ic Everyone’s An Art Critic IC

[Thevshi]

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As Jack went into his rage and slammed OD to the floor of the gallery, the man in the top hat took in the scene, a slightly frightened look on his face. "I am sorry OD." He said before he also turned and ran after the two Avant Guard.

 

Lynn also was slightly shocked to see Jack's rage, but recovered quickly. "I'll try to stop the others." She managed to stated before disappearing in a blur of motion, speeding past the man in the top hat and catching back up with the two Avant Guard that had run.

*CRACK* *CRACK*

 

Two more quick attacks took down the last two Avant Guard as the teenage speedster skidded to a halt in front of the man in the top hat.

"Going somewhere?"

Back in the gallery, OD once again struggled against Jack's powerful grip, trying to break free…

[Kaede Kimura]

Harlequin 

 

Harlequin watched triumphantly as his shield protected Jack, his ever present grin turning smug. Then the big man turned out to be a werebear. That was interesting. Was his ice magic linked with the nature of the bear, or seperate? If so, was it augmented or diminished by the bestial shift? 

 

He had dismissed the man in the top hat as a threat and so missed his attack. The electricity arvede through him, and his expression morphed to one of shock and pain. He had never been electrocuted, and could safely say he was not a fan of the experience as his vision faded.

 

He was jolted awake by the shock that passed through the ground as Jack slammed OD into the ground. His chest ached from where he had been shocked, and he winced as he looked over the battlefield. He chuckled after a moment, seeing the villain still pinned, his grin returning. "<Well, how poorly you fare! I suppose when you next seek your wares, you'll keep an eye out for bears!>"

[Jack]

A low growl escaped the large beast's throat as OD struggled in vain. His frozen claws wrapped around the villains throat and frost began to spread over ODs shoulders. "Do. You. Yield...?" Jack asked slowly, menace dripping from each word as primal rage burned through him, a hairs breadth from being unleashed on this creature who was responsible for the hurt to his friends. The monster's icy blue eyes bored into ODs with a cold intensity.

 

Jack didn't want to admit it to himself, but part of him was hoping this man would not Yield and would continue to fight. He wanted to fight...but the humanity in Jack was straining to maintain control and civility.

[Thevshi]

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Outside the gallery, the man in the top hat watched the young speedster as she quickly took down the remaining Avant Guard. Seeing an opening, he lunged forward, jabbing the teenager with the end of his walking stick.

 

Lynn felt a powerful jolt of electricity surge through her, her muscles tightening from the shock as she stagged away from the man in the top hat, her vision darkening slightly. But she struggled against the feeling, managing to stay conscious, but still woozy from the attack.

 

Back inside the gallery, OD tried to struggle against the icy claws that held him, but as large as the man was, Jack's bear form was larger and easily held him in place as he tried to free himself. "Let me lose." He replied, though there seemed to be less confidence in his statement than he had previously shown.
 

[Kaede Kimura]

Harlequin 

 

Harlequin could not resist wincing as he leapt to his feet. It was hidden by his Glamour, but he would not be shocked if he had quite the scorch on his shirt and a welt on his torso. Still his grin returned as he sauntered up to where the large man was pinned by Were-Jack. They had offered him the chance to surrender, and so it was time for him to be instead defeated.

 

"<My how heartily thou must weep, to know that victory is not thine to keep, the cost of failure is surely steep. But I am afraid that for all you have sown, it is mine to reap.>" A weapon of shadows grew from his own as he spoke, which he then seized. As it passed into the light a scythe made of pure darkness was revealed for the briefest moment before he swung, the shadowstuff farm implement driving into the man's side. It was not a physical blade, there would be no blood. But the damage was quite real. 

Edited November 12 by Kaede Kimura

[Thevshi]

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Harlequin's shadow weapon pierced OD’s thick skin with ease, leaving no visible wound, but the reaction proved sure enough that it was painful as the large man cried out in pain. For a moment it seemed as if he might resist yet another attack, but as Harlequin drew the shadow weapon back, OD ceased struggling against Jack's grip, his head rolling to the side slightly as he seemed to try to stay conscious, then he went completely limp as he passed into unconsciousness.

 

Outside, the man in the top hat took a few careful steps toward the parked van, watching Lynn carefully. Once assured that she was still at least disoriented from the shock attack, the man gave a quick tip of his hat. “As enchanting as your company is, I am afraid I must be on my way.” He stated with a small grin before turning and quickly climbing into the van. A few moments later, he was driving off down the street, turning a corner out of sight.

 

A few moments after the van turned out of view, Lynn felt herself regain control over her movements, standing back upright and looking down the street. For a brief moment, she considered chasing after the man, but she had no way of letting the others know where she was or how to keep up with her. Besides, she was not sure she was up for a chase through the busy streets of downtown Freedom City, too great a chance a bystander might be injured.

 

Giving a small sigh at letting one of the criminals get away, she turned to the two unconscious Avant Guard lying on the sidewalk.

 

As Jack released OD, leaving his unconscious form on the ground, the two teenage boys turned to the entrance of the gallery as Lynn walked back in. She was carrying one of the unconscious Avant Guard over a shoulder, her other hand dragging the other behind her. Though she was carrying two full grown men, the teenage girl seemed to have little difficulty.

 

Releasing the man she had been dragging, Lynn let the other man drop down to the ground as well. "I'm afraid the other got away." She said, looking down at OD's unconscious form. "Looks like you two were able to deal with him."
 

[Jack]

Jack's claws loosened their grip as OD slumped against the floor. The villain slipped free, but Jack barely noticed - the bear spirit had already dismissed him as unworthy prey. A waste of their evening.

 

Through the haze of frost still emanating from his massive form, Jack caught sight of Lynn walking back into the gallery. His heart rate steadied at seeing her unharmed. The rage that had consumed him moments ago melted away like spring snow, and he felt his body begin to shrink. Ice crackled and shifted as his form reshaped itself, muscles and bones realigning until he stood at his normal height. The protective layer of frost remained, masking his features.

 

"Da, ve make good team." His voice carried traces of a growl. "Villain vas not expecting us to vork together, I expect." He glanced around the wreckage of overturned displays and scattered artwork. "I can track other one if you vant. Have good nose for-"

 

The words died in his throat as he scanned the room. Where was Alden? The shorter boy had been right there with them when everything went sideways. Jack's stomach knotted with worry.

 

"'ave you seen Alden? 'ope he got out safe..." His eyes darted between the scattered debris and broken glass, searching for any sign of his new friend.

 

 

[Kaede Kimura]

Harlequin 

 

Harlequin's grin was triumphant as OD slumped unconscious before him, releasing his focus on the shadows so that they did not continue to harm the villain. He turned easily to face Probab-Lynn even as his chest throbbed. Jingling a shrug he spoke up, 

"<I have heard it said that a bird in ones hand is better than two in the bush, the big man was a capable opponent when shove came to push. If  you had pursued and we not subdued then our opponents may have left this locale nude.>"

 

He did have to concur with Were-Jack's comment about them making a good team. Perhaps in the future he might ask them to assist in his heroic endeavours. 

 

His train of thought was derailed as Jack suddenly enquired after his human self. His instinct, as it always was, was to deflect, say that he had run off or that they should look for him. But he didn't want to. Alden was supposed to be honest, and was going to be Lynn's schoolmate. Hiding his identity at this juncture would do him no favours.

 

He focused on his Glamour, white makeup and jesters outfit fading to pink human skin and clothing. He looked upon the scorch mark with annoyance, before shifting the disguise to cover it. "<I am pleased to confirm my safety, and most grateful to hear your concern for it, Jack.>"

[Thevshi]

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Now that things had calmed down and there were no immediate threats, Lynn began to feel a bit self-conscious about her skin-tight costume, crossing her arms across her chest as she shifted slightly awkwardly. She had been considering how to respond to Jack’s question about Alden, her eyes (concealed behind her goggles) shifting slightly toward the other figure briefly. But then Alden’s appearance returned to normal, reveling what Lynn suspected, given he had indicated he would be attending Claremont.

 

"Yeah, we worked pretty well together." She replied, managing a slight smile. The teen then glanced around the room, physically turning her head to do so, although her goggles made that unnecessary. "Maybe we should depart before the police arrive and everyone starts asking tons of questions?”"
 

[Jack]

Relief flooded through Jack as Alden's familiar form emerged from the magical disguise. Without thinking, Jack swept forward and wrapped his muscular arms around his new friend Alden in a crushing bear hug, lifting the smaller teen clear off the ground. The Siberian teen's enthusiasm and relief at seeing his comrade unharmed overwhelmed any sense of personal space. Jack's embrace was warm and strong, fueled by the primal energy always thrumming just beneath his skin. For a brief moment, he let himself forget the harrowing battle they had just fought, simply glad that Alden had made it through unscathed.

 

"Bozhe moy, you are okay! Was vorried sick!" Jack's voice boomed with genuine joy, though he quickly noticed Alden's struggling breath and set him back down. "Oh... sorry. Sometimes forget own strength."

 

Lynn's words about leaving snapped him back to the present moment. Jack's shoulders slumped as he surveyed the destruction around them - overturned pedestals, scattered artwork, frost damage from his transformation. The guilt settled heavy in his chest, a familiar weight that seemed to grow with each new instance of destruction his powers left behind. As a protector, seeing the damage he caused - even in defense of others - always made his bear spirit restless beneath his skin, and he had to consciously resist the urge to pace like an agitated animal. He hadn't meant to let the bear spirit take control so quickly, but something about the fight had awakened that primal urge faster than usual.

 

He ran a hand through his frost-covered hair, ice crystals tinkling to the floor. "Da, ve should go." His voice dropped lower, almost a whisper. "Did not mean to change so fast. Usually have better control."

 

The hunger demon's presence nagged at the back of his mind. Had its influence somehow weakened his restraint? Made it easier for the bear spirit to surge forward? Jack pushed the troubling thoughts aside - now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

 

 

[Kaede Kimura]

Harlequin 

 

Alden's eyes widened briefly as arms larger than his legs closed around his much shorter self, easily pulling him into the air. Had it been a trap? Had he figured out what, who Alden really was. A strangled noise emanated from him as he considered dropping his glamour to escape.

 

Thankfully the much larger teen released him, exclaiming how happy he was to see he was safe. He tried to keep his gasping dignified as he patted Jack's arm at his apology. "<It is not an issue. I just did not expect your... enthusiasm.>"

 

He had a good enough sense of people to see Lynn's discomfort at her costume, and tried to subtly offer her his leather jerkin without saying anything. At her comment about how they should leave before the police arrived he nodded with a small smile. "<Perhaps we could get some food as a celebration of our victory?>"

 

Jack's deflation at the damage they had done surprised the prince. It was hardly the big man's fault, and given his status as a werebear he had expected him to be more... receptive to such damages. At every turn it seemed these people surprised him. He patted Jack on the shoulder. "<Come friend, it is the Avant Guard that are at fault for this. Had we not been here the art would have been stolen and sold to churlish fools with no appreciation for art.>"

 

Despite his reassurances he paced over to the table with the appetizers and left a stack of gold coins and a note saying they were for the repairs, before returning to his new friends' sides.

[Thevshi]

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Lynn watched with slight amusement as Jack scooped up Alden in a hug, relieved to see the other teenager unharmed. She felt a bit badly for him as he seemed to blame himself for some of the damage done to the gallery. But she had to agree with Alden, it was not his fault, but that of the criminals that had tried to rob the gallery and its patrons.

 

When Alden offered her something to cover herself, the blonde speedster shook her head, despite her sense of discomfort with her costume. When he suggested getting some food, she responded, "I left my other clothes on a roof about two blocks down that way. I will meet you both up there, we can watch to make sure the police get here and get everyone away, then we can get some food." She paused, adding "we already had a reservation, but would be happy to have you join us." At least, she hoped Jack wouldn't mind, he certainly seemed to like Alden.

 

The speedster was then gone in a blur of red and black.

 

A short time later, when Jack and Alden reached the rooftop Lynn had indicated, the blonde teen had already changed back into her summer dress, seeming a lot more comfortable than she had been in her hero costume. The police had arrived, and they were able to watch as they carted off all the Avant Guard that had been captured, including taking OD away in a secure armored vehicle with STAR officers present and power restraints on him.

 

Glancing over to the two teenage boys, Lynn focused on Jack. "Umm Jack, I was going to get around to telling you this later, but now seems a good time. Claremont Academy…well, it is a place for individuals like us, people with powers." She glanced to Alden then back to the tall Russian teen. 

 

"After you demonstrated some of your powers to me the other day, I spoke to my....mom, and she and the headmistress at the school…did a bit of research." She paused, then continued. "But anyway, I had this to give you tonight." She held out an envelope to Jack, it looked to be of high-quality paper stock and had his name on the front. "It is an invitation to attend Claremont Academy this fall, along with a scholarship."
 

[Jack]

Jack's chest lightened at Alden's reassuring words. The smaller teen was right - they'd protected the art and stopped the criminals. That's what mattered.

 

He nodded at Lynn's suggestion to meet on the roof. After she vanished in her signature blur, Jack led Alden to the building she'd indicated. The street was empty, but he double-checked before raising his hands. Ice crystals formed in the air as Jack channeled his power, the familiar cold energy flowing through his massive frame. Tiny prisms of frost danced and sparkled around his raised hands, his connection to the polar bear spirit within him making the temperature drop steadily in the immediate area. 

 

The magic ice and snow, swirled and condensed into a graceful spiral staircase that stretched up the building's side. Jack felt the familiar tingle of his powers flowing through him as he crafted each step, the cold magic as natural to him now as breathing. The frost patterns caught the streetlights, making the structure shimmer like scattered diamonds. The crystalline formation was strong enough to hold even his considerable weight, though he knew from experience it would begin to melt within the hour - but long enough for their needs.

 

"After you," Jack gestured to Alden.

 

On the roof, Lynn had changed back into her summer dress. Jack watched the police below securing OD and his gang, satisfaction warming him despite the frost still clinging to his skin. When Lynn invited Alden to join their dinner plans, Jack felt a small pang - he'd been looking forward to spending time with just Lynn. But Alden had proven himself a true friend today, so Jack smiled and nodded. "Da, vould be good to have you."

 

Then Lynn held out an envelope, explaining about Claremont Academy and the scholarship. Joy exploded through Jack's chest like fireworks. Without thinking, he swept Lynn up in his arms, spinning her around as laughter bubbled from his throat.

 

"Is amazing news! Vill get to be vith both of you at school!" His voice boomed across the rooftop. Then he remembered himself and carefully set Lynn back on her feet, his cheeks flushing despite the cold radiating from his skin. "Spasibo - thank you. Please tell your mama thank you also. Parents vill be so happy about scholarship."