Author Topic: Archive: Chapter One (Read 111785 times)

Maxx · « **Reply #125 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel - Metropolis - July 21st -11:27 AM - Cricket

Nevermore, it seemed, was the only one of any importance. Her sudden departure halted the interview process in its tracks. It didn't bode well for their ability to organize.

"I have some questions," he announced, standing. "I understand that you are going to be creating a room in which we are supposed to fight constructs that you create and control. What happens if we refuse to participate? I know I'm not exactly a combat oriented individual. I can't say for certain how many of the others here are either. Are you planning any other kinds of tests? I can only speak for myself but I have to say that if you're trying to put together a team made entirely of bricks and blasters, let me know now, because I'll be wasting both your time and mine if I stay here any longer."

He wasn't trying to be rude or obnoxious. In fact he was trying to be polite with his choice of words. He wasn't world class. He knew that. Not everyone needed to be that powerful in order to be useful.

Tinker · « **Reply #126 on:** »

Reception Desk - The Hyperion Hotel - Metropolis - July 21st -11:27 AM - Nevermore

Lenore nodded in response to Alex's single word question and her feet began to lead them towards the ballroom, "Yep, constructs. There are two of us that were splintered off to start this new team. There's me, obviously then there's Cam....I ..uh", she let out a soft and seemingly nervous chuckle, "I mean, there's me and there's The Architect. I have the whole Queen of the Dead thing covered and he makes these things he calls constructs. I have no idea how they work, but it seems that he can create things out of thin air just with his thoughts. Everything he creates is orange and glowy, its actually pretty cool. I guess its kinda of difficult to explain, but you'll see soon enough."

They had reached the double doors and Nevermore opened one of the towering doors to coax Alex into the makeshift arena to be, "This is it, your chance to shine."

Cassie · « **Reply #127 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel - Metropolis - July 21st -11:28 AM - Zeth

Zeth, himself, did not know what he wanted to do about the pause. He just did not like standing there doing nothing and did not understand why that one woman would cause such a big pause. There were two others, running the show, weren't there? However, it was, the once called, Cricket that had the guts to speak up. Now, he was on the same boat as Cricket as far as combat skilled. However, he was willing the bet that the man probably could fight hand-to-hand better then he could. But then, he thought that of almost everyone. Though, Zeth was a pretty healthy and fit for a slender male just barely in his twenties. However, he was going to try anyway. Things were much easier when one was amongst others then when one was alone. However, he would go about his goal all alone; if he failed to pass their test.

Trellin · « **Reply #128 on:** »

Lobby and hall - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:28 AM - Alex

Alex nodded to himself as he listened to Nevermore, keeping an eye out to be sure no one tripped over or noticed him but while people gawked at Nevermore they never batted an eyelash at him. Perhaps they were attributing whatever they saw as something that was her doing. Regardless of why, he was very relieved.

When she opened the door and told him it was his chance to shine, he honestly didn't quite no what to make of it. Instead of thinking about it, he let it go. That would be answered in due course, he was sure, almost everything was. Instead he asked something more easily phrased as a direct question as he motioned her to precede him into the hall. He was sure he was supposed to do that although not certain where he got the idea. "What do you mean by, 'Queen of the Dead'?

Lady_Cynara · « **Reply #129 on:** »

Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:28 AM - Dryad

Dryad had stopped outside the ballroom to gather herself, and had overheard the conversation going on inside, through the partially opened door about fighting something in the room. She suddenly wasn't sure about going in at all.
Yes she had done work as Dryad before, but never to the point of proclaiming herself a super hero. Someone with powers, yes, but the idea of going into that room, and saying that she, with her power over plants, intended to help protect the world, well, it suddenly seemed foolish to her. She could help the earth regain some of what it used to be. Could help feed the masses, but she was no hero. Her powers weren't the kind of powers. Her own mother had proved that fact.
Thinking of her mother brought a tear to her eye. Even after the years, it still hurt to think of her mother being gone. That was part of what she enjoyed about being with her plants. They reminded her of her mother, and the good times that they had had together when she was a child.
She was lost in thought, and at first didn't notice that people were coming towards the ballroom. Her mind finally made sense of the words her ears were hearing, and she moved across the hall to stand next to a large potted plant, to hide from the blue haired woman that walked along, talking seemingly to herself, but Dryad had a feeling that that wasn't the case at all. She attempted to hide against the plant as Nevermore continued talking, and opened the doors for whomever it was she was talking to.

Darkflame · « **Reply #130 on:** »

Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:28 AM - Doll

The little girl looked up curiously as the door opened, her head cocking to the side as her gaze followed not the blue haired woman who has spoken to her previously and wanted to talk to her further, but the much larger... something. She blinked up at it, but that was as far as her reaction went as she remained sitting where she had been, holding her doll.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #131 on:** »

Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:28 AM - Kassanda

Kas wasn't really sure if her staying there was a good thing or not. The Cricket had made a definite point. She had next to no combat skills. She was book smart and her abilities weren't exactly something one could use in combat. Being able to age things via touch and to see the future sporadically didn't make her feel like she would be of any use to the epic team they were trying to put together.

She slid from the inner folds of her robe a business card. It held only a phone number. She retrieved from the fabric of her costume a pen and jotted down on the card. 'If you are in need of non combat oriented persons please call. Something tells me my talent might be an asset to you later on.'

She made her way over to the table where the recruiters had been sitting and gently set the card down. She looked to the others and offered them a small but polite bow. "Forgive me but I have to depart from this meeting for the time being. I do wish you the best for try outs and perhaps in the future we will once again meet."

Cody · « **Reply #132 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel - Metropolis - July 21st - 11:28 AM- Tanner

Tanner had stood patiently watching as the meeting seemed to go in a different direction than had been planned, more than likely because of the departure of Nevermore. He had moved toward the door and held his arm out to block several from leaving as the door opened. "Perhaps, we should all be a bit more patient before making any decision to leave or not." Seeing the door open and Nevermore standing there, now with an extremely large man, well Tanner assumed it was a man. No judgements, he said to himself.

"Ah, I see Nevermore is back. If anyone, for some reason did not plan to be here longer, since you are already here, let me make arrangements for you to remain for as long as this takes, and to get back to where ever you need to go when we are finished." Tanner smiled at the room as he pulled out his cell phone and sent a quick text. "That should do it." He realized his arm was still out blocking the door, and lowered it. "Sorry, I'll move out of the way now and let you get back to it" With a hint in his voice of quickly please, before this falls apart

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #133 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel - Metropolis - July 21st - 11:29 AM- Kassandra

Kassandra looked at the man he could not read her facial expression through the dark veiled fabric she wore that covered her entire visage. She shrugged and softly explained. "I cannot fight therefore being here is a waste of their time sir. I fall short of brute force and the abilities I do have aren't combat practical. I do not do this out of maliciousness, I just misunderstood what sort of persons they were looking for to recruit...If needs be I did leave my contact information on the table if things do change and they need less talented or possibly I should say less durable people." She smiled despite the fact that it couldn't be seen.

All in all there were some really interesting folks here and likely the hosts of the gathering would find key personnel that could make a difference out in the world.

Trellin · « **Reply #134 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:29 AM - Alex

Alex had just finished asking his question of Nevermore when he caught a glimpse of the unusual looking woman behind the plant. She looked like the embodiment of mother nature, whom he had come to know very well over the course of his life. She was fascinating and he thought that he was far more likely to be accepted here if she was one of the hero's here for this gathering. This brought a faint smile to his face. He was careful to show no teeth but hoped that his intentions would be read as he nodded slightly to her and for one of the few times in hi life since he was a child, willed himself to be seen by someone, at least for the span of several heartbeats as he sidled through the door in a crouch.

Once inside he looked around at the assemblage of unusual people inside, trying to hold his mind in a calm place, accepting whatever reactions he might generate for those that could see him, of which there appeared to be an unusual number that were clearly looking at him. He was curious how many wouldn't see him unless he made an effort to do so and wondered if it would be taxing on him to have to concentrate to be seen more often than not. It was a problem that he'd never actually been presented with until now.

When he saw the child, he gave a genuine smile. He had always liked small children. Their directness and genuine curiosity and without malice was refreshing.

Maxx · « **Reply #135 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:29 AM - Cricket

Mark had been about to ask if they were all going to be kept prisoner until their 'interview' was over but the thing that suddenly came into view in the doorway froze his words in his throat. They were replaced by words not of his choosing, in the face of the newcomer.

"Holy shit. It's a fucking giant."

Lady_Cynara · « **Reply #136 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:30 AM - Dryad

Dryad gasped as the large man appeared infront of her. His size, and appearance were instantly startling. Afterall, it wasn't every day that she saw a 12 foot creature with tusks, dark partches of fur, and red eyes. Eventhough he was with Nevermore, she couldn't help but wonder if he was here to do harm to the assembled beings, but when she looked at his face, and saw that he was looking at her and smiling, she couldn't help but smile back. In that moment where they both looked eachother in the eyes, she could see past his fearsome appearance, and see the kind soul that resided in those eyes.
Then he was stepping through the doors and she was again left alone in the hallway. She took a deep breath and quickly, before the doors would close behind him, slipped into the room as well, standing behind the man that she could now see perfectly. She wasn't sure if everyone else in the room could see him, but now that she had seen him once, it was as if whatever glamour he used to hide, didn't work on her. It may have been simply because she was so in tune with nature and the things that animals did to hide, but she doubted that unless he willed specifically for her not to be able to see him, she always would be able to.
She stepped to the side, so she was not longer framed by the doors, if in fact no one else could see the large man. She eyed the assembled group warrily, but with a smile as well, so they would know that she was not a threat.

Darkflame · « **Reply #137 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:30 AM - Doll

The girl's gaze drifted to the plant like woman for a moment, and she blinked her mismatched eyes before returning her attention to the tall one, cocking her head to the side as if curious, even though no facial expression betrayed her emotions. In fact the child only did feel a vague curiosity at the person.

Cassie · « **Reply #138 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:30 AM - Zeth

Zeth had actually suspected a clean interview with only a few problems. He had not expected something like what was going on that day. No one seem to be very organized and it seemed that even with the fact that everyone stood out, in one way or another, they did not act any different then the 'normal' people. Grant it, the LARGE male was intimidating and he could honestly say he had never really seen anyone that big, he was not about to stare at the poor man. There was enough to deal with. He did not like to talk all that much and was going to avoid any further conversation if he could. It seemed that they were done with him; as far as vocal interview anyway. However, he was annoyed with the fact that someone was going to try and force them to remain; at least it sort of seemed that way. His glare was shot in Tanner's direction that suggested that he would flood the room if he had too. But then, he calmed himself quite quickly. It did not do any good to get angry and he just chose to be patient.

After a moment, the youth with turquoise hair and casual clothing, walked over to his duffel bag. It had been left where he and Doll had sat before he was called up. Left where he had recently stood, to be questioned, were two small, thin sheets of ice in the shape of foot prints. He took a deep breath as he gazed over at the large creature and smiled. True, in the back of his mind was a, 'Holy Shit!' but he figured that the man was getting enough of that from the others in the room. However, he did notice the mossy forest nymph kind of girl. She was pretty like a fairy-tail and it caused him to smile before he finally sat down by his bag. However, though he had a tendency to be timid about most things, he was not without the ability to take a stand when he needed to. He wanted to say something to most of the people in the room. For one, he wanted speak on behalf of everyone about the inclination that it was okay to block people from leaving had they wanted to leave. The other was the habit of staring and commenting on how different or intimidating someone seemed to be. As if the social accepted was not scrutinizing enough. Most of the people there, including Nevermore's companions, were down right rude.

However, after pulling out his bottle of water, the youth with the light, baby blue, skin gazed up at the woman covered in all black. She was valid in what she had to say and how she went about trying to take her leave. He wondered where the meeting was going to go from there and if should leave as well. As he brought his drink to his dark, turquoise lips. he pondered what it was he was really after. Did he really NEED a group to help meet his goals to could he meet them without them. Either way, he knew two things, he desperately wanted to change the world by making a possative impact. He also did not want to have to be alone. He wanted to know others that were like him and even shared in similar goals. This was what was forcing him to stay. Yes he was timid, but by choice. At any point, had he wanted to leave, he was not going to yield in that choice; not for any of them.

Trellin · « **Reply #139 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:31 AM - Alex

Alex blinked slowly when he heard the comment by the man in the green costume. He wasn't actually disappointed at his reaction. In fact, if that was the worst of the comments directed at him, he may indeed actually stand a chance at interacting with people for the first time in over a decade. He pushed the hope of possible friendships to the back of his mind, cautioning himself to not expect to much.

He glanced down as the girl he had seen in the hall with the appearance of being made of living plantlife came in and gave her a slightly smaller smile. It made him feel as if he were not quite so alone, even though he was entering with Nevermore.

No one else made an immediate comment and as the moment of silence stretched he saw one of the them, a young man, walk over to a dufflebag and pull out some water. As had been his habit since he was a child, he was content to silently observe until he realized that it would be impossible for many reasons, not the least of which was that he would have to break decades of habit to be a part of whatever came forth from this encounter. Mindful of impressions, he spoke at what he thought was a volume that would carry clearly across the room but not be too loud. In hindsight, perhaps he should have tried to find a way to practice conversational tones and levels.

His voice, now raised above a whisper, rumbled out like a small landslide, "Hello. My name is Alex", he said, pausing a moment to determine what, if anything else, he should say. He realized that for the first time he could clearly remember, he was standing in front of a group of people who all seemed to see him clearly and the only comment was a completely reasonable exclamation about his size. He was, after all, very large for a human. Forgetting himself, he suddenly presented them all with a huge grin, revealing his tusks and huge, jagged teeth, "Thank you for the warn reception."

He looked down at Nevermore and said softly, "Thank you", before stepping into the room and finding a spot where he could sit down on the floor without being in the way.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #140 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:31 AM - The Dark Prophet

Kassandra stood motionless as the troll materialized. She looked up at him her face obsured by the dark cloth as she took in his towering figure. She was kind of glad no one could see her face because her mouth was open and her eyes were as wide as they could possibly open. Words failed her but she backed up a bit to give the giant some space.

It hindered her ability to leave the room with both troll and tanner taking up the door way.

Miserably she made her way back deeper into the room and let herself slide down the side of the wall to sit on the floor. She just wanted to leave and grab a coffee and clear her head. Things were just downright bizarre and almost too much for her at the moment. Dejected she sighed heavily and wondered when she would be able to leave.

Maxx · « **Reply #141 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:31 AM - Cricket

Alex? It wasn't exactly a traditional giant's name. Insanely the only thing Mark could think of was to question whether the giant had to pay double fare on the subway.

"I'm not sure you'll be able to find a chair that will hold you," he said finally, because somebody had to say something. "Maybe the Architect can whip up something for you to sit on?" It was as much a question as to whether the Architect could indeed manage such a feat as it was a suggestion that he do so.

Trellin · « **Reply #142 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:32 AM - Alex

Alex found himself a large enough empty space that gave everyone access to the door and table without having to go around him as the man who had made the observation about his size spoke to him. He smiled at him, trying not to show too many teeth as he gently squat down into a relaxed position on the floor. "Not necesary. I'm quite comfortable on the floor but I thank both you and...", he glanced around, wondering who had offered up his assistance with a chair, "Architect, for the offer."

He realized he was getting hungry and placed his enormous leather satchel in his lap, where it landed with a a solid clunking sound. He hesitated for a moment, trying to recall the manners his parents had taught him while. "Would it offend anyone if ate?", he rumbled softly and a bit hesitantly. "It's been some time since I ate anything and I metabolism runs surprisingly high", he said, almost apologetically.

Maxx · « **Reply #143 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:32 AM - Cricket

"I doubt anyone would mind but that does bring up an interesting question," Mark said, trying to push the image of the giant tossing one or two of the smaller people in the room into his mouth and chewing out of his head. "Is this a catered event or are we on the hook for our own lunches?"

Trellin · « **Reply #144 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:33 AM - Alex

Alex smiled at the costumed man who spoke, "I would offer you some of what I have but I doubt if it would be something you could eat."

With that he reached into his bag and withdrew a dark piece of granite roughly the size of a ten year old's head that fit comfortably in his hand like a large orange. He caught it between his hands and dug his nails into the rock. His muscles on his hands jumped a bit and with a loud crack the rock came apart in his hands like walnut. He paused with half of the stone raise partway to his mouth and said, "If anyone's diet allows for it, I would be pleased share what I have. There is also some richer content copper ore as well as some vegetable matter in my sack if that's preferred", he glanced at the women with moss for hair and said mildly, "I apologize if you find that offensive but I would understand it."

His deep voice rumbled out one more time, "I realize that I am a latecomer here but it would prove helpful to me if I knew everyone's name. It seems impolite to refer to anyone as, 'hey you' in a private gathering. He then continued his mouth, placed half the sliver in his mouth and created another, muffled crack bit off half of it and commenced grinding it into small pieces with his teeth before swallowing.

Lady_Cynara · « **Reply #145 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:35 AM - Dryad

Dryad smiled at the big man from where she had stood near the door. She sighed and took a step forward, drawing the eyes of the others in the room with her movement.
"As I have just arrived as well, I will introduce myself first for you Alex. Then everyone else will know who I am as well." she kept eye contact with the large man. "My name is Dryad. My mother, was Gaia, who gave her life during the final battle in the great war. I, like her, have the power to call to the life that is inside plants, and have that life come forth, sometimes just to allow the plant to grow faster than would be possible in any other way, and sometimes, to do as I wish." As she spoke, she reached into her satchel and found a particular type of seed.
She held her hand out infront of her, palm up, the seed sitting on her green tinted bare hand. Then, the seed broke open and a sprout shot out of it, growing fast, reaching upwards. Leaves grew from what was now a stem, a bud forming at the top. Then the bud opened, and a beautiful pink and white stargazer lily spread its petals open for all to see.

Trellin · « **Reply #146 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:35 AM - Alex

Alex paused in his eating to hear Dryad speak to him. He was almost swamped with a giddy feeling as she introduced herself to him. Dryad, who's mother was Gaia. After shoving aside classical references from old books he read he realized that he did indeed recognize the name of her mother. He had seen it numerous times in the papers and heard it on the radio. She was one of the many dead in the war that he himself and had mostly never seen.

He watched in fascination and wonder as she explained her ability and demonstrated it firsthand. It was truly amazing to behold and it left him stunned. To hear it he thought if might have seemed...obscene somehow, to warp nature in such a fashion but watching her demonstration he was filled with awe. The ability to nurture life in such a fashion was some something miraculous, delightful and terrifying at the same time. He had always felt the antithesis of natural or at best an evolutionary dead end, always consuming, contributing nothing, and so had tried to live as in tune with it as he could, to destroy as little as possible. Her gift was amazing to him and after a moment a stunned silence he did something he had almost forgotten he knew how to do. He threw his head back and laughed with a pure sheer delight matched most easily by very small children seeing a butterfly come out of its cocoon for the first time. He stopped as suddenly as he started, shocked by his outburst and wondering that he truly couldn't remember what it sounded like when he laughed and hoping that no one was scared by the sound and volume of his voice.

He smiled at her as gently as he knew how and said, "Dryad, it is a pleasure to meet you. You are an amazing creature."

"Amazing

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #147 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:35 AM - Dark Prophet

Kassandra sat where she was but when asked for an introduction she merely offered the basics since he and the plant woman, Dryad seemed content to chat. "The names DarkProphet. I see the future through premonitions." She replied simply before turning and looking longingly at the door.

Trellin · « **Reply #148 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:36 AM - Alex

Alex looked at the person called the Dark Prophet. She sounded female and he almost immediately wished he could help her feel better. She was clearly unhappy and he wondered why he thought that. After thinking about her power and all the stories he had ever heard of he realized that they were almost exclusively tragic and recalled that Apollo had used this very same ability horrible curse against Cassandra for spurning his love. Her name implied that she had seen many things that she felt were terrible and perhaps was unable to do anything about them. He searched his mind for something less abysmal and said, "Your gift must be a heavy burden to bear at times. To be an oracle is a powerful thing. Even kings bowed before the Oracle of Delphi. I hope you do not take more of that burden on yourself than you need to. Perhaps here you have found a way to share the burden with and harness your abilities for the good of all. I am glad you came."

Maxx · « **Reply #149 on:** »

The Man of Steel Ballroom - The Hyperion Hotel, Metropolis, July 21st, 11:36 AM - Cricket

Mark couldn't keep the pop culture references out of his head. Alex was a rock biter, from the Neverending Story and Dryad's explanation and demonstration could have been lifted whole cloth from Ferngully. Somehow it made them easier to relate to. "They call me the Cricket," he said. "No, I don't chirp. I'm a jumper. Thanks for the offer, Alex, but I'll stick with food that is a little softer. I'd kill my teeth on that stuff, faster than I would on rock candy."

He winced inwardly at the inadvertent pun. Ouch. That's all we need right now... snappy patter.