Spacefurry

Luke help Leon up as the boy looked around blindly. There room was gone, replaced with a vast cavernous space. Strange sounds echoed and a cold wind but into what little flesh he had exposed. He looked at Luke in confusion. “What’s wrong?” He looked at Luke again as his roommate stared down at his left hand. Self-consciously he pulled his hand back and held it in his right. Had Luke noticed? Had he let the guise slip in his sleep? Suddenly Leon noticed something was wrong with hand, and what was wrong was that nothing was wrong with it. He stared down in further confusion as he flexed his fingers he pressed his right fingers into it and get them. Not through paper but real flesh. He looked up at Luke, unsure what to say. An icy wind swept past them again and Leon shivered, rubbing the bare parts of his arms. Questions would have to wait. They needed answers, and an exit. “You’re right.” He said changing the subject. “We need to move before you turn into a dragon-cicle, mister I can sleep in just shorts.” Leon looked around, trying to catch the direction of the metal sounds. “If there’s a wind, there’s gotta be an exit. But what ever is making that crashing noise might tell give us an idea what’s going on. We’re alone and significantly unarmed.” He paused at the irony of what he just said. “Smart thing to do would probably look for the exit.” He grinned. “So I guess we should check out the noise.”

Paper’s footing was still unsteady as the red mist that was Holly lashed out at him. Paper thin cuts lacerated him, leaving lines of red here and there on him even as he tumbled out of the way. Recovering in time to witness Ghost literally pull Holly out of her miasma. That was pretty badass he had to admit. A thin line of red welled on his cheek and he gritted his teeth as he called on the paper around him again. It took some extra effort but he managed it. Paper began to cover Holly as he tried to cocoon her again. Her angry struggling proved more then the scraps he was pulling in to handle though and she managed to shake off his attempt.

I’m sorry, I just noticed I never roll for that save. Thought I had. Reflex: 12 Ouch, at least Evasion 2 knocks it to half damage. Toughness: 19 And that’s a bruise for me.

TT-TT Well, that was a waste of my last HP.

Leon wanted to rebuke her spicy comment but was caught by Maybelle’s blue eyes when he looked up at her touch. Her kind tone had him nodding as she spoke. He didn’t want to admit that maybe he was just closing himself off. He had been so busy building barriers since he arrived to protect himself from the wrong people, he never thought about how to let the right ones in if he found them. As she her hand rested on his free left hand it felt normal enough. But after speaking and letting it go, she may have noticed that it didn’t radiate any natural warmth. It wasn’t cold. It was just room temperature. Leon’s eyes widened as his cheek flushed, just a little. He quick looked away trying to hide his embarrassment, while muttering a quick, but obviously sincere apology as he ran a hand through his hair. “I, ah… I’m sorry. I, I shouldn’t do that.” He looked back at her again a little sheepish. “Wow, I’ve just been rude in every way this whole time, haven’t I.” Drawing himself up he held out his right hand, grinning as he gave his best British spy accent. “Moore, Leon Moore.” If she noticed, his right hand felt normal and warm to touch with body heat.

Okay, one more again with the Snare attempt. Ranged attack: 13… Tome to burn that last HP Reroll: 27 Reflex DC 18

Leon had finally gotten use to his roommate’s restless sleep. His own sleep wasn’t as fickle, but his dreams haven’t been he kindest lately. Things he hadn’t wanted to deal with were prominent and red heads haunted him. As he wrestled with his latest dreamscape a distant voice whispers to him. It was the voice of his roommate and teammate. Great, as if the cold of the night and his rock hard bed weren’t enough, Luke was about to tell him they were late for class… again. “Hmm.” Leon didn’t open his eyes as he muttered. “Did you leave the window open? And please don’t tell me we slept through the alarm again.” He rolled over and reached for his blanket to pull back over himself, only to grope around blindly. “What the…?” His blanket was missing, he opened one sleepy eye. So was his pillow. Hell, his entire bed was gone. “What the…!” Leon sat up, awake now, looking around in confusion. As he sat there in his skull and crossbones pajama pants and MCR tee his confusion quickly turn to anger and suspicion. “Oh, I am so gonna get that little son of a…” He trailed off as his surrounding actually started to sink in. This didn’t look like a prank. As he looked around, phantom green eyes flickered then vanished in a haze of red for a moment before he shook his head as if to clear it an wake up from this. “Dude, WTF? Where are we?”

Leon watched Maybelle as she started to speak, eating his own food. When she took a moment to enjoy her own cooking he had to look back at his own food. It wasn’t right for someone her age to look that cute. God, he was a sucker for a pretty girl. He mentally chided himself as he scooped up another spoonful of mashed potatoes. “Some are plain, some are sweet, some are spicy.” He chuckled, playing off her pun. He stared thoughtful at his plate, using his fork to trace a triangle inside a circle. He sighed and scratched through the design, then set his fork down. “Honestly, I don’t like talking about it.” He said as flexed the fingers in his left hand. “But there isn’t anyone here I feel like I can really open up to. Hell, I still haven’t even told my roommate about…” He trailed off, falling silent as he made a fist with his left hand and released it. He shook his head and changed the subject. “I haven’t seen my mom in over 8 years and I never knew my dad. When she realized I was ‘different’ she dumped me in the foster system and ran off.” He sounded less bitter and more tired when he spoke. “It took four years of being handed around before I found my new family, my real family. My brother and sister. We ran away together and survived by looking out for each other.” Even as he continued he couldn’t resist Maybelle’s cooking. He picked up the fork and took another bite. “I’m afraid I don’t have the best track record with adults. And I tend to prejudge them or lash out.” He paused to take another bite and gave a small nod. “But, I guess there have been a few that genuinely were ‘nice’.” He glanced back at Maybelle and narrowed his eyes in mock suspicion. “Do you have some kinda power to get people talking?” He glance back down at the plate. ”Is it something in the food?”

Paper - 11 Party Rocking - 1 Team Talk - 1 Stinger's Tale - 3 Survival Class: Prussian Blue - 4 The Steel Strike - 2 Blackstaff - 9 A Gathering of Mages - 9 Chimera - 3 +2(GM) = 5 Breaking the Bastion - 2 Back Alley Brawl - 1 GM - 1 (x2) = 2 Back Alley Brawl - 1

Leon’s glaze lift from his book as he spotted the cute brunette. He thought he caught the name Clara as watched her talk to Maybelle for a minute before his attention returned to the book. A copy of a late night talkshow host’s comical autobiography. He was making a decent dent in his seconds, he wasn’t sure if thirds would be the best decision. It was tempting, but he’d be running extra laps around the track if he gave in. The scent of barbecue and cheesy macaroni reached him and he gave up. “Extra laps it is.” He thought to himself with a smirk. The scent got stronger and Leon noticed someone approaching him. He looked up at Maybelle as she sat down. “Ah, not at all.” He managed to say and smiled in return before distinctly turning his attention back to his plate. He found it difficult to focus on the book with the older women sitting nearby. Ah, there it was. That’s why she sat next to him. He wanted to snipe back but between her tone and kindly manner earlier, any venom dried up as soon as he opened his mouth. He looked at her for a moment, his shoulders tensed and mouth still open, then closed it. Looking back at his food he nudge it with his fork thinking. It wasn’t like he was gonna see her after this probably. He finally sighed and the tension left his shoulders. ”Authority figures and I don’t usually get along and mentors are just another one of them.” He admitted, pushing his food around. ”They try to tell me how to act, and I tend to get a bit… snippy.” He scooped up some mashed potatoes and took a bite before continuing. ”Its a long story I’m sure you don’t want to hear.”

Leon gave his best dramatic, crest-fallen look when Maybelle informed him she was only there for the day. His eyes widen just a bit as he saw the silver strands of her ring pull the card from her pocket. He took the card, glancing at it before pocketing it with a nod. If she was head chef and owner he’d have to check it out later. Maybe bring the other Young Guardians. Or maybe his siblings. Ah, so she was a hero too. When she mentioned not having a mentor he looked a little sheepish. ”I may have, kinda, sorta, maybe dodge it.” He gave a chuckle and ran his hand through his hair. “Huh?” Leon glanced aside at the line forming behind him and gave an apologetic grin and mock salute. Smiling back at Maybelle he nodded. ”Sorry, and thanks.” He collected his tray and continued down the way, eventually winding up back at a table with his book.

Flyers had been up all over campus and instructors had been on about it for days, but Leon had done his best to avoid it. He didn’t need a mentor. It was bad enough he was stuck at this school, the last he needed was someone else looking down on him. The day came and Leon had a plan, after a stop in the library the day before he was all set to hole up in his room till it was over. At least, that had been the plan. But then lunch time hit and his stomach growled. With a muttered cuss under his breath he grabbed the book he was reading and bee-lined for the cafeteria. Navigating the grounds, he successfully avoided any instructors and arrived in the cafeteria only to find the usual smells replaced with something strange, food that actually smell good. The dining hall was busier then usual. He chalked it up to the smell of the food and waited in line. He wasn’t disappointed. The food was better then it ever was since he’d arrived. Taking his time aa he ate, he dug back into the book he was reading. It was an easy choice when he debated getting seconds. Leon made his way through the line again. This time he noticed the pretty, older blond behind the counter. She was shorter then him and he knew he hadn’t seen her among the cafeteria staff before. He quirked a grin and asked in a joking tone. ”You’re new here. Please tell me this is your doing.” He pointed at the food. ”And please tell me your you’re not temp staff. Cause I don’t think I can go back to the old stuff.”

Blackstaff Around his ice beetles continued to swarm, as flames from the young girl aimed at the Carrion Queen. Borrowing from her fire he drew threads of flames around the swarm, turning them aside into the attacks of the others. From the corner of his attention he saw the young artificer warping the hotels floors and rails to defend others. The boy would probably need to apologize to the hotel later he thought with an internalized chuckle. He could also feel the wards and protections of the other defenders as they settled over the gathered heroes. They were impressive and he would have to ask the caster about them later. Raising his staff again he noticed the mirrored images of himself beside him and grinned. “Now there’s a trick I haven’t used in ages.” He felt the Queens magic raise and his attention refocused with razor clarity. “No.” His growl echoed from his images as the runes on each staff flared to life once again, his counter magic slamming into the Queen’s magic. It was an effort to actively dispel her magic before she could bring it to bare against his allies, but he was determined not to let pass if he could stop it.

“I didn’t a laptop with me, did you?” Chimera smirked or at Ghost, seeming to actually relax for a moment. A moment later she seemed to realize she who she was talking to and looked away in embarrassment. ”Sorry.” She apologized as she searched through the files. “Hmm.” Chimera’s eyes darted down file lists as Ghost watched. ”A-ha.” She elated as she clicked on the familiar file name andr complex may mathematical and engineering data filled the screen. ”Those are the files that were stolen earlier today.” Closing the files and properly ejecting the drive, she stood and faced Ghost. ”I suppose we call the police now.”

Toughness save for Brute: 25 just missed it.

Blackstaff Blackstaff followed Sea Devil into the room with less flair, but no less confidence. Staff in hand, it tapped quietly as he walked. He stopped as the Carrion Queen finished her declarations. As the swarm of monstrous beetles began to pour forth from the rift the wizard sighed. The runes along the staff flared a light blue as he slammed the end down. A wave of ice erupted out towards the bugs entrapping a swath of, but not all of, them in a flash freeze. He swings the end of his staff at the necrotic entity. "Carrion Queen! As representatives of this world and realm, we order you to cease any and all supernatural activity and return forthwith to your place of origin, or to the next convenient parallel dimension along the coil." He demanded with all the confidence he could muster, hoping to hold the Carrion Queen's attention while others could get into position.

“Did I miss something?” Paper asked no one in particular as the teens watched the back and forth. He looked over at his teammates before noticing the extra hero with them. ”Who the hell is that?” He thought to himself. ”Pretty cute.” He shook his head. He’d have to introduce himself later. “Hey, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb. You and the wallflower going to come along quietly or we doing this the fun way?” Paper fanning out in his hands, ready to use.

Fort save for Creepshow: 24 Just made it. But I did said he was already on the edge of the platform so I’m going to rule that the force of the hit knocked him off it, leaving him sprawled on the floors a few feet below. @Kaede Kimura Shooting Star is up. (Or should I say down. ? )

Leon nodded at Charlie and turned to run after Luke, with Muirne following. As he ran, he slapped a paper mask on. He still hadn’t settled on a design he liked. This time the mask was a domino mask that extend down the bridge of his nose and tapered down his cheeks. He had paper in hand already as he pushed past mallrats and shoppers only to spot the large, hockey masked man. He didn’t see Luke yet though. “You find Nightscale, I’ll handle this guy.” He called back to Nightbourne. He was sure she realized all hell was bout to break loose. The paper in his hand twisted into a staff as he ran after the villain. His aim was good, but there were just too many other people crowding the mall to chance throwing anything. He leveled the staff at the man’s back and called after him. ”Hey, jock itch! Let me guess, didn’t make junior varsity so you decided to take it out on everyone else.” Paper hoped the challenge would clear the pedestrians and get the villain’s attention.

Leon smirked and joked dryly. ”Really? You mean we could have been in the sun by the sea instead of here? Aw man.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, if anything jumps out at us me and the firecracker can handle it.” Leon thumbed over at Wilona confidently then giving a sweeping gesture to the other members of violet team. “And the others got our backs.”

Blackstaff Blackstaff smiled and nodded at Ouroboros in thanks of the acknowledgment. The make-shift compass guided the trio out of the basement and through the winding paths of the hotel to finally reach the others. He listened as others suggested a front assault. He resisted the urge to chuckle at Effigy’s ‘enthusiasm’. The idea had some merit if done right. It wouldn’t be the first time in his career he’d gonna in magic blazing. When Masque, Veronica, and Invisigirl appeared he was impressed, he hadn’t felt any magic. But then, he hadn’t felt any magic from the youngest or the trio. Perhaps there was something to that he thought as he regarded the younger girl inquisitively. His attention shifted to Phantom as the Master Mage spoke. He noted something about her tone, and her not taking control of the plan of attack. He was sure she had a reason to step back, but he had no reason to call attention to it so he simply filed it away. He glanced at Ouroboros. ”Perhaps, but once she realizes what’s happening she’ll resist. You should work with others. There are more than enough of us.” As the conversation turned to protections he frown a little, shaking his head slightly. ”If I’d had some idea of what to expect I could have prepared something ahead of time myself.” He looked from the Gatekeeper around at the others, finally settling on Oz who seemed less then eager to stand front and center. He gripped his own black wood staff tightly. ”I know my way around fight or two, I’ll stand frontline as well. If anyone feels they can’t continue, fall back. Don’t endanger yourself needlessly. Even if all you do is catch your breath. That can mean the difference between falling down and fighting back.” Blackstaff stopped and looked a little embarrassed as he looked around. Running a hand through his hair he smile and apologized. ”Sorry, it’s a pep talk I give myself sometimes.” He looked back at Phantom again. ”I know thing or two about countering magic as well, I’ll do what I can. But if you need help with the ritual I think I can help.” He ran his hand through his hair again. ”The lovely lady is right, we need an actual plan of attack.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. ”How’s this, three or four of the attackers enter first, leaving the door open. Once they have her attention the others enter under a cloak of invisibility.” Blackstaff agreed and looked over at Masque, whom Invisigirl was tugging on and speaking in hushed tones. “It would seem one of you are capable of it. One magical senses might not pick up on right away.” His glaze flickered to Naomi, giving her a friendly smile before turning his attention back to the group as a whole. ”The hidden group enters through the already open doors, hopefully going unnoticed. The second wave of attackers engage, surprising her and dividing her attention further. This should give the banishers time to get into position and begin sending her back.” Blackstaff looked around at the others hoping he hadn’t overstepped some line with his suggestions.

Leon Leon regarded Hero with a raised eyebrow. Squinting for a moment when Naomi turned on her lantern, then looked over at Danica and Wilona. “I may be good at making things disappear, but I don’t know anything about magic other then you shouldn’t poke it unless you have no other choice.” He shrugged. “But, scoping the place out sounds a lot more fun then sitting here waiting for a sandworm to show up.” He stood up and stretched before dusting off some more sand. “Besides.” He gave a mischievous smile. “Someone’s gotta keep an eye on the little ones.” He said jokingly as he thumbed over at Wilona and Naomi, knowing full well he was only an inch taller then the red-head and a only year older then either them. He paused for a moment then looked over at Dr. Macedon, then pulled a regular LED flashlight from his pack and shoulder it. The beam was bright but focused as he swept it through the shadows.

Chimera Chimera had started to worry as she came up empty handed at first. When she stumbled upon the hidden compartment she nearly jumped for joy as the thumbdrive tumbled into her palm. She managed to contain her enthusiasm and turned to look at Ghost. She nodded in agreement and moved to the computer on the desk. Pulling up the chair she wiggle the mouse and stared at the login screen. “Hm.” She made an indifferent noise as she attacked the computer with far more confidence then she showed earlier. It didn’t take Chimera long to bypass the password login and gain access to the desktop. Plugging the thumbdrive into the computer and opened it, looking for the familiar files.

Subject A The wild looking woman rocks back under Chimera’s blow taking a bruise and is dazed. Subject B The flames bite into the burning man again but he barely notices the effects taking another bruise. He makes ranged attack at Outrider: 13 That’s a miss, but it splashes on impact at half strength, potentially hitting Nightshade and Creepshow. Reflex for Creepshow: 20 He makes it @Nerdzul Need a Reflex vs 18 for Nightscale. A fail needs a Toughness 14 Damage is fire if it hits. (So it shouldn’t be a problem for the dragon anyways. ? ) Subject C Lunges for the closest target it can find and attempts to grapple Chimera. Melee attack: 10 That’s a straight up miss. Brute Failed his save by 10 so the big guy is staggered and takes his turn to shake of the dazed Creepshow Is also currently staggered and shaking off the dazed @Lone_Star Outrider is up Creepshow Bruised, Staggered Outrider Unhurt 2HP Shooting Star Unhurt 2HP Nightscale Unhurt 3HP Chimera Unhurt 2HP Subject A Bruised Subject B Bruised x2 Subject C Bruised Brute Staggered

GM Subject A Chimera’s blow caught the wild looking women in her gut, knocking her back a step. The woman doubled over and retched, blood splattering the floor. Small unidentifiable pieces of flesh and bone fragments mixed in the gore. Several new bloody rivulets dripping down her chin. Subject B Flames continued to ripple over the man. His pale flesh beginning to darken and crack as it did so. Still he made no move to extinguish himself. Instead, he wiped his hand along his arms, gathering flames into his palms. Cupping them like one would to make a snowball a ball of fire took shape. With a moan, the burning man hurled the fiery projectile at Outrider’s back. His aim was wide though and a ball of gelatinous ooze splattered across the operating table, sending globules of burning goop in the direction of Creepshow and Nightscale. Subject C The faceless women lunges for Chimera, her hands grabbing for the hero, but missing. She stumbles past the the two combatants, reaching out for anyone blindly. Brute Shooting Star’s gravitational grip crushed down on the big man as she tried to drive them both further into the ground. The compacted concrete and earth didn’t give much, but it continued to hold the two of them securely. The blow rattled Brute and he tries to shake it off as he struggles against the hero’s power, grunting with the effort. Creepshow Outrider’s hammer slammed into the masked man’s chest and drove him back to the edge of the platform. He collapses to his knees catching his breath. The sound of Nightscale’s incoming attack draws is attention long enough for him to throw himself aside. The movement also luckily saving him from the burning goo that landed on the floor where he had been a moment ago. When Creepshow turns the blank mask back to Outrider a large crack has spidered up across its cheek. The madman wearing it glaring from behind the eye holes. ”You are making a serious mistake. I will see you on my table.” He gave a wheezing growl. ”One way or another. All of you.”