Previous12345Next 09/14/2022 02:03 PM  Gray Heroics #4.5   "I accessed the data and information from your device the same day I came to pick you up." His father answers.   "You... Did you hack my phone, too?"   "Define hack."   "Intrusively gathered information directly from my phone without warning me beforehand."   "Ah. Then yes, I definitely did." Galelith answers with his usual unwavering nonchalant tone.   "Do you guys normally do stuff like that?"   "Of course. How else would we have gathered information on this world? It was easily accessible, and it was all beneficial in helping us adapt to an unfamiliar environment."   "Oh man..." Just thinking about the implications of what his father just told him had his imagination running wild. His impression of cryoneans was becoming unsettling, much like how the lot of them already made him feel.    "Is there an issue?"   "No, no. It's fine... I rather not think about it anymore. You said you were calling to check up on me?" Galivinth shifts the topic of the conversation.   "Yes, something very identical to that phrasing. What have you been up to lately? Have you been studying up on those books I've given you?"   "Uhh. Studying? Yeah, I took time to read a bit. I've mostly been spending time with Naeth." The teen answers as honestly as he could.   "Neath has been visiting you?'    "Yeah. We hang out together almost daily. It's been pretty frequent, I'd say. In fact, he's suppose to be coming back tomorrow or so to help me learn how to play Conquest Bout." Galivinth elaborates.   "I had no idea at all. Interesting. In that case, I think I'll come by again when he -- if he plans on going tomorrow." Galelith informs.   "Oh, you don't have to do that."   "Normally, I'd agree with that literal notion, but I believe it's different here on Earth. I believe it's a necessity within the human race for a father to be visibly present in his son's life. I don't mind adopting that custom for your sake... And so I will wholeheartedly." Galelith's sincere response strikes his son at the core, ridding of any coherent thought in the moment. Thus, brief silence lingers.   "...Galivinth?" Galelith calls out finally.   "Y-yeah, I'm here. I'm just... Surprised, is all. I didn't know what to say, but I'm glad you want to be around me. I'd like that, if it's fine." Galivinth answers.   "It's absolutely fine, son. I'll be there. You have my word."   "I appreciate that."   "I'm glad. With that said, I'll let you go now. Conquest Bout is a very active sport, so make sure you're well rested and ready for the physical strain. Naeth is usually one to tend his training early in the day."   "Right, I kind of noticed. I definitely should try to get as much sleep as I can. I'll see you soon, dad." Galivinth agrees.   "Likewise, son." With their parting words, the phone call comes to an end. The remainder of his evening carries on without another interruption. The sunsets after sometime, the teen retires earlier than he usually does, and the hours pass silently.   The next day, just as 9am was about to strike and Galivinth was finishing off a cup of refreshing apple juice he had along with his breakfast, the teens phone audibly vibrates on the kitchen counter. Naturally, he reaches over to check for new notifications. There's just one. A message from an Unknown source that reads: Meet us out within the field. He figures it's likely from Naeth, but also possibly his father. He would've probably asked, but he learns he's not even able to send a message in return upon trying to respond with 'On my way now'. Regardless, he cleans his dishes within the sink and puts them away before heading out, dressed in his typical fashion of all black. He reaches the field in just a few minutes and decides to wait at a picnic table. Fortunately, his wait is a short one.   The sound of a running train gradually bleeds into Galivinth's range of hearing. He doesn't think much of it until it actually grows uncomfortably louder, and only then does he turn to pinpoint where it's coming from. What he sees leaves him speechless. Overhead treads a stylish onyx train engine with a single cart attached to it, moving on what appears to be ever materializing and de-materializing train tracks made of sheer white energy. It begins dipping toward ground level and charging within his general direction. But before it gets too close, it makes a sudden heavy curve to the right and circles around the entire perimeter. Just once. It slows to a stop nearby before those inside begin exiting the steel transportation. Six people in total; Naeth, Galelith, and four more others whom Galivinth has never seen before.    "Morning, son!" Galelith calls out from the cart before stepping back inside to retrieve something.   "I hope you're ready to go to bed sore for the next few days. The real Magic Training begins today, and you won't have ample time to think in a live skirmish of Conquest Bout." Neath informs with a toothy grin on his face, standing tall with his hands at his waist. In contrast, Galivinth stares with a look of disbelief from where he's sitting.   "Did... Did you guys really just ride here on a flying train?"   End. 0 Comments  Report Post 09/14/2022 02:01 PM  Gray Heroics #4 Days and days went by. Time Naeth and Galivinth spent trading simple cultural knowledge, honing magic accessibility, and enjoying the simple things in life together. Though, their forming bond wasn't quite at a level where either of the two could call the other a 'friend' yet.   "You know..." Naeth begins, currently waltzing over to take a seat beside his relative on the grassy space of the park. Before uttering another word, he hands a chilled bottle of water to Galivinth - who doesn't hesitate to accept and proceed to take a big swig from it. "You're more terrible at this than I thought you'd be." Came his raw honesty.   "Hnnn... I had a feeling you'd say that." Is Galivinth's response after swallowing down his drink. He was sweating underneath the sun from training, his heart rate only beginning to ease down upon deciding to take a break.   "Don't get me wrong. You've definitely made visible progress. You've graduated to that of a casual dabbler, at least." Naeth admits, taking a moment to open his own water bottle and help himself to a fresh drink. Then, he continues. "You're able to tap into the source of magic without trouble now, but that's when you're not in the heat of a moment. You can barely cast while running, let alone remember half of the incantations you wanted to learn."   "Yeah, I know.. It's tough. I am trying my best, though." Galivinth responds.   "I don't doubt it. However, I think you just need to be sculpted within the fire. Learn under a different pace."   "Alright, but how do you figure I do that? I know I can shoot lightning and water out of my hands now, but I'm no Captain Righteous or Alexecute."   "Who?' Naeth asks with an arching brow.   "They're superheroes. You don't know who Captain Righteous is? Alexecute I could understand... She's still relatively new."   "Oh. Now that I think about it, I think I've heard of that 'Captain' individual before. Not much at all, but still. Anyway, that's irrelevant. Comparing yourself to others doesn't deflect the responsibility of improving yourself. I can help and be there with you during the process, but you're the one who has to put himself in motion to achieve the next level. Are you prepared to keep pushing?" Naeth lectures, ending with a question of resolve.   "Yeah.. Yeah, I'm definitely prepared to keep pushing. I want to get better at this." Galivinth answers.   "Good. Then I'm going to have you participate in Conquest Bout with me."   "Conquest Bout?" Galivinth repeats.   "The sport I was playing when you came to visit Cryo Kingdom City. It's a very competitive sport, especially back on our home planet."   "Oh, yeah. My father told me a bit about when we were watching. Sounded pretty simple enough."   "I'm glad you think so, because there's little time to think once you're engaging the opposite team. It's strategy and almost constant action." Naeth informs him.   "I see... Should we do some kind of practice match or something first?"   "Indeed! I'm going to be bringing along four associates of mine who are well versed in the sport here with me next time. I'll give you a day or so to rest up, and for them to clear up their schedules." And after speaking those words, Neath rises to stand. "In fact, I should head back now and get that sorted out as soon as possible. Besides, we're done here for today."   "Oh, alright. Yeah, I think we did plenty of training for today. I definitely worked up a sweat." Galivinth agrees, also now rising to stand. Stretching his arms skyward after doing so. "I'm heading back, then." He adds before treading off toward his apartment. With little hesitation, Naeth follows behind him. Eventually coming to walk beside Galivinth.   It's also Galivinth who speaks up again; "So, how are you liking human society thus far, by the way?"   "It's always fascinating, I must admit. It's so different from what I'm accustomed to. It seems to possess far more variety than what is typical back at the Cryonean Kingdom. Still, I don't think I particularly envy it. More progress could certainly be made." Naeth answers.   "I see. Doesn't sound like you dislike it exactly, so that's an upside." Galivinth comments.   "Heh. No, I couldn't honestly say that I dislike it at all." Naeth admits. For the rest of the walk, silence blankets the atmosphere around. Just until they finally reach the foot of Galivinth's apartment building.   "I'll see you soon, Naeth."   "Without a doubt. Be well, kin." And with their farewells bid, the two go their separate ways.   After heading up and retiring to his bedroom, Galivinth passes the rest of the afternoon enthusiastically thinking about the potential of what he was learning. He particularly pondered on the possibility of becoming adequate enough to be an actual Superhero. Much like America's most beloved hero, Captain Righteous. The God who lives among mortals. Well, perhaps that was setting the bar awfully too high. He at very least wanted to be seen as worthy enough to join Silver League. The side-kick league of Superheroes. Age wasn't particularly a limiter, but the majority of them were adolescents. Maybe he'd even get to meet Righteous Lad.    On the side, he also spent 1/ 3rd of that time reading through one of the books his father gave him. Just until 7:02pm strikes on his alarm clock, and a sudden craving for something sweet and cold comes about. With that in mind, he closes the book shut and carefully places atop of the others that sit at the left corner of his study desk, and stands to head out and for the front door. "Hey, Bibi, I'm heading out for a bit to get something from the store!" He calls out while twisting the locks.   "Okay, don't stay out too long and be safe!" She responds within the same volume.   "I will." He assures and makes his way out after locking the door behind him via his own key. Out in the summer night, he treads along the sidewalk and stops at the corner. He surveys the road left and right for incoming cars, and happens to spot shady figures at the latter side. A drug deal taking place right in front of the old abandoned church. Though he couldn't see himself entertaining such lifestyles, he's mindful to keep from staring. Nothing that was really any of his concern. It wasn't as if he was some sort of superhero, after all. After a few cars pass by from both directions, he crosses the street when it's absolutely safe. He heads left once on the other side. His destination was somewhere around 30 meters away- that being the entree point of the supermarket's large parking lot. His visit is a pretty short one. He heads through the lot and into the stores. Picks up a bag of spicy chips and a bottle of chilled apple juice from the mini fridge near the front of the grocery store. Goes to the checkout to purchase the items and proceeds to walk out with a plastic bag in hand. He comes to lean against a pillar outside the store, and pulls out his phone to check through a few of his social media feeds, articles included. However, this wasn't some typical night. He, as well as the other pedestrians about, were in for a spectacle. And it begins with a roaring--   DHOOOM!!   Eyes all around snap toward the sight of a car caved-in and destroyed beyond recognition, and someone laying atop of it.   "Ah-H'OWW... THAT definitely hurt." A young female teen muses, rising to sit up as she rubs at the back of her head with one hand, and her spine with the opposite limb to soothe whatever mild pain she was feeling. There was a brief visual of tiny crackles of electricity flickering around her body before she finally proceeds to rise to stand. Before she finishes, another crashing landing hits the scene. This one much louder, and intense enough to send a tremble throughout the ground. The next thing Galivinth knew, the two were in a stand-off.    A young girl who looks to be around 15 or 16 years old, skin a mocha shade, hair nothing short of a black shaggy mullet, and eyes holding an illuminating glow of white. Her attire consists of a sleeveless latex top, a pair of motocross gloves, baggy pleather cargo pants, and a pair of high-top boots made of leather and rubber. Every piece shares a color scheme of majority royal blue with white V-shaped patterns stylishly placed throughout. Her adversary, the towering 15 foot tall green mech suit was bulky and especially round at its center. Its limbs were thin, yet made of resilient metal of some sort. Toeless flat feet, and steel claws for hands. At the very top, at its head, is a glass-like dome, and inside, the head of the pilot. A middle-aged ginger man. Fiery orange hair styled into a military cut, and his fair skin was covered in freckles.   "I don't particularly get a kick out of beating up on kids, but you're a problem, kid. And Machineson doesn't leave his problems unattended!" The pilot barks and aligns his claws to take aim at the teen-heroine. Barely a delay before those pinchers fire off like shot guns aimed at her ankles. However, the young girl was quick to react preemptively. She jumps back and lands at the other side of the car she utterly destroyed upon her rough landing earlier. The claws striking the ground where she once stood.   "I totally get that. Wish I could be a lil' more like that. But honestly?" She trails off-- Trsssszzz! Is the sound of her willing electricity, focusing buildup at her hands. "I'm a total procrastinator!" The heroine concludes, bearing pearly whites behind an enthusiastic grin as she thrusts her hands forward and discharges a burst of electricity from her open palms. Hitting her mark and emitting a bright display of electrifying the mech suit for a moment. But, it reveals no desirable effect.   "Hey, is that Alexecute?" Galivinth murmurs to himself upon seeing purple electricity spark from the girl's hands. Squinting as he does.   "Haha! Oh, sorry, little lightning-bite. I can absorb all of that. Goes right to the battery, and I think you just supercharged me for the next two days." Machineson taunts.   "D'aww fudge..." Alexecute murmurs under her breath. That giddy expression of hers simmering to a look of childish annoyance.  She isn't given much time to ponder in the moment. Machineson retracts his claws via the sturdy rope-like material extending from the hollow space they dispersed from, and immediately fires his left at the heroine. This time imbuing it with currents of electricity. Yet again, Alexecute evades. A simple swaying hop to her right before she retaliates on impulse. Almost simultaneously, Machineson fires his right claw at her.  The extending metal simply phases through the blast of electricity, absorbing the energy as it comes not only latching around the heroine's midsection, but forcefully pushing her with immense momentum. She's swept off her feet and sent thrashing through two cars before meeting an echoing impact at the rear end of a truck, caving it in beyond recognition.   "G'uuahk!  Jeeze Louize! Okay, that's i-IIIIIIIT!?" She cries out as that very same claw begins pulling. Jerking her along and high up before plummeting hard, smashing her right through yet another vehicle and into the ground yards away. Every observer, Galivinth, winces on impact. That fall looked awfully painful, after all. Even Machineson felt it was fairly excessive. The mentioned villain relieves the heroine of his grip and begins reeling in both claws again. However, something unexpected catches him off guard.   "What the--" Is all he can get before Alexecute, who was holding onto the retracting line of the right claw, comes soaring like a cannonball with a determined look in her gleaming eyes. With all the momentum she could need, she releases the line and topples the villain over with an explosive magnetic burst from her extended palms. "Ooof!"   "Missed me?" Alexecute smugly muses after sloppily rolling a short distance away.    "Why you little--!" A snarling Machineson operates his mech suit into pushing itself up to stand again. And just as it rises to its full height again, Alexecute turns, takes a small skip-hop, and then leaps on top of the dome of the robotic body with an even greater jump.    "Sorry, but here's where I cut this little song n' dance short." She chimes in. While laying upon the glass, she begins visibly leeching power from the mech.    "Knock it off! Damn, brat. You think you can bleed my power dry?" Machineson begins flailing while stomping about, trying to get a grip to pry the heroine off the protective helmet of his suit.   "So long as you rely on electricity, I definitely do." She retorts. And along with that remark, her absorption intensifies. Pulling three times the rate than just a second ago.    "Give it up, kid! I've got more juice than you could possibly know what to do with!" Machineson barks. He begins charging forward toward the street, aiming to smash himself and Alexecute into the building on the other side.  Realizing she'd have to use a more restraining method, the heroine carefully lets herself slide down the back side of the mech suit. Just as they run into the middle of traffic, she creates magnetic latches at the shoulders of the machine made of pure electricity. She leans far back while adjusting to plant her feet flat against Machineson's spine, manipulating her power to stretch her attachment to him like a stretchy substance. Just enough to where she could put pressure on the torso.   "C'mon, c'mon!" Alexecute grits her teeth and pulls continuously with all her might. Unfortunately, super strength wasn't in her arsenal. Thus, Machineson carries on without issue. And with a sinister grin, he maneuvers his mech suit to simultaneously leap and turn 180 degrees, slamming and imprinting the heroine into the side of a gas station building. Civilians panic and scatter to get away from the bout.   "Guuahk!!"   "Give. It. Up! You can't win this fight, brat." The mech pilot taunts. Emphasizing his point by taking a step forward, then thrusting his entire suit backwards to give her another dose, nearly smashing through the wall as he does.  When he eases off to check to see if the heroine had gone limp, a violent buzz of electricity erupts with a bright display. Before he even has time to form another sentence, Alexecute begins draining his suit's powercore again. Though this time, it was at an alarming rate. His systems were going haywire and critical.   "Gimme.... hah... give me ALL OF IT!!" She bellows, and her draining goes up another notch. The young lass was practically depleting the very soul out of that machine. And just under 10 seconds, she bleeds the mech dry. As a result, the deprived husk of metal falls forward and lands with a harsh impact.   "Damn it, damn it, damn it!!" Machineson curses in anger, pushing and pulling at anything he could to get his mech responding again. Nothing comes of his efforts.  Meanwhile, Alexecute begins trembling involuntarily. Through it, she pushes herself to tread forward and pass the villain.   "T-too... Too.." She stutters, a look of horror upon her soft features as even the muscles on her face twitch.   "Eh!? Kid, what's up with you?" Machineson raises a brow, confused by the fact that the heroine just passed him by and was walking as if she was having a malfunction of some kind. Though, realization dawns upon him as he sees the thick sparks of electricity crackling around her body. His eyes go wide.   "H'ah crap, you soaked up everything my suit had! And that was the equivalent of nearly two nukes... Can you even properly store all that energy?" He asks with fright burning at the forefront of his scowling.   "I... Ah.. A-ah..." She was on the verge of being overwhelmed by all that energy she absorbed. So difficult to keep down, that just talking was becoming a chore. The sparks were getting a tad out of hand, also. Luckily, only the ground was targeted by those sudden and brief outburst, and not one of the gas pumps. She keeps walking on and heads out onto the street. Incoming cars honk in annoyance and swerve at her presence. However, the apparent danger she poses becomes clear as day when those whips of electricity lash out and shatter their headlights. Only after does the traffic cease and vehicles give her space. An opportune moment for her to ease her arms skyward. Visibly struggling with her quaking, but she does manage to get her arms straightened out and palms facing up. Cautious eyes all around watch her carefully. Waiting...   Then--   Kra-KROOOOM!!   She dispels a roaring eruption of lightning from her hands. The emission is absurdly wide in girth, giving the appearance of an enormous white-purple-ish pillar puncturing through the fresh night sky. The brightness is too much for anyone around her, and even those miles away. Galivinth is no exception. He too has to grimace, look away, and shield his eyes. Along with it, is an ongoing flow of energy that drowns out every other sound. Echoing fiercely as she tries to deplete her excessive intake.  This goes on for nearly two minutes before the size of that neon pillar dwindles in size. Gradually and steadily slimming down until Alexecute comes to a complete stop. The heroine collapses onto her knees, taking deep breaths as she tilts her head far back. Unaware of the looks she was getting, nor the sweep of silence in the air.    "Hey, are you okay?" A young masculine draws her attention.   "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fi--" Alexecute pauses mid thought when she shifts her focus onto the owner of the voice. She blinks as she meets a pair of eyes similar to hers. Though, the boy's own were like moons. No pupils at all. "Fine. You... Uhh..." She takes a moment to rise to her feet, revealing to stand at 5'3.   "You from the Lab, too?" She finishes the question.   "The Lab?" Galivinth responds.   "Eh, never mind. Forget I said anything about it. Just don't see many people with eyes like yours around. You a hero, too?"   "No. I kinda' want to be, but I don't think I'm really ready for a leap like that. I can't even climb a ladder without freaking out about the height. Maybe one day, though." Galivinth answers honestly. One of his hands moving to rub at the side of his neck.   "Oh, I get cha'. Needed a couple of years of training before I got into the real deal. It can definitely be t--"   "Alexecute!" A voice calls out from above, cutting into their chat. The pair on ground level shift their gaze to see none other than Righteous Lad descending down toward them. He lands nearby with slightly bent knees. Almost seamlessly, he jogs up to the two.       A male with ivory pale skin, jade green eyes, short jet black hair styled with immense care, and a height of 5'11 & 1/2. His attire, his costume, consists of what looks to be thin and fitted charcoal black leather-like armour with a cyan utility belt around his waist, which gives it the impression of being a one-piece suit. It outlines his above average muscular and lean frame, while the center of his chest bears a transparent emblem of the American flag outlined with gleaming cyan blue. The sleeves of his top reach nearly to the back sides of his hands, bearing edges with that same green-ish blue. The neck of the top has the same design. In addition, he's wearing a thin black hoodie over it. One also bearing a decal of the American flag in vibrant cyan. On his feet are charcoal black boots that reach just beneath his knees. A couple of cyan colored straps on both that keep them secure. The soles are also cyan.   "That was a pretty radical show you put on there. Saw it from all the way back in the inner city." Righteous Lad informs. Pausing for a moment to study the area. "I see you managed pretty well, though! Mr. Ambers seems to be subdued with little environmental damage done. Top notch as usual." Righteous Lad praises.   "Thanks, Boss. Was kinda' cutting it close there, but I managed. Just wish I could've taken him down before those people's cars got wrecked in our scrap." A sympathetic tone laces Alexecute's words as she rubs at the back of her neck, briefly looking across the street where she first landed in the area.   "It's not always easy, and I feel bad about damages, too. But! That's why we try to do the best we can. It's already admirable of you to help out as you do already, so don't be too hard on yourself. Who's your friend, by the way?" Righteous Lad asks, gesturing toward the other male with a nod.   "Oh, this is... Uhh.." And just in a second, she realized she had no idea at all.   "Hey, I'm Gali-- Galvin. I'm Galvin Carrenmale! I, Uhh... I'm a fan, if that's not too lame to admit?" Galivinth answers for her.   "Oh. Well, it's very much a delight to meet you, Carrenmale! Never lame to meet a fan of mine. I'd even go so far as to say that you have pretty good taste, my good civilian!" The heroic male responds with a warm smile, extending his hand out for a handshake. One that Galivinth almost immediately accepts enthusiastically.   "Cool, cool. Can I get a picture with you two? If it's not too much of a bother?" The half cryonean asks.   "You betcha!"   "Yeah, it's cool." The heroes answer. Galivinth pulls out his cellphone and snaps an overhead picture of them smiling for the camera. Afterwards, they go their separate ways and Galivinth heads home. The night goes on until it passes and sunlight reclaims the sky the next day.  As it begins and ticks away, it's pretty uneventful for the most part. The only thing abnormal to happen just as the next evening begins settling is Galivinth receiving a phone call from someone he wasn't expecting.   Right beside him on his bed, as he flips through the pages of his comic book while sitting, his cell phone begins to vibrate intensely. His attention is easily stolen by the device and he reaches to pick it up, holding it up so that he could view the caller I.D.    "What...?" His brows furrow in confusion at what he sees. Across his screen is the repetitive number 999-999-9999. Below it is the word 'Unknown'. His curiosity leads him to accept the call and lift the phone up to his ear to speak. "Hello?"   "Evening, son. I wanted to call and see how you were holding up." The voice on the other end informs.   "...Dad?"   "That is my relation to you." The deadpan response the teen receives clears up most of his doubt. Definitely seemed like something his peculiar father would say.   "Right... How'd you get my number?" Galivinth asks.   0 Comments  Report Post

09/14/2022 01:59 PM  Gray Heroics #3.5 "Bah! You? What'd ya use?"   "A-A fire rocket, I guess?"   "A fire rocket? Do you even know what you had in your hands? Do you even know where to buy illegal and highly dangerous fireworks?"   "No, I don't. Never bought any, never thought to either. But still--"   "That's just it, boy! You're not the type to do anything outlandish like that. THIS was a psy-op and warning! It was rigged to blow! The Russians wanted me to see this." The old man interrupts to explain, and rather confidently so. It leaves a stunned look on both of the boys' faces.   "Wha...?" Galivinth expresses his dumbfounded confusion.   "In my days of old, I served on the frontline and as a spy for the US. The things I discovered during the Winter War were unbelievable. I knew they'd come back to take me out one day. Darn crimson coats must've found out the shops I frequent... Had someone on the inside of Jimmy's Auto-Fixer who rigged my car with a bomb, I bet." The old man explains. However, the theory doesn't do anything to dismiss the confused look on Galivinth's face.   "No, Mr. Ankerts.. I saw it. Literally and in real time. My firework accidentally hit and destroyed your car." Galivinth insists.   "That's what those ruthless scum want us to believe, son! But I know better.. Adam Ankerts is NO fool! I'll be ready for those crimson coats next time!" The old timer was unable to be convinced otherwise. He picks up his cap and storms off to head back inside his home. Or at least, he would have if not for the sounds of police sirens nearby. He'd have to explain the situation before anything else, thus he lingers outside for a while longer. Meanwhile, the two boys break off from the large gathering of people to head in the opposite direction.   "Well, that was convenient. He was so quick to convince himself of such an absurd conspiracy about Russian Red Coats targeting him... Whomever they are." Naeth comments, unable to deny the amused grin taking shape on his face.   "I think that was a firsthand experience of what it means to have dumb luck. I'm glad for it, but I still feel awful about what I did." Galivinth responds with a pitiful tone.   "As you should. You just destroyed someone's private property, after all."   "Yeah, I know. I'd like to avoid doing that again. I know of a spot that's usually empty. It's actually pretty close by."   "Lead the way, then." Naeth encourages, and Galivinth obliges. The latter guides the other to the opposite end of the block and passes the large church that sits on the corner, heading out onto a large grassy field near it. One that sits between the street Galivinth's home resides on and a neighborhood of town homes. To the far right however, lies a public park. A location occasionally used for gathering and events, but not too often due to how generally dangerous the area was. Nonetheless, it's ideal in size.   "Here." Galivinth states as they reach the center of the park.    "More than good enough. I can probably put up a protective dome here, as well."   "Sounds good. We can come here any time, usually."   "What's your schedule looking like? Do you have plans any time soon?" Naeth asks.   "No, none. I have summer vacation, so I'm free everyday for the next three months and a half."   "Perfect. You can expect frequent visits and plenty of training, then. I'll get you properly familiarized with using magic. At least, with the bit you can use from the select bunch I've studied. I'll have to bring a list of spells next time."   "Actually, I have a book of spells back in my room. I asked my father for it before he took me back home." Galivinth informs.   "Oh? That's convenient! Bring it with you next time. I'll let you pick your desired elements. I also hope you bring your diligence, because I'm going to be pushing you to your limits." And true were Naeth's words. The two would be spending the majority of the summer together.   End. 0 Comments  Report Post

08/11/2022 02:14 PM  Righteous Lad™ : The Beginning #1 Righteous Lad: the beginning #1"Oh, are you heading out somewhere, Tyson?" Miss Luthur, the adoptive mother of the mentioned young man, inquires from the kitchen as she prepares coffee for herself. The youth in question is sitting at the step near the front door, presently in the middle of tying his right shoe string after finishing the left one. "Yeah, just going out for a bit. You know… stretch my legs, get some fresh air. See what's going on in town." He answers while giving one final tug at his knotted shoelace, standing once he was done with his sneakers.   "Well, alright. Just please be mindful when you're out there. Avoid any and all shady people you come across, too."    "I'll be fine, mom. I turn nineteen this year, you don't have to worry so much." He assures her, now in the midst of unlocking the door. Though, just as he pulls it open to head outside, she calls out to him.   "Young man, aren't you forgetting something?"  She asks with an expecting tone, casually still going about setting up the coffee maker to brew a fresh pot. Upon her words, he gently pushes the door shut once more and turns to make his way across the living room and into the open kitchen. It's only when the 5'11 male comes to fairly tower over the older woman, that she stops what she's doing and turns to face him, immediately wrapping her arms around him for an embrace. Without hesitation, he returns the gesture.   "Sorry, I guess it did slip my mind for a second." He softly admits to her.   "You know, just because you're getting older, doesn't mean I eventually stop worrying about you. You're my boy – my gift from God himself. You're the only I have, and that still means something to me."   "I know, mom. I won't suddenly forget about you, or anything like that. You'll be my mom until the end of time. Nothing will change that."   "I'm glad for that. I'm just… I'm not ready to see you leave. You're an adult now, but I can't imagine what life without you being here would be like." She confesses, leaning her upper body away just enough for her to look up at him. In turn and initially, he meets her eyes with a sympathetic look. One that shifts to the best optimistic smile he could provide in that moment, just seconds after.   "Listen, it'll be fine. I mean, I'm not in a rush or anything. I'll finish college, get a better job, help out as much as you two need me to, and stay until I can find my own place. That's pretty much another five years or so. Could… could be longer." He makes an effort to reassure her.   "Hmm… Well, alright. Personally, I think you should at least stay until you find a nice girl you're ready to settle down with." She responds and withdraws her arms, briefly placing her hands upon his broad shoulders. After stroking and gently patting, she turns to shift her focus onto what she was doing previously. "Grandchildren would be nice to have, after all." She concludes.   "Later down the line for sure, but I kinda' hope that doesn't happen too soon. I'd like to be able to properly provide for a family first before I make one." He muses outwardly, reaching to rub at the back of his neck.   "Oh, I know. It's why I said what I said."   "Ah… I see what you're getting at. We'll see what happens in the future." He tells her, then takes a moment to lean down to peck at his mother's cheek. "Love you. I'll be back in a bit."   "Love you, too." She says in turn, moving to fetch a cup from a cabinet. The young man himself heads for and out of the front door. On his way out, it's there he sees his father coming up the steps of their porch.   "Heading out?"   "Yup. I'll be back soon."   "Alright, be safe out there." A brief exchange of words concludes as the two pass each other by.  Tyson makes a left after descending the half a dozen steps and makes his way down the corner of the block. In truth, he wasn't exactly going for a walk, but to undertake his first endeavor as a superhero. His attire was nothing that really stuck out much at all, it was just meant to at least look somewhat patriotic. Fitted blue jeans, a red T-shirt with a large white star at the center of it, blue sport wristbands, red converse sneakers, and a thin track jacket with a red upper half and blue on the lower half.  It was the best he could do for the time being. It would HAVE to do, because there was no turning back now. Once he makes it to that corner, he eases into a stop while turning in a 360 motion as a means to check for any possible pedestrians. A few far down the next block with their backs to him, no cars driving by or toward - he was clear to go. With bending knees, shifting his focus skyward, he takes off like a rocket toward the great blue sky above. From a linear movement of ascending diagonally, he curves mid-flight to advance horizontally toward the next town over.   "Okay-okay, I think I'm getting the hang of it. Haha… Hahaha!" With gleeful laughter, he pushes for a sudden burst of speed. Arms spread out at his sides as he twirls his body along the way of flying over a busy highway.    "WOO! This is freakin' wicked!" He exclaims, caught up in his boiling excitement. So driven by his pumping adrenaline, the young man begins curving mid-flight yet again. Diving downward toward the city streets, not even remotely bothered by the intense gust of wind blowing in his grinning face as he nears the road below. Instead of making an impact, he ends up swooping in and out within a 'U' motion and ends up flying in a straight line toward the clouds. At some point, he closes his eyes and relieves his body of manually maintaining his momentum and allows gravity to dictate just how far he continues to ascend before plummeting toward the ground once more.  It was when he JUST passes the threshold of a cloud that his flow eases into a complete halt, and almost immediately he begins falling.  To say he was 'calm' wouldn't be entirely true. He wasn't afraid, but anticipating with tension. Eyes still shut, lips bearing a toothy grin, and his hands clenching into fists as he dives headfirst over thirty-seven thousand feet above. Soon his nerves get the better of him and he finally opens his eyes, slowing his fall as he does. Still getting used to it, there's a bit of a hiccup during. He does indeed manage to slow down greatly, just not completely. He ends up curving a bit and just barely manages to turn upright to land his feet atop of a rooftop, the momentum sending him involuntary running clumsily from one end to the other, nearly tripping along the way.   "Woah.. Woah-woah-wOOah!"   K R N C H .   The waist-high ledge of the building stops him in his tracks, his hands unintentionally crushing fragments of the material on impact and when attempting to get a grip. Over the ledge, he's able to see the streets of the city. Even after coming down from a high altitude, the people down below still almost look like ants.   "Man, I'm kinda' high up…"  He comments to himself, soon backing away. Turning and treading a few steps further as he runs his hands through his shaggy raven hair, exhaling as a means to bring his high down.   "Alright, I'm cool. Everything is cool.. This is your day, man. Let's get down there and get to work!" His self pep talk concludes with a couple of light smacks to his cheeks. From there, he turns and uses his ability to fly to head down a bit lower. Not quite looking to land yet, but instead patrol above for anyone who may be in need of help. Coincidentally enough, the first was literally around the corner. In the midst of scanning around, he spots a worker climbing down a ladder from a telephone pole just in time to see the man slip on a step. Both the worker and his tool box heading straight for the pavement right after. However, Tyson was already on his way over upon seeing the stumble. He catches the man by his overalls and the red tool box within his opposite arm like a football, then proceeds to lower the worker onto the ground before landing beside him.   "Oh… Oh God, I thought I was– You.. You're the one who saved me, kid?" The gruffly man asks, panting between his pauses.   "Yeah, that was me. You all right? "   "Yeah! Yeah… I'm just.. PHEW! I'm just getting over a near heart attack. Haha. Really appreciate the help, young man."   "Of course. I'm always happy to help whenever I can." Tyson responds just before handing over the tool box.    "You a superhero or something?"   "Yeah, I am! I'm–.. I'm…" There was hesitation to finish his statement. Truth be told, he was feeling fairly embarrassed about the alias he had chosen. Yet, he does eventually finish introducing himself. "Righteous Lad. I'm Righteous Lad."   "Huh. You don't say." The man takes a second to look him over before continuing. "Your super suit at the dry cleaners or something?"   "Huh? No.. This, this is my super attire."   "Everyday clothes?"   "It's urban and patriotic… It works for what it is, right? Blue, red, and white."   "Oh boy… Ya know what? You saved my life, so won't look the horse in the mouth. I appreciate the help again, kid." The worker replies, reaching out with his free hand to offer a parting shake. One that Tyson gladly obliges.   "No problem at all, sir!"   "Get a new super suit, and take care out there." And with that, the older man heads to work truck and leaves Tyson alone with his thoughts.   "...Well, I thought it looked cool." The young man murmurs before taking off via flight in the opposite direction to resume his patrol. It would seem all was well for the most part. He doesn't stumble upon any obvious crime for the next half hour, and instead finds himself helping civilians with simple tasks. From helping move boxes and furniture into a moving truck, to helping someone get their pet back on their leash, and even what he is doing now - helping an elder woman get her groceries into the trunk of her Station Wagon.    "Aaaaand, that's all of it, ma'am." Tyson informs her upon carefully setting the last bag inside.   "Oooh, thank you so much! Those were far more heavy than I thought they'd be."   "It was no trouble at all! I was more than glad to help." He assures, now easing the back door shut for her.   "Hmm… I think I have a few dollars to give you. Just let me…" The older woman trails off, preparing to look through her purse.   "No, no! You don't have to pay me. I just wanted to help."   "Oh? You sure? I think you deserve something for being a gentleman."   "I'm very sure, ma'am. Being able to take some weight off your hands is rewarding enough. All I could ever ask of you is to have a wonderful day, that's all I'd want from you." He assures her with a beaming smile.   "Aren't you such a sweetheart? Hohoho. Well, alright. I'm just glad there are still young men like you out in the world. I hope you never lose that handsome smile."   "I couldn't even if I wanted to, ma'am. Have a safe trip home."    "I will, thank you!" And with their farewell, Tyson takes to the sky again and continues his patrol. He doesn't get too far at all before nearing a public park in the city, where his super hearing picks up on the misfortune of a couple kids who's cat got itself stuck up on a tree.   "I got 'em." Tyson announces upon swooping down, carefully floating toward the tree branch the feline was perched upon as he reaches out. Within the next moment, he was landing near the kids and handing over the cat to a young girl.   "Wow, thanks, Mister!" The girl thanks him.   "Hey, are you a superhero?" The boy beside her, who was holding the leash of a golden retriever dog, asks.   "Yup! I'm Righteous Lad. The newest hero in town! You kids be safe, I gotta' get back to work." Tyson answers before going on his way.   "Thanks again!" The girl shouts as he ascends.   "You're welcome!" He shouts back and resumes his search for trouble. Still, all he really finds is small things. Nothing he minds doing, of course. After helping a food merchant by swooping down in time to keep their mobile cart from tipping over on a corner, he heads back toward the park to check around another section of the area. When he does, the children from before call out to him from below.   "Hey, Mister!"   "Mister Righteous! Down here!" The two beckon verbally. Surely enough, he heads down to see what they wanted.   "Yes?" He asks.   "Our cat again." The girl answers, pointing toward the same tree from before.   "Oh, I gotcha'." He floats over to the branch again to retrieve the feline in the same fashion as before, and hands the pet over to the girl again.   "If you're a superhero, where's your costume?" The boy asks.   "This is my costume. It's kinda' all I have. Anyway, I gotta' get going again. You kids be safe." With a two-finger salute, he was off again. Well…  At least, he almost was. Just when he was at the altitude he wanted, the little girl from before calls out for him again.   "Hey mister!! Come back!"   "Yeah? Did your c–" He was on the verge of asking about the cat upon descending to them again, but he sees that the girl is still holding it within her arms. "Uhh.. What's up?"   "Our dog…" The boy answers this time, pointing to the same tree yet again.   "Woof!"   And upon turning toward the tree, there he does indeed see their dog perched on the tree branch.   "You've got to be kidding me…" He murmurs under his breath. Nonetheless, he goes to help the canine down in the same fashion. However, just as he was about to set the dog down to safety, an explosion sounds off in the distance.   B H R O O O M !   The blast grabs the attention of all who could hear it. From his position, he couldn't see anything, but he was definitely going to get to the bottom of it. "Looks like the job is calling. Better go answer it." He says, finally setting the canine down onto the grass.   "Thanks, mister. But… your costume still kinda' sucks." The boy comments.   "...Give it time, it'll grow on everyone. Not everyone needs a cape to be super." He responds before flying off toward the source of the commotion. template credit. 0 Comments  Report Post

08/11/2022 02:09 PM  Righteous Lad™ : The Beginning #3 Righteous Lad: The beginning #3"Oh, so you're lame AND new? Just my luck… Look, you're not exactly showing to be the worst thing ever, but some reassurance would be great right about now."  "I know, I know. Just let me–" Cutting into that train of thought is a sudden ear piercing sonic screech, and a persistent one at that. The two instinctively reach to cover their ears as they grimace intensely from the audio assault. Too loud to think, too painful to pay much attention to anything else. It results in the thief desperately reaching for his handlebars, particularly the nitro button on the right-handed bar. During, Tyson takes a brief moment to look behind him. It's there he sees the drone has extended some sort of antenna toward them, discharging a wave of visible sound-rings. Before the hero can even consider a method of stopping it, the biker abruptly takes off with a similar burst of speed from earlier, grabbing Tyson's attention again.  This time however, the biker ends up crashing through the window of a business building and disrupting a work environment with destruction.   "Huh. That seems to have done the trick, eh? Sometimes simple options provide the best outcomes." The voice behind the drone muses out loud while retracting its antenna. Driven by worry, Tyson hurries inside the building through the shattered window. He adjusts himself while entering, coming to slide into a landing and using his momentum to jog toward the mess before him.    "Hey, you guys have to get out of here! It's not safe! Is anyone hurt!?" He asks, mindfully picking up and tossing aside former makeshift walls that made up work-space  cubicles. Thankfully, the employees were taking his warning seriously and were proceeding to exit the floor as quickly as they could. Tyson finds and helps a few back onto their feet. No casualties or injuries among them, but things were far from over. In fact, while aiding one last worker, the drone silently floats pass him and avoids his immediate detection. Surveying for the only individual the drone pilot was interested in - the bank robber.  After a moment of searching, the drone spots its target in the back near the elevators, pulling himself from underneath the hover cycle.  Just as the thief gains the freedom to move around, he attempts to push himself up from a kneeling position. What freezes him right in his tracks is the drone's mini gatling gun barrel pointing down at his face.   "This is the end of the line for you, punk." And with those words, the barrel begins spinning and preparing to rain down piercing death. However, Righteous Lad slides over on the soles of his sneakers and blocks the barrage of gunfire with his back. Just like before, the only things that receive damage is his clothes. His jacket and T-shirt this time around.   "Still getting in my way, huh?"   "Yeah, you bet! I'm still NOT going to let you kill him." Tyson answers with a self-righteous tone while turning where he stands to shoot a glare at the drone. It's also within this moment that the young aspiring hero realizes he needs to find an alternative method to finish this confrontation fast. What comes to mind is a power that he's barely been able to use adequately - a power he feels is so dangerous, that sends an uncomfortable chill through his body. Still, he had to try. He just had to focus.   "Hm. You know, this gives me a chance to try out a button I was told to be veeeery careful with. Might end up losing the stolen dough, but Ehh… I rather see this place come crashing down on your head." With that stated, the drone begins to morph. Shifting like pseudo liquid before taking the shape of a canon, where the position of the 'eye' now sits atop like a scope.   [ "Focus… think small."] Tyson speaks to himself within his own mind, soon building solar light within his eyes. His pupils shift from jade green to a radiant shade of gold. Simultaneously, the levitating weapon before him begins accumulating a red energy from within its hollow barrel. [ "Fooo-cuuus… Not too big, not too big!" ] He does his best to keep his eyes in check, flutiating the brightness that shines from in the process    "H-hey! That dirt bag is about to hit us with something, man. Do some–!"   Z A A A A P Z a a a p !   Before the thief could finish that sentence, the two opposing forces finally clash in a power struggle between beams. Red vs Sunny-Orange. It doesn't take too long to realize the two are in a stalemate a moment in.   "So you've got lasers too, huh? Are they any good? Because I'm about to turn up the dial and melt your face off if you're slacking, kid…" The voice behind the drone warns, and follows through. The drone's beam escalates bit by bit, growing in size, girth, heat, and pressure as it gradually overpowers Righteous Lad's solar vision.  The young hero grimaces with gritting teeth, struggling to control his power. He had to push a bit more.   [ "Come on, a little more. I can give a little more!" ] He exclaims internally to himself. Just as the expanding beam was pushing the struggle dangerously close to his face, Tyson gives what he feels is a small jolt – a measly jump to boost his eye beams. However, it proves to be more than that. That push results in him overtaking the laser bout in a destructive flash. Not only does he overtake the struggle, but he also disintegrates the drone and ends up blowing a large hole in the current and bottom half of the second floor windows in his line of vision. In a moment of horror and shock, he immediately puts an end to his projectile. "Oh My Go– GOSH. Oh my Gosh…" He stops himself from calling to the divine in vain.   "Holy Hell, man. I'm glad I wasn't standing behind that thing…" The thief muses out loud.   "Yeah… Yeah, I'm so glad you weren't either. That-.. That was an accident."   "Yeah, sure. Might want to get a visor filter for that thing. You know.. Like.. Uhh… like… Cyclops! The comic book character. You know him, right?"   "Yeah, I do. I do, I do. He's only the best X-Men member." Tyson replies.   "Whaaaat…? Dude, come on… We all know Gambit is the best X-Men in the comics. Cyclops? Mr. Boyscout McCool? Yeah, right." The thief scoffs.   "Gambit? That shady card throwing conman?" Tyson retorts while shooting a questioning look over his shoulder.   "Dude, he has character. The guy's a realist. Plus, he's just so freakin' cool. How can you NOT like him?"   "We're going to have to agree to disagree there. Right now, I need to hand you over to the authorities and return the money you stole."   "Baaugh, fine. But I'm not carrying anything, nor am I walking. I'm pretty sure I fractured something in my leg, and it's been hurting like a bitch. Plus? My rides totaled."    With a sigh, Tyson places his hands at his hips and hangs his head for a moment. "...Alright, it's better than spending another second chasing you all over the place."   ~~~~~~~~~   Finally returning home after a busy afternoon, Tyson uses his key to enter through the front door before shutting and locking it behind himself again. "I'm home."   "Welcome back, honey." "Welcome come, son." His parents greet in turn. His mother presently cooking dinner in the kitchen, while his father sits on the living room couch and watches TV. Upon passing by his father, the older male looks him over and calls for his attention.   "Hey, what happened to your clothes? You look like you just got out of a fight with a mountain bear."   "Huh?" The mother looks over upon hearing that description, and gives a concerned stare of her own at what she sees. "He's right! Are you okay? Are you bleeding anywhere?" His mother asks, hustling over to examine him up close.   "I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm not hurt or anything. Just Uhh… just got caught up in a bit of excitement, is all." Tyson assures, wearing a wry grin on his face while his mother cups his cheeks.   "Are you sure? I can drive you to the hospital right away." She offers.   "No, no. I'm totally fine. Honest. No cuts, bruises, or anything. Truth be told, I feel pretty good after today."   "Hm. If  you say so." His father accepts his answer and resumes watching TV.   "Well, alright… I believe you. Go on up and get cleaned up for dinner. I'll be done shortly." She commands, raising on the balls of her feet to peck at Tyson's cheek. Afterwards, she heads back to the kitchen.   "Yes, ma'am. Already smells good, too." He responds while heading up to the second floor. He enters his room and gently shuts the door behind him. He rids himself of his ravaged track jacket and tosses onto the nearby office chair before throwing himself onto his bed, turning his body in the middle of doing so to land on his back. Looking up at the ceiling with half lidded eyes, he thinks back to the hours he spent outside. A grin seamlessly curves his lips upward, growing a bit further until he's flashing those pearly whites of his.   "R i g h t e o u s."   End. template credit. 0 Comments  Report Post

08/11/2022 02:05 PM  Righteous Lad™ : The Beginning #2 Righteous Lad: The beginning #2In the wake of an explosion heard all around for miles, the green hero, Righteous Lad, flies toward the disturbance with haste. Maneuvering through city buildings and sharp corners before eventually ascending diagonally to pass over the latest one obscuring his sight and path. At the very peak of getting as high as he wants, an individual on a flying vehicle suddenly comes into view. "Hey, watch it, jackass!" The figure clad in black shouts while swerving around him.  Dumbfoundedly, Tyson looks over his shoulder at the peculiar stranger, then briefly toward the direction the said individual came from.  In his line of sight lies a bank building with its emergency alarm blaring, and its front glass doors blown down. Police cars were also just arriving onto the scene. A visual that brings a disapproving frown upon the young man's face. In an instant, Tyson does a 180 turn and immediately begins his search for the flying contraption he saw just seconds ago.  It takes only a moment of venturing with a few twists and turns through several blocks before he spots the unusual vehicle again. Increasing his acceleration of flight, he manages to catch up and match its pace. In the midst of closing in, he also studies the flying device. Noting the two sphere-shaped compartments attached to the sides near the rear, and how they were large enough to possibly hold groceries, bags, equipment, or -as it presently were- several hefty bags of cold hard cash in each of them. Something he spots through the glass covers containing the stolen money.   "So…" Tyson begins, startling the masked man in the process.   "Huh!? What the–"    "I noticed that the bank's alarm back there was ringing, the broken doors on the steps outside, and police cars pulling up to the scene… Now, I'm no detective, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you didn't make a legal withdrawal today." Tyson concludes with a skeptical grin on his face.   "Yeah. Yeah, real observant of you, man. Like wow, who could ever pull a fast one over on you, huh? Freakin' Sherlock Jr. over here." The bank robber responds with sheer sarcastic disdain, rolling his eyes behind his obscuring red goggles.   "I.. What? Are you seriously sassing me to deflect from the wrong you did right now?"   "I'm not deflecting anything, you dunce. Buuuut..  I am going to repel a pest." The criminal responds and reaches for the holster on his left leg. Meanwhile, Tyson stares with a questioning frown.   "What is that supposed to–"  Z A A A P ! Before Tyson can finish that question, he abruptly finds a strange firearm in his face - one the criminal doesn't hesitate to fire at all.  "Guuaah!" Instinctively, he flinches while crying out in surprise. Stopping mid flight to cradle his face. However, all panic leaves him upon realizing that, well, he didn't feel any pain. No burning, flesh melting off his skull, or even eye irritation. "Huh… it… it didn't actually hurt me." Gathering his senses, he resumes his pursuit of the criminal. Catching up easily once more. This time though, he doesn't go unnoticed while approaching to fly beside the thief.   "Are you serious right now…? That laser shot should have literally burned a hole through your head!"   "What's wrong wi– You know what? It doesn't even matter. Pull this thing over. Now." Tyson sternly orders.   "Why don't you go take a hike instead!?" The thief retorts.   "I think you two should take each other's advice. Especially you, kid. Because this is definitely about to get ugly." A third voice chimes in. A voice with a bit of an accent that sounds as if it were  speaking through a phone speaker. Upon the two looking upward behind them, they spot a peculiar metallic machine – something that looks like a drone modeled after a triangular spacecraft of some sort. 4 feet wide, 3 feet in height, and a large red glass 'eye' at the center of its 'face'.   "What is that…?" Tyson questions with a wry look on his face.   "I think… I think… that may be a guy controlling a droid." The thief proposes, just as confused.   "I am the head huncho who runs the streets of northwest Chicago, a.k.a, The Freakin' Sonuvabitch THAT Sonuvabitch is stealing money from! And as you can probably tell, I ain't a happy camper about it at all… Someone's going to be sleeping with the freakin' fishes today!!" Answers the individual controlling the drone from a secluded location.   "Ah, I stand corrected… It's not a guy with a droid, it's a dirt bag with a droid. Fantastic." The thief comments.   "Oh-ho-ho, you think you're a comedian, huh, smart guy? How about one more joke before I riddle you with holes and see you out? Make your last one a good one, punk."   "Hey-hey, listen! Listen, alright? We can resolve this without violence. I'll just return the money to the bank, and we can sort of… sweep this one under the rug. Sounds good, right?" Righteous Lad offers.   "PFFFTT! As if!" The thief on the aircraft bike dismisses the suggestion entirely and uses his thumb to push open a small safety cover on the right handle of his bike, exposing a red button and pushing it without hesitation. The vehicle accelerates with a nitro burst that dispels blue flames from the exhaust pipes on its lower rear. The robber speeds on ahead, drifting the building up ahead while also tilting back to head toward the clouds, far above the city buildings. The other two were momentarily left behind.   "...Well, I was going to consider your offer, kid. But guys like him are young, dumb, and cocky. They never change. Now, excuse me while I go take care of business." And with that said, the drone accelerates at an even faster rate than the thief's bike. Following the same path.   "You've got to be kidding me…" Tyson utters, internally sighing. Above, the drone closes in on the high-tech cycle with ease. Though, it eases back on its speed for the purpose of keeping what the controller deems adequate space. From its top front corners, two small and thick barrels rise in a mechanical fashion. The drones targeting system trains its view to get a lock on its oblivious target.   "I got you in my sights, you sonuvabitch…" The drone's distant pilot murmurs to himself, waiting until he hears an affirming beep before he pushes the firing button.   B W O O O S H - B W O O O S H !   Two heat-seeking rockets are shot, sent to zero in on their mark with intense precision. Out pacing the bike's nitro-amplified momentum.    "No!" Just as they were nearing making contact, a returning third party intervenes. Speeding pass the drone with ease as the being maneuvers into a curving dip under the rockets, and rises to not only block off their intended target, but catch them like footballs within each of his hands upon seamlessly turning his body mid-flight. The catcher, Righteous Lad himself, throws one to his right and the other to the left with all his might to derail the rockets.    b o o m - b o o m.   The projectiles go off with sounds of distant explosions, finally catching the thief's attention. He looks behind himself and sees the two from before right on his tail.   "You shouldn't have done that, kid. You're wasting your time trying to protect scum like him. He knew he'd have someone like me on his trail. The ballsy guy stole directly from me, not just snatched up random cash laying around in the back of the joint. He wanted this." The voice behind the drone informs as it closes in just enough to be heard clearly.   "It doesn't matter. Look, I get it, alright? I don't like people stealing from others either, but that shouldn't lead to someone casually taking a life. That's far from an equivalency!" Righteous Lad reasons.   "Ha! Far from an equivalency? Kid, take a look at us. All three of us. How much value do you think he has as a person, huh?  You think he'd be doing this if his life had any real meaning?"   "He can be redeemed. Anyone can. Making a bad decision or two shouldn't mean someone's life should come to an abrupt end. Sometimes all it takes is a little help to guide people like him to the right path." The hero asserts his stance.   "That's the thing about hindsight, kid. It comes after the deed, not before. You don't really get to choose how you pay your debt in this kind of lifestyle. It's all a gamble, and right now? He's rolling a pair of snake eyes. And this house always takes all." The drone's operator concludes before two thin barrels extend from the machine's sides and adjust to take aim. Firing swiftly, discharging a sticky black substance that splatters across Tyson's face. Right over his eyes and the upper half of his features, blinding him. It's then the drone speeds by and leaves him behind.   "Guuuh!? What the heck…!?" Righteous Lad slows drastically as he tries to wipe his face clean. No avail at all as the substance quickly dries up and takes on a rubbery texture.  "Aaarchk… what is this stuff made of!?" He asks in annoyance, now clawing to get a grip and pull. His initial attempt results in the substance stretching, but eventually snaps back into place after slipping off his finger tips. Growing agitated, he tries again. Gritting his pearly white teeth as he hooks his digits into the malleable material and pulls with all of his effort, stretching it far and wide at opposite sides. Expanding to its lengthy limit until it finally begins to peel and tear off from his skin completely. With an exhale of relief, he wags the goop off his hands and refocuses on the chase miles ahead of him.   "Alright, punk. You got lucky for a moment, so we'll do this the old fashion way instead. Quick and almost painless."    "Nah, I've got a better idea." The thief quickdraws to train his firearm on the stalking drone and swiftly pulls at the trigger in a rapid secession, firing three shots back-to-back-back. All of which meet and bounce off a briefly visible forceshield. Something that reduces the bike rider to staring in disbelief.   "What, you thought you were the only one with expensive blackmarket super-toys?" Rhetorical question spoken before a mini gatling barrel expands from underneath and center of the drone. Just as it was whirring up to turn the thief into swiss cheese, the biker makes a hard diagonal downward left a mere second before bullets begin flying. It turns into a chase of wild-like maneuvers as the thief does his best to avoid predictable patterns, and the droid tries to at least some portion of its target. A death shot was awfully close, too. Before those flesh shredding projectiles could pierce the biker's back, Righteous Lad comes swerving in to protect him. A knee raised and his forearms held parallel to one another in front of his face. No pain felt or blood drawn, but the lower half of his jacket's sleeves were poked through and torn. His jeans also bear tears after the assault of gunfire.   "Still not going to let you do this!" Righteous Lad exclaims as he lowers his arms.   "YOU again?" The droid's pilot questions.   "ME again." Tyson retorts and lunges right for the mobile war machine with the intent of crushing it between his capable hands like a tin can. However, nothing remotely of the sort happens. In fact, his hands phase right through the drone like water. It even slips pass his body like a ghost before taking a solid form again behind him. "What? How!?"   "Nanotechnology, kid. I've got stuff that you can only hope to see in spy movies!" The droid vaguely explains before continuing with its pursuit. Tyson turns to examine and rethink his approach to the dilemma at hand. If he couldn't stop the droid by direct means, then he could probably play keep away for as long as needed. Looks like that would be crucial too, because the thief's bike was giving off a bit of smoke.  Thus, he advances onward with a powerful burst of speed. Passing the drone easily, he rushes to fly beside the smoky vehicle and its driver.   "Hey, are you alright!?"   "No! He shot one of the support thrusters out and I can't maintain this altitude. I have to go back down to city level, and I definitely don't want to risk using nitro again!"   "Hang on, I think I can help with that." And with that said, Tyson moves closer to the flying cycle and reaches to place a hand at the rear of the ride, and his other to the underside. With an established grip, he uses his own acceleration to give it a boost in speed. He guides them downward among the buildings below. Yet, the drone was capable of following just fine for the most part.   "This is just greeeeat… First some superhero wannabe with no style shows up, then a mob boss with a super advanced drone, and now? My bike needs repairing! This just couldn't get any worse…"   "Dude, you're acting as if people went out of their way to ruin your afternoon walk or something. Robbing a bank isn't exactly an inconsequential thing to overlook. There's cause & effect to your decisions, you know!" Righteous Lad scolds.   "But that's the thing… Robbing a bank WAS supposed to be a walk in the park for me. Like, dude. I was in and out of there so fast, that I thought I had broken a world record or something. It was too easy. And then you showed up…"   "Yeah, and now I'm trying to save you from being murdered and blown out of the sky. As far as I'm concerned, I was right where I needed to be." The young hero counters, then takes a moment to steal a glance over his shoulder. Just in time to see an incoming attack, conveniently enough.   B U E W - B U E W - B U E E E E W!   Tyson takes evasive action and guidance preemptively, avoiding several shots of neon green beams that sear anything in their paths. They only manage to graze and connect with a few buildings, fortunately enough.   "Hey, fly still, will ya? I'm doing my best to do damage control and avoid hitting more people than I need to here. But a guy only has so much patience, you know!" The voice speaking through the drone complains.   "I'm not going to let you kill him! I really still think we can work something out here!" Tyson reasons.   "Something tells me that involves me getting the short end of the stick, and I'm not exactly cool with that. You can both take a hike, honestly. But especially you and that Goddamn hunk of junk!" The thief chimes in with evident annoyance. He draws his plasma handgun again and begins firing relentlessly upon the stalking drone. A mid-flight shootout ensues between the two opposing men, much to Tyson's worry and disapproval. Reasoning with them would have to be held off for a moment - all of his efforts were being used to keep the biker from being struck with a laser blast. However, there was only so much he could do within such limiting circumstances. He had to be mindful of his strength, his speed, and their surroundings.  Despite his diligent effort, another shot lands on a crucial part of the aircraft and causes a violent tremble on impact. On top of that, they were closing in on a tall building up.   "We can't keep this up… there has to be somewhere, someway I can set you down safely and focus more of my attention on that drone."   "We have a bit of a technical problem too, actually–" The thief informs while attempting to drift for an upcoming turn up ahead. The steering was barely responsive. He was more likely to crash than actually make a successful hard turn. "The controls aren't responding too well. Don't know if it's because of your hold on my bike, or if another jet was shot out." He adds before the bike takes another direct hit.   "I got it, I got it. Just keep turning and hang on!" Tyson advises. With their combined efforts, they compensate for the vehicles compromised mobility in the form of Tyson rotating his body and using his feet to make the impact instead.   K R O O M !   A portion of the building's concrete cracks beneath the soles of Righteous Lad's sneakers. With very little hesitation, unbending his knees, he runs along the surface of the building while simultaneously helping the damaged cycle turn down the next block safely. Well, as safe as possible given the circumstances.   "Huh. Kind of cutting it close there, but good stuff! Sadly, I don't think we can do this forever… Got a plan yet, hero?"   "I'm doing my best here. This is my first day, and I wasn't exactly expecting to save one criminal from an even more dangerous one." 0 Comments  Report Post

07/28/2022 05:14 PM  Gray Heroics (OCs)   Name: Asura Kae-Ogi Age: 16 Sex: Male Height: 5'10 Weight: 158lbs Eye Color: Sapphire Hair: Short / Jet Black Nationality: American Location: Little Shibuya, IL Species: Human Occupation: Student Alignment: Lawful Good   Hobbies: Kendo, reading, dual-wielding training, and occasionally fishing.   Likes: Katana blades, weapon training, peace & quiet, peach flavored soda, and old war stories.   Dislikes: Wasting time in idleness, crime infested neighborhoods, loud people, and liver.   Background: Asura is the son of business savvy parents from Japan, who are very proud Japanese patriots and also happen to work for the same company. Before he was born, his parents had moved to the USA after being given the opportunity to be the duo heads of one of the company's foreign office buildings in Illinois. Though great wealth was coming their way, the couple couldn't help but feel their son would be unable to experience their culture back home, thus they found the next best thing. A pale substitute, but it was adequate enough to their liking, which was a town called Little Shibuya. It was in that town that Acura was born and raised under Japanese traditions. However, he was indisputably American. A fact Asura was willing to accept and embrace, even while mostly living by Japanese traditions. He became a hardworking and book smart young man with a constant air of solemnity to him. _____   Name: Ezibella Bhaethoven Age: 11 Sex: Female Height: 4'4 Eye Color: Crimson Red Hair: Wavy / Long / Black Species: (Appears to be) Human Nationality: American Location: Aurora, IL Occupation: College student Alignment: Lawful Evil   Hobbies: Scientific experiments, studying human tendencies, and collecting My Magical Unicorn merchandise.   Likes: Screams of agony and anguish, tormenting victims, the My Magical Unicorn franchise, science, conducting studies, cherry juice, and her father.   Dislikes: Incredibly boring people, being idle for too long, long lines, and insufferable children.   Background: Ezibella Bhaethoven is the youngest daughter of Korvon Bhaethoven, and the all-too-obvious favorite of the two he has. It could be surmised Ezibella's birth was the product of Ares (the God of War) heeding an unspoken internal prayer from Korvon to have an offspring to follow in his footsteps - for when the little girl opened her eyes for the first time, the nurse could have sworn a searing hatred and starvation for carnage were burning brightly within those glaring, deathly red pupils of hers. On top of that, she grew into an unfathomable super-genius at such an incredibly young age. Her peculiar pursuit of knowledge was unexplainable and to this very day remains tireless. However, there have been violent incidents within her life, where Ezibella herself has always been the assaulter. Scandals her father has had swept away with money and influence, and lead to him resorting to having her be home schooled by the finest scholars he could find. By the age of 10, she was attending one of the world's most renowned college universities.  Though, just after a year, she's already certain she has surpassed all of her professors' teachings.  ____     Name: Galivinth (Galvin) Carrenmale Age: 16 Sex: Male Height: 5'10 Weight: 171lbs Eye Color: White Hair: Jet black / shoulder length Nationality: American Species: Half human & half Cryonean Occupation: Student Location: Chicago, IL - USA Alignment: Lawful Good    Hobbies: Playing video games, reading comics, and visiting the local arcade.   Likes: Video games, apple juice, night time, comics, cartoons, martial arts movies, the color black, winter, and learning about others.   Dislikes: Very hot weather, noisy people, and complaining too much.   Background: Galivinth, or "Galvin" as most refer to him, is the son of a Cryonean male and a human female. His father hadn't been too involved in most of his life, though that was the result of him aging faster than the average Cryonean - a factor that caught his father off guard. His mother, dealing with her own struggles of irresponsible life, couldn't care for him properly, thus he was left in the care of his grandmother since he was a one year old. His upbringing was a fair one. No real complaints, a good head on his shoulders, and very mild mannered. However, he is rather reserved due to his abnormal genetic traits. Blue blood, pupils white eyes, fairly abnormal strength, and his rather gloomy sense of fashion - all of which he has occasionally ridiculed for. Even so, he seems content with his limited interaction with others. ____     Name: Hadelmine (Ha-del-mine) Age: 28 Sex: Male Height: 5'10 Weight: 154lbs Eye Color: Amethyst Hair: Short / Jet Black Nationality: Olympian Location: Underworld Species: God Occupation: Unemployed   Hobbies: Collecting items from the realm of mortals, star gazing, and people watching.   Likes: Sunlight, hanging with other young Gods, orange juice, and gothic aesthetics.   Dislikes: Spending too much time back home, downers, and grape soda.   Background: There's not much to know about Hadelmine. He is the son of Hades and also the youngest God. Though he respects his father for being vigilant with his responsibility of running the underworld, Hadelmine doesn't care too much to linger at home for too long. He often hangs with the other new Gods when he's not on earth by his own accord. He also has a one-sided kinship-like view of Konnence due to the fact that they're both sons of rulers of the dead. ___     Name: Korvon Bhaethoven Age: "46" (Immortal) Sex: Male Height: 6'4 Weight: 238lbs Eye Color: Crimson red Hair: Long / Black with strands of white Species: Human Nationality: Roman / American Location: Aurora IL - USA Occupation: Businessman / Self-employed Alignment: Lawful Evil   Hobbies: Running a multitude of businesses, antagonizing heroes, playing the piano, and fueling and / or funding conflicts of all kinds.   Likes: Cherry wine, war, classical music, enthusiastic villains, and the cycle of hatred.   Dislikes: Lackluster people, uneventful months, and physically weak opposition.   Background: Korvan was born in the city of Rome and eventually grew older with the acquired ambition of becoming a formidable warrior - of which he had achieved in his early adult years. With diligent training and time, his combat skills continuously proved. His exceptional capabilities didn't go unnoticed, either. He was granted a high ranking position as a guardsman for the city and was paid well for his time, but merely leading and training subordinates wasn't near enough to satisfy his hunger for battle. Thus, he began participating in Gladiator Games within his 30's. His life continued on as such for the next 16 years, and up until the Greek God of War, Ares, had came to the realm of mortals. Beckoning mortal warriors from all over the globe to participate in his own Gladiator Game, promising immortality and his blessing to the last warrior standing within his grand coliseum. Korvon was one of the countless hundreds who attended Ares' week-long competition, and also its sole winner. The blood soaked warrior was given what was promised before the amused God took his leave.   For over a thousand years, Korvon lived on, bestowed an insatiable hunger for war by Ares' blessing. He was given inhuman strength and durability, of which he used throughout his countless endeavors. His knowledge, experience, and influence grew as the years passed in an ever-changing world. Now, he practically sits at the center of a nexus to cleverly live a life of smoke & mirrors to fuel his desire for war as discreetly as he wants. ____     Name: Naeth Age: "17" Sex: Male Height: 6'1 Weight: 189lbs Eye Color: White Hair: Jet Black Nationality: Canadian (Technically) / Cryozen Species: Cryonean Location: Cryo Kingdom Occupation: Unemployed Alignment: Chaotic Neutral    Hobbies: Muay Thai training, Conquest Bout, and learning about human kind.   Likes: Training, spending time with Galivinth, grape soda, competitive activities, and fighting.   Background: Naeth is a part of the generation dubbed "Colony Children" by Earth-stranded Cryoneans. He was born upon a colony ship, a vessel hailing all the way from the planet Cryon. A self-sustaining and highly advanced ship that housed thousands. Those onboard were tasked with exploring a section of the galaxy and helping primitive life-forms on other worlds develop by light years. However, the ship Naeth was born on mysteriously went into a critical state while nearing Earth, and the amount of lives lost was overwhelmingly high. From several thousands, the cryoneans of the colony ship were reduced to mere hundreds. Their former mission had been pushed to the back burner, and survival naturally took priority. Naeth grew up within a society that taught their young self-sufficiency and strong ethostate values. He grew to be an athletic hard worker, a sorcerer practitioner, and something of a perfectionist. An ideal political member for the council of magic, by the elders' standards. ____     Name: Timothy Wayne Jacobs Age: 16 Sex: Male Height: 5'7 Weight: 161lbs Eye Color: Green Hair: Short / Black Nationality: American Location: Chicago Heights, IL Species: Human Occupation: Student / Civil Servant (Hero) Alignment: Lawful Good   Hobbies: Training, crime fighting, and reading.   Likes: Fighting, night time, parkour, spending time with the Silver League members.   Dislikes: Absolutely despises drug dealers, shallow "heroes", and maintaining his normal life outside of crime fighting.   Background: Timothy Wayne Jacobs is the son of a deceased hero, Nighter, and a later deceased mother. His father was the glue to their family, even if he was usually out and about fighting crime - which neither Timothy or his mother knew. However, his mother discovered the truth about her husband the day an agent from the government came to their apartment to inform her of his death while on the job. News that broke her heart, and news she'd refrain from sharing with Timothy. Instead, she'd always tell him that his father didn't want to come back to them whenever the boy would ask. Nighter left his wife and son a considerable amount of wealth from his job as a government employed hero, though it wouldn't prevent the devastating downward spiral that was to come in the wake of his father's death.    Timothy's mother began doing drugs as a means to cope with her loss, and the longer it went on, the more she explored heavier narcotics. She became a shell of her former self. Deprived of his mother's presence in his life and his confusion of how his life got to a certain point, Timothy grew quick to anger and bitter. Yet, even occasionally getting into trouble at school wasn't enough to get his mother's attention beyond nonchalantly telling him to behave.  Soon, his mother began dating a dealer and often brought him back to her home. A guy she would end up being on and off with for several years. This went on until the day Timothy came home late one day at the age of 11, and found his mother motionless on the floor of her doorway. She had died of an overdose, and her boyfriend was nowhere to be seen or heard of ever again. Timothy was enraged and lost within the mess of his life, wondering where it all went wrong.   An old friend of Timothy's father caught wind of the tragic news and decided to take the boy in. Seeing what the boy was on the verge of becoming, Henry Alfred, also known as Sergeant Nighthawk, decided to help the boy put his frustration toward something good. Crime fighting.  Timothy was trained by his new guardian since the age of 11 in combat, fitness, and test of character. Though the teenager still harbors boiling rage for drug dealers, he's found a sense of solace and duty under his mentors guidance. _____   Name: Tonithy Age: 105 Sex: Male Height: 6'3 / 6'6 (In suit) Weight: 174lbs Eye Color: White Hair: Short / Black Nationality: Canadian (technically), Cryozen Location: Cryon Kingdom Species: Cryonean Occupation: Member of Cryon Kingdom's science committee / Self-employed / Civil Servant (Hero)   Hobbies: Inventing, tweaking his exo-suit for adaptability, and exploring human society.   Likes: engineering machinery, crime fighting, and expanding his business.   Dislikes: Dwelling on negativity, defeatist attitudes, and Inventor's block.   Background: Tonithy was a volunteer engineer scientist who boarded one of the Colony Arc ships - which happened to be the very one that crash landed on Earth after a mysterious malfunction left them no other choice. Even despite the many lives lost and the possibility that he'll never get to see his home planet again, Tonithy focuses on the present and ways to improve it, typically through his inventions and providing his scientific aid. His curiosity of Earth and its inhabitants also eventually lead to him vacating his position on the committee to explore living a life among humans. 0 Comments  Report Post

07/21/2022 05:13 PM  Gray Heroics #3 Night had came and gone, giving way to the passage of an ascending sun and its fresh morning. At this time, Galivinth was laying in bed sound asleep. Unaware of the surprise presently climbing up the side of the apartment building where his bedroom window could be found. With immaculate timing, knocking strikes at the glass exactly when the teen's digital clock hits 8:00am.    Yet, Galivinth didn't even fidget in his sleep. Another knock shortly follows up, one much louder than the previous attempt. Still, the male sleeps in absolute peace. The unannounced visitor arches a brow at how much of a heavy sleeper Galivinth is, though is far from conceding. With the bottom of a fisted hand, the individual bangs on the window several times with enough force to cause the entire frame to quake.   Yet, it also proves to be ineffective. The one viewing in from outside blinks with dumbfounded awe.  "He's in a much deeper slumber than I though--"   "Who-What!?"   "UT-!?" THUD!!! Before the individual could finish his thought, Galivinth had snapped awake shot up like a bullet, looking to his left and right for the source of disturbance. In that same instance, the person at his window was startled and had lost their grip, falling with a harsh sound of a body meeting concrete ground with a resounding echo.   "Was.. Was that somebody outside?" Concerned, Galivinth hustles out of bed and over to his window, unlocking and lifting it to stick his head out for a look. Immediately noticing someone getting up from the ground while patting their clothes down.   "Dude, are you okay!? Was that you just now?" The young man asks, catching the individual's attention upon doing so. The masculine figure looks up at him, and Galivinth's eyes widen with disbelief. It was Naeth, the guy from the previous day.   "Yes, absolutely. You caught me off guard and I lost my footing, is all." The other responds with a carefree tone, resuming brushing his attire off until he's satisfied.   "You just fell from two stories... You sure? I can get you a ride to the hospital or something." Galivinth offers. "I am one hundred percent sure. Didn't feel a thing, honestly! I'm not some fragile being, you kno-" Naeth pauses entirely, promptly turning his attention up toward Galivinth with a contemplative frown. "You are aware of our biological differences, right?"   "I... Y-yeah. Yeah, I know. It's been ingrained into my mind since leaving that city."   "Ah, good! Then don't be too concerned about my well-being. I'm far, far more durable than any human, and very likely twice more resilient than you."   "Uh huh." Galivinth responds dryly.   "Now that we've covered that..." Naeth trails off, solely for the purpose of climbing back up the side of the building with swiftness and apparent ease. As the foreign lifeform reaches his window ledge, Galivinth instinctively backs off to stand a foot away with a surprised look on his face. "Can I come inside?" The peculiar male asks.   "How did you just do that?"   "Hm? What?"   "Climb the building, dude! What else?"   "Oh. I just dug my fingers and shoes into the wall. The material is pretty easy to crush."   "You can crush bricks with your bare hands?" Galivinth questions.   "Can you not?"   "Uuhh... Never thought to try."   "Huurm.... Hopefully you're not so weak that you share trivial struggles with the average human. But then again, that's why I'm here! To learn more about you and see how short you fall as a halfling." Naeth informs.   "It's really too early for this..." Galivinth mumbles under his breath while lifting his hands to cup his entire face and rub his eyes with his middle finger and thumb.   "So, do I have your permission to enter?" Neath presses.   "Yes, dude. Yes. Climb in."   "Much obliged, kin." Naeth enters and eventually comes to stand inside the bedroom. Today, he's dressed in urban clothing. A red polo shirt over a black turtleneck sweater with its sleeves neatly rolled up above his biceps. Fitted dark blue jeans on his legs and high-top white and red sneakers on his feet.   "Galvin? You're awake? Is someone else in there with you?" Bibi calls out from the kitchen.   Sighing with a heavy breath, her grandson responds nonchalantly."Yeah, there is..."   "Oh, well bring whoever it is out with for breakfast!" She tells him. Surely enough, the teen soon exits his bedroom with his guest, and the two of them take a seat at the square table in the kitchen. Within a few moments, the table is set and three plates are served with a meal of two pancakes, eggs, and four small sausages each. After taking a seat is when the grandmother prods Galivinth about his guest.   "Didn't know you were having someone over. You didn't think to tell me about it beforehand?"   "It's not like that at all. He sort of just showed up a few minutes ago. I didn't even know he was coming over."   "Oh? Well, introduce him! Who is he?" The elder woman presses, leaving Galivinth feeling obliged to do so. But before he can, Naeth does the honor instead.   "No need, miss. I'm not so meek that I couldn't speak up for myself. I'm Naeth! Adequate dabbler in sorcery, an athlete, and a relative of this interesting fellow right here. We're cousins in fact!" He explains, gesturing toward Galivinth, who pauses mid way of bringing a fork full of eggs to his mouth. The grandmother and grandson exchange stares for a few seconds. Then, Galivinth confirms everything.   "Yeah, he's my cousin on my father's side. Met him yesterday when we were out. He's... As he's stated, a practitioner of magic. Somehow." A silent pause creeps in, filled with only the skeptical look on his grandmother's face and the carefree grin on Naeth's.   "I'm serious. He was shooting fireballs and dodging all sorts of stuff. It's super weird where my dad lives." Galivinth explains further, hoping she didn't think he was making it all up.   "Uh huh. You sure it wasn't some sort of light show?" His grandmother remains unconvinced.   "I'm almost very certain of it." Galivinth assures as confidently as he can, then turns his attention toward Naeth to validate his words. "Dude, it was real, right? Tell her I'm not crazy."    The conversation draws out an amused outburst of laughter from the cryonean. "This is all too funny. The magic you saw yesterday was absolutely real. Every last incantation. Is magic and sorcery truly foreign concepts here?"   "Bah, younglings and their silliness. If you boys want to talk about your little games, at least have the decency to separate reality from it." The grandmother dismisses the topic, feeling it was likely nothing more than some trending notion from present day youths.   "But ma'am--" Naeth attempts to speak another point, but finds himself being cut off.   "No, it's alright. We'll talk more about it later." Galivinth tells him. Pretty soon, the three finish their breakfast. Galivinth offers to do the dishes, which he does while his grandmother heads back into her bedroom to watch TV. Naeth sits observing them entire time. Afterwards, Galivinth informs his relative that he'll need some time to shower and then they'll continue their discussion outside. The American alien heads back inside his room briefly to fetch a change of clothes, takes them into the bathroom with him, and emerges 19 minutes later. 10 minutes spent showering, another 9 spent drying off, getting dressed, taking care of his hygiene, and combing some order into his hair. He dresses in his simple and usual fashion: tee shirt, jeans, high socks, sneakers, and a sweatband on each wrist. All black. His discarded clothes were placed within a laundry bin inside.   "Alright, let's go talk." Galivinth offers, adjusting his left wristband during.   "Lead the way." Naeth obliges and rises out of his seat.   "Hey, Bibi! I'm heading out for a bit!"   "Okay, be safe!" The grandmother shouts from her room in turn. And with that, the two boys head outside. Eventually coming to stand at the front of the building. Galivinth is the first to break the silence with a concerned question.   "By the way, how did you know where I lived?"   "Simple. I traced the number you gave me back to where you usually use your phone." Naeth answers honestly.   "You hacked my phone!?"    "What? No. I said I traced the typical place you use it. I didn't rummage through your data or device. Only followed the signal associated with it using my own communicator." Naeth explains, lifting his right arm and pointing to the monochrome device on his wrist.   "Oh... Is that legal?"   "You've got something to hide?" Naeth questions with an arching brow.   "No?"   "Then I find it odd you'd question my method of finding you. It's a very common thing to do back on Cryon."   "Hm." Not quite too keen on discussing social norms with the Cryon native, Galivinth merely gives a skeptical look. Without too long of a delay, he changes the subject. "So the magic. What is that? How do you even do it?"   "You seriously have no idea?" With wide eyes, Naeth counters with a question of sheer disbelief.   "Nnnnope."   "Huh... I'm aware of how primitive this planet is, but to think that not even YOU would know of magic's presence. It's funny and shocking to me. I suppose I shouldn't underestimate how much of a lesser being the average Earthling is."   "Dude, just tell me how to use the Goddang magic..." A sense of annoyance laces Galivinth's usual monotone speech.   "Alright, alright. Listen up, because it's not as accessible as you may be thinking. There's actually multiple sources of magic in existence. Some exclusive to a race of people, some technically available to all, and even some you can con your way into tapping in. What I use is STRICTLY Cryonean magic, which comes from Yvetal, the Goddess of magic. It is said she blessed all cryonean blood with the gift of magic since the beginning of time and life on our home planet. It is an endless source our kind can tap into." Naeth begins his informative lecture.   "Oh... Even more religious stuff, huh?" Galivinth comments under his breath.   "Are you a non-believer?"   "No, I believe in a higher power. I lean toward Christianity, I guess. But I don't really claim it or any other religion as my own. It's all too muddy and complicated." Galivinth explains.   "Ah. Well, all of us give thanks to the Gods. Especially Yvetal and Trivisty, the latter being the God of knowledge. Both associated to the political parties of magic and science. Anyway, Yvetal may have blessed ALL cryonean blood with the usage of magic, but only half of our race are bestowed with greater potential for it. I'm one of those who are. I'll explain more soon, but first I'd like to see where YOU fall. Do you have Yvetal's or Trivisty's favor, I wonder..." Naeth tells him.   "Hey, I'm down to find out. What do I do to determine it?"   "Hold out your hand, like this." Naeth instructs, his example being his right hand extending out in front of him with his palm facing upward. Galivinth does the same right after.   "Good. Now, focus on your palm. I want you to make a claw-like gesture and strain the muscles in your hand and fingers."   "Okay..." Following orders, Galivinth does just that. A solemn stare fixed upon his straining hand that looks as if it were desperately clutching onto an invisible object.   "Now imagine a vacuum forming in the middle of your hand and pulling in energy."   "Energy?"Galivinth repeats.   "Just pretend there's something in the air itself you can pull from. Pretend your hand is pulling at it with the vacuum." With those provided steps, the half cryonean does as he is told. Almost immediately something begins floating into the corners of his vision. Tiny glowing white orbs begin gathering at his palm at a steady rate, combining to form a single large sphere of radiant energy.   "Hey.. Hey! I think I have it! This is supposed to be happening right?" Galivinth excitedly speaks out. In the moment, the visual he sees fades until it's completely gone under his broken focus. "Wait, no.. It's gone?"   "Settle down and keep focus. It's still there, but you have to keep your focus to see it again." Naeth calmly advises, to which his cousin follows through with. The visual of the orb of energy returns almost immediately.   "Okay, I see it again. Now what?"   "I pass judgment, of course. And I have to admit that I'm not too surprised. Your accumulated magic energy seems to have struck its limit already... That's barely enough to cast tier 2 spells." Naeth explains, noting that the sphere in his relative's palm was roughly the size of a softball. Maybe a tad larger.   "Oh... Is that like, really bad?"   "Bad? It's atrocious. The average cryonean without Yvetal's blessing can gather enough for at least tier 3 casting. Truth be told? I didn't think it could be so small.." Naeth casually ridicules.   "Well, show me a comparison. How big is yours?"   "Watch and be amazed." A smug grin abruptly forms across Naeth's lips as he positions his hand beside Galivinth's. In a similar fashion, though far faster, he begins drawing energy to his palm. However instead of white, the coloration of the tiny orbs were a deep radiant blue. By the time he finishes gathering to his limit, his sphere grows to the size of a basketball. Shimmering with a crystal blue light that Galivinth can't help but to wince from.   "Jesus Christ, that's bright… But also pretty cool!"    "Very impressive, isn't it? I'm capable of tier 5 sorcery thanks to the blessing. But admittedly, I've no ambition with this potential. I've mostly been learning to manipulate the element of fire on various scales and in many ways. Haven't bothered with much else."   "Oh, that sounds kind of interesting. Why fire, though?" Galivinth questions.   "Because it's fierce and effective, especially in combat. It just feels satisfying to burn something. I've also learned to integrate it within my Muay Thai training. Something I do when I need to pass the time." Naeth answers.   "Ah, I see. The more I learn about you, the less I understand about you..."   "Well, there'll be time for elaborating later. At the time being, let's focus on getting you familiarized with casting. We'll start with a tier one fire spell." Naeth proposes and shuts his hand, dispersing the collected energy upon doing so. "Try Fi-Ah."   "Fi-ah?" Galivinth repeats, initiating the process of casting. The orb of energy within his palm morphs. Flattening to take the form of a rotating red neon ring, one that shoots out a baseball-sized projectile skyward, startling the teen. "Guh!? I wasn't expecting that!"   "Relax, it was one of the easiest incantations. Don't get so worked up. And as you can tell, casting is relatively easy for the most part. You just need to remember incantations. A lot of them, or a select few. Depends on what you're hoping to do."   "I'm just curious of what the tier 2 version is like. What's the incantation for it?"   "Already ready to explore the next level, huh? Just be mindful not to accidentally set yourself on fire. Repeat the first step of drawing magic." Upon Naeth's instruction, Galivinth focuses on his palm once more and accumulates all that he can into it.   "Alright. Now be careful, okay? It's at least three times larger than Fi-Ah. The incantation is Fi-Ara."    "Got it." And with that, Galivinth adjusts to aim his open palm in a random direction. Right arm extended, left hand bracing its forearm.   "Remember... Be care--"   "Fi-Ara!" Galivinth exclaims, neglecting his relatives' warning with a misguided sense of thinking he knows better. With a roaring and trembling eruption, a flaming projectile the size of three cannonballs combined into one discharges from the teen's palm. Nowhere near as fast as a bullet, but easily capable of covering more ground quicker than a sprinter on foot.    The caster observes with a delighted smile, while Naeth watches nonchalantly with a brow raised. The latter of the two boys can already see how it'll end.  Then, with a thunderous impact, the large fireball strikes a parked car in the distance with great force. Enough to cave in the side and shatter every single window, and also send it tumbling on its side before it's cut off by the surface of the old abandoned building that sits at the corner of the block. The totaled and burning vehicle settles upright on the sidewalk - all much to Galivinth's horror.   "Oh my God..." Galivinth breathes out as the depth of his chest fills with dreadful guilt.   "I tried to warn you."   "I didn't think it'd go so far... I am in so much trouble."   "Possibly. I don't think anyone saw what happened, though. We can feign ignorance and leave elsewhere for a bit." Naeth suggests as the natives of the neighborhood begin stepping out of their homes to investigate the source of the explosive commotion.    "No... No. I... I'd rather be up front about it. I didn't know what I was doing, but I still did it." Galivinth nervously reasons.   "Very admirable of you, cousin." Naeth praises. As incoherent murmuring begin and gradually ascend in volume, an older man comes rushing out of his home. A veteran who lives across the street in one of the single floor houses-for-rent beside the abandoned building. Short brushed over blonde hair, the bit of wrinkles and creases in his face give a hint he's at least forty. He stands at 6'1 in height, his complexion fair, and his demeanor typically uptight and influenced by his lengthy time in the military. A friendly old man, but one known for his habit of rambling about stories from his time serving the country. He, unfortunately, was the owner of that wrecked burning chunk of metal everyone was staring at.   "Those Godda-... AAAUGH! Dang ole flippin' filthy Russians!!" The old man bellows at the top of his lungs while gripping the tongue of his baseball cap and tossing it angrily down to the ground. As he glares daggers at his former vehicle, the two boys cross the street and pass through the crowd to confront him. Galivinth approaches until he's just a meter away from the old timer.   "Mr. Ankerts..." Galivinth reluctantly calls out to get the veteran's attention. He does so without fail. The blonde elder immediately turns toward him with a silent stare. "I... Was the one who blew up your car."   "Eh!? How do you figure?" The old man questions with a skeptical frown.   "I kinda'... Hit it... With...a fire...work?" Galivinth answers with a distorted truth, believing any mentioning of magic wouldn't be taken remotely seriously.   0 Comments  Report Post