Ari

GM Right as Heraldo raised his eyes to the sky he saw it. A narrow rent appeared in the sky, out of which flowed what looked at first like some kind of strange tentacle, but suddenly opened its mouth and flicked out a tongue to reveal that whatever it was, it was at least shaped like a snake made from tar and an utter void that devoured light. Without much time spent wincing at the barrage of light hammering down from the Sun, it began to slither down through the air, heading straight for the house of Grace Sobczak, trailing faint streams of smoke from its burning body.

5th December, 2012 Roberta Isley Garden The small Zen garden in the midst of the larger greenery was a favored relaxation spot, even in the middle of December. The snowy day hadn't put a damper on the number of students who seriously wanted a place to find tranquility within. New to the small square of rocks, Chinese-style lanterns and the small burbling fountain was the stocky form of Subito Sondo, who wandered into the almost perfectly quiet garden, a light green and blue flannel shirt his only concession to the cold he didn't have to worry about, taking off his hat with a nervous glance around at the concentrated or placid faces dotting the place. Nervously taking a seat on a relatively clear space, he crossed his legs under himself, took a quiet breath, closed his eyes and began to meditate... ...then his eyes snapped open as he muttered, just a little too loudly. "Wait. I don't know how to meditate. Crap."

Shuddering and staring in horror as the robot's head, otherwise a perfect replica of the real thing with torn flesh and blood streaming over glaring eyes, lolled open to reveal its electronic core, Heraldo was almost unable to evade the sudden blast of emerald fires. They leaped up and onto him, almost before he could hurl himself away with a flash of golden light and wordless shout of surprise, landing with a crushing *THUD* on a roof only a few yards away in a smouldering heap. He got quickly back to his feet, looking in quiet shock at the broken metal carcass that had just blown itself to pieces. His hat, mask, shirt and coat were gone, and most of his pants had been seared clean off, but the faint gilding around him had guarded his flesh from the plasma, and he was unhurt. Shaking his head in disbelief, he glanced back at the ground below him, and gasped on catching sight of Kit. He took a lurching step, and with a breathless mutter banished the tiredness from his body in a wash of golden flames. Soaring down to her, he bent down and placed a hand on her side. It glowed faintly, and he sent a surge of power through the fallen girl in an attempt to heal the worst of her injuries. A faint cry sounded out, like ancient soldiers on the edge of triumph. "This...I'm sorry, this is the best I can do right now." he told her glumly "I shouldn't...probably can't even hear me, can ya? I should have thought the thing would go for you." he glanced back at the roof dismally "What can we even do now?"

Notice roll: 15. Success! He sees the big giant shadow snake thingy.

DC20 Reflex save: 18. Snared!

DC15 Reflex save: 15. DC17 Toughness save: 20. So, no damage from the plasma fire. Burning a HP(1HP left) to remove the Fatigued condition. EDIT: Moving over to Kit and Stunting Healing 10 off of Emotion Control, with the Flaw: Tiring. Using it to grant Kit an immediate recovery roll.

By now there was no lingering confusion about handshakes for the lefty, and Marceau clasped Philos's hand in a strong grip, shaking it with will and vigor. "I will! And it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Philos. I hope to meet you again, under more pleasant circumstances." "There is indeed much to see here! Far too often this city's status as hero central overshadows its very real qualities. I have lived here for years, and still not seen half its wonders." letting go of the hand, he politely saw the philotherian to the door and waved good-bye to him until the tall, pale man was out of sight in the crowds of bustling Freedom City. Wandering up to the counter, he payed for their meal, digging into his pockets for a few stray bills to make a tip. With a warm "Good day, Marie!" Marceau wandered cheerfully out into the street, heading for his look-out point. His day was by no means over, but it was at least made shorter by his new friend. 'It is very interesting' he reflected as he made his inconspicuous way through the streets and the loud crowds he loved 'how many masters of beasts are like that vengeful family, and so few like Philos. I think he might be the first I have met who wasn't all take and no give...a grand turning point!'

Under most circumstances Heraldo would have jumped out of the tunnel with flare and an energetic shout of "Stand, evil doer!" or "Your evil ends now!", but after struggling through the dirt, being nearly kicked in his face and having dirt flung into it by Glow as she charged on, and hot beyond belief in his costume under the blazing sun, his more flippant and showy side was sulking at the back of his mind. Struggling out of the cramped and grimy hole, Heraldo looked with utter disgust at El Sierpe, restraining himself as best he could from launching at the smug, slimy, self-centered, evil-with a sharp shake of the head, he got his mind back on track. Rising up and surrounded by a golden glow, the Puerto Rican paragon shouted at the Mexican gangster in Spanish <"Idiot! Do you believe we'd chase you ALL this way, go through all this trouble, and not have proof of your evils?!"> turning to Glow he snapped "Glow, let me speak. He won't listen, but it will make me feel better!" Then he darted forward and landed right in front of their nemesis, glaring up at him. "Yeah, we're in Mexico. So what? Do you think we can't thrash you, beat you and your goons into the dirt, and drag you all to the highest court in this country?! We have proof, and a witness, to all the evils you've done. You can't run from your fate anymore, El Sierpe, it's caught up to you at last!" Turning his back on the group he walked back over to Glow and clapped her on the shoulder. "What do we do?"

That sounds like an awesome idea. Of course, Star Knight might be a bit miffed, but so long as the only people being hurt are associates of the Star Khan, it might slide! What do you guys think?

Wave-Eye's initiative: 18!

GM It didn't take the two heroines long before they found out who was tearing the Branson Building apart. Casually bursting out from one of the smaller offices and through the wall, plaster dust cascading around her, a tall woman wearing a blue spandex costume carried an enormous stack of binders on one arm. With the other she was busily engaged flipping through and discarding pages in a stream of paper, the look of concentration on her face implying quite strongly she was looking for something. "Nope. Nope. Nope, nope, nope nopenopenopenopenope...." she muttered, her mouth moving as quickly as her hands and eyes. A lean and long-haired young Arabic man in red and white robes crawled out from the ceiling, passing straight through it without so much as a ripple, dragging a screaming old man in a torn and dusty suit after him. With a sharp look from his green eyes, the man in his grip suddenly grew rigid and silent, staring in horror. "By Malador!" he exclaimed wearily to the quick woman "This job had better be worth it, 'Rapids. I'm not one to question the fearless leader, but-" "Relaaaax Marduk!" the speedster replied without missing a beat in her search "Nephi's never steered us wrong before, and this is bound to get us in the good graces of Driogano and his pals. Don't forget we were eating ramen just three months back." With a disgusted snarl and dismissive wave, Marduk acknowledged her point. So far, both of them had had their backs to the heroines, but as 'Marduk' glanced around, he started as he saw them. Narrowing his luminous eyes he said "Well, well, well. Rapids, I think we have some new challengers." suddenly appearing in front of the pair with a flash of red light he asked them curtly "Who are you? Some of those kid heroes this city spits out?"

Adamas 'Not calling him "Darren" until he changes again' was greeted as he left the house with a brief and hot-eyed glare. Rising slightly into the air on a current of golden smoke, Heraldo replied "What is it with people saying my various moods and looks are 'cute'? Even Blodeuwedd does it!" shaking his head, the patriotic paragon turned to examine the sky for a few seconds. Then he looked back at Adamas with a frustrated look on his masked face. "And comrade? I agree. My costume is awesome and I'm proud to wear it. So I won't say anything about yours, though I really want to." he said with a raised eyebrow at its brevity. A look that he cursed as he realized how long it had lingeredd. Then it was back to watching the skies.

"Oh, don't thank me, captain!" the King of Suits told the STAR officer after descending from his perch "What I did was quite small compared to the brave young man" he looked around, quite surprised "who was here a second ago." shrugging, he pumped the man's hand gladly "On his behalf, I say we were glad to help!" waving to the squad vans until they were out of sight, he called out "Crow! Could you come down? I would like to thank you for making such a defeat of that..." he cast about for a suitable word, face contorting for a moment before it cleared "wretch. If I had been alone this would have gone badly for the forces of justice and right!" he bowed slightly "I look forward to us working again in the future, if my aid is somehow, someday, required." He waited a little while for an answer, cowled head tilted up while his blue eyes scanned the roofs.

Blodeuwedd's adventure enthralled her boyfriend, and not just because of its teller! He hung on every word as she described her escapades in the Lost World, the story filling him with even more excitement about the possibilities for what they could do here. He fell into step beside her as they walked back to the hall, and brushing aside some of her dark hair giving Cerys a quick kiss on the cheek "Blodeu, we have gotta go dino-hunting first chance we get! It'll be more awesome than anyone will believe back home!" Greeting the ambassadors from the nearly unpronounceable Inca kingdom and the Romans, Subito briefly tried to barrage them with excited questions before he was hustled away and inside. Introducing himself eagerly to their hostess and her kid, he stared every now and then at the table, eyes alight at the sight of the magnificent feast waiting for the visitors. Otherwise he was the very image of politeness and tact. He was deeply relieved that the Lady had him and the Welsh agent sitting next to each other in the rough wood chairs, and enthusiastically went to work on the food, although watching Cerys carefully to see what kinds of food she liked or disliked, something that was imperative to a plan that had recently begun piecing itself together in his heart. He kept up a steady stream of conversation with one of the ambassadors from the Romans, the poor man quickly having to ask for respite so he could eat and drink in some kind of peace. At last the stocky Puerto Rican had most of his curiosity sated, and turned to the lady at hand. "What do you think of this place so far, princess?" he asked Blodeuwedd part-way through the meal, cleaning his fruit-stained cheek with a damp piece of cloth "I think the people are great, the animals are awesome, and that we should totally take some of your family here on a trip sometime!" he grinned happily at his comrade, the swarthy, muscular boy clearly feeling himself in his element.

I'm alright with this happening, if none of the people who can be even more horrible burned than Heraldo are!

Marceau looked at his new friend in stupification for a few seconds then shrugged off the surprise. Clearly the man was from a very different culture than he! Finishing off his curry he said mildly "You're certainly nothing like anyone else I've ever met, Philos. I will keep your recommendations in mind and not act rashly when I encounter any strange creatures. I wouldn't want your people to lose such rare beasts, whatever they are." Glancing at the bottle in question he wondered what kind of spices the man must be used to..."Partially yes, because we here have a little less tolerance for it, and partially to make sure not too much is used by making it scarce." he took a swig of water to chase his curry down, smiling brightly. Collecting his meal cutlery neatly on the plate, he continued "I have no idea what kind of peppers you're talking about, I'm afraid. What did they look like? I can easily help find them if I know that." he offered, settling back into the seat so his meal could digest, and beaming at his dinner-companion "By the way, this is wholly unrelated by do you know about the French restaurant in Riverside, the Aliments Avenir?" with a conspiratorial glance to the sides, he said in a lower voice "I have an 'in' with the proprietor, after I helped save some of his patrons from a very...careless assassin" despite his cheer his lips pursed in grim remembrance. Suddenly his face cleared "Anyway! If ever you want to taste real French food, call my number here." he wrote out on a napkin a phone number, then passed it to Philos "There, and I'll give you a guided tour of my homeland's wondrous culinary tradition!"

Patting her hand on his shoulder thankfully, Subito smiled awkwardly at Victoria. "T-thanks Vick. You're right, I know, but this is still a lot to...it's just so out of nowhere!" he shrugged, and his smile grew more genuine "I'll do my best to help him cope. For all I know he's had a voice in his head like me for years, and it's been driving him crazy over the years. I...haven't been a very good cousin to him, a lot of the time" he confessed "Me and Galanta usually tell each other to 'suck it up' when something bad happens, and he might have figured we wouldn't listen. Or-yeah, this is just me talkin' 'cause I dunno what to say. C'mon Vick, let's go back to my folks, they'll need us to keep Gal from eating all the crepes! And I bet Morgan would get mad if we didn't go back for your shoes." Slapping Victoria on the back, he outright grinned. Then the pair vanished in a flash and a puff of smoke. END

GM With a wet thud, the beheaded remains of the clone slumped limply to the floor. As he fell, his left hand glowed softly, and suddenly a piercing warning resounded through the disguised heroes' helmets. It was in German, but the tone was unmistakable to Blodeuwedd. <<<"ALERT. COMMANDANT DOWN. ALL EXITS TO THIS WING SEALING. TROOPS SEVEN AND EIGHT, APPREHEND INVADERS!">>> The monitors showed the clones and their wolves stopping dead, then wheeling in one uncanny body to race towards Burkehardt's laboratory and sanctuum. There were three exits from the room: the staircase leading up to a sub-floor above, a door just to their left marked 'Notausgang' with a heavy electronic lock, and a dusty oak door at the very back of the room only accessible by shoving a table laden with iron and stone carvings aside. And then there were the ventilation ducts, an opening of which was only a few feet from the cooling corpse and spreading blood of their recently departed enemy.

Seeing as Heraldo is behind Glow, not really much he can do, except try for an Interaction skill. Full-round action to Intimidate El Sierpe: 28.

Heraldo's eyes widened, his hands inside his gloves grew slick with sweat, and skin crawled on his back as he saw, for the first time, a very real indication that what they were figthing wasn't even remotely human. He struggled with a wave of horror as further revelations slid through his brain: 'She...it knows us! Calm down, Herald, it cannot know all- It knew I wouldn't think to dive for Sam! It knew us, our names, personalities, our history with Tona! Oh God, what could have happened to her?! Be still! You will gain nothing by panic. Follow the lead of-there!' At that moment Blodeuwedd launched her next attack, calling out With a weak grin Heraldo answered, darting into the opening his close friend and comrade left "Well gee, Blodeu, I had no idea, I thought she was a leprechaun!" Slamming his foot into the frigid roof, he carried forward a tremendous punch that slammed directly into the phony archer's face!

"I have no idea!" Galanta protested, looking uncharacterisically fearful "They just said they 'didn't expect it to happen so soon, we thought there was a year left' and then they talked about other stuff for a while. I have no clue what that's all about." shaking her head, she leaned a muscular arm against the wall, running thick fingers through her coarse hair. "This is the first I've seen anythin' like this!" Subito told Victoria anxiously, looking even more agitated by his parents' cryptic message than his sister. Sitting on Nurse Joy's desk he went on, almost tearful "He's gotten mad, yeah, but he didn't get all armored up and start beating on people like he did back at the court. And..." he hesistated, seeming to stare into space for a moment while his lips moved. Blinking as his eyes refocused on the small office, he told the two girls "Yeah, the Blue Dame has no idea what just happened either. Maybe he's been merged with some kind of mystical monster or somethin', or maybe he's a mutant?" he offered miserably with a helpless shrug. It took only twenty minutes for Pavor and Broma to arrive, and they both looked very grim. Quickly sequestering themselves in Rodrigo's room(with Broma telling her son curtly to "Go outside, and turn your ears from us"), they spoke with the nuse for fifteen minutes before emerging, much more relaxed, smiling even. "I am dreadfully sorry this happened on your first visit, Ms. Knight" the lean Pavor told Victoria with an apologetic smile "Our family is..under a certain weight. It only emerges once per generation, so that might well be the only time you will have to assault my nephew!" he gave a surprisngly hearty laugh, then warmly embraced his son and daughter "It's alright, I spoke with him, and what he said and did was under the influence of that terrible knight. He'll be home soon, and quite sound of mind. Let's go home, children, the dessert awaits." he ushered the nervous Galanta out, the powerful girl glancing back at Victoria with a faint smile "C-come back anytime, I'd love to hear about this place." she said, then vanishing down the hall and down the path to the parking lot. Subito hung back for a moment. "Whaddaya think about..this, Vick? I have not a single clue about what's happened." he confessed dismally, leaning against the doorway, and unable to look at the young teleporter.

Free Action Speak. Move Action Walk over to Blue Jay Standard Action All-Out Power Attack(+2 Damage, -2 Defense, Defense at +6) against Blue Jay: 26. DC28 Toughness save for Blue Jay.

DC25 Toughness save: 10! He's defeated and killed by my count.

Not too relevant, but there's still the +4 from the Inspire this round!

Subito colored and glared at Darren "How is this my fault? I'm not the crazy guy from the Shadow realm who thought gettin' involved with Apep was a good idea!" he pointed accusingly at the man in question, adding furiously "Besides, you seriously think we'd be here less than a frickin' hour? Teach doesn't exactly want a few pages, bro." Waving aside the discussion, Subito turned to Grace "We'll do it. You can count on us. Make sure that guy gets treated for..whatever the heck is wrong with him." Slamming hand onto his chest he said "Blue Dame, grant me your power!" and was answered in his heart 'Granted! Go forth, my Herald!' With an explosion of golden light, Subito was transformed in the resplendent El Heraldo! Adjusting his sky-blue white-feathered hat, he walked briskly out onto the front lawn, calling back "C'mon, Darren! We ain't got all day!" over his blue and gold jacket's shoulder.