KnightDisciple

Corbin was unfazed by Koshiro's brusque inquiry. He pulled out his phone and checked a call record. "They should be here in...4 minutes, if they stick to their promise. One of those "we'll be there, or you pay half" sort of deals. We'll make sure they get home fine. Pretty sure we'll be able to work something out with the Headmaster for visits. Even if I have to fly you here myself to "keep you in line" or whatever." He actually made airquotes with that one, which let Koshiro get a good look at the shining blue ring on his right hand. Corbin then crossed his arms with a smile. "You did good out there, Koshiro. Glad to have you on the team."

As the guards swarmed around Firehawk, Protector, and Blitzen, Cobalt Templar blazed away from the fight with nary a word, ducking back through the same side entrance he'd used. The hall was still abandoned, so he had no trouble changing back to civilian clothes in it. So it wasn't hard to navigate his way back such that he was standing just behind Koshiro's family. Oh, the family would almost assuredly make the connection. But the villains likely wouldn't, and neither would the staff on-site, and that's what mattered to him. "Looks like everything turned out okay. Glad everyone's safe." He though toward Sage. -Please remind the others I try to keep a secret identity, and would prefer no connections be made between identities. If need be, we can cover for whoever needs it.-

Reflex of 7, so not half. 25 on the Fort. So he should be Okay.

"Will do." With that, he started walking toward the crates, which would hopefully hold clues. But he didn't get far before the woman stepped out. He raised an eyebrow behind his helmet as she seemingly flirted with him. As he spoke, he shook his head. "I think you're a bit old for me, definitely too small, and I'm already in a committed relationship. Besides, you're helping enslave innocent sapient beings." Suddenly, he was barreling toward her, and a spear made of solidified blue fire was in his hands. He swung, but didn't quite manage to strike his opponent. "You're a fidgety one. But anyways, like I was saying, these folks should be free. Freedom is the right of all sapient beings."

I think we'll do just a regular attack. Hm. He'll start off up close and personal. Move Action: Get up next to Pyro Standard Action: Melee Attack! Yeah, that's 13. So no. Gonna spend a Hero Point to at least have a chance. So 22. ...But she's Defense 24. So it goes.

Cobalt Templar gave a single firm nod at Nick's words. "That's a good idea. Don't show off with the powers, and keep an eye on what they're doing. It's one thing if you slowly get better at using them. It's another if you're suddenly waving a hand and covering the block in green tentacles. Far as Jessica goes...Yeah. Get it out of the way now. I think she'll support you, though I don't think she's going to be doing backflips. I'm certainly not, honestly. But it is what it is. And you're one of my best friends, Blake. Of course I came to talk. I wasn't in the middle of anything really big, so it wasn't any inconvenience."

Carson picked up the weapon and tested it, slowly swinging it around a bit, as well as testing the "trumpet form"; he blew a few experimental notes through that, and smiled. "Very nice. Especially since I'm not usually one for fisticuffs or the like. Hm. It feels like the spear knows what it's doing; as if it's somewhat guiding my attacks. That feature is much appreciated, as is this." It was a trumpet again. Suddenly, almost without thinking, he twitched his hand, and was wearing a heavy steel ring on his right middle finger. He blinked at his hand, then grinned at the smith. "That, too, is an appreciated feature. Between this and my "watch", I'll never have to worry about carrying a costume bag again!" He reached over to shake the man's hand. "I'm grateful, and honored, especially considering you did work for my namesake. I'll keep the unpredictability in mind."

Right then: Cobalt Templar: 24

Raveled: If I understood our conversation a couple days ago, I'm not rolling init with CT yet because he's on the boat with Glowstar, and things are moving at a slightly difference pace there. If I'm wrong, I'll whip up some init post haste.

Carson nearly ran into Heyzel when he stopped, avoiding it mostly through an incredibly brief application of his ability to fly. He shook his head to clear it, still not entirely believing what he'd seen. 'That looked like an angel driving a giant robot!' He turned to face Prossetti and gave him a smile and a hand to shake. "It's an honor to meet you, sir." At the smith's statement, Carson gave a shrug. "I suppose so, yes. Preferably something that I have the option of inflicting...less permanent wounds with. Not against the likes of demons, mind you, but if it came to it and I had to use it against a mortal, you see...Anyways. Did either of you have anything in mind?"

Cobalt Templar surveyed the situation. Freedom Angel and Protectron seemed like they could handle themselves in a fight. Against some thugs with guns, he wasn't too worried. Worst case, Bruiser and his crew could back them up. But Glowstar was moving in alone; despite being on the Irregulars, not Young Freedom, CT couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the junior. He turned to Bruiser's group. "The robot and the angel should have things in hand. Stay sharp, might be some guys trying to flank us. I'm going to help out Glowstar. And then he burned through the air, slamming onto the ship's deck moments later at Glowstar's back. The hero in blue armor was in a slight crouch, which brought him to Glowstar's height even as the paint below his feet sizzled just a bit. "Figured you could use some backup. How do you want to handle this one?"

Hoboy. 20, which...eyeah, that's a bit much to start the fight off. I'll see if I can at least shave that down a bit. Hero Point Reroll: 21. :? Oy ve. Init: 10 I must have done something to tick Invisible Castle off.

Cobalt Templar frowned and floated a short distance into the air, before casting his gaze all around. He nodded as the Professor spoke. "You're right. It's too clean and empty. Which makes me worried. These guys know what they're doing, outside of the horrifically unethical experiments. Hey, Protectron, could you maybe-" He turned toward the door, and realized Protectron wasn't there. He flew to the doorway itself and looked around. "Where the blazes did he get off to?"

As I understood both the IC and AA's statement, CT is with GG. Wraith is...at first I didn't realize Fox had written her entering the vents. So I'd thought she was sticking with Corbin, and GG was scouting ahead of them a bit. CT also sent Papercut toward Sage, but he's clearly not gotten there yet. So, at minimum, I think CT and GG are facing off against HS.

WOOHOO! Welcome to your 2nd Decade!

CT sighed and shook his head. "Tell her the truth. All of it. As soon as you can. Nothing good, nothing good at all, will come from you trying to hide this. Word gets around in this town, and Kid Cthulu stands out pretty badly. See if she's free as soon as we're done here." He crossed his arms over his chest as he spoke, brooking no argument. "As for advice...Not sure. I guess just be careful. Try not to use them too long. Maybe keep a journal, help you watch for behavioral tics? Is there someone in the mystic community who could "spot" for you? That is, keep an eye on you and make sure your powers aren't creeping in where they shouldn't be. Nick, would that be up your alley, or what? I'm afraid despite my ring's magical origins, I'm not well versed in the mystic arts." He gives a helpless shrug to both men.

As soon as it was clear it was Hiroshima Shadow standing ahead of them, Cobalt Templar froze almost instantly. One foot was lifted slightly, as if mid-step, but he might as well have been a wide-eyed statue, staring at the spectre of nuclear destruction. For half a minute, he couldn't even think straight. 'Not Hiroshima Shadow. No. Not it. Anything but the one that-No. Damn it Corbin, that was a parallel reality, and it was the future. You're not dying here. Not today. Not here.' His face morphed from fear to grim determination; the weapon in his hands went from the flickering shade it was just a moment ago, to a solid thing once more. Before he let any sound escape his mouth, he reported in to Sage. -Hiroshima Shadow is on site. Repeat, Hiroshima Shadow is on site. I'm betting we've got half the Crime League here at least. Stay frosty.- He glanced at Wraith. All things considered, he wasn't going to interrupt, and he figured it was a League member offering her something or trying to distract her. His attention returned to the Shadow. "Please don't do this. It isn't worth it either way. Honestly, if you guys leave, I don't feel like telling anyone. No harm, no foul. I'd rather not get in a fight right now. But if you keep pressing it, we won't back down. We won't let you put the Freedom League, and any family they may have, at risk." The large weapon in his hands was trained squarely on the irradiated villain, though he made no move to attack this very moment. "Your call."

Taunts flew through the air almost as thickly as paper cranes, but Cobalt Templar remained focused, if not entirely calm (his team was being attacked, that was never calming). At the pronouncement that Young Freedom was just a bunch of kids...he smirked. He couldn't help but think in Sage's direction. -Eve, let's show these punks who they're really messing with.- First the insane wizard lady sent spiky tentacles at him. All they did was scrabble uselessly against his armor for a moment before he swatted them away, cranes still fluttering about him. The slime seemed to slide off his protective clothing, some of it drying and crumbling away. Then Blitzen attacked, his blow skipping off his chest armor where the tentacles had struck before glancing against his helmet. A slight dent appeared as his head went to one side. But it was soon apparent the glowing Templar hadn't been truly hurt; his gaze slowly returned to Blitzen. There was a small line of blood at one corner of his mouth; his left hand reached up and wiped it away, flicking the liquid into the air. His face slowly split in a positively predatory grin. "Man, you don't even know who you're messing with. I've fought worse than you before lunch. You're not grownups. You're practice." Suddenly, his right hand drew back for a devastating punch as energy gathered around it; his left hand grasped at Blitzen just long enough that the big man couldn't easily evade his attack. The cranes suddenly dove all around Blitzen, distracting him in this crucial moment, giving Cobalt Templar just the opening he needed. With a wordless roar, he sent his fist rocketing forward encased in an over-large hand construct that seemed to have two wings growing from it, a tail of bright blue fire behind it. The paper bird suddenly swirled around them both. An explosion of energy sent the constructs whirling through the air, still intact but well clear of the two titans battling in the air. As the flare of energy passed and the false birds scattered, it was clear Cobalt Templar had landed a heavy blow.

Right then! +2 to my attack thanks to Papercut. Free Action: All-Out Attack 5: Defense is 1, Attack is 18 with Aid Attack Bonus (Because they seem to have no troubles hitting him anyways) Power Attack 5: Attack is 13, Toughness DC is 31 Standard Action: Melee Attack Blitzen 25, which hits. DC 31 Toughness Save.

23. Hero Point for reroll. Roll a 9, so 25, but add 10, so 35. He passes.

Man, that's what I get for Toughness-shifting! :oops: Alternatively, I could get a 34 and shake it off.

Corbin took a step back, blinking a couple of times. He looked around, making sure it was just them in sight (since he seemed to be the only one in costume), and suddenly Cobalt Templar was standing there. He frowned as he observed his friend. "Last time, these powers almost got you killed. Are you okay? I mean, yes, it's good you've got them back, but...Dude, you're powered by things that shatter human sanity. I guess I'm just worried about side effects, you know?"

"Maybe the guards are inside prepping everything to move? If you guys busted out, they may be moving the oper-" And then Freedom Angel all but busted down the door. Cobalt Templar blinked, then shrugged. A slight grin was on his face as he floated into the air, slowly moving to the door Freedom Angel was assaulting. "You know what, I like the cut of his jib. I'll go help him bust in the front door. You guys coming with, or are you going to watch the sides?"

Corbin had mostly stayed in place while the others roamed around. He figured that way, he could always get to anyone else in about the same time as backup. Plus, it gave him time to make various light sculptures with his ring. When Sage reported a gunman, he immediately snapped to attention, a frown on his face as his latest sculpture winked out of existence. -Received and understood, Sage. I'll stay here for a moment, in case they try-- And then the lights went out, and the world outside was closed off. In an instant, Cobalt Templar was standing in the middle of the hall, eyes scanning around. "Sharl, respond. Sharl, do you copy?" He was perturbed by the situation. Sharl might be out of action. Even if he wasn't, it was clear the advantage of having him integrated with the building's systems was now gone. Which ruled out a blatant hacking attempt by the enemy, but still. He looked to any of his fellows who were nearby, and projected to Eve (and thus hopefully everyone else, except Sharl). -They've already turned the lights off. Let's try to be ready for other tricks. I wouldn't put it past them to use gas or something similar. Kimber, yes, please try to scout ahead a little bit. Papercut, could you perhaps go back up Sage? I'd like those of us who can't walk through walls to try and work the buddy system. Wraith, you're with me. We're going to look around, but like Sage said, we'll retreat if we have to. Just remember. We're Young Freedom. We can take these punks.- With that grim pronouncement, Cobalt Templar began striding forward, and as he did so, his costume shifted. Not because it had to, but because some part of his mind (and perhaps even a sliver of something in the ring?) wanted to reflect his state of readiness and resistance to certain types of attack. With that in mind, the gap in the front of his helmet was suddenly covered with a dull gold reflective visor. Around his neck, and in all gaps of his armor, a thin, flexible material snapped into place, giving it an airtight quality. None of this was strictly necessary; he could be standing there in ragged gym shorts, breathing poison gas directly into his lungs, and the ring would simply neutralize it. But for him, it felt better to outwardly manifest that concept of protection. It scratched an itch that had been there ever since he got the ring, one only enhanced by his existing artistic talent. His heavy steps echoed in the nearly empty hall as his cape vanished, and around his torso, a strange mechanical rig began to manifest. When a high tech energy weapon formed in his hands, the rig's purpose was clear; it supported the weapon, and helped him more easily move it around. Again, a facetious construct of his own imagination; he could simply lob indistinct balls of fire around at his enemies, but a part of him almost had to "shake it up" every time. Rather than fight the instinct, the large artist embraced it. Anything to give him a teeny bit of amusement in a life-or-death struggle. He cast his reflective gaze around the room, the weapon tracking with it, a red light above the barrel blinking slowly. Suddenly, he spoke up, his voice having a slightly deeper, mechanical quality to it, likely due to the closed helm. "Here, piggy piggy piggy...."

I think CT's mostly going to stick where he is, after prepping his Blast power. That said, he has Darkvision, so the poor lighting shouldn't be an issue. Range on vision isn't extended, though.