Ari

Hearing the hesitant start of Kat's walk, Subito had stiffened minutely as his mind buzzed with what she might want to talk about. '"Hey! Nice rally, huh?" "So what do you think about that guy's arguments?" "Don't worry Kat, most people don't think like him" "Great weather this time of year!"' he thought bitterly as he slumped against the wall, so expecting the steps to continue over to him that it came as a total surprise when the microphone's electronic squeak and brief whine sounded out! He instantly leaped away from the wall, stepping quickly towards the alley and beginning "Okay, w-" before he heard and saw Kat dash ahead of him and disappear through a rent in the world. Slowing his pace, he walked quietly out of sight and transformed himself, the familiar golden light and smoke whirling around his body as he was changed into the vivid and resplendent El Heraldo once again! Taking to the air, the bearer of Puerto Rico's spirit listened glumly to the charged words that passed between Walsh and the new arrivals, frowning as he looked over the group of mutants that had grabbed the attention of both parties. Setting his jaw, he soared next to Warp in a trail of gold smoke with an apologetic glance, saying quietly "Couldn't just stand around Warp. Need to have someone neutral there too, I-I'm sorry". He wasn't going to try and argue with either side, but this looked horribly like the start of something dangerous, and not just to Walsh or the small group of T-babies. Dropping out of the sky between the politician and his current opponents, Heraldo deftly drew the banner and stood it neatly in the frosty ground next to him, the colorful hero smiling warmly as he began speaking to both parties. he started with Hammerhead, Whipside, India Rubber and Mister M "Hi! I am El Heraldo, the vanguard of Puerto Rico, pleased to meet fellow defenders of the innocent. I am not someone mutated by the energy of the Terminus, nor am I affiliated with any groups or organizations of theirs. Neither," he said as he turned to Representative Walsh "am I opposed to them or any groups or organizations of theirs that don't conduct themselves with villainous action! So far both of you have been quite careful to use words in making your cases and letting your feelings and philosophies be known, but this seems to be going in a direction that's a little iffy to me." Standing next to the Banner between the mutants and the politician he said loudly and clearly "Hammerhead, if you and your comrades could please refrain from any violence against Mr. Walsh, that would be both welcome and a powerful aid to your cause." he raised a red-gloved hand as he added "Not that I think you will, but I've known men with more patience who snapped under less pressure." Turning with a polite raise of his cap to the state rep., he added "And sir, if you're open to it, perhaps a reasoned debate with some of your fellow citizens here would do well to both allay fears and cool everyone's head. Well, as colder as they can get in January!" he added with a cheerful smile to the crowd. He very suddenly had the sinking feeling that was in over his head.

Sure. Then I'll write out the triumphant conclusion of the play, and request it's locking.

DC15 Reflex save: 15. Well done Marceau. Your punishment will be less severe!

Several yards away and leaning slightly on the adjacent wall, Subito unconsciously pulled at a loose thread in his worn flannel shirt as he stared at the elevated figure of Walsh, wishing that he had brought a thicker coat. The stocky teen had arrived shortly before the Representative's rally had begun, thinking to defuse any attempts at turning the event violent before it began. He'd quickly realized much to his chagrin that any trouble was most likely to start after tempers were high, and once the area round the distinguished and voluble man had become so crowded with his chanting, unnervingly attentive audience that it made his ears ache with the din, he had gradually retreated to across the street, furious at his weakness. 'This shouldn't matter! I should stay there, I- It will do no good to become so distracted you cannot act when called for. Go hence' At the shouts of "All heroes welcome! All heroes welcome!" scarcely twenty feet from where he stood, his eyes flicked over to the smaller counter-protest with a scowl that he hastily fought back into smooth and studied indifference. They trusted their heroes, but this...didn't seem like it would help anyone, blind hatred on one side, blind acceptance on the other. He crossed his arms over his chest, wishing fervently that he had instead come in costume. He glanced over at Kat nearby, remembering why he hadn't done so. He had taken up position nearby his classmate partially as a sign of solidarity, and also so that they could work in tandem in case things came to a head. Scuffing the frosty ground and letting loose a sudden blast of steam from his mouth, hoped it wouldn't come to that 'Maybe this time, it will just be that old jackass ranting away at something he doesn't know anything about, and we can all go home and nobody has to get in danger...hey, is that Tona?' he almost started from the wall when he caught sight of the young archer, raising his eyebrows in surprise at her furious note-taking, reclining back against the wall with a shrug and a wry smile 'Heh! I guess teach thought this would be a good learning opportunity about a world like ours. Not often we get politics right here on our doorstep!' Subito had a decent enough understanding of politics and political systems, and everything he knew about them was baffled at Walsh's success. He had come to the rally with the hope that hearing the man speak would give him a clue. Listening with a grimace to the fresh wave of paranoia-mongering and the idea of singling out T-mutants for special attention, he wished he had never known. Catching sight of a reporter chatting with one of the police officers that were keeping a certain distance between the parties, he was struck by a strange sense of recognition and familiarity with the way she was moving, something about the way she held herself...he shrugged it off. 'Must've seen her on TV sometime ...You have much work ahead of yourself, Herald'

Stunting Healing 10 off of Heraldo's Impervious Toughness, with the Tiring Flaw.

"It's not magic? You're sure?" Heraldo asked Arcturus with some surprise, glancing dubiously at the house transfigured to look like archaic graphics. He shrugged it off('Not like I know a lot about this myself...') and turned back to the group, just in time for Errant to deliver his crisp, somewhat hostile exposition to Harper about how vital the gaggle of Claremont students were. It would have rankled the patriotic paragon somewhat that Elias was acting so cavalier and impatient about finding out the basic nature of this 'dimensional disturbance', but he was more off-balance that he had missed the clear as day AEGIS insignia on Agent Harper's badge. Of course, that paled in importance to one of the team simply walking into something that could lead anywhere, such as straight into the hands of whoever had done this, but Heraldo was feeling irritated enough that his warping priorities never once occurred to him. To the man he said simply "My apologies sir. I'll be sure to pay closer attention in the future." with a slight inclination of his head as he doffed his hat and replaced it while swinging back around to the others. With a slight grimace he said the young wizard "Arc', sorry but I'm going to go after Errant, it isn't likely I can do much to help figure out what caused this shift, but I can help him in there..." he looked back at the house than shrugged and turned to his schoolmates, smiling reassuringly at the lean and uneasy Kat "...I think. Warp, you and Glow are probably the most powerful people here, if ol' Runebeast" he gestured with a red glove and a wry grin to the powerful, bald form of Marcus "can figure out a bit more about what's causing this and how, you girls might be able to just blast through anything we come up against. I mean," he clarified hastily "That is, if he can give you two a boost with his magic, maybe alter your powers so they can strike across dimensional boundaries?" The fantastically-attired hero lapsed into silence for a moment, feeling the uncomfortable weight of anxiety and the unknown crouching just out of sight. Adjusting his cap he said blithely "Well, talked enough nonsense for one hour, see you soon. Good hunting!" and walked briskly into the doorway after Errant.

Not quite applicable, got an 11 on the roll.

Opposing roll: 26. Rats. Reroll(1HP): 33. Well then.

Subito's eyes briefly widened as the older woman's lips met his, fighting back a stab of disgust as he relaxed into the too-intimate embrace and put his powerful young arms around her, and disguising the beginning of a sharp noise of revulsion as a murmur of pleasure. His mind raced with both surprise, distaste, and an undercurrent of desire that sent daggers of self-loathing into his stomach 'Ugh! Why'd I do that...wait, why is she so taken with me? She's not even-gross, ew, ewew! Herald, we have to keep her attention, and if this is the best way, we must be strong But- Victory at any cost! We cannot fail because you're squeamish'. Outwardly, as he stepped back just enough to slide one muscular leg behind and around the Maiden of the Marsh's, Heraldo looked both carefree and more than a little flushed, licking his lips with slow savor and smiling at the ruler of the evil swamp. Her next words turned the smile into a grin. "And you are a dark and beautiful tree, Maiden, with tangy fruits that draw teeth and tongue ever inward." Inwardly, he was horrified at what she had just said 'You...she can't be serious! We just met! You kissed her, Herald Yeah, on the hand! That doesn't- You are not dealing with one of wholly sound mind, recall ...That makes it worse, somehow. Does she even know...does she know what's going on? Is this like a dream to her? What are you going to do? I..I guess humor her? For a bit? I'm not going anywhere with her, that's for sure. And confession will be 'interesting' enough when we get back home anyway. I wish I could think of another way...oh crap, need to say something else...uh...' and suddenly, like a lance from Heaven, inspiration struck that would render at least one poem totally ruined for him. Bending closer to the Madame Malaise, heedless of her filthy state and smell, he said softly "Oh yes, I know. We were begot, and to beget is our solemn duty, mistress." he smiled as a wave of nausea washed over him 'GROSS. NO, not doing that Then let us hope the spirit of Justice heals Broken Crow swiftly, or violence may be required to drive off your paramour You love this, don't you? I am grinning, yes Maybe we can go even further back in time, and I can apologize to Shakespeare?'.

Heraldo claims this thread in the name of awesome! Subscribing.

The terseness from Errant was getting almost worrying. Subito understood how close to the vest Elias kept things, but this was unnerving. Focusing as best he could, Heraldo quickly adjusted his grip, sliding his arm around his foe's chest and getting an arm free just long enough to pull back and send his glowing fist straight at the man's head. As the arm-borne attack hurtled at his target, the resplendent paragon was suddenly struck by a horrible, horrible thought '...Blue Dame? I am here Could this be a distraction? ...No, but it is possible. Always it is possible.' The thought, even for a moment, that he and Errant were dealing with someone meant to at least possibly detour heroes from the real threat was enough to break the young Puerto Rican out in a cold sweat, and throw his aim off almost entirely!

Attacking him. Power Attack(+3 Damage -3 Attack): 11. Darn.

Marceau Suvou always felt a little silly checking his email at the library. It was a logical, natural place, and he certainly was inconspicuous enough after several months of this practice(though the librarians' friendliness made that almost harder than if he was under suspicion), but leaning a little back in the frustrating swivel chair to examine the message on the screen, the King of Suits wished to the depths of his heart that he could afford something a little...harder to read over ones' shoulder. The tall Frenchman read the message from Voltage over again, a sense of growing tension in his gut. What he and Crusader had found at the house had certainly been warning enough that they would tangle with Dr. Green again, but knowingly attacking a supervillain in his lair... It made everything he had heard about the Allies of Freedom seem that much more astounding, seeing as such(comparatively) small potatoes filled him with dread. Taking a moment to steel himself and collect his thoughts, he rapidly typed out a short but cheerful reply, adding "I will be bringing a guest! A man of skill and courage who will be of invaluable aid. He is called the Crusader..." Landing on the warehouse roof a little after Stormbreaker had arrived, the King of Suits observed the area nearby with care, nodding to his companion as a signal to descend, leading him down their destination through a side door. Glancing around the large space he called out softly "Hello! We have arrived, as per your request!" swirling his cape closer to his body he added with a magnanimous gesture to the shield-bearer "Lady and gentleman, this person is my comrade, the Crusader! Crusader, these are the dashing and indomitable Stotrmbreaker and the electric genius Voltage!"

DC20 Reflex save, with a +4 bonus due to Gallia not being able to accurately attack: 29! Success.

The bullet struck Heraldo like a hammer, knocking the wind out of the patriotic paragon and sending the world reeling around him. He fell onto his free hand, every breath labored as stars exploded behind his masked eyes, the sharp ache in his ribs horribly ominous. In hindsight, the attack wouldn't have been so shocking if he hadn't become so used in such a short time to practically waving away the Avians' attacks. After several seconds of painful confusion, his ears were filled with the humorously bird-like squawk of the woman who had shot him, followed shortly by Blodeuwedd's crisp command for him to keep their escape route clear. 'No, I can-! Victory, Herald, requires every soldier to play their part ...Alright, fine. They're awesome, they'll be okay' He staggered to his feet, expelling the last of the bullet-induced cobwebs with a flash of golden light and snapping a jaunty salute to the Welsh agent, giving her a lopsided grin as he shot off reluctantly for the docking port in a blur of red, white, gold and blue! Landing with a thud on the metal floor, he stood ready in the circular port for any attack! With a look of grim determination, he tensed..and suddenly looked nervous "Maybe I should have opened this door first?"

Muttering in frustration as his attack was batted clean out of the air by their empowered foe, the King of Suits was searching with rapid fingers for a razor card when the sensation of another mind trying to invade him stopped him cold, eyes wide with horror as he briefly tried to resist...and shook his head vigorously as the feeling was struck down. The calming and gentler sensation that succeeded it was not much more pleasant, but 'It is not a small thing for a friendly soul to intervene, most of the time such attacks are not stopped so quickly!' he reflected ruefully, glancing sharply at the nearby stairs as the ominous sound of the other guests charging for them echoed up! He had little idea who or what this spirit's beef with René(or indeed him) was, but he guessed that long imprisonment might have had some part. "What is the matter, Jeanne?" he asked mockingly "Do you not trust your own strength-rah!" Marceau was quite unprepared for the sudden burst of fog from the ancient painter's brush. With a muffled cry of surprise he stepped backwards on reflex, before his mind caught up with his body and reminded who had made the bluish cloud that surrounded him, whereupon he felt very foolish. With a note of strained jocularity he answered his friend "I will do my best, monsieur de Saens! None of those innocents will suffer at my hand, if I can possibly help it! Though that may take some doing!" He was nearly frozen in place as the sudden blare of gunfire broke upon his ears, and the dull whine of a bullet was just barely enough to let him begin to swing around and take the brunt of it on his shoulder, a last-second realization was what saved him from injury, and gave him the impetus to throw himself wholly around and allow the bullet to strike him right in the chest with a THUD that echoed around the room. Nearly falling over from the impact, he shakily regained his footing and flung a razor card at where he presumed Gallia stood. "Depart, monster! You shall not win this day!" he shouted defiantly at the spirit and her host.

GM With a sharp, sickening crunch and a loud thud the man's nose was broken under the sudden weight and energy of Asad's headbutt, the jarring collision that was softened for the wealthy hero by his powers felt to its full effect by the shadow-controlling OVERTHROW agent. Blood flowing from the man's nose, Halb-in-Shadow breathed some last invective against either Young Britannia's fabulous hair, Asad's energy-sapping(or beard), Starlight's blazing gold armor, or perhaps Silver Spider's bi-chromatic costume before falling limp in al-Misri's powerful arms and slackening his jaw. With a rush of air the shadowy barrier around the door vanished, and the two AEGIS agents entered with Omen in tow. Auburn-haired Anthea smiled brightly at the assembled heroes. "Hello, concerned citizens! I and my associate are representatives of the American Elite Government Intervention Service. My name is Athena, and I would like to invite you all to-gah! Excuse me!" she exclaimed, suddenly thrust to the side as a well-armed band of S.T.A.R. officers burst in, lowering their weapons when they saw that both of the OVERTHROW soldiers in view had been dealt with. "Thanks a lot, folks." their commanding officer said to the heroes as she oversaw the removal of the terrorist agents from the building, where they were then taken into waiting vans that would spirit them away to holding cells to await trial "We were just about to start trying to break down the door when that shield fell, whatever it was. Glad you were here! This could have been ugly if you hadn't shown up." glancing casually at the AEGIS agents with a light smirk she joined the squad as it left, passing with their prisoners through the now much less restrained press who surged across the plaza in a storm of cameras, mics both micro and boom held aloft, and eager attempts to find out just what had happened pouring from dozens of lips! The AEGIS agents did their part in satisfying the curiosity of the reporters and news anchors, finally giving the floor to the suddenly reappearing Mayor O'Connor and his cabinet, who with the skill of seasoned professionals quickly had the full attention of those seeking the news for their fellow citizens, the Mayor launching into a warm and congratulatory speech praising the city and its heroes for their work. While all eyes were on their beloved city father Captain Maddicks arrived back at the Federal Building, and while the S.T.A.R. squad commander was gathering his crew for a victorious ride back to the station, he passed by Gabriel. "Hey," he said shortly "Good work. I'm not sure it's anything we couldn't have handled, but thanks for dealin' with those OVERTHROW goons. Oh, before I forget," he added, suddenly turning back as he began to depart for his squad car "Some AEGIS bigwigs wanna see you and the other vigilantes in the Federal Building. Sounded like they were excited about something. If you could go calm them down that'd be much appreciated." giving a swift nod to the white-clad mutant champion, Maddicks departed. Athena led the heroes further into the Federal Building, saying quietly when they were out of earshot "Director Powers has an invitation for you. He wants to track down who did this, and he knows who it was and why. If you'll follow me, he will give you a full briefing and the resources and intelligence needed to bring them to justice. If after hearing what he has to say you would prefer to act on your own, he respects that, but please, hear him out."

Subito looked into the hospital room with quiet horror for a moment, the doctor's crisp and unflinching list chilling him to the bone. Clearly they were dealing with a man who had no pity and cold as any snake. "If you will allow it doctor, I can use my power to try and heal him. If you would rather I didn't then I'm sorry I brought it up." He looked with nervous eyes at the captain again, then hurriedly looked back at Dr. Cream "Thank you for taking such great care of him. Where was he found, and how was he hurt? How did El Sierpe break through to him? Also...could he answer any questions?" wincing he glanced at Glow "I know it's not too likely, but the man's not subtle. He might have said something that could clue us in to where he's heading." He leaned against the cold white wall, the Banner rolling between his fingers as he quietly mulled over what had happened. 'This ain't our finest hour, but we can fix this. We have to...'

DC27 Grapple roll: 25. Oh come on! Using a Hero Point to reroll(2HP): 34. Sustained!

Headbutts are the best butts. DC30 Toughness save: 15. Failed by 15, and he was Staggered before, so he's out! Out of rounds! Wrap-up will follow shortly, and we can do the actual thread! :facepalm:

Starting as Agnus' voice rang out, Heraldo nodded quickly and rose to his elegantly-booted feet, approaching the Maiden of the Marsh with a pleasant smile and beginning to speak as his mind raced ahead to come up with something convincing. "When I set out to look for your prisoner, I never dreamed he would be in the possession of somebody as strong and wise as you are, your ladyship!" he suddenly leaped over the woman and landed next to her, his gloved fingers sliding a hairsbreadth from her reeking left hand and brushing it with his lips in reverence. Pausing to look up in feigned wonder at her eyes burning with madness, and suppressing a shudder, he asked softly "Oh Maiden, however can even such as you have vanquished the mighty Broken Crow? What power lies here, that your beauty and cunning will add the fear of those who learn it?" 'And can I please fix your clothes? Please? I'm not real comfortable being this close to you Madame Malaise You never act like that around Cerys when you go swimming. Want to share something? Y-! Look, what do you advise O Dame? Keep her occupied. The Spirit of Justice needs our aid here, and the Spirit of Victory must not fail I can do that. Let's keep this woman's attention...'

I don't suppose I could buy off the Daze with a Hero Point? If so, doing that and Moving(reluctantly, despite how Blodeuwedd & Lord Steam are so far taking names) over to the docking port. Standard Action to take up Defensive Stance(+4 to Defense).

Now that Young Britannia is doing that, El Heraldo definitely is! Bluff roll: 11. (2HP) Reroll: 6. 16. Modifiers to be determined depending on what you think of his antics! :D

SC> No worries, bromide! DC19 Toughness save: 13. Reroll(2HP): 16. With the reroll makes 26. Attacking Gallia with a razor card: 23. Hits! Anti-Concealment roll: 3. Nope! Moving deeper into the Obscure. Switching to the Snare card again.

Launching himself several yards from the fearsome glow, the King of Suits swung a coiling card at the blazing man above him, breathing a sigh of relief as he caught it lashing around the White Knight's limbs with the tail of his eye as he dashed around the corner, slamming against the wall and calling over to Crow "Crow! Keep at him from above, I will attack from below!" He was fairly sure that wouldn't be enough to take down their new opponent, but there remained the fact that your enemies not bunching together made them harder to deal with. Now if only he could hold the man still, the boy in the coat could easily whip up something truly powerful. Of course, this would be easier if he could, say, create things out of cosmic force or something, but... 'What a time to wish for superpowers' he thought wearily, peeking out at the White Knight 'Mind the now, Marceau, or we're both dead!'