the first song before reading past the second link.

    Bryce fell to his knees, as the still form of Marissa lay in his hands, Booker’s pistol having a single trail of smoke billowing from the barrel. Call-sign Olympus smirked, pointing it at Bryce himself. Suddenly, time froze around Bryce, as he was abruptly sucked deeper into his mind.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------

    Cackles of demonic laughter surrounded Bryce, as he tried desperately to move. He was freezing, the same kind of chill that he had felt in the cell the night before. Testing with each of his limbs, he realized he was shackled, being held a fair distance off of the ground. There was light in his eyes suddenly, as a pair of blood-red colored spot-lights highlighted him.

    Tormented souls of the people that died around him stomped around, tridents in their hands, garbed in red clothes, with horns poking out of their heads. Their eyes were yellow, and while their faces were filled with sorrow, the giddy, forced grins on their faces filled Bryce with both fear and anger.

    Circus music filled the air as the spots billowed over to the balcony opposite him. Out came a silhouetted figure dressed in a Devil’s costume. In his giant, demon hand he held Marissa, who reached out to Bryce. Bryce tried to fight the shackles, but each movement filled him with another wave of icy cold.

    “Well well, looka what we have here booooooys!” Booker’s voice was much higher in pitch, as it echoed throughout the circus tent. “Everyone give a warm welcome to BRRRRRRYYYYYCE!”

    The imps dancing around him laughed maniacally at their leader’s taunt, the devil himself joining for the laughter. Wrapping his massive hand around Marissa’s throat, he jerked it to the right, snapping her fragile neck, as the imps continued their strange dance, Bryce struggling even more.

    Booker looked over to Bryce, the shades on the bridge of his nose lowered further, as a pair of yellow eyes stared at Bryce, being the only things that were actually highlighted.

    “Whaddya say we show our new friend a thing or two about what it’s like to DIEEEE?!”

    Gritting his teeth, Bryce grunted as he tugged on his restraints, the imps stabbing him with their tridents, filling him further with a cold feeling. Clenching his fists, he felt something crawl over his skin as he closed his eyes. Booker’s imps continued their mocking laughter, stabbing him with their tridents, continuing their circles around him.

    Tears that should’ve rolled down his cheeks fell to the floor with a crash, as he continued to fight his restraints. Booker stopped, as the circus music fainted away, replaced by the heavy rift of a heavy metal song. The imps stopped their laughter as Bryce roared out in immense pain, a wave of cold enveloping them.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    IT'S 'SAFE!!!'
    Bryce’s eyes snapped open, looking down, he was covered with a thin layer of ice, and his hair stood up on his head, forming a group of icicles. Booker stood there, dumb-founded, as his pistol refused to fire. Standing slowly, Bryce clenched his fist, as a puff of cold breath flowed out of his gritted teeth.

    A cold front blasted forward, as Bryce used his Psychokinesis and his Cryokinesis to launch Booker back into the far wall. Bryce didn’t flinch as a bullet grazed his left shoulder. Turning his head, Bryce’s glowing white eyes peered at the person responsible. Raising a hand, he placed a sphere of invisible energy around the woman that shot at him. Turning back, Booker stood, unsteady.

    I’ve come for blood, blood, blood!
    And I’m not leaving till I have your heart!

    Flinging a single spear of ice at Booker, the man dodged the spear, as Bryce edged ever closer.

    You’re going to pay for all that you have
    done done done!
    I’ll feel alive when I have blood, your blood (blood, your blood!)
    Because revenge is all I haven’t LOST!

    Inside his mind he continued to hear the imps laughing at him, mocking the people whose faces they wore. Launching another spear, Booker dodged again. Bryce, completely neglecting to keep the shield up behind him, felt yet another bullet graze his shoulder. Growling with frustration, Bryce used his mind to float into the air, clenching his fists until the knuckles turned white, he unleashed a blanket of cold, a thin layer of snow enveloping the linoleum.

    I have a twisted mind!
    And I have seen your fate!
    You think the end is close for you
    when really, you’re fucking late!
    Your reign is over!

    “There’s no forgiveness!” Bryce barked, his voice echoed by that of those memories still in his mind. “There’s no forgiveness for all that you’ve done!”

    I’ve come for blood blood blood!
    and I’m not leavin’ till I have your heart!
    You’re going to pay for all that you have
    done done done!
    I’ll feel alive when I have blood, your blood (blood, your blood!)

    Because revenge is all I haven’t lost, you’ve taken everything I’ve ever loved!

    Launching a spear, the icicle pierced Booker’s leg, as blood splashed into the snow. Lowering himself to Booker’s level, the man tried to crawl away. Using Butch’s homicidal memories, Bryce grasped Booker by the back of the neck, staring deep into the man’s eyes. Memories started to seep in, but they didn’t seem to make any sense, that was when he looked at Booker’s leg. Smirking, he looked back into Booker’s eyes. A toothy, maniacal grin on his face.

    See the way
    your blood spills on the ground.

    Booker grinned as he himself changed form into that of Sean, the shape-shifter had fooled him again. Bryce growled in frustration, forming a blade of ice in his hand.

    But then before my eyes
    he turned into a man....
    I’ve been fooled again!
    I’VE BEEN FOOLED AGAIN!!!

    Plunging the blade deep into Sean’s chest, Bryce spoke mentally with Sean one last time.

    You are just a slave...
    You’ve dug your bed down deep in your grave!
    Now sleep! You will sleep
    For eternity, for ETERNITY!

    I’ve come for blood blood blood!
    and I’m not leavin’ till I have your heart!
    You’re going to pay for all that you have
    done done done!
    I’ll feel alive when I have blood, your blood (blood, your blood!)

    Because revenge is all I haven’t lost, you’ve taken everything I’ve ever loved!

    As Sean’s form grew limp in his arms, the woman behind him stood, primed to fire. Bryce sat there, his attempt at revenge foiled. Bryce’s mind was still filled with the laughter of the imps, haunting him as the circus music continued to play. Breathing sharply, he became firmly aware that he was bleeding, and had been shot twice. Turning to face Marissa, he had subconsciously used his mental force field to protect her still form from the snow. Lifting her, he squeezed her tightly, gently running his hand down her hand.

    “So we meet again, after all these years.” The woman said, putting a hand on her right hip.

    Bryce looked up, this woman was not a guard, she looked more dressed for combat. Black combat boots on her feet, she wore baggy camo khakis, with a black shirt, accentuating her curves, with a special necklace, no doubt for identification, around her neck. Billowing down to her shoulders was some brunette hair.

    Trying to reach into her mind, a force blocked him, repelling him.

    “My father trained me how to properly deal with bad men like you.” She replied, clenching her fists. “Including repelling mind reading.”

    “Heather.” Bryce replied, as she growled.

    “Don’t you DARE speak my name abomination!”

    “Why, why would you join such a company?! Don’t you know what they do here?!”

    “Yes, they execute monsters like you.”

    “No! That’s what Morpheus WANTS you to think! They harness our abilities and try to replicate them. If they can’t replicate us, then they force us to fight for them, or they kill us!” Bryce gritted his teeth. “This is a terrorist organization! You shouldn’t be here!”

    Bryce flinched as she pulled a pistol from her holster.

    “I was told to kill you the next time I saw you. My father sought to kill those that were not natural, Terra Co. protocols be damned!” She grit her teeth, her hand trembling.

    Bryce stood, cradling Marissa in his arms. He looked over to the left, as the gun was flung out of Heather’s hand to her right. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he thought of Weston, the place where they had been born. A thin layer of ice enveloped the two of them, as Heather attempted to struggle.

    “Let me help you.” Bryce whispered. “This place is going to blow.”

    Within an instant, Bryce and Heather found themselves in Windsor, at the playground where they once played. Placing a protective bubble around her, he passed something into her hand as he smiled, backing away.

    Within a flash, he was off again. Heather growled in frustration, as she looked down into her hands at an old folded piece of paper. Unfolding it, her eyes welled with tears as she looked at it. A pair of childishly drawn kids playing on the playground smiled back at her, as a fresh note had been scribbled in a speech bubble around the boy.

    “You were and always will be my best friend.” Heather read it aloud, sobbing as she went. “I never forgot about you, and I never gave up on you.”

    She paused for a moment, as she looked up at the sky, pleading that he would get the message.

    “I shouldn’t have given up on you, Bryce.” She smiled slightly. “I love you.”

    ---------------------------------------

    Waves crashed the shoreline, a single wooden cross buried on the hill overlooking the sea. A lighthouse beside the grave site a constant beacon of the loss Bryce had faced on that day. Bryce sat there beside the grave, peering out into the crashing blue ocean, feeling the wind on his face for the first time in half a decade, but at a cost. Looking down at the grave, a tear rolled down his cheek as he lightly ran his hand along the smooth dirt.

    (Skip ahead to 3:30 for this part, if you aren't already there.)

    Standing, Bryce bowed his head in silence for his lover, his hands firmly at his sides. Feeling a warmth on his right cheek, he smiled as he clutched the skin, as if she had actually be there. Another tear streamed down his face as he looked over, his mind showed her smiling image fading off into the setting sun, freed from her prison at last. Bryce stood there, non-moving, until the sun finally set over the horizon.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r July 16th 2013, 10:51 pm

    I know I posted two chapters in a row, and the last one might seem rushed. I do apologize for that. But I need to clear up my palette somewhat.

    By finishing this part in Bryce's life, I can finally continue with Forgotten Times, Unplugged, and Emergence.

    However, I can't leave you guys at this cliff-hanger without a view of what's to come. I've already written this teaser for you guys, so I know this part hasn't been necessarily 'rushed'.

    Five years later:

    The wind howled in the frozen tundra, as the lone figure trekked through the knee-deep snow beneath his feet. All of this was new to him, but if he didn’t find the one he was looking for, all would be lost. As he trudged on, questioning why he was even doing this, he knew that they were after him. He was not properly dressed for this weather, as Queen Ice’s breath kissed his cheek. He felt oddly numb, like something was out of place.

    Gazing up at the starry night, he thought to follow Polaris, knowing that the star would lead him where he needed to go. Sitting well within the oddly placed snowy forest on what appeared to be Antarctica. Using a barren stump as a seat, the man shivered from the cold, pulling his fingerless gloves off of his hands. His pupils soon took a violent orange-red hue, as his hands, his entire body, began to warm up, as fire erupted from his hands.

    Breathing outwards, the warmth of his body brought steam out of his mouth, as the heat in his baited breath mixed with the delicate, dangerous touch of the Antarctic’s winds. There was a rustling in the distance, as the man stiffened on his stump. While he could use his fire to protect himself, he didn’t aim to harm the one he was after.

    “Are you the one?” The figure’s voice trailed in the wind. “Are you the one I’m seeking?”

    “Many seek me. Be specific.” The wind replied.

    “You are the hybrid, are you not?” there was a chuckle in the wind. “Why must you be so cryptic? I mean you no harm!”

    “You make that sound like it’s a bad thing.” The wind whispered back. “Everyone who says that clearly wishes SOME harm, otherwise they’d have no reason to say it.”

    “My goal is clear, and killing you is not part of it.”

    “That much is obvious to me,” The wind spoke softly. “The true question is, who are you? Why have you sought me, if you don’t wish me harm?”

    “I am Angus Flannigan.” The pyrokinetic stood proud. “I have sought ye because of the knowledge you hold, and the similar goal we have in mind.”

    “-And what goal would that be?”

    “-To find the sons of bitches that killed me sister,” Angus replied. “Does the name Marissa mean anything to ye?”

    There was a silence, as the wind did not reply. Suddenly, there was an abrupt chill, even despite Angus’ use of his powers. As he had thought, he found himself in the streets of New York, where he had been just a brief hour before. The cold sensation, however, did not end there, as he suddenly found himself atop the Eiffel Tower. A man in a hoodie peered over the railing, staring intimately at the Louvre. Angus approached, as the rather frail gentleman that stood before him held a hand up.

    “If you truly meant me no harm, you will stand back until I can trust you.” The man’s icy blue eyes flickered, as he turned his head around. “I have many people out to hunt me down, and a meta seeking me seems rather suspicious.”

    “Why would I hunt doon the man that supposedly protected me sister whilst in that hell hole.” Angus said with a deep, scottish accent.

    “I didn’t do a good enough job, otherwise she’d still be here.” The hooded man sighed.


    -----------------------------------------------

    “Daddy loves his little princes-”

    “I want luffy bunnykins!” The little girl wailed, as the teller running the bank line stared at the young child.

    “Not now, Daddy needs to make a withdrawal.”

    “You’re not my father!” The little girl cried, looking up at the teller, as the man quickly took a knee, placing his hands on her shoulder.

    “Don’t say that, Daddy could get in a lot of trouble.”

    “Sir, is everything okay?” The teller asked, skeptical.

    “It’s alright, she just wants her bunny. I left it out in the car.” The man replied with a growl. "She gets cranky and defiant without it."

    “I could watch her while you go and get it?” The teller offered, as the man stood, a twinkle in his eye.

    “Yeah, let me stay with the nice man! You’re a bad man!” The girl screamed.

    Chuckling at the cuteness of the child, the teller watched as the elderly man turned the corner to exit the building. Peering down at the child, he was met by the barrel of a pistol. Before the teller could blink, the bullet pierced his forehead, exiting out through the back of his skull.

    Behind the counter, a door smashed open, as the man brushed some debris off of his shoulder, having knocked the iron door off of it’s hinges. Looking back over, the girl’s form quickly reverted to that of a college aged young woman.

    “Well, that went better than expected.” The woman pursed her lips as she vaulted over the counter. Landing on both feet, she reached down her shirt, resituating everything bundled beneath. “Why can’t our employers ever invest on one size fits all clothing that changes with my body?”

    “I dunno sweet-heart, but I kinda like it.”

    “Yeah, well you always were a borderline pedo. I saw what you were trying to hide when you touched my shoulder, and no amounts of crap in your pocket could mask THAT!”

    “Let’s keep it PG, I think I saw a kiddie runnin’ around here.” The muscular man grinned, as the woman spat in disgust.

    “Very funny, I like my youth, but reverting back to that young age is disgusting. You constantly feel the need to crap yourself and I much rather prefer not having to RESIST picking my nose.”

    The man, almost on cue, removed his finger from his nostril, as he scratched the back of his head, his blocky head imposing to the young, beautiful woman.

    “Remind me again why we are even robbing a bank, in Vermont no less?!” The man scoffed. “This place is a retirement town!”

    “Let me be the brains of the operation, and you the brawn, yeah?” The woman growled, pulling a pair of stethoscopes from the belt on her spandex suit. Placing the tools in her ears, she turned the tumbler on the vault.

    The man chuckled lightly, as he flattened his palm out, striking her round rear with his hand in a firm, playful slap. She jumped for a moment, before glaring at him with disgust.

    “Will you knock it off?!” She growled.

    “I’d like an answer to my question, Sheila.”

    “For a brawny son of a bitch, you certainly aren’t the dumbest, Paul.” She sighed. “But we’ve been over this, I can’t tell you, because you’re not smart enough.”

    “For?” Paul ignored the other insult as he asked the question.

    “If I told you, it would ruin my plan.” She smirked. “You’re playing your part perfectly, just knock down this door for me, and cover me from the cops while I start to fill the bags.”

    “Still, da boss told me that we were looking for an escapee from the Germany facility.” She stood, placing her thin fingers against his lips.

    “We are, but we don’t need him knowing that, if he shows up, I don’t want you giving it away.” She hissed. “The subject is a personal favorite of Olympus himself, and he wants his General back.”
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    Post  Manny July 17th 2013, 11:27 am

    Circus music? Hallucinations? Kicking ass! Women in spandex?!

    Those last three chapters were awesome!
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r September 25th 2013, 2:56 pm

    Thanks Manuel, I'm glad you enjoyed it- and I know it's been a long time coming, but seeings how I've basically lost all interest in Forgotten Times *turns out my knowledge of pre-Covenant war is VERY limited*, I've decided to at least bring this back up. Especially with the pick up of Heroes and Demons recently. Don't think I'm giving up on Forgotten Times, it's just on temporary back burners while I think about where I want it to go.

    So without further adieu, I proudly present to you the second part of Bryce's life.
    The Ascension: Frigid Beginnings Pt. II.
    The Rise of Psycicle.

    Prologue *Chapter 11 Razz* :

    Five years after the Munich Facility incident
    "Gentlemen, I've brought you all here for a good reason, something I'm sure you all have been dreading for as long as I have. As I am speaking, the size of Terra Co.'s army grows increasingly more than ours."

    A lone figure stood in a darkened, futuristic like room, surrounded by several other silhouetted figures.

    "With each passing second, their influence over the world gets larger and larger, and it won't be much time until they discover our headquarters and eliminate us all, or assimilate us for their terrible deeds."

    There was a moment of chaos within the counsel, as the speaking figure slammed his fist on the table, gaining control once more.

    ------------------------------------------------

    "My glorious Meta-Humans. You have joined a noble cause when you decided to fight for the winning side. While it might have taken you weeks, months, or years to even join my side. I assure you that once Terra Co. has taken control of the Government, that the segregation, the abuse, the constant fear of the normal man will no longer haunt you."

    A massive Battalion of Meta's of all sorts stood in rank before a giant screen, the man's face blacked out for security reasons.

    "However, there are some that would see me, see US destroyed, and we cannot allow that. Corruption within our Government, without our WORLD, must be eradicated, and these Metas, or these Agents, would love to see that fail."

    "I assure you we will seek out these neigh-sayers, and bring them out to the light, and publically make their senseless plight be a permanent reminder of who Terra Co. is, and what we do to our enemies. We will show no mercy, we will show no remorse."

    "But first, there is one of our own that needs to come home. He will be your General..."

    ------------------------------------------

    "Men, it's that time of year again. That time where you and your buddies head out into the wondering beyond, rifle in hand, bring a case of booze, and go out hunting some freaks. The Agency has lost one of our best undercover Agents five years ago, and while we are angered that he broke under temptation, we never forget his legacy. He brought us valuable information on Terra Co.'s big projects, and how we can counter them."

    The gruff, old agency leader stood in front of them.

    "I'm not going to stand here in front of you and speak myself blue in the face. But know that this is officially a war between us, Terra Co., and any freaks of nature that decide to show themselves in my beautiful country."

    "The one exception, however, is our trump card." the Leader's eyes flickered for a moment, as a face projected onto the wall behind him.

    "He's a meta-human, and while that is typically our enemy. We have reason to believe that EVERY faction wants their hands on him. He could be a game-breaker in this inevitable war..."

    -------------------------------------------------------

    "His name is Bryce Howard. He is one of the only Meta-humans in existence to escape a Terra Co. facility, and actually the entirety of their captives to freedom. Terra Co. and no doubt the Agency will be looking for this individual. Reports from my source indicate that he is extremely non-trusting, and rightfully so. He spent many years of his life in seclusion, and then was captured for fifteen years. He is insanely powerful, and could play a huge role in this war..."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    "He is my, no, YOUR General. He will be the one to lead you on your noble excursion to rid the world of corruption. I have already sent numerous teams to help coax him back into our waiting arms." The man on the screen nodded his head. "Now heed my words, go forth my children, and show the world our might! I am Olympus, and I will not be disappointed!!"

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    "This 'Bryce Howard' is a priority target. He has the power of teleportation, reading minds, manipulating minds, and the use of ice as projectiles. He is a dangerous meta-human, but try your hardest to contain him. If you cannot contain him, we cannot allow his escape and inevitable alliance with either of the other factions. If you can't contain him, you have permission to shoot to kill..."

    -------------------------------------------

    Eyes snapped open, and Bryce suddenly became aware of his surroundings. A war was coming, and everyone and their sister wanted him on their side. Ever since Munich, he had become quite the popular individual. Living constantly on the move, working a different job every week just to feed himself.

    He wasn't proud of it, but occasionally when he was feeling particularly lazy, he would scout out a bank on a day where they were loading the vault, get a brief look inside, and then wait a day or two before teleporting inside and taking a respectable portion for rent/food costs.

    It had been five years, but he still dreamt about her on a nightly basis, of how he had failed her. Caused her death. If he had just insisted that she escaped with the others, none of this would have happened. He had gotten her killed, and he would never be able to live it down.

    He had actually made attempts on his life numerous times. But each and every time he was about to finish himself off, he was met by his Grandfather, whom, even in death, still somehow contacted him. He wasn't supposed to die yet, but he sure as hell wasn't going to go fighting a three way war.

    He was his own man, and he'd be damned if he would let either of the three factions catch him. His thought process was cut short, however, when there was a sharp knock on the door.

    "Ouvrez cette porte! C'est la police!"

    Bryce quickly swept their unsuspecting minds, combing through for anything of use. His eyes opened wide with shock, they weren't metas, but they certainly were Terra Co. cronies.

    "Leave it to the goddamn French Police force to be bought out by a German company." Bryce sighed to himself.

    Quickly grabbing whatever little stuff he had, he thought of the New York City and within a flash of coldness, he was off.


    Last edited by Shad0wChas3r on April 12th 2014, 11:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r September 25th 2013, 4:40 pm

    Chapter 1: Unexpected ally.

    "Look, can I get a room here or not?" Bryce growled. "Sprechen Sie das Englisch, mien fruend?"

    "Yes, American." the owner replied in an Indian accent. "I am curious if YOU can? The sign out front reads; 'No Vacancy'. Now please, leave this building at once."

    No, no. It said Vacancy. The next person to walk out that door forgot to pay their rent, and are hereby evicted.

    Bryce and the owner waited patiently, Bryce's mind manipulation successful. A very well to do businessman strode out the door, and at first glance, Bryce wondered what someone of his status was doing at a building like this.

    You have forgotten to pay your rent, accept your eviction, gather your stuff quickly, and go apologize to your wife. You can't hide that rash from her forever.

    The businessman froze, he held a look on his face, a guilty look that he hadn't had a moment before. Pondering his predicament from a new point of view, the manipulated man merely looked the owner in the eyes, went up to grab his stuff, and not a minute later he was back with the key, paying the remainder of his rent.

    "I love my wife, I have cheated. I am not worthy of her love."

    "Yeah yeah yeah. Get out of my apartment building please sir." the Owner replied rapidly. "I am so sorry sir, there is now a new vacancy, please accept my most sincerest apologies..."

    I will give you the first three months completely free.

    "They are gladly accepted my good sir. I'm glad everything could work out." Bryce grinned, placing a hand on the businessman's shoulder, he nodded. "I'm sure you two will work something out. But now you will know the extra cost of a hooker that you DIDN'T sign up for."

    ---------------------

    After getting all situated, Bryce lay down on his bed, breathing a relaxing breath. Folding his arms behind his head, he prepared to actually finish his rest, having been rudely interrupted by the corrupt cops.

    He paused, however, and looked at what he had just done. What he HAD done over the past five years, just to remain hidden from all of these factions. He probably just ruined that businessman's life, ruined the Indian's business. Stolen numerous people's life savings, and for what? Just so he could keep his sorry ass alive?

    He had always justified it as a way of preventing people from getting too close, or giving his position away to the Agency or Terra Co.

    His brief rest, however, came to a halt as a broadcasted thought entered his mind.

    -------------------------------------------------------

    The wind howled in the frozen tundra, as the lone figure trekked through the knee-deep snow beneath his feet. All of this was new to him, but if he didn’t find the one he was looking for, all would be lost. As he trudged on, questioning why he was even doing this, he knew that they were after him. He was not properly dressed for this weather, as Queen Ice’s breath kissed his cheek. He felt oddly numb, like something was out of place.

    Gazing up at the starry night, he thought to follow Polaris, knowing that the star would lead him where he needed to go. Sitting well within the oddly placed snowy forest on what appeared to be Antarctica. Using a barren stump as a seat, the man shivered from the cold, pulling his fingerless gloves off of his hands. His pupils soon took a violent orange-red hue, as his hands, his entire body, began to warm up, as fire erupted from his hands.

    Breathing outwards, the warmth of his body brought steam out of his mouth, as the heat in his baited breath mixed with the delicate, dangerous touch of the Antarctic’s winds. There was a rustling in the distance, as the man stiffened on his stump. While he could use his fire to protect himself, he didn’t aim to harm the one he was after.

    “Are you the one?” The figure’s voice trailed in the wind. “Are you the one I’m seeking?”

    “Many are looking for me. Be specific.” The wind replied.

    “You are the hybrid, are you not?” there was a chuckle in the wind. “Why must you be so cryptic? I mean you no harm!”

    “You made that sound like it’s a bad thing.” The wind whispered back. “Everyone who says that clearly wishes SOME harm, otherwise they’d have no reason to say it.”

    “My plan is clear, and killing you is not part of it.”

    “That much is clear to me, I already know more about you then you do of me,” The wind spoke softly. “The true question is, who are you? Why have you sought me, if you don’t wish me harm?”

    “I am Angus Flannigan,” The pyrokinetic stood proud. “I have sought ye because of the knowledge you hold, and the similar goal we have in mind.”

    “-And what goal would that be?”

    “-To find the sons of bitches that killed me sister,” Angus replied. “Does the name Marissa mean anything to ye?”

    There was a silence, as the wind did not reply. Suddenly, there was an abrupt chill, even despite Angus’ use of his powers. As he had thought, he found himself in the streets of New York City, where he had been just a brief moment before. The cold sensation, however, did not end there, as he suddenly found himself atop the Eiffel Tower. A man in a hoodie peered over the railing, staring intimately at the Louvre. Angus approached, as the rather frail gentleman that stood before him held a hand up.

    “If you truly meant me no harm, you will stand back until I can trust you.” The man’s icy blue eyes flickered, as he turned his head around. “I have many people out to hunt me down, and a meta seeking me seems rather suspicious.”

    “Why would I hunt down the man that supposedly protected me sister while in that hell hole.” Angus said with a deep, scottish accent.

    “I didn’t do a good job, otherwise she’d still be here.” The hooded man sighed, peeling himself away from the railing.

    “At least ye tried boyo, that’s all that I need to know.” Angus replied, keeping his distance, as requested. “I have a wee question to ask about why we are here, when we were jus’ in Antarctica?”

    “As I’m sure you’ve been told, by whomever told you of me and your sister, that I’m a Psychokinetic. Well, I’ve recently developed yet another ability to add to my arsenal, something neither of the men in my family ever achieved.” The man replied. “I can force people to astral project, given I can access their minds.”

    “Using astral projection, I can communicate with them from a far distance, and gain basic intel, do they mean to kill me, or are they like you?” The man kicked a bag of peanuts off of the platform, and down into the streets below. “I chose to use Antarctica as a meeting ground, because most people can’t handle the cold.”

    “So then you are Bryce Howard, the man who can both read minds, and make ice with his mind.” Angus replied with a grin. “At first glance, I dinnae believe you.”

    “You want me to give you an example of my Glaciokinesis.” Bryce smiled, having read Angus’ mind. “Haven’t practiced in a while, ever since I blew that Terra Co. facility to hell.”

    Aiming down at the massive pool of water that the tower overlooked, Bryce’s eyes glowed white, as a ball of ice shot down at the water’s edge. The moment the ice ball made contact with the water, everything inside of the water flash froze. Innocent bystanders peered around for a moment, confused by what had just taken place.

    Bryce nodded, as Angus stared with amazement, peering down with a pair of abandoned binoculars. Sure enough, the pool was frozen. Flabbergasted, Angus watched Bryce clench his fists, the ice shattering, and the water returned to it’s liquid state.

    “Happy now?” Bryce asked.

    “Very.” Angus nodded. “Can you take us to-”

    “Your headquarters?” Bryce finished, reading Angus’ mind.

    “Yeah, and please stop doin’ that.”

    “You started it.” Bryce grinned. “But I'm afraid I can't. I can transport YOU there, but if you think I'm staying and taking part in this war, you are dead wrong.”

    "Yer making a big mistake, Mr. Howard." Angus replied. "You know well enough that each Faction will do anything to have you in their midst. If they can't have you, they WILL kill you."

    "So you do want to harm me?"

    "No, Mr. Howard-"

    "Bryce."

    "-Bryce. I want to give you a chance to avenge my sister, alongside me and my men. To get back at Olympus, and to show the Agency that not all Metas are bad people. I'll let you think on it, just be careful boyo. You aren't useful to anyone if you're dead."

    With that, Bryce thought of transporting Angus to his headquarters, which he had combed it's location during his brief meeting with Angus 'in Antartica'. In a flash, the pyrokinetic was gone.

    "I'm- I'm not strong enough to fight back. I can't risk getting anyone close to me killed. Not again."
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    Post  Manny September 25th 2013, 6:20 pm

    I thought there was no 'Murica?
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r September 25th 2013, 6:35 pm

    It's the Earth we use in Ascension. I called it New York to give you a visualization. There isn't truly a ''murica',
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    Post  Manny September 25th 2013, 11:26 pm

    Oh I was referring to how the Indian landlord called Bryce a 'Murican. New York [i]could[/u] still exist but we haven't sat down and ironed out all the details.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r September 26th 2013, 12:27 am

    Forgot that we called America in our universe the UPNE. Couldn't really think of anything interesting to call him that would get the point across.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r September 26th 2013, 3:50 am

    Chapter 2: A fateful encounter.

    Bryce sighed, there wasn't much money left after his last robbery, and there wasn't much more food to sate him. Along with that, he couldn't sleep, not knowing that there was someone out there, someone who had felt the same loss as him all those years ago. He needed something to do, something to keep his mind off of the impending war that was going to take place.

    He decided to go site seeing, glancing out his window, he took notice of Times Square. Sighing, he walked out the door. Even with such a bustling avenue, SOMEONE would have noticed him teleporting into their midst, and he just couldn't trust people anymore, even if he could read their minds. Besides, what better way to kill time than to take a nice walk through the city.

    Throwing his hoodie on over his shirt, he wrapped the hoodie snugly around his head, it's shadow concealing his face. For some, it would seem suspicious, but the others, it was to protect him from the crisp Autumn air. Walking out the door, he cautiously worked his way down the stairs.

    Distracted by his thoughts, he accidentally bumped into a woman climbing the stairs, her groceries falling to the floor.

    "H-hey!" She yelled, furious.

    "Sorry." Bryce replied, kneeling down to gather her scattered fruits and assorted foodstuffs.

    Grimacing, her carton of eggs was a complete loss, every one of the eggs inside shattered and a mess.

    "Guess you owe me a new carton of eggs." She smirked.

    "I guess I do." Bryce chuckled. "I don't have any cash on me right now, but when I do, I will definitely get them to you."

    "Leave'm with the owner, tell him they're for Chloe. I'm the only tenant in this building by that name, so he'll know what room I'm in."

    "Got it." Bryce replied. "I really am sorry about that."

    "Accidents happen." Chloe smiled. "I've got to go."

    "Yeah, me too."

    With that, the two separated, as Bryce nodded, deciding not to read her mind... for now. Walking out the main doors, Bryce strode down the sidewalk, when he noticed a car in a parking space. The meter was running down, almost empty on time. Taking a dollar out of the small wad he had left, he placed it within the meter, officially extending the time by another hour.

    "There, that's my second good deed for the day. I'll only 'slightly' burn in hell." Bryce muttered to himself.

    Sighing, he glanced over to his right. A common bank, surprisingly on the side of the street. Peeking inside, he approached the teller. The elder man stared at him distantly, no doubt to his get-up. Upon scanning his brain, Bryce knew this man's right hand was on the emergency button, on the off chance he was a armed robber.

    "Hello sir. How may I help you here at UNPE International Bank?"

    "Well, this is a bank. So there can only really be two things." Bryce chuckled. "I'd like to make a substantial withdrawal."

    Hopefully this creep can get out soon. The quicker he can get out, the better. Thomas Sherl is actually coming here again! I won't let our good image be disrupted by this garbage. What was his security code answer again? Mary Poppins?

    "Name?"

    "I am Thomas Sherl. You must excuse me for my foolish attire. It's a bit cold outside, and I like to delight my days off with a jog down Broadway."

    That isn't- could it be possible? I can't see his face through that shadow in his hoodie! If what he says is true, then I must treat him the same.

    "My apologies, but I find that hard to believe, sir."

    "Understandable. After being named the top man on Wallstreet, people like to view me as a stuffy, spoiled rich man. In actuality, I am very down to earth and like to talk with my fellow man as a civilized adult. Not a rich man with a god complex. I am very disappointed, however, that you would be so rude as to profile me. I was told your establishment was of the upmost respectful to your clients."

    "I-I'm sorry sir. But without proper identification-"

    "I forgot my ID at home." Bryce lied. "Just ask me my security question so we can get this over with. I have a large bash at my condo planned and I don't want to be late."

    The man speaks the truth. Bryce manipulated the man's mind. I will ask him the security question.

    "Very well." The teller's smile became rather dopey, as if he lost all control of his body. "What is the title of your mother's favorite book?"

    "Mary Poppins."

    That is the correct answer. Bryce coaxed, in case the answer was actually wrong.

    "That is correct. Glad to see you again Mr. Sherl. My apologizes for my atrocious behavior. How much will you be withdrawing from us today?"

    "How much do I have in my account, it's been a while for me to remember."

    "You currently have-" the teller whispered. "Forty million."

    "I'd like a withdrawal slip please."

    "Certainly." The man passed along a slip.

    Writing a value down on the paper and signing it to the best of his ability, Bryce passed the slip back, and made the necessary mental coax to keep the teller from resisting.

    "Fifty thousand. Very well Mr. Sherl. I will return with your cash shortly." the teller replied quietly.

    The man retreated to the back, opening the vault with his keycard. Bryce took mental note of it's insides, so at a later point he could warp inside and take some more. For now though, he was having fun pretending to be someone else.

    After a few moments, the teller returned once more, a wad of cash in his hands. Accepting the wad, Bryce placed it in his hoodie's pocket.

    "Thank you my good sir."

    You will have no recollection of his visit. Bryce erased their meeting from his mind, as he left the building, the teller completely lost. Oh, and tear up the withdrawal sheet and toss the pen, it was out of ink.

    Walking back down the street to his apartment, he paused for a brief second. First, he ducked into a dark corner, making sure no-one was able to see him, before teleporting back into his apartment. Taking out the wad of cash, he lifted his mattress and put the most of it as need, saving a couple of hundred for his shopping needs.

    Returning back into the alleyway, Bryce stepped out into the street once more. Walking a minute or three to the nearest groceries store. Afterall, he had a promise to keep.

    Glancing at the row of eggs, he searched within his memories to find the same exact kind she had had. Organic, grade A brown eggs. Nodding, he found the last carton of them. With the store so secluded, he could have easily have teleported back to the apartment. But he was a much better person than that. He only did what he did to survive, and the only thing he needed was money.

    Walking to the front of the store, he rang out the eggs, deciding that he would treat himself to dinner after he dropped off the produce. Handing over the necessary payment to the cashier, she wrapped the carton in a plastic bag, and sent him on his way.

    "Excuse me." a feminine voice whispered into his right ear. "I don't recall your name being Thomas Sherl."

    "Who says."

    "I do."

    Right side, nightstick. Ducking his head, Bryce swung his left foot out, tripping up whomever had spoken. Turning to face his adversary, he was greeted by a familiar face.

    "Oh this is just peachy. Look, I'm not going to fight you. Does our friendship mean nothing to you?!"

    "You would be a great asset to the Agency Bryce. We could get you your Father back from Terra Co."

    "Are you kidding me?!" Bryce growled. "Olympus told me himself they had offed Dad after he gave them my location."

    "Who're you going to believe, the man who wants you to do his bidding and kill you? Or your childhood friend that wants to help you out?" Heather asked bitterly.

    "Neither. Last I recall, you tried to kill me after witnessing the love of my life dying."

    "Yeah, and have you noticed I haven't hunted you down over the last five years. I've been working alongside the Agency to gain valuable intel to help bring you back to the good guy's side. My superiors SENT me to bring you to us."

    "Then they are going to be some disappointed." Bryce clenched his fists. "I want no part in this damn war, no matter who the hell needs me to hold their hands. As far as I'm concerned, if you aren't me, you can go piss up a rope. I've had those that are close to me die before, and if I don't get involved, and I don't get attached to anyone, I can prevent that."

    "Bryce, that was five years ago, you got to let that go."

    "Heather, shove it up your ass. I loved that girl. You ever loved a man before? Don't answer that, I've already read your damn mind."

    "If you've read my mind, then you know what I must do."

    "I'm telling this for your own good Heather, don't get involved in this damn thing. Find a secluded place and avoid all contact with ANYONE that is a part of this damn thing. We don't need to fight."

    "If I cannot bring you to the Agency alive, I must do so in a bag." Heather replied.

    Bryce tensed as she slammed her boots onto the ground, a pistol launching out of holsters on the side of her boots. Within a heartbeat, she opened up fire, as Bryce used his mind to create a barrier, which collected the bullets like a magnet. Bryce gently tossed them over his shoulder, all momentum lost. When he turned back, she kicked him square in the chin with a combat boot, his bag of eggs flying high into the air.

    Glaring up at them, he slowed their descent with a portion of his brain's power, thrusting Heather back a few feet with his mind.

    "Last warning Heather, I will not fight you."

    "You are nothing but a coward. This is why the people you love die young. When you have something worth fighting for, you worry about their well being, and they die. People can take care of themselves Bryce, but you, even with your extended mental functions and capacity neglect to see that."

    Setting the eggs down on a nearby car, Bryce cracked his knuckles and his neck.

    "I really didn't want to do this Heather. But you've left me with no choices, and know I'm doing this only so you will stop yourself before you get yourself killed."

    Heather tensed, firing both of her pistols at Blaine, their bullets falling at his feet.

    Floating an inch off of the sidewalk, Bryce glanced around to make sure there were no pedestrians in the cross fire. His eyes glowed white momentarily, as he launched himself at Heather in a full blown tackle, using his mental barrier as a battering ram. Catching Heather off of her feet, she tumbled across the sidewalk, Bryce preparing an icicle.

    "I'm only going to incapacitate you. So this might hurt a bit."

    However, Heather had already thought a step ahead, pulling the pin off of one of her grenades. Bryce launched her with his mind away from the blast radius, his mental barrier blocking the brunt of the damage from the explosion. However, he was launched back the way they had come, bryce slammed into the side of a Prius, it's annoying horn blaring to alert it's owner of it's immense damage, his bag of eggs sent flying.

    Launching himself at them, Bryce caught the bag with one hand, landing on the other side of the sidewalk. Glancing up, she rocketed forward with some jets on the bottom of her boots, preparing a fist. Instead, he juked her out, placing a single hand on her shoulder.

    "Don't hate me forever, this is for your own good."

    "Don't you dare, I'm begging you."

    His eyes glowed white again as an icicle sprang out of the sidewalk, piercing her left leg still. Breathing in deeply, he launched himself in the opposite direction, as he heard the sickening sound of her right leg break. She cried out in immense pain, gritting her teeth. Easing her down on the ground, he removed all of her weapons from her, and disposed of them nearby, thawing the ice that held her still.

    "Given time, you will heal. Take this time to realize the danger this war poses. Because if I am forced to pick a side, remember that it might not be yours, and I will not be the one to kill you. I know all credibility is lost at this point, but you should really give it a thought and give up on the Agency. Think about you for a change, not the monster that your father was. Because while you had a father, that man sure as hell didn't act like one."

    With that, Bryce took his eggs in hand, touched her shoulder, and teleported her to the nearest hospital. He knew their next encounter was not going to be pleasant, because she was stubborn that way, but the longer she stayed out of the fray, the better he felt. She was his friend, and while it killed him to do what he had just done, it was either both of her legs, or her life. She might've preferred the latter at this point, but he wasn't going to be the one to do it.

    With that, Bryce returned to his apartment's front door. Opening it, he read the owner's mind, and located Chloe's room number. Glancing down at the carton, he grimaced at the sight. Two eggs had shattered completely, removing those, the rest were intact. Grabbing a piece of paper and a pen from the front desk, he wrote a short note on the paper, and placed it within the carton.

    Walking up the stairs, he knocked on her door, placing the carton at it's foot. Sighing, he walked up the next flight of stairs to his room. If Heather knew he was in this town, it was only a matter of time before he would get noticed again. He would have to leave within the next couple of days. But for now, he was tired. Laying down on his mattress, he thought about what had transpired today.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r October 8th 2013, 1:13 am

    Chapter 3: A special thanks.

    Bryce's eyes fluttered awake. For the first time in five years, he had actually had a restful night sleep. Surely he still regretted his actions towards Heather the previous day, but he did it for her own benefit, and he knew that by taking her out of the fray, she was at least safe, albeit pissed for what he had done to her. But at least she was ALIVE.

    Standing, he ran a hand through his hair. He had taken noticed that over the years, his blonde hair had slowly become more and more white as time went on. In fact, it seemed to become more prominent when he used his ice abilities. For him, it was a permanent reminder of the Munich Facility, and his obligations towards everyone he cared about.

    Sighing, he shook his head and walked over to the pitiful TV stand in the corner, flickering on the set, he rifled through until he met a News station.

    "Meh, let's see what's going on in the area."

    "Good Morning. I am Christopher Danforth, and you are watching the NYCD Action News. It's currently six o'clock on this beautiful Monday morning in the grand city of New York! Today's stories; Brawls riddle the streets of New York, Banks around the region are losing the money they are supposedly 'holding', and I sit down with famed author Alaina Pierce. But first, our top story for today." Christopher paused.

    "Gun shots and fist fights filled the streets of New York yesterday afternoon, as a silhouetted individual and a military woman broke out into a fight yesterday afternoon. We go live to Leah Xiang for a live report, Leah?"

    The screen suddenly swapped from Danforth to Xiang for a brief moment, the Oriental woman smiled into the camera, which pointed at the grocery store he had been at the night before.

    "Thanks Chris. The sight you see behind me is the scene in which two individuals, a man and a woman says witnesses, who broke out into an all out fight. The woman was allegedly armed with two M9 handguns, both of which were Military standard issue. Not much is known about the man she fought, but he was seen wearing a grey hoodie. I took to the streets to gather as much information on this mystery man as I could."

    The film cut away to Xiang holding a mic up to a young woman's face.

    "Can you tell us about the individual that took part in the fighting yesterday?"

    "Well, he came into my grocery store around five o'clock yesterday, wearing jeans and a hoodie. Bought something, even though I can't remember exactly what else. The woman tapped him on the shoulder on his way out, and proceeded to prod him about something. Next thing I know, crazy son of a gun's produce go flying, and he somehow catches them. Not with his hands, but with his MIND or something. Then, when things can't get any weirder, he started to float above the ground. "

    The screen cut away again to show a butch, more obese gentleman, who obviously revolted the beautifully dressed Asian reporter.

    "You claim to have seen the battle take place. Would you care to share with us what happened?"

    "Yeah, the dumb bitch didn't leave the dude alone. I didn't hear their whole conversation, only the man wasn't having it, and that he didn't want to harm her. She kept prodding him along and finally, the dude let her have it. You ain't gonna believe me, but boy, that sonnova bitch FLEW right into her. Crashed into the company right next door. Then he freezes up the sidewalk piercing her leg, apologizes to her, and then breaks her opposite leg all in one motion."

    "How can you be so sure the man wasn't at fault, clearly HE was the one that did more damage?!" Xiang replied, infuriated.

    "Look, no offense lady. But the bitch didn't get her way, and she pulls not one, but TWO guns at the dude. She's lucky that dude didn't stab her in the heart with his icicle."

    The screen switched back to Xiang on live television, where Bryce's mess from yesterday was slowly combed for clues.

    "Chris, I've also recently talked with Police about the scene of the crime, and while it's as hard to believe as it sounds, they have discovered a wet spot on the sidewalk where witnesses say the man broke the woman's legs. It is said he actually 'teleported' her somewhere, but not much else is known. The UPNE government are saying that everyone believes in Super heroes, but they don't exist. That it was probably a figment of their imagination. Which leads me to wonder, do Meta humans actually exist, and what standings does this man truly have? Is he malevolent, or benevolent? Is his actions pure, or corrupt? Back to you Chris."

    "Thank you Leah. That's interesting stuff indeed, we can only hope he isn't a bad man. Next up on our stories, reports are coming in from local banks, that their quotas aren't met. Places in France and all around the globe are stumped by this odd occurrence. Law enforcement individuals wish to remind everyone to keep their money in the banks, we don't want to face another Economical depression. Bank officials are assuring their clients will receive the complete amount that they've lost, with a twenty-five percent interest on it."

    There was a knock on his door, as his thought process was suddenly broken. Scanning the brain waves, it surprised him with who was actually on the other side.

    "One minute!" Bryce barked, rushing to the closet.

    Before him, hanging on the coat, was his grand-father's flannel jacket, a button-up shirt, and a nice pair of dress pants. Quickly robing himself, he decided to do away with his old duds, teleporting them somewhere far away from him.

    Walking over to the door, he cracked it open. With his hunched over stature, the first sight that came to his mind was not the one he was expecting, bare skin showed, the cleavage of a woman's chest. Without a moment's notice, his eyes shot up to meet hers, as he stood rigid.

    "Pardon me." He stammered. "I thought it was a little kid that messed up the rooms. Can I help you?"

    "I was wondering if I might come in?" Chloe asked.

    "Er." Bryce glanced over his shoulder. He had to come up with a  lie to get her away. She was nice, and now that the city knew what he was, he couldn't get her involved. "It's a tad bit messy in here, I just moved in yesterday."

    "All I want to do is thank you for the eggs, perhaps we could grab a cup of coffee?" She asked, at second glance, Bryce realized she was dressed quite fancily for a Monday morning coffee.

    "Um." Bryce had to think on his feet. She was only being nice, and he didn't really want to turn her down.

    For a brief moment, he thought back to what Heather had said the day before. He knew that Marissa was looking down on him, giving him the approval to get over her. Besides, all the people knew about him were his powers and his old attire. Both of which were easily hidden from the public.

    "Yeah, sure. I'd like that. Give me a brief minute to get ready, I really wasn't expecting to head out today. Please excuse me." With that, Bryce closed the door gently, glancing at his mattress.

    Lifting it with his mind, he took the wad of cash, placing it gently in his pocket. He'd have to buy new clothes today anyways, and if the cops wanted to check his apartment, it would leave them with nothing to go on. Even his identification to lease the apartment was fake.

    Currently thinking too much about his predicament, he accidentally dropped the mattress with a loud thud, resulting in a knock at the door.

    "Oh my god, are you okay in there?!" Chloe's voice was full of concern.

    "Yeah, I'm fine. Tripped on some of the mess made by the last tenant. Gotta clean up his stuff." Bryce lied.

    Returning to the door, he opened the bolt up, stepped out, and closed it behind him. Locking it, he turned to face her.

    "Again, really sorry about the two eggs, I witnessed that fight that happened yesterday at the mart. The dude accidentally ran into me during the fight, and the carton opened up. Tried to catch them, but they got away." He frowned.

    "Don't worry about it." She grinned. "No use crying over spilled eggs. Atleast most of the carton is actually usable here, unlike when we first met. Which reminds me, I don't think I caught your name?"

    Bryce paused for a moment, should he tell her or not? Thinking over it, he finally came to a decision, then smiled.

    "Bryce. My name is Bryce." Bryce replied, offering a hand. "Chloe, right?"

    "You got a good memory. Most of the handsome ones I meet aren't quite all there in the head."

    Bryce's face drew red with her last comment, as he shook himself out of it.

    "You think I'm handsome? I dress in a flannel jacket! At least you have good looks and a great outfit to boot."

    "Why thank you, and I think flannel is very attractive. It brings out the part I like about men, I can't really put a finger on it." She blushed. "Shall we go? I know a nice little place down the street. Hope you don't mind passing by the Grocery store though, don't want you reliving that event."

    "Pfft. I bet that guy's long gone by now. Besides, a man's gotta eat, am I right?"

    ---------------------------------------------------

    They arrived at the quaint little coffee shop down the street, which, unsurprisingly, was packed on the Monday morning. People bustled in and out of the joint, while other, more timely businessmen and women sat at the tables, laptops at the ready.

    For Bryce, the sound of all the broadcasted thoughts bothered him. He couldn't handle it all. Whatever they thought of typing, they were thinking aloud. Clutching at his forehead, he turned away.

    "Are you okay?" Chloe asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

    "Yeah, just a really bad head-ache. I'm not really a coffee drinker, because it gives me a bad migraine. But you are set on this place, so here I'll stay. Even if the fumes bother me a little."

    "N-no, it wouldn't be thanking you properly if you were miserable. I know a little diner right across the street over there. We could just go for breakfast, I can get my coffee, and you can get whatever you'd like.

    Bryce nodded, as they walked across the road, the traffic jam from the crime scene was both a blessing and a curse. Walking into the building, the two sat down at a booth towards the back.

    Handling a menu, Bryce glanced over the options, as Chloe continued to look at him, her choice already set. He quickly glanced over her mind to recognize her favorite meal.

    "So, tell me more about yourself Bryce. Namely why you aren't rushing off to work, and hanging out with me?"

    "I could ask you the same thing." Bryce chuckled. "But you asked first, and I'll answer. I'm unemployed at the moment. My last job was over in Weston, Vermont. But due to this whole Economic crisis with money suddenly disappearing from banks everywhere, I was laid off. I came to the big city to try my luck at something a bit more substantial. Had a great first day yesterday."

    "Trust me, it isn't as bad as everyone says it is. Alternatively, it isn't as great as everyone else says. I'd say the city is good for getting jobs, nothing more, nothing less." Chloe replied. "As for me, I'm a free-lance reporter trying to get somewhere in the world. So I work my own hours."

    "Very nice." Bryce nodded. "What are you going to do a story on?"

    "Haven't decided yet." She smirked. "Though the accident down the street could be a great start."

    "So this breakfast did have a catch." Bryce frowned. "You want an interview."

    "Yes, and no." She replied. "I had no idea you were a witness to the brawl yesterday. I legitimately wanted to thank you for the eggs yesterday. But I could use an interview from you later on, if you wouldn't mind."

    "It might have to wait, I've still got to gather the rest of my stuff from Vermont and bring it down here. Today and yesterday were all about settling in and making sure I actually had a place before I paid to get it all moved."

    "I could help you, you know." Chloe smiled. "I used to work with my father in a moving business, so I can hold my own against most anything. If you want, that way I could get my interview, and you can get your stuff moved much more quickly.

    "Sure, why not. But I should warn you, I don't have a car. I took the train." Bryce replied.

    "That's fine. I like trains." Chloe smiled, glancing up at the TV screen hanging in the corner of the roof. "Oh my god Bryce, something's going on in Weston!"

    "WHAT?!" Bryce asked, glancing at the TV. "Ma'am, please turn up the volume!"

    --------------------------------------------

    [Minutes before. Weston, Vermont]

    “Daddy loves his little princes-”

    “I want luffy bunnykins!” the little girl wailed, as the teller running the bank line stared at the young child.

    “Not now, Daddy needs to make a withdrawal.”

    “You’re not my father!” The little girl cried, looking up at the teller, as the man quickly took a knee, placing his hands on her shoulder.

    “Don’t say that, Daddy could get in a lot of trouble.”

    “Sir, is everything okay?” The teller asked, skeptical.

    “It’s alright, she just wants her bunny. I left it out in the car.” The man replied with a growl. "She gets cranky and defiant without it."

    “I could watch her while you go and get it?” The teller offered, as the man stood, a twinkle in his eye.

    “Yeah, let me stay with the nice man! You’re a bad man!” The girl screamed.

    Chuckling at the cuteness of the child, the teller watched as the elderly man turned the corner to exit the building. Peering down at the child, he was met by the barrel of a pistol. Before the teller could blink, the bullet pierced his forehead, exiting out through the back of his skull.

    Behind the counter, a door smashed open, as the man brushed some debris off of his shoulder, having knocked the iron door off of it’s hinges. Looking back over, the girl’s form quickly reverted to that of a college aged young woman.

    “Well, that went better than expected.” The woman pursed her lips as she vaulted over the counter. Landing on both feet, she reached down her shirt, resituating everything bundled beneath. “Why can’t our employers ever invest on one size fits all clothing that changes with my body?”

    “I dunno sweet-heart, but I kinda like it.”

    “Yeah, well you always were a borderline pedo. I saw what you were trying to hide when you touched my shoulder, and no amounts of crap in your pocket could mask THAT!”

    “Let’s keep it PG, I think I saw a kiddie runnin’ around here.” The muscular man grinned, as the woman spat in disgust.

    “Very funny, I like my youth, but reverting back to that young age is disgusting. You constantly feel the need to crap yourself and I much rather prefer not having to RESIST picking my nose.”

    The man, almost on cue, removed his finger from his nostril, as he scratched the back of his head, his blocky head imposing to the young, beautiful woman.

    “Remind me again why we are even robbing a bank, in Vermont no less?!” The man scoffed. “This place is a retirement town!”

    “Let me be the brains of the operation, and you the brawn, yeah?” The woman growled, pulling a pair of stethoscopes from the belt on her spandex suit. Placing the tools in her ears, she turned the tumbler on the vault.

    The man chuckled lightly, as he flattened his palm out, striking her round rear with his hand in a firm, playful slap. She jumped for a moment, before glaring at him with disgust.

    “Will you knock it off?!” She growled.

    “I’d like an answer to my question, Sheila.”

    “For a brawny son of a bitch, you certainly aren’t the dumbest, Paul.” She sighed. “But we’ve been over this, I can’t tell you, because you’re not smart enough.”

    “For?” Paul ignored the other insult as he asked the question.

    “If I told you, it would ruin my plan.” She smirked. “You’re playing your part perfectly, just knock down this door for me, and cover me from the cops while I start to fill the bags.”

    “Still, the boss told me that we were looking for an escapee from the Germany facility.” She stood, placing her thin fingers against his lips.

    “We are, but we don’t need him knowing that, if he shows up, I don’t want you giving it away.” She hissed. “The subject is a personal favorite of Olympus himself."

    -------------------------------------------

    "This just in, an armed robbery has shaken up the quiet community of Weston, Vermont, where just minutes ago, a man and a woman were seen breaking down the vault door to the bank. Law enforcement personnel request that people in the area stay inside their homes, there is no need to panic. "

    Bryce's hands clenched, he wasn't necessarily saint of the year, but there was no cause for anyone to rob that bank. It was in a quiet community, and he knew that whomever it was that targeted the place was after him. If he didn't get there, all of the people from his home town would be killed, one by one, until he showed up.

    "That's a shame. Good thing you weren't ther-"

    "I'm going." Bryce said quickly, standing. "I'm sorry, breakfast will have to wait."

    "Hold up." Chloe stood, her eyes twinkling. "This could be my story, I'm coming with you."

    "I can't allow that." Bryce said.

    "I don't believe you have a choice in the matter." Chloe said, placing her hands on her hips. "Unless you are the guy from yesterday, and plan on breaking my legs, there is no way you're going without me."

    Bryce paused, did she know that he was? He refused to read her mind, he was going to try to stop relying on his abilities all the time. Sighing, he knew it was either incapacitate her and risk getting noticed, or take her along.

    "Fine. But I'm not letting you get into any danger." Bryce shook his head. "Train leaves in two minutes, let's go."

    Walking out the diner, Bryce and Chloe darted down the street to the nearest subway station, riding it to Grand Central Station, taking the first AMTRAK to Vermont.
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    Post  Manny October 8th 2013, 3:34 pm

    Something about Bryce's and Chloe's conversation seemed real to me. So I suppose you were doing something right there.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r October 20th 2013, 4:06 pm

    Manny wrote:Something about Bryce's and Chloe's conversation seemed real to me. So I suppose you were doing something right there.
    So does that mean I've always been wrong? I mean, I've never actually had that much experience in these types of scenarios, so... yeah.

    Anyways, update is coming soon!
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r October 20th 2013, 5:21 pm

    Chapter 4: Failed Heist.

    Chloe's eyes fluttered awake, the train had made a quick and sudden stop. Looking over to her left, Bryce too had apparently fallen asleep. Nudging his still form, she frowned for a moment, something wasn't right.

    Nudging again, 'Bryce's' head rolled off of his shoulders and onto the floor. At first, she was shocked, screaming at the scene. Until further examination proved it to be a basketball that had been hiding in his hoodie.

    "Clever boy." she smiled to herself.

    ---------------------------------------

    Bryce knew that what he had done was going to give him an ear-full should he ever see Chloe again. But Weston needed him now, and an AMTRAK can only go so far before having to make stops. Halfway out of Crisis City *NYC*, the Train had stopped in Massachusetts, where it would stop three more times before landing in Vermont.

    Bryce didn't have that precious time. Finding a quiet corner, he closed his eyes, thinking of his old childhood home, the front yard. A thin layer of ice covered his skin, as a hand quickly grabbed his shoulder.
    ---------------------------------------------------

    Coughing, the two figures laid on the lawn for a brief moment. Bryce didn't dare look over, even though his fight or flight instincts were kicking in. The other figure, however, shook her head.

    "You really are a sneaky fellow, aren't you?" Chloe chuckled, sitting up.

    "How long have you known?" Bryce asked, sitting up.

    "Well, if I know the service of that Grocery Store, you were literally the only one that went in there, am I wrong?" Chloe asked.

    "Other than me and the Manager." Bryce muttered. "Couldn't even keep half of the produce fresh."

    "This is great, isn't it?" Chloe smiled. "I actually get to meet a real life super-hero!"

    "Save it." Bryce replied bluntly. "I'm no hero."

    He stood, turning away from her.

    "So... you're a villain?" she asked innocently. "You don't seem like a bad guy, and I've only known you for two days."

    "You want an interview?" Bryce spoke coldly. "Talk to me after I deal with this."

    "So you are a hero!" she chuckled.

    Bryce growled, stomping away in the direction of the bank, Chloe fast on his heels.

    "I tried to leave you on that train for your own safety."

    "Yeah, and I wasn't having it."

    "Look. You think I'm a super being? The people robbing this bank are just like me, and I'm not getting you involved."

    -----------------------------------

    "Well would ya look at that Shiela?" Paul grinned, peering out the window. "Ol' man winter decided to join us!"

    "Keep it quiet, you fucking moron!" Shiela growled, filling the bags they had brought with the town's money. "Every time you think a loud, the more you broadcast to him!"

    "Oooh, he's got a girly friend too!" Paul chuckled. "I'd give a slice of bacon to be with her."

    "I'll pretend I didn't just hear that, you pig."

    Busying herself with the cash, Paul prepared the rifle that had been hidden behind the counter. Taking aim, he squeezed the trigger.

    ----------------------------------------

    Bryce's mind filled with thoughts so sinister, it made him sick. Throwing up a quick force field around himself, he panicked as he heard the crackling of a firearm going off. Glancing to his left, he realized he hadn't placed one around Chloe, diving towards her, it was too late.

    The bullet stuck her square in the chest. Throwing her off of her feet. Clenching his fists, Bryce's eyes glowed white, his hair standing on edge. Holding an open palm towards the window of the bank, he launched six, four feet long icicles at the assailant, the ice piercing the wall.

    Turning back to her, the clouds around them darkened, and snow rained down from the heavens. Circling them with a vortex of ice and snow, Bryce examined Chloe's impact site. A hole had been torn into her clothes, but miraculously, she was unharmed. Strangely, but miraculously.

    "That's- how?"

    Chloe sat up, placing a single finger up to his lips, before pressing her own to his.

    "It's our own little secret." she grinned, nodding her head towards the bank. "I'll do what I can from here."

    Bryce knew that it currently wasn't the time to say anything, and instead teleported inside the building, leaving the vortex up to keep her covered while she thought of a battle strategy.

    Appearing within the bank, a muscular man turned around, his shaven black hair and gruff face was disturbing to Bryce, but he had plans to make the man look even worse.

    "Whoo, it's a bit chilly out there." Bryce stifled a laugh. "Hope you bundled up!"

    Before the man could think, Bryce launched himself full force into the man's chest, bursting through the wall of the bank, as the Cops, whom had been at a momentary stand-still, gazed with awe. Thrusting punch after punch into the man's face, Bryce grit his teeth.

    "You think you can threaten my people?!"

    "I don't think-"

    "THAT MUCH IS APPARENT!" Bryce finished.

    Jetting off towards the sky, Bryce prepared to spiral his foe into the ground, until the man replied with his pair of sledgehammer sized fists on top of Bryce's shield, shattering it.

    "I don't like smartasses." he replied. "I'm Paul, by the way."

    Bryce was out cold for a brief five minutes, the two of them free-falling to the Earth below. When Bryce actually came to, he grabbed Paul by the shoulders, placing another shield around himself as he plowed his foe into the Police car beneath them. All four wheels exploded off of their axis', as the car caved in, the Cops pointing their handguns at the wreckage.

    "HANDS UP FREAKS!" One of the cops yelled from behind his cruiser. "Deadly force will be authorized if you don't comply."

    "Sorry to intrude boys." Chloe grinned, hefting a massive oak tree. "But this doesn't concern you. Let us handle this mess."

    Jumping at the wreckage, Bryce stood, diving out of the way as Chloe swung down her abnormally sized, leafy club. It was stopped before it made contact, however, when Paul stood, seizing it with both of his hands, sweat pouring down his forehead.

    "Heh." Paul chuckled. "You fight like a girl."

    Bryce charged him again like a Freight train, throwing Paul onto his back.

    "Then allow me to RETORT." Bryce replied, producing an icicle dagger in his right hand, swinging it down on his foe.

    The cops clicked their safety's off, as Chloe swung her tree, using it to shield the two while they fought. Paul grabbed the blade, turning it on Bryce, attempting to plunge it into the Psychic, Bryce quickly melted it in his hands.

    Teleporting behind Paul, Bryce grabbed the base of his spine, a thin layer of ice covering the entirety of Paul's torso, leaving his legs alone.

    "Do it... but then what? You'll only have all of Terra Co. after you." Paul taunted.

    "BRYCE!" Chloe barked. "Do NOT kill this man! Him and his cohort are going back to Terra Co. with a message."

    Wrenching one of her slender hands on Bryce's wrist, she removed it, as Paul's torso thawed.

    "What message is that?!" Paul spat.

    "Bryce is a free man, give up now and return to selling lawn furnishings, like your name implies." Chloe replied. "Otherwise, you'll have HIM to deal with."

    "O-okay." Paul said, as Chloe tossed him Shiela's crumpled, defeated body.

    "She's alive, but I can't guarantee anything the next time she comes into contact with me or Bryce again." Chloe's eyes flickered. "And just so you know, we'll probably be together awhile."

    With that, Bryce sighed as Paul ran off, Shiela slumped over his shoulder.

    "FREEZE!" the Cops recovered, their weapons trained. "LAST CHANCE!"

    "Mind taking this one? I'm kinda spent." Chloe smiled.

    "Fine." Bryce said, as the Cops opened fire, the Psychic catching the ballistics with his mind, erasing the Police officers' recent memories. "But you have some explaining to do."

    "I could say the same to you." Chloe placed her hands on her hips, before helping him up. "How about over coffee? And I swear it won't be overly crowded this time."
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r October 20th 2013, 7:12 pm

    Chapter 5: Nice, long chat.

    Author's Note: Sorry guys, this one is going to be a bunch more dialogue weighted. I know the last one wasn't really all that action packed, but I swear it gets better. For now, it's time to build more onto the plot!
    "So tell me," Bryce took a sip of the coffee in his cup. "You aren't really a freelance news-reporter?"

    "That's right." Chloe replied. "Well, to some extent. I always wanted to be a TV reporter. But it wasn't until I discovered my powers when I realized that was a near impossibility."

    Around them, the leaves rustled thanks to their fresh, albeit light coat of snow. The green in the center of town looked fairly peaceful in the Autumn evening.

    "-And you know of Terra Co." Bryce replied.

    "You're the Psychic here, you tell me." Chloe replied with a blush. "Just be gentle."

    "I'm trying not to rely on that all the time. I want to have a normal conversation." Bryce shook his head. "Listen, I think you know much more than you are letting me know. You know Terra Co. and you had some insight into the fact I knew the woman I fought in Crisis City."

    "Yeah, Heather. Old friend of yours, Agency operative." Chloe took a nonchalant sip of her coffee. "Told you that your father was still in Terra Co.'s hands."

    "How'd-"

    "I'll be straight with you, Mr. Howard." Chloe suddenly switched to a more formal voice. "I'm basically the female equivalent of Superman. I have super hearing, super strength, I can't fly, but when I run, I'm usually faster than a speeding bullet. I'm practically invincible. I have a few weaknesses, unlike Superman, but none that I'll speak a loud."

    "Well that explains, a lot, actually." Bryce stammered. "Now I bet you're going to tell me that you were the boss that Angus was talking about!"

    "Funny you should mention that." Chloe circled her lidless cup with her index finger. "He's on his way here as we speak."

    "PFFT-WHAT?!" Bryce spat out the coffee in his mouth, the warm, bitter liquid melting the snow at his feet.

    "Calm down Bryce and let me explain, seeings how you won't just read my mind." Chloe sighed.

    "I am the Leader of H.O.P.E. That stands for Heroes Operating Privately for Equality. We are the faction of Metas in this war that you are so stuck on staying out of. I was tipped off by Angus, my second in command, saying that he had encountered your mind mirage while walking through Crisis City. So I was on the first bus into town. Wouldn't it have been my luck to encounter you on that stair-case."

    "But what you sent that Paul character packing with, why did you say 'Bryce is a free-man'?! I thought all of the sides wanted me allied with them?"

    "True and untrue. H.O.P.E's only... well, hope, lies within you. But I'm not going to force you into it. However, Angus has some- interesting information we want to share with you before you head off."

    "You make it sound like I'm going to just go running off."

    "We've been following you, Bryce." Chloe smiled. "Weird or not, we know you really want no part in this war. As evidence when you tried to abandon me at the AMTRAK station today. You had some subtle idea that the Metas robbing the store were Terra Co. and didn't want me getting involved. Fact of the matter is, you are just as much involved as I am."

    Bryce stood, pacing back and forth, the dregs of his coffee poured out into the snow.

    "You can be a Super-hero, Bryce." Chloe replied, watching him as he began to think. "Even if you aren't allied with us. For starters, you can stop stealing from banks, and listening to the call of duty. This war is going to cost millions, if not billions of innocent lives. Think of your Father, of Marissa, and all of the Metas you saved in Munich."

    Bryce stopped momentarily, turning his head towards Chloe.

    "That's right, I was one of the captives there. Olympus had no idea that I was the leader of one of his rival Factions. Arrived the day before you busted everyone out, so I thankfully didn't get revealed."

    Behind Bryce, the snow crunched with every step Angus took.

    "Well, it's a pleasure to see you again Mr. Howard." the Scotsman smiled, before turning to Chloe. "This is the real him this time, yes?"

    "It was the real me on the Eiffle tower." Bryce sighed. "Good to see you again Angus."

    "Look boyo, I know it hurts you to think of my sister. But you at least brought her hope when she was in that wretched place. I can die right now, happy knowing that she at least had a friend in that place."

    "Please sit down next to me Bryce." Chloe replied, patting the bench beside her. "You can go after I show you what I wanted to show you. Angus, the laptop."

    Angus obliged, handing Chloe the laptop concealed in the track bag slung over his shoulder.

    "This is a video recording we intercepted from Terra Co.s' servers." Chloe replied with a frown, playing the video.

    ------------------------------------

    "I want answers, Mr. Howard. To the whereabouts of my General, of your son." Morpheus 'Olympus' Miles struck the back of his hand across the man's face. "Is it in that little cabin in the woods that we first found him at all those years ago?!"

    "Piss up a rope Miles. I'm not talking." Brent Howard spat blood at his interrogator.

    "How unfortunate." Olympus sighed. "We were such good friends. Where did it all go wrong?"

    Producing a drill from a tray of tools, Olympus pressed the tip of it to the middle of Brent's right hand.

    "This pains me, probably more than it'll pain you." whirring to life, the drill sank through flesh and bone, as Brent cringed in pain.

    "You will eventually tell me where he is. Even if I have to extract that overly large brain from your skull. I will have my General back."

    -----------------------------------------------

    The video cut out suddenly, as Bryce clenched his fists, a single, frozen tear dropping off of his cheek.

    "So she wasn't lying." Bryce growled. "He IS alive."

    "Yes, we only just found out yesterday." Chloe replied. "Ironically, around the same time Heather told you."

    "I'm going to go and get him."

    "Now you're just talkin' stupid there." Angus replied sternly. "You might've broken out of a Terra Co. facility, but it'll be a LOT harder to break IN."

    "H.O.P.E was planning on making an attack on the facility at a later point, when we've gathered some more help. Allied with us or not, you are more than welcome to join us. But for right now, I know you probably don't want to hang around with me very much longer, I'd suggest you check your closet in Crisis City, then you'd best get going. Wherever I go, the Agency, the Government, or Terra Co. follow."

    Bryce's skin was quickly covered with a thin layer of ice, as Chloe stood up, handing him a slip of paper.

    "It's my phone number, seeings how you wouldn't look for it. When you've forgiven me, we'll go for breakfast." pressing her lips to his again, she backed off, as Angus shook his head.

    With the next thought, Bryce was off.

    "Why is it you always go for the ones that are meant to safe the day."

    "Because, somehow, they are always handsome. Weird, isn't it?" Chloe blushed for a minute. "What do you care, anyways?!"

    "Just calling it how I see it." Angus grinned. "Although I'm curious. Why did you withhold the fact that Brent Howard WAS the leader of H.O.P.E before you?"

    "Because," Chloe's eyes flickered. "He read my mind before he left, I could feel it."

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Bryce landed in his Crisis City apartment. Reaching under the mattress, he found the cash he had stolen the day before. Pausing, he turned towards the closet. His father had been the leader of H.O.P.E and had expected his Grandfather to train him to take over.

    He had expected to be kidnapped, expected for Bryce's mother to abandon them. Bryce's eyebrows furrowed momentarily as he opened the closet.

    On the rack, hung up gently with a hanger, was a light blue winter jacket, and a pair of sweatpants to boot. Hung up beside them were a pair of jean-blue fingerless gloves.

    Bryce,

    He always told me how much you wanted to be a Super-hero. It might not be today, it might not be the next day. But one day you will become that Super-hero, and with it, you can save the day, like you always dreamed of doing. I know you'll do what's right.

    Couldn't think of a good name for you, but for now Glacycle could work. Or maybe even Psycicle. I dunno.

    -Regards,

    Chloe.
    "How'd she?" Bryce asked, but shook his head, whisking himself away to some other, random location in the world.

    ------------------------------------------
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    Post  Manny October 21st 2013, 12:45 am

    I'm a little confused as to what separates each faction...

    The Government wants Metas to control and further their national interests.

    Terra Co wants to dominate the world, using Metas, and the annihilate all Metas after?

    H.O.P.E is fighting for Meta equality.

    And the Agency... Solely hunts down Metas?

    OH YES. One other thing. I've been drafting a map of the UNPE... Depending on what's voted on... It could really mess up the names of places in the H&D Universe...

    Just a warning, of a possible outcome.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r October 21st 2013, 3:15 am

    Manny wrote:I'm a little confused as to what separates each faction...

    The Government wants Metas to control and further their national interests.

    Terra Co wants to dominate the world, using Metas, and the annihilate all Metas after?

    H.O.P.E is fighting for Meta equality.

    And the Agency... Solely hunts down Metas?

    OH YES. One other thing. I've been drafting a map of the UNPE... Depending on what's voted on... It could really mess up the names of places in the H&D Universe...

    Just a warning, of a possible outcome.
    Let's put it this way:

    Government: Spot on. You hit the hammer on the head. Government wants to keep it on the down low, almost like an alternative to Nuclear warfare.

    Terra Co.: Use and abuse Metas into achieving World Domination. Destroying any and all Metas in their path. Essentially, they 'care' about Meta equality, but are a bit more brutish with their ways. Think of the Third Reich. They used the people that they made fearful *i.e the German and French people* to fight on their side for 'the greater good'.

    H.O.P.E: Yep, spot on. They want Metas and normal humans to co-exist. But also to stop Terra Co. and save all of those that they brainwashed or have incarcerated.

    Agency: A Government hired private military that is an off branch of the Department of Homeland Security. They have a head of office, however, that is about to make themselves known in a big way. It will definitely influence the oncoming war. Their goals are unclear, other than keeping the Government's affairs with Metas quiet.

    And sure, right now, I'm using real world names to give you an idea.

    For example, NYC= Crisis City.

    Weston might become Easton or something, I dunno.
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    Post  Shad0wChas3r November 1st 2013, 1:48 pm

    Chapter 6: It begins...

    "Good Morning." the man entered the darkened room. "Can I get you anything, Commander?"

    "None for me." the voice in the darkness. "I have much higher priorities to deal with than sustaining a nonexistent thirst."

    "Tell me then why you called upon me?" the man replied with a hiss.

    There was a brief moment of pause, before the person in the darkness replied.

    "You presume to give me orders?"

    "N-no. Nothing of the like." he stammered. "I just don't understand why the intern gets called for things that don't pertain to getting drinks or foodstuff for their boss."

    "I see." the voice's glasses reflected the light illuminating from his side of the room. "Well, it's about time you break those shackles and become a full fledged Hunter. I'm talking about killing Metas, becoming a brother of our elite task force."

    "That's- wow. Thank you ma'am." the man replied. "What is it I can get you, Mrs. Howard?"

    "That's more like it." she smiled, leaning into the light. "Return Agent Heather to our facility. Then, together, you will bring me my abomination of a son."

    "It will be done." the man nodded, exiting the room.

    Mrs. Howard pressed a button on the desk in front of her, hailing all call-signs.

    "Warriors of the Agency. The time has come for us to destroy these Metas, once and for all. Worry not about Bryce Howard, he will be dealt with properly. Operation: Haelstrom is a-go."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Hey mom, I want this one!" the little kid giggled as he hefted a Superman action figure.

    "Maybe." his mother protested. "Charlie?"

    "It looks a little expensive there buddy, I don't believe we can afford it, sorry."

    "B-but I want it!" their son tantrumed, stomping on the floor.

    They panicked as his feet crushed the linoleum tiles beneath his feet, as his father moved over to restrain him.

    "Clark, you've got to be calm, alright?" his father replied. "It's not safe for you to do that in public."

    "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to step away from your child." a man from behind them asked.

    "I'm sorry officer, he just-"

    Before either of the family could react, the man fired at the boy's father, a clean bullet through the brain.

    "Tango down, two Metas are all that's left." the man reported, pointing his pistol at the child.

    'God help us!' the woman cried to herself, as she dove in front of her child.

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Bryce sighed as he strode down the streets of Crisis City. He had placed his costume underneath his clothes, deciding he'd best try to be a hero, and stop trying to hide.

    Suddenly, a gunshot echoed down the street, as the pedestrians and traffic went into a frenzy. Perking his ears, Bryce's head snapped to the department store just down the way. Ducking into the alley way, he ditched his street clothes, wearing his new costume. Charging down the street, Bryce bobbed and weaved through the panicking crowd, working his way towards the gunshot.

    'GOD HELP US!' a woman had mentally pleaded.

    Placing a shield around himself, Bryce blasted himself through the wall, the lone gunman taken off of his feet. Floating through the opposite wall, and the one before that, the man tumbled along the ground, his left arm shattered.

    Wincing, the man lifted his colt, as Bryce disappeared in a veil of ice. Re-appearing behind the man, Bryce plunged an icicle in the back of the man's calf, as he cried in pain.

    Kicking the man down flat onto his face, Bryce grabbed him by the base of the neck.

    "P-please. Have mercy!"

    "You want to shoot some kid's father, and then ask for mercy?!" he gripped harder. "You got a cute boy waiting for YOU when you get home, wouldn't it be a shame if someone did that to YOU in front of him?"

    "No please... don't do that." the man replied, defeated, a tear rolling down his cheek.

    Bryce lowered himself down to the man's ear, hissing with complete venom as he clenched harder.

    "Then you should have thought of that before you did it to that kid there." Bryce growled. "Take this brief time to remember his face, because when I send you back there, you aren't going to be anything but a shell."

    "N-no, please, I'm sorry."

    "Sorry doesn't bring the dead back to life, sorry." Bryce shook his head.

    "YOU GODDAMN M-eta."

    Bryce could feel as the man desperately tried to cling onto any memories he had of his son or his wife, as Bryce took those happy thoughts from his mind, the icy embrace of his hatred towards the man slowly freezing his brain. Covering the man with a small veil of ice, he returned him to his home, where he'd have to live the rest of his life without being able to interact with his family.

    Standing, Bryce dusted himself off, as the boy and his mother poked their heads out the hole.

    "Is it safe?" she asked him.

    Bryce paused for a moment, as she stepped out of the hole.

    "It's okay, we're Metas." she nodded.

    "I know, I could read your mind." Bryce shook his head. "It's safe. I'm just sorry I couldn't come sooner."

    "Woah, a real superhero!" the kid ran over towards Bryce, hugging his leg.

    Unable to respond, Bryce placed his hand on the kid's head and rustled his hair.

    "Yeah buddy," Bryce smiled uncertainly. "A superhero."

    Turning to the boy's mother, Bryce glanced at the concrete beneath his feet.

    "There is a safe place for you guys to hide, knowing the Agency, they've already gotten your facial recognition, they can find you at your homes. I can't guarantee anything, you might be conscripted into their ranks, but it's home to a whole bunch of Metas, I can send you there if you want."

    "Anything for our-" she glanced back at the hole in the wall, to her dead husband. "Our son."

    Placing a hand on her shoulder, Bryce gave his sympathy, as the boy held his mother's hand.

    "I won't let them take him. He'll be given a proper burial." Bryce nodded.

    "Mommy," the boy tugged on his mother's pant legs. "Isn't Daddy coming with us to the Superhero's place?"

    The boy's mother, her ability to contain her grieving all but shattered by the boy's words, began to cry unsufferably. As she knelt down beside her son.

    "No honey." she cried. "Daddy's not coming with us."

    Bryce frowned as he placed a hand on both of their shoulders, sending them both off to H.O.P.E headquarters in a flash.

    Author's notes: I know this chapter hasn't shown it yet, but the big war is about to take place. I'll try my hardest to make the next few chapters actually encompass just how bad this conflict is going to be.

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      Current date/time is March 19th 2024, 5:20 am