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Slipstream Alice was just able to bring up one large hand between herself and Golden Star's powerful energy blast. She let out a small yelp as her hand absorbed the blast, pulling it back reflexively with a pained look on her face. Although she mostly seemed to weather the attack, something in her expression shifted, a look of confusion coming over her. "I…I didn't want to do any of this. I was just…" Alice stopped mid-sentence, pausing for a moment before her expression shifted back to the more aggressive one she had had during the fight. "You many have noticed, I'm not all there myself." She said, a sly grin coming to her face. And then suddenly the giant blonde young woman began to shrink, quickly going back to normal size, but not stopping there as she began to shrink even further. Arctus and Slipstream both tried to react as she was suddenly no longer in reach, but even as they managed to spot her among scattered overturned furniture, now only a few inches tall they saw an all too familiar portal open beneath her feet and Alice fell into it before the portal closed behind her. Lynn shrunk back down to normal size as everything seemed to go quiet in the atrium, not apparent threats in view. Victoria gave Sarah a hug as the older teen hovered near the exit to the restaurant, having gotten the younger teen clear of the fight. "Thank you." She said quietly. Just then, Ms. Houston recovered from being trapped in Dormouse's mental maze, taking a slightly stumbling step forward as she reoriented herself to the chaos around her. "What…what happened? Where are the other children?" She asked, suddenly in something of a panic.

(Golden Star) "Stupid Portals." Michael said dismissively as the unconcious lizard and the mouse fled. "I love using them, hate when other people have them." he was observing this in a totally different frame of mind now; he was still glowing light he was plugged directly into a reactor, he was still an icon of furious gold, white, and red light, but his voice had dropped an octave, had gone to a cold, clinical place as he took in the sights around him. "They left you behind, huh? Well. Not for long I assume. And I have no desire to chase you through a portal. I'm not a fool. But let me give you a parting gift, Alice, to match with your boss." He snarled, turning back to her. He channeled the light in his glowing hands, then clapped them together in front of him before shoving his clenched hands together. The energy inside him erupted out, directed towards the upper half of the giant Alice, away from where the other Claremonters were, from where they were protecting Victoria. He wasn't holding back still, letting everything go at full blast, and while the beam was compressed, it had immense destructive capabilities as it rushed at Alice; it was so thick with energy it seemed more like a wave of liquid than energy, a roiling vertex boiling off air that it touched with a hissing crack. "Take a parting gift, and when your boss wakes back up, tell him if he goes after the girl again, I'm gonna hit him twice as hard next time."

Okay, going to fiat some Ultimate Toughness for her to make the save. Go ahead with your IC post.

Michael is just blasting Alice. All out Power attack Blast, so it's base 10/8, then loses 1 accuracy from Fatigue, so 9/8, then adds 5 to both for 14/13 Attack Roll Results 1d20+14: 29 [1d20=15] DC 28 Toughness

Jack pushed himself up from the wreckage of the display table, shaking off splinters and debris. Jack's bear form rumbled with approval as he watched Michael unleash his full power. The display of raw energy reminded him of the northern lights dancing across Siberian skies - beautiful but fierce. Windows shattered around them as Michael's knee connected with the lizard's chest, the impact creating a blast that made Jack's thick fur ripple. The temperature in the atrium rose dramatically from the energy discharge. Jack felt his ice armor start to soften slightly, but he channeled more of his supernatural cold to maintain it. His bear spirit grumbled at the heat but remained focused on the battle. "Bozhe moy," Jack muttered in his transformed voice, genuinely impressed by Michael's display. He'd known the other teen was powerful, but this was something else entirely. The frustration and determination radiating from Michael's glowing form resonated with something deep in Jack's chest. He recognized that drive to prove oneself, to protect others through sheer force of will. The lizard butler lay crumpled in the crater Michael had created, looking significantly less composed than he had in his fancy suit moments ago. Jack's bear form huffed in satisfaction at seeing the villain taken down so thoroughly. The bear spirit within him approved - nothing like seeing an enemy who'd threatened cubs getting what they deserved. Still, Jack kept his guard up as Michael floated above them all, crackling with power. The teen's challenge to their remaining opponents carried real weight now. Even Jack's bear spirit, normally eager to charge into any fight, seemed content to let Michael take point after that display. Movement caught his attention - Sarah swooping down to scoop up Victoria. The girl's terrified expression melted into relief as she was carried to safety. Jack's protective instincts kicked in immediately. He lumbered into position between Sarah's escape route and any potential pursuers, his massive form an intimidating barrier of fur and ice. Before he could properly savor the victory, that damned mouse opened another portal. The lizard butler vanished through it and Jack's claws scraped uselessly against the floor where Bill had been moments before. A thunderous impact drew his attention back to the titanic battle between Lynn and Alice. His Lynn stood tall and powerful, trading earth-shaking blows with the storybook giant. Pride and affection swelled in his chest at the sight of her holding her own. Ice crackled along his massive claws as they lengthened into wicked points. He turned toward the two giantesses, his transformed muzzle pulling back in what passed for a smile in his bear form. "Looks like ve just have vun more to deal vith, da?" he growled, his accent thick even through his bestial voice. His fangs gleamed as he bared them at Alice, positioning himself to support Lynn's assault. The bear spirit within him purred with anticipation - they would take this threat down together.

Lynn (Slipstream) Lynn smiled as Jack mentioned shoulder messages on the beach. "Hmm, that does sound nice." She said. At his reaction to the house (which she had seen a few weeks ago when she had made a flight down from orbit with her adopted mom as part of her logging the necessary flight hours in the spaceplane), the blonde teen felt a little self-conscious, reminding herself that many of her schoolmates were not used to such luxury. While her parents in her timeline did not own a similar property in the tropics, she had been on several tropical vacations at equally luxurious accommodations growing up. As Jack offered to take the bags to wherever they needed to go, Sarah caught back up with the couple. "Just in time Sarah, we were just getting ready to head down to the beach, I expect Renee, Mattie and Diego have reached the section closest to the house by now." Lynn replied. The blonde teen then glanced at her boyfriend and suddenly became a rather familiar blur. *WOOSH* The bags disappeared in a blur as Lynn shifted to superspeed, taking Jack's bag to drop off at one of the bungalows a short distance from the main house, then doubling back to put her bag and violin case in the room she would be sharing with Mattie during the trip. She then changed out of her jeans shorts and t-shirt, which she had been wearing over a red bikini and put on a colorful sarong. Just a few moments after she was gone, Lynn was back, now dressed for the beach in her sarong and a pair of sandals. In one hand she had a small beach bag, in the other, a number of beach towels. "Well, I'm ready. Figured Mattie, Renee and Diego might need some towels." She said with a small grin. "Will just wait for you to change."

@Jack Sure, he could move up and ready his standard action to use the Aid action to assist Lynn in a Gapple.

My first thought is to have Jack ready an action as I doubt he can grapple alice at the moment, but if he could give Lynn an edge in someway for her to grapple her he would

Slipstream While Jack's attire, and lack of ice skates, did draw looks from many around them, those looks were brief, as most were not unaccustomed to strange sights living in Freedom City. As long as someone was not trying to freeze the entire city, or turn everyone into apes, or something similar, most were quick to just go back to their own business. Lynn's smile remained in place as she watched Jack move across the ice with ease, something that did not overly surprise her given his powers. The blonde teen continued to skate backwards, picking up some speed as she went into a gradual turn to follow the curve of the rink. But as Jack again hinted at his worry about meeting with her adopted mother, Lynn felt a pang of sympathy for her boyfriend. While his question unintentionally stirred memories of her actual mother, lost along with the rest of Lynn’s original timeline, she kept them in the back of her mind. Today was not about her…many anxieties and other emotional issues, it was about enjoying some time with Jack, and trying to help reduce his concerns about spending so much time with her adopted parents. She tried to keep her smile reassuring as she replied, "I suppose she can, but, she is a lot more easy going than you seem to think she is." She replied. "And yes, I think many boyfriends are nervous about meeting their girlfriends' parents. I think many parents would say if the boy was too cocky and unconcerned, that it is likely a red flag." Lynn then started to speed up slightly, before almost immediately sweeping her left leg out to the side as she bent her right, causing her to go into a sharp turn that curved to Jack’s left and carrying her back behind him. Standing back up as she finished the turn, the blonde moved forward again to slipped up under Jack's right arm, wrapping her left arm around his lower back as she matched his speed to skate beside him. As the pair curved around the perimeter open-air rink, Lynn looked up to Jack, her smile still in place. "But really, don't worry Jack. I am sure they will like you. What is there not to like?" She paused and gave him a reassuring squeeze with the arm around his lower back. "And if somehow they don't…that won't change a thing for us." The blonde speedster hoped that Jack would be able to relax and just enjoy himself for a bit. She was certain he would win over her adopted parents with his honest charm and protective nature. Her adopted mother had certainly been impressed when Lynn had shown her the violin Jack had given her for Valentine's Day, and recounted a bit of how Jack and Owen had earned the valuable antique.

Seraphim Why did she have to be so useless? Sarah chided herself as Dormouse easily avoided her attempt to handicap him. Even easier than the lizard had from the look of it. She felt useless as she saw the rodent open another portal beneath Bill and drop him in, then follow him through. Seraphim noticed to her horror that Victoria was right there still within range of Alice to grab her. Seraphim moved without thinking. Fading feathers of light trailing her as she swiftly crossed the short distance to scoop Victoria up into her arms and continue past to carry the girl to safety.

Prime Mover Owen grinned broadly. He was starting to get the hang of being with her, and learning how to be witty was just one part of the job! "Well, maybe I'm more'n just a flatterer, my lady," he said, and gently took one of her hands in his and softly kissed it. He was briefly perplexed by her suddenly summoning duplicates of herself! "Hmm, I suppose if there were that many of you, it wouldn't really matter, would it? They're all equally beautiful as the 'real' Kadene," he said with a wink, sincerely hoping he was continuing to charm her. Conversation with her was like a dance, and he was starting to get the rhythm of it. "But I agree, it is a beautiful day, and you're just as radiant as the sun in the sky. My lady," he said with an exaggerated bow. He took the sandwich she offered and chomped a big bite out of it. "But yeah, the beach sounds great! Don't figure either of us will be up for a swim, but it'll be good to see our friends down there. Figure everyone'll be there eventually, it's gorgeous here." He mentioned to her in passing that his "condition" required him to wear his power vest at all times, or else catastrophe would strike if he used his powers. Kadene's aversion of the ocean and swimming was understandable as well, considering!

I'll take the spores from spore. Initiative Results 1d20+4: 24 [1d20=20] LETS GO

17 for Spore

@Supercape @Poncho @EternalPhoenix Also might as well get initiative rolls for you all so we are ready once EP makes an IC post

Jack's mouth was stuffed with the most amazing combination of melted cheese, sauce, and perfectly crispy crust when Kate appeared beside him. He quickly covered his mouth with one massive hand, trying not to spray crumbs as he smiled at her greeting. The pizza was just too good to rush swallowing, so he took his time, savoring the flavors while Sam made her teasing comment about moose burgers. The thought made him laugh, nearly choking on the last bite. "Nyet, nyet," he rumbled after finally clearing his throat. "Am Russian, not Canadian!" His deep laugh echoed through the shop as he grinned at Michael's defense of his eating habits. The cold aura around him pulsed slightly with his amusement, sending little wisps of condensation curling from his bare shoulders. He turned to Kate, his blue eyes bright with genuine warmth. "You never bother, Kate. Is always good to see friend." He gestured at the steaming pizza in front of him. "Must try slice - is perfect temperature now." The bear spirit inside him rumbled contentedly, pleased to share food with pack members.

Spore is boosting herself. If there is time, boosting her team-mates (if they want it) Immunity 7 (Critical Hits, Suffocation [All], Starvation & Thirst, Disease, Her own Fungal Array effects) Adjusting slow fade so it lasts 7 hours (not a week). Kids dont like blotches!

Spore Once the King Cole engine had started, there was no stopping it. Either it ran out of fuel, or it crashed. Spore hoped it was the former. The light was bright enough for Spore's light-sensitive eyes. She just hoped that the flashlight didn't swing into her eyes. "Yeah, pictures," she said. "And code name, maybe?" She brought up her camera. Normally it would be wildlife photography, but being a kid in Claremont meant she was snapping nearly everything. "And some fungus, too..." she said, focussing her fungal powers into a blotchy purple bloom all over her skin.

Jack watched Lynn glide across the ice with effortless grace, his heart swelling at the sight even as his stomach churned with anxiety. The dinner with her parents loomed over him like a storm cloud, threatening to spoil their peaceful evening. He pulled several bills from his pocket and put them in the jar for both of them, to help support the park. He was wearing his usual sleeveless hoodie and cargo shorts, garnering many strange looks from the other skaters, all bundled up. He stepped onto the ice barefoot, his connection to winter making him perfectly stable despite his massive frame. The cold didn't bother him - it never did - but the thought of sitting across from Velocity, one of the most famous heroes in Freedom City, made his palms sweat. "Da, coming milaya," he called out, following Lynn's path. Back in Fiji, he'd managed to stay calm when she'd mentioned the dinner invitation….but that night when was alone, he didn't sleep. It had taken hours just to calm the bear spirit's agitation. Jack ran a hand through his white hair. What if her mom decided he wasn't good enough for Lynn? He was just a simple guy from Siberia who happened to turn into a giant ice bear. The thought of losing Lynn made his chest ache. She'd become such an important part of his life, bringing light and warmth to his usually solitary existence. "Your mama, she is very..." Jack searched for the right English word, "intimidating? Is normal for boyfriend to be this nervous?" He managed a weak smile as he caught up to Lynn, his massive frame casting a shadow over her smaller form. Lynn had assured him multiple times that her mom was fine with their tendency to attract trouble - apparently it ran in the family - but Jack couldn't shake the feeling that one wrong move at dinner would ruin everything. At the mention of her mom questioning his intentions, Jack had turned bright red. He hadn't even considered that possibility, and now he was wondering what intentions she was thinking he had... Jack glided across the ice, his bare feet finding perfect purchase on the frozen surface. The cold whispered against his skin like an old friend as he circled Lynn, matching her graceful movements with surprising agility for someone his size. Years of tracking through Siberian winters had taught his body how to move with winter itself. His mind drifted back to their kiss just minutes ago, standing in the exact spot where they'd first met. The memory warmed him from within, briefly pushing aside his anxiety about dinner. Lynn had tasted of coffee and winter air, her smaller frame fitting perfectly against his chest. But the sweetness of that moment only highlighted everything he could lose if her mother decided he wasn't suitable. Lynn turned to skate backwards, offering him one of her small, precious smiles. Jack's artist's eye catalogued it automatically - not quite as bright as when she performed with the orchestra, or their first kiss on the balcony, but genuine and warm. He'd started sketching her different smiles in a small notebook he kept hidden in his room, each one unique and telling its own story about her mood and thoughts. This one would need to be added to the collection later. Looking at her now, grace personified on the ice, Jack made a silent vow to himself. Even if the worst happened, even if her mother forbade them from seeing each other, he would find a way to keep Lynn in his life. He had survived Siberian winters, death, and supervillains - surely he could survive meeting her parents.

GM "Hmmm," said the commander. "You are right. We need the engineers, but that means a trip through the station to the engineering section." He barked a crisp order to the woman on his left. "Lieutenant Hura, you are in command till I get back. Keep everyone alive and stop the station blowing up or crashing." The floating woman saluted. "Aye, SIR!" The commander holstered his laser pistol and propelled himself through the zero gravity to the two Star Knights. "Ill take you there. But be alert, the power flux can be dangerous. So be careful. And fast, because we are crashing into a gas giant. So. Are we clear? Careful but fast? Ahem. Yes, I am quite sure that is possible." "Be careful of the gravity, too. The storm is going to play havoc with the ships rotation, and we will be falling into the gravity well..."

Liberty Park Freedom City, New Jersey Friday February 21, 2025. 5:30 PM During the recent long weekend trip to Fiji with their friends and classmates, Lynn had told Jack that her adopted parents (in particular her adopted mom) had wanted to have him over for dinner. Apparently, it was part of Megan Howell-Harrow's desire to get to know the significant others of her children (adopted or otherwise) a bit better. Lynn had tried to assure Jack it was not because of the number of times their dates, or just other time spent together, had ended up in some sort of super battle (again emphasizing how her adopted mother was well aware of how frequently that could occur). The blonde teen had also insisted it was not because her adopted mother questioned Jack's intentions with her sixteen-year-old adopted daughter (though Lynn had reluctantly admitted it might be a small part of it). Lynn had even noted that her parents were doing the same thing with Lawrence's girlfriend. Of course, it was hardly uncommon for teenage boys to be somewhat worried about spending time with their girlfriend's parents. The fact that Lynn's adopted mother was the world-famous superheroine Velocity and member of the Freedom League, likely did not make things any easier. So, to try to help with the anticipation, the couple had planned to have a little date before going to dinner. A little after classes ended for the week, Lynn had driven them over near Liberty Park, parking the BMW SUV in a parking structure near Millennium Mall. They had stopped briefly at the Liberty Perk coffee shop across the street from the east side of Liberty Park to get some coffee and then continued over to the park. They had briefly stopped outside the park, near the Southern entrance next to the grand lawn, to have a kiss at the spot they had first met eight months earlier. They then continued into the park, taking their time to follow the paved roads that wound through the park to eventually reach the northwest corner of the park, where the botanical gardens were located. The gardens were located among a series of smaller paths that radiated out from a central area like spokes, the rows of plants and trees set out between the many paths, although most of the plants were currently dormant for the winter. At the center of the gardens, next to the large greenhouse building for more exotic plants, was a large circular reflecting pool. With the cold winter weather, the shallow reflecting pool had been frozen over and was being used as an open-air ice-skating rink, which was operated by the City to help provide some of the funding for the gardens’ operation. The setting did feel rather special, being out the cold night air. To the east, across the north end of the park, could be seen the skyline of downtown Freedom City. To the west were several tall, high-end condominium buildings. To the north was the south edge of Freedom City University's campus, most prominent being the large stadium for the university's football team and other outdoor sports teams. Lynn skated out onto the large frozen reflecting pool with graceful ease, her superhuman agility and balance making her movements seem effortless. The blonde teen casually turned so she was skating backwards as she looked back with a small smile. "Come on Jack." She said as she continued to skate backwards. Tonight, she was wearing a pair of dark navy jeans, a white puffy winter jacket, along with a red scarf and gloves.

Yes, she can do that.

I think Sarah will forego a third attack and just try to pick up Victoria and get her away from the villains. Would that be possible since Bill dropped her?

Artificer "<Did the sushi platter go bad?>," he mumbled, his nose processing the scents before his eyes had fully adjusted. "<I know I should not have snacks in... the... workshop...>" His voice trailed off as the expected sights of his own workshop, where he'd been tinkering with some upgrades to his gear, failed to appear. This was a workshop, clearly. And many elements seemed hauntingly familiar. He recognized his primary workbench, the racks of tools and containers of components. But the tools were made of bone, not bronze or crystal, and more suited for slicing and piercing than hammering. Where there should have been small boxes of screws and rivets, there was instead skulls filled with knucklebones and teeth. Where spools of wire should hang, there were coils of some fleshy substance... veins? Nerves? More smells assailed him: flesh, blood, excreta, musk, oils, and other undefinable odors. "<Merciful Poseidon, where am I? How-,>" he quickly patted himself down to see if his personal belongings were still on him, and looked down at his hands...

A rank 10 shapeable area means 10 5 foot cubes, so you can reach in a line of 50 feet. They're that close to each other, but you have to position yourself right between them to do it, and it'll get Luke too @Kaede Kimura