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Realistic or Modern Culmination Then Ruin

Two blinked at the apology from Robin and swallowed a bit dryly, but smiled. "Hey, man... let's hope not. If it's any consolation, I'd feel really god-damned guilty." He laughed a bit harshly and jumped at the other gripping his arm. He could feel something almost moving under his skin and, before long, realized it was probably some sort of electrical pulsing. It stopped soon after Robin did and the larger male raised a brow as the other spoke.


"Whatever or where ever works. If Kat has some tools you could check and--" he started, looking over to the woman as she brandished a crate that he assumed was full of every gadget imaginable or about 6 million various screws and nails. When she dropped the case with a thunk, he blinked and looked down at it for a second when she spoke again. "Change? Oh, right."


He scolded himself for forgetting about her 'other life' and sat, facing Robin again, as she went upstairs to undoubtedly get into her heroic attire. "Wonder what her get-up is like?" he asked aloud, then sighed and flexed his hands. "So, eh, were you able to notice anything wrong with me? I mean, outside of the whole half-machine guy thing." He smirked half-heartedly. "I don't really know the extent of what you can do, but I'm hoping it's something. I know sure as shit that I can't patch whatever I am up as well as I can cook a steak."


As he finished the thought, Kat started heading back down and, after a small quip that made him grin, pressed at their minds. Two let his mid 'go' as best he could and felt something strange wash over him. It was an almost woozy feeling, like standing up too fast after a drink or ten, and he tilted a little before recovering. "Woah," he stated dumbly, and shook his head. She began explaining how things worked and he moved his head toward her, listening carefully until she was finished.


When she was, however, he took a better look over her new attire and blinked, thinking before he could stop himself. 'Hell... she actually manages to pull that look off pretty damned well.' After a second, he coughed and sighed. "Annnd, I'm a fuckin' idiot," he said sheepishly, a hardly-noticeable flush going over his face. "So, getting used to this is going to take awhile. On the plus side, kiddo," he teased, "Maybe some of my long-lost memories will come through by accident." He shrugged, as if even he doubted the idea, and looked slightly away, more than a bit embarrassed at himself for his earlier words. It was the beer loosing his tongue, that had to be it...
 
"Don't be, I'm already 120 despite my looks and lack of wisdom. My friends and immediate family are all kinda dead, but such is life no?"


Robin gave a half-hearted chuckle at his own words, it wasn't funny but that was long and short of his social life now. The three people tasked with watching over him sometimes made him feel like he was just a chore they needed to do. He wrapped up his preliminary diagnostics on Two and found that he may have just been operating on duct tape and prayers. There were a lot of unnecessary electrical flows that led to nowhere. He may be able to make Two more serviceable but an expert like Martens is the only one able to optimize Two.


"If she had some tools well, I'm sure I could do a marginally better job. Speak of the devil."


That last part was spoken under his breath, he didn't want to offend Katriane and his tongue just slipped. She dropped a crate that sounded like it was full of many things. She then excused herself to go and change into her super hero outfit, not that Robin noticed as he was somewhat busy prying the crate open and rummaging through the discarded electronics. Of course, he wasn't exactly sure what these electronics even did as he was a hundred years too late to the party. He did find some electronics that were of his generation, mainly a smartphone that looked like his old Samsung S4. Which he ended up pocketing for old time sake. Maybe when he got back home he could bring it back to working order and feel a little less alone in this world, another relic of the past like he was.


"Her get-up might be skin tight or skin revealing, to be honest but then that's me and my archaic views of super heroes. As for you, well right off the bat it's a wonder how you are even moving which means I need to do my utmost to stop you from falling apart. Now I should get back to work, unfortunately I don't know which of these are actually tools so yeah."


Robin once again activated the music playback suite in his head. If he was going to die of an electric overload he didn't want to die listening to his own grunts and screams. A little saxophone cover to soothe the passing was always nice. Directly interfacing with Two's system and simply probing the system were two very different things. One would give him an unpleasant jolt if he was careless and the other would possibly fry his brain due to lack of a built in voltage regulator. He needed to focus his attention to optimizing Two now, he couldn't afford to be distracted. The sound of the music drowned out all external noise. Robin set his fingers on Two's arm and extended his probes inward to make full contact with the electronic system that powered Two's cybernetics.


While he worked he felt a little nausea wash over him which almost made him mess with something he wasn't supposed to mess with. The nausea came and went so very quickly but it still almost gave him an unpleasant jolt to the head. He was able to shake it off and then wipe off the excess sweat on his face. He didn't notice that a sheen of sweat was already forming and it hasn't even been too long into the operation. Just one sweep of the system to see what he could do to optimize the electrical current in Two, how hard could that be?

[media]
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ahshitpostishit
 
Robin didn't acknowledge her presence on her return to the room as he singularly fixated on the task at hand. Katriane had absolutely no idea what he was actually doing but it seemed important enough to the two of them that she wouldn't interrupt. The scene before her was almost intimate, though not in the romantic way she would jest to break tension: Robin sincerely cared about his quest to fix Two (at least physically) and the latter implicitly trusted him to do so. Perhaps desperation drove these strangers to be such fast friends and allies but it was fascinating nonetheless. Katriane's relationships, platonic and familial, were complication and strewn with emotional mine fields that caused her incessant anxiety. Her 'colleagues' in the league were good-natured folks but had a hard time dealing with her dismal doom-and-gloom demeanor for more than the small increments of time than they already did, so she didn't get invited out for drinks after missions. It also probably put some of them off that she had unintentionally caught glimpses of their vices and concealed flaws. When she was younger she believed that so long as you were silent, the person whose secret was exposed to you would not react differently. If only things were so simple!


Once she was done inwardly lamenting herself, she heard a thought escape Two that was flattering. Compliments were rare enough in her current pace of life that this might get a full paragraph in her journal. It was slightly comforting to know that as she slid on her downward slope that she looked attractive while doing it... and there were certainly worse things in life than having a handsome nice man calling you pretty. Despite her jaded nature she blushed slightly and cleared her throat. "Both the boon and curse of telepathy is that you are honest with thoughts. Frustratingly so. I've heard all sorts of things; the sort of stuff that would offend your delicate sensibilities." Her words were light yet mentally he felt the gravity of her assertion slip through. How could you not view your esteemed co-worker differently when you knew they cheated on their spouse at every opportunity? How did continue a friendship when you knew they were a borderline sociopath that only used you for favors? Some of her favorites weer much more personal- errant thoughts how Katherine was clearer the 'better' twin in every capacity. Or that she'd be pleasant if she just never spoke.


"In any case, your secrets are safe with me. Who would I tell?" The blonde leaned over Two's shoulder (assuming he was sitting for his 'surgery') and watched as Robin worked. Again she was a touch close and ignoring the concept of personal space, but that was simply the way Katriane worked and not necessarily indicative of a desire to make him uncomfortable. With a smirk playing on her features she then added, "And you're only an idiot if you regret it, kiddo." Straightening and turning towards Mittens, who was waiting patiently, she started to make her way towards the exit. "Keep in touch. I know someone who can sometimes glimpse into memories. He might be willing to help if I ask nicely."


Katriane had always been terrible with saying good-bye. She was still connected to them (and Two clearly was able to send a message), but she was still pensive about departing. Part of her worried that she would never see again the two friends she had made by serendipity alone and another part of her hoped that she would be spared from the pain that their friendships would inevitably bring. A healthy fear and respect for Madam was what made her ultimately hop down the steps with Mittens in tow. She threw the cover off her car that had been parked around the corner and was dormant except for her weekly excursions to the store or for some hero endeavor. It was time to face the music.
 

Offical Bizness


Madam -- Office
Madam's eyes scanned over the papers in her hands. She flipped from one page to another, and heard the elevator from the end of the hall way ding upon someone's arrival. She folded the file closed, and stood. She heard two pairs of footsteps, and could only hope that is was both of the twins arriving at once.


She walked over to the window behind her desk and chair, peering out over the grounds as she thought. Her door was unlocked, so that her guests could enter freely. She wasn't happy about what she was about to do, but as with all things surrounding a leader, there were just some things that needed to be done.

@PicaPirate @Shura11 If you'd like, we can either do all the actiony posts here, as I'll play the NPC group that are your villains. Or, you may do a collab in PMs and post it here later. Whichever is easiest :) ))[/color][/size][/size]
 

[Redacted] - Alias: Subject Two

A Home in the Middle of Nowhere
​



Two had chuckled when Robin had spoken of the 'suit' Kat was going to be changing into and then winched a little when the other mentioned 'stopping him from falling apart'. He'd stayed silent, however, and let the other work, occasionally exhaling a little more sharply as the other probed at the electronics systems in his augments. It wasn't a painful experience, but was rather very inhuman feeling.


- - -


Looking back up at Kat, he smiled sheepishly as her own face flushed and she cleared her throat to explain. "My delicate sensibilities, eh?" he said with a light smirk, but one lacking in a bit of humor. He could only imagine what she'd experienced. As if on cue, a few thoughts drifted this way that that, but they were broken and disjointed. He wasn't sure if they were his own lost memories, or perhaps some of Dreamless to 'show' him.


When she leaned over his shoulder, inches away from him, he started at first before calming again. He didn't want to disturb Robin's work and end up killing the other with a simple reaction. Besides, the woman's presence was almost relaxing rather than uncomfortable. It gave him something to focus on instead of getting lost in his thoughts and worry about the 'procedure' he was undergoing.


"I regret nothing," he said with a half-smirk, turning his head to look at her for a moment as she stood and turned toward the large feline. "Will do," he replied, then let her words finish sinking it. "I'd appreciate if you would... at least I think so. Maybe I don't want to remember everything." He chuckled at this, but it was humorless and took on a worried note. And then she was gone.


And then there were two.


As she was leaving, Two could feel apprehension in the air around him, but wasn't sure if it was his own, Robin's or Kat's. Sighing, he closed his eyes and tried to 'think' toward her on purpose this time. 'We'll be fine, Kat. You be safe too,' he tried to think, assuming the apprehension had been just that - simple worry. Jolting out've his thoughts at a flicker of unease, he stretched his neck and looked down to Robin. "Ever get used to the feeling of... weird inhuman buzz this stuff gives off?" he asked with a laugh. "Maybe I'm not explaining it right... but it's like I can feel the fuzzy current in my arms and head. Is that you or are these robot-parts in me that badly put in?"
 
The seconds stretched to minutes and those stretched on into eternity as he carefully tried to realign the electrical flow of Two's circuits manually or at least physically. All he needed to readjust the flow to one more servomotor and he'd have done all that he could for Two for the moment, any further calibrations can and should be done by an expert like Martens. It was simply too risky if he attempted it on his own, despite the fact that it was entirely possible for him to do so.


The stream clicked into place and he could already see the servo begin to move about mechanically. It was a success, right up until he pulled out. One of the needles of his fingers went directly into the stream's path and gave an all too unpleasant jolt that ran up his arm and straight into his head. Robin grit his teeth and squeeze his eyes shut to stifle whatever grunt of pain that intended to escape his mouth. His whole body did tense up as the overload coursed through him. It stung like a bitch to say the least.


He raised a hand up and struggled to do so while he was spasming a bit. He would respond when it died down a little.


"Whew. T-to a-answer your question. T-that we-i-rd feeling is prob-lly me m-m-messi-g arrrrnd n y-y-ou. Fuck that was nasty, yeah that was both me and the parts, the buzzing I mean. They were too shittily installed and I was too goddamned careless. Anyway, what's your agenda for now? You gonna go after your girlfriend now?"


Robin couldn't resist spreading a wide, shit-eating grin on his face. It was as if he was asking to be punched in the face. Either way it was worth it, this T-800 was more man than machine and it was a very novel idea to him. Maybe in this day and age, relations with a synthetic aren't that uncommon but it sure as hell was nonexistent a hundred years ago. It did feel a little sobering though, he can't exactly pursue a relationship anymore on account of the fact that he was one hundred and twenty despite looking twenty, any relationship he'd be in would be instantly classified as pedophilia. It was sobering but so was life.
 
Katriane listened to the crunching of gravel beneath her car and stole a glance over to Mittens. A few years ago she had paid a hefty sum of money to have various safety harnesses created for her three closest friends to be able to travel with her. Roosevelt was prone to sleeping in the back seat and thus his industrial-strength rigging was attached to frame in the back of the car. Mittens, however, enjoying being her co-pilot and staring out the window at the passing scenery. It was a touch of a spectacle for passing motorists, even for the rural folks of the nearby countryside. The typical urban citizen would stare and sometimes snap a picture with their phone but very few were willing to approach the vehicle. The large feline was docile for Katriane but less welcoming of those that drew close to her window and obstructed her view of the city's landscape. A single, low guttural growl was a deterrent of the overly inquisitive and overly aggressive alike. Mittens didn't take no shit (despite her adorable name).


They were still passing the looming trees when Two's reassurance thundered into her mind. The man hadn't done anything wrong, but she had been so lost in staring ahead blankly that she had neglected to remember her mental network was still operating in the recesses of her mind. Swerving a little in alarm, she laughed in alarm as Mittens gave her a disgruntled look. Thanks, she replied with a smirk still on her features. Unfortunately, I'm only called to the Academy for two reasons: to be sent on a mission that is almost always as depressing as it is dangerous or to be lectured about my congenial disposition. I might be a while, but I can rendezvous with you if get tired of Roosevelt's company and it's not past your bedtime. She gripped the steering wheel tightly and then relaxed her grip, flexing her digits in anxiety. Sarcasm, a sense of humor, and pessimism were the armour she shielded herself with... but they were always insufficient when approaching the Academy. Despair had leaked through her mental connection, though tempered and mitigated by her knowledge it would seep through no matter how much she wished it would not.


The Academy. It was a reminder of the Superhero League she had believed in so fervently and extolled for most of her life. Katriane had believed it would, once she walked through its hallowed hallways, give her the answers. What sort of person was their absent father? What did he do that was more important than his blood children? What great cause was he devoted to? Could they connect to him through this organization? Why had she been given her powers? Why had Katherine? Could they ever learn to be both happy and healthy? Some answers had been found but most were lacking substantially- yet still her faith in their virtue and guiding principals prevailed. Every step since had become heavier and now the Academy was a manifestation of dread and disappointment. Katherine was just a sacrifice for the greater world and all its flawed inhabitants; she was a joyous martyr-in-the-making. Some of her peers were true paragons of heroism, but others were damaged and hiding scars that could be their undoing. Their father still lacked any interest in the women they had become and had no justification for withdrawing from their lives. The Academy was where it all started, it all culminated, and where it was all ruined.


And as she sank deeper into the moral quagmire, the more she realized the futility of fighting. Katherine extended her hand yet all Katriane could see was a bloodied Harmony destroying herself. And for what? What could possibly merit her losing her twin, her other self, her beacon of brilliance in dim surroundings, her beloved best friend? Madam was slightly sympathetic but either too busy or unwilling to help. Her peers had not the patience or time to battle past her walls of social commentary. And so she was sure 'Dreamless' would not hear anything positive this day nor any day soon. Above all other things she was realistic and she knew she had done nothing exemplary to receive commendation. If it was a mission Mittens would be her first line of defense against anything... angry. Hostile villains or a hostile Madam? It was difficult to determine which she disliked more but one of the two was probably going to complete her day.


The drive was uneventful save for a few motorists tossing confused expressions in her direction. They looked once, saw a cougar, went back to driving, then looked back in wide-eyed alarm. Only one nearly drove off the road in a wreck... today was a good day. When she reached the Academy some of the underclassmen gave her similar confused, startled expressions. The dark colours of her outfit meant she was mistaken for a villain, a few thought she was Harmony (expected), and most were completely unsettled by the presence of a cougar strolling around as if was a completely normal companion to have. Only the greenest of the lot (freshman) were naive enough to look at her with unabashed idolatry; the upperclassmen knew who she was and thus knew better.


As she strode towards Madam's office, taking the elevator that she often wished would swallow her up whole, she patted Mitten's coat for some reassurance and tried to prepare herself to see her sister. It was both wonderful and heartbreaking to see Katherine every time and today would be no different. With a practiced apathetic visage she entered, breezing through the open door, and trying her best to look unassuming in her preposterous garments.
 
As the larger male waited for Robin's answer, he watched the other as he concentrated to 'fix' whatever ailed Two - or at least, that's what Two assumed. For all he knew, Robin was about to make him uppercut his own head into mush.


Shaking away the thought, he frowned as something happened under his flesh, a more prominent buzzing coursing through him. Robin gave a start, then clenched his teeth closed and tensed up, trying to fight back pain. "Holy shit!", the augmented human exclaimed, eyeing the other male warily as he began to recover.


When the other spoke though, Two listened carefully, looking worried at first and then giving a mock scowl toward the other at the mention of 'girlfriend' regarding Kat. "Firstly, none of that about my 'tech' sounds any good. Badly installed parts? Hell, I don't even know what makes a difference in any of that. And don't be so careless next time," he joked with a bout of nervous laughter.


A beat passed and Two sighed. "As for the girlfriend thing... shut it, smart ass," he stated, but grinned to show he wasn't angry at the comment. "Not that it'd be entirely unwelcome... I'd just feel bad drawing her into a relationship with somebody that might accidentally knock her head off without warning." He huffed a bit of laughter through his nose, but there wasn't a lot of humor behind it, as usual.


"Instead of 'going after her', I thought we could take a trip to wherever you talked about earlier. Seeing those people you know that might be able to lend a hand with whatever they hell I got made into." His eyes stared at the other with an almost paranoid glaze over them. "I warn you though... these guys try to do what the last group did and things won't end well. I'm not trying to make threats, I just want you to know."


Standing up, he felt waves of feelings and thoughts wash over him. First was the sobering and depressing feelings coming from Robin, and then came the tensed alarm, calm, and then anxiety from Kat. Words followed and he had to concentrate at first. They seemed quiet to him, but when he closed his eyes and 'listened', they came more clearly.


Despite himself, he smiled at her thanks, then straightened his features when she talked of the academy. He found himself worried for a second about her at the mention of a dangerous mission, then pushed the thoughts back. She was a professional, right? She'd surely dealt with things like this before. Her last words drew the corners of his mouth up again, however.


I'd be alright with that. Don't think I'll be getting much sleep tonight anyhow, no matter how tired I'll be. Lot to think over about things. He pondered for a second about this, then pushed more thoughts her way. I'm trying to convince Robin here that he should take me to his 'friends' and get me fixed up. If anything happens, we'll let you know.





A sudden flash of thought crossed his mind before he could stop it; the flickered image of Two and Kat strolling along an empty street and talking, laughing. Argh... damn it Robin, putting thoughts in my head... he stuttered in his mind-voice, a wave of embarrassment washing around the thoughts.


He hadn't thought of anyone like that since his fiance left. It wasn't at all unpleasant, but still had a strange and alien feeling to it. He wondered if it was how the last relationship of his had ended or if it was all the actions of the day finally taking hold of his mind and making everything just feel out of focus.


"I'm gonna' have to learn to control my thoughts a little better..." he mumbled, half-glaring at Robin. "And next time stop you before you make me make a fool of myself." Laughing, despite the embarrassment, he watched the other. "So, what'cha think? Wanna' see if your pals can fix a busted up piece of machinery?"
 
Robin let Two have his moment. He couldn't do or say much because of the excess volts in his veins. Instead Robin just kept thinking of random things, things that would have no bearing on this day and age. Idle musings of a relic from a bygone era. He made everything vivid, because vivid imagery in his head would be better than trying to do a Jabbawockeez routine. He tried to remember the days before that calamity a hundred years before.


It was clear and vivid what with the excessive amperes in his system. It felt more manageable now it would be very helpful if he tried to replicate some sort of scene with his newly eidetic memory. He didn't care at what point of his life he should recreate but it would really help expend the energy at least. He could only put in himself half-inside the illusion though, which meant that he could hear and register what Two was saying to him.


And there came in the scene, it felt very familiar. His friends gathered around in his room and they were in another gaming session while they were enjoying some snacks and drinks courtesy of the house staff. Everything was lively, the air was rife with trash talking, stress and despair. No one could beat Robin in a shooter game anyway, not even 3 against 1. He felt the triumph wash over him, as if the storm outside the room was nonexistent.


Right.


He recreated the day they all died. It was sobering to think that all that just happened in the space of a split second.


Of course, the scene was replaced by his current surroundings and faint voices in his head. As if they were distant fingers reaching out to him, they sounded vaguely like Two. It puzzled him as to why Two would be in his head, for that matter even Katriane was faintly in his head too a while back while he was working. Did they drug him while he worked? It wasn't entirely impossible, even Lucia told him that he was hard to distract when he something kept his attention, that it was very rare for her to have such a focused baby brother and how he was different from the younger brothers of her friends.


"Yeah, we'll do that after I clarify a few things to you first, Two."


Robin stood, confident that worst was over and he had normal control over his body rather than spasming all over the place.


"First of all, what was with that ghost image of you and Katriane in my head? I mean it was faint but I could definitely tell it was two, you have some history together? Not that it matters. As for your parts, I did the best I could under the circumstances and you can rest assured that you won't suddenly uppercut your girlfriend's face off. If you need a wingman, I'm right here."


A proud smile and two thumbs pointing to himself, that was the gesture he had chosen to emphasize his wingmanness. He didn't want to lose his career of being a professional amateur wingman/third wheel. He was the one everyone went for some pretty stupid dating advice and he delivered, gaining some side profit in the process. If you're on a first date in the neighborhood, who ya gonna call? This guy.


"Of course, this wingman just pilots outdated planes. But hey, I think the things I do will fly right under her radar until it's too late, I soften her up and then you swoop in for the kill eh? No one expects the senior citizen to fight back after all. As for the guys at Reed Pharma, well what would you expect from a pharmaceutical corp that is expanding research on cybernetic enhancements? If you're asking to be dismantled, I can't let you do that because I still need to be your wingman and you still don't have eight kids and a dog with Katriane yet. If you're asking to be patched up, we can do that but we'll need to run a few diagnostics on your bio-cybernetic interfacing, maybe you'd like me to thrown in some pheromone booster package to streamline this whole courting process. Not that I'd know such a thing would exist, I'm just some hundred year twenty year old virgin. If you're there for upgrades, we can arrange a few sub-legal enhancements. If you think I'll stop teasing you about Katriane, well you're shit out of luck. You're climbing the stairway to heaven, so carry on my wayward son....not that you'd know the songs."


Again, he flashed his biggest shit eating grin and the thumbs pointing at him were now pointing up. A shit devouring grin and the two shit rods of approval. What more could he do? A raised eyebrow for better emphasize on whatever?


Robin was ready to leave and lead on or just go home alone. He didn't want to overstay his welcome after all, not that he was sure he was even welcomed here. He was ordered to just make contact after all and he already had some idea on the bio-cybernetic interfacing while he was busy optimizing Two.


"If that dissuaded you, then I guess I'm going home alone. I was only ever tasked to make contact and confirm your existence after all. Plus you can just wait here for Katriane to return from her stressful day, then both of you can "destress!" Ehuehuehuehuehue."


The "destress" bit was emphasized with his fingers making quotation marks as well attempting an obviously bad wink. The grin never left his face and the rods of approval returned after he did his little gesture. He hadn't acted this juvenile in a long while, it was like highschool all over again, except he was one hundred and twenty. It was a little bit refreshing as well, even if he was alone in this world, he could find the courage to be what made him Robin in the first place, plus there was that old Samsung S4 he pocketed from Katriane and a pair of Senheiser earphones as well. He was confident he'd get his two friends in working order.


notsurewhatI'mdoinganymore.
 
Offical Bizness

Madam -- Office
Madam turned when both the twins entered her office. Her narrow eyes barely glanced at the sidekick that also entered. She had not sent for him, but she supposed as a sidekick he was just accompanying his Champion. She turned her gaze on both Katherine and Katriane. Her lips spread into a tight smile.




"How nice of you to finally show,"

she said. She bent over her desk, sorting through the files before pulling out two devices that looked a lot like watches. They were slim in design, and their silver links glittered in the room's light. She handed one to each of the twins and began her explanation.




"You are here because I need you both to participate in a certain event that will be coming up. What I'm about to tell you is extremely classified, and must no leave this room. Is that understood?"

she looked from each twin to the sidekick. She eyed him harder than the others before continuing, her glaze turning towards the more reliable twin, Katherine.




"There is notice of increased Unclassified activities. It seems they are creating rebel groups among themselves. Now, while we have thwarted their activities previously, it seems that certain things are passing under our radar. I and my informants are certain that there is a possibility of Villain involvement. While the villains have always helped in keeping the Unclassifieds handled with their lure of

special

training, we are certain some are helping in an,"

she paused, an annoyed look passing over her features,

"unfavorable way."




"Thus, I have chosen the two of you to keep an eye out for any suspicious Unclassified activity. The watch that I just gave you has the capability of displaying all Unclassified threat files, as well as allowing you you create new files. Now, if you would so kindly place the watches on your wrist."

She waited, eying them both as they would place the watches on their desired wrist. The devices immediately tightened around their wrists into a snug fit, and if they were to attempt to remove them, it would only tighten more.




"The devices have a direct communication link towards me, so anytime you need to turn in an Unclassified, or whenever I need to check up on you, we won't have any communication delays,"

she said. Her lips thinned and her white teeth glared a smile.

"Now, I want the both of you to examine the Unclassified threat files, along with the information on the areas where rebels have been spotted. You two will be personally in charge of ensuring the security that the Hero League promises its citizens from the Unclassifieds."


Madam turned as she ended her conversation, and sat in her chair at her desk. Then, as a thought struck her, she peered up at the twins again.

"One last thing. If I find that you are not taking this mission seriously, I will have your classification ripped from you."

The corners of her lips twitched into a smile. She waved her hand as if to shoo them out of the office.

"On your way now,"

she said.




@Killigrew @Prizzy Kriyze @Syrenrei


 
Katherine


Madam's Office


A long hallway with tall arches laid out an unvaried walk to the high doors of the Madam's office. Katherine wasn't anticipating much more than another assignment. She could only hope this wouldn't force her out of the city again. It'd be a worse mess for everyone since there was no sufficient hero to substitute her territory.


It was halfway down the line that a familiar inkling began niggling on the edges of Kath's perception. The presence of a second mind, the easing in of her sister's long-known connection.


Kath halted and looked back. The elevator doors opened wide to reveal a mirror of herself, though more uniformly dressed.


Kat, The Champion smiled. It was grand to see her again. Happy memories and the warm bond of great trust had long come to associate itself with Kath's viewing of her sister. In the past, meetings after a week's absence would sprout a racing, jumping hug. But now, after years' worth of arguments, disagreements, and the eventual, tentative standstill -- Kat to her seclusion, Kath to her unrelenting crusade -- marked a restraint of affection. But it did not stop the wide, excited grin and the warmth in her chest from spreading through her.


Kath waited for her sister to fall in line with her and Gaspard before returning to those hastened steps. Yet now there was a bounce in her step. She and her sister were paired again -- perhaps the mission would be an opportunity to break through to Katriane.


Such hopes were quickly dashed as they went into the room and were given brisk, emphatic instruction with little explanation.


The watch constricted like a chain around Kath's wrist. She could feel her lips twisting with discomfort. This wasn't what she signed up for as a hero.


And the words were bursting from her mouth.


"Unclassifieds are rarely a threat to the system set in place by the Hero's league. Shouldn't we be focused on those whose explicit purpose is to spread harm and chaos? That overturn order for the sake of their own selfish wants, bereft of consideration or care?" Kath's voice was raising, and she cut it down as she realized this. Her head and eyes turned downcast, and in a more civil, even tone, she said, "After all this, the Villain's League is the greater threat, isn't it?"
 
Katriane had once completely believed in the heroic vision that was sold like merchandise to the people of the world. While not infallible, heroes were beacons of justice and righteousness that blazed across the landing saving Innocents, showing compassion and empathy in the face of tragedy, courageously thrusting themselves into danger for the greater good. The birth of powers meant layers of complexity were created in defining humanity and what role all should serve to maintain order, but the creation of the leagues simplified everything. Not many dwelt on the neat tidy sorting box displayed before them. Heroes, villains, and unclassified. If you went to the academy you were a hero or villain and if you did not you were an unclassified; use of your ability as an unclassified made you a threat to be eradicated. Simple. Clean. People yearned for such concise, firm answers and thus Katriane was once similarly enchanted. Why should she doubt or spend endless nights twisting and turning in consideration of ambiguous morality? She was a hero and the unclassified threats were bad guys.


Except they were not. As the years passed the brilliant allure of the Hero League was dimmed and compromised. Often they were sent to destroy threats they did not fully know the sins of. The minds of veritable paragons were obliterated as dark secrets and thoughts were conveyed during a telepathic link. Although most of them were benign they at least added gray streaks to the pristine white visages Katriane viewed them with. A few villains were even sympathetic persons and more than once she saw someone grow and change within their classification- though it was not recognized. Once an antihero, always an antihero. Katriane had no room for real growth. As so she quietly began to question these decisions and the capacity of the people who made them. Were they traversing a road to hell paved with good intentions? Was Katherine being sacrificed for the wrong reasons? Encroaching despair had only been halted by seclusion and the comfort of animal companions. So long as she kept her head down and tried not to overthink things she could pretend that every mission was as just and righteous as they once were in her imagination. The animals provided her great comfort. Her private business flourished.


As the watch cinched tightly on her wrist, Katriane found herself disappointed. Again. Despite all that had transpired and every revelation at her feet, she could not help but find herself hoping. It was as if she was the mother of a disappeared child, clinging desperately to the tiniest fraction of belief they still lived despite evidence to the contrary. She was a brother and sister to tortured artists that wallowed in melancholy but found renewed pain and joy despite attempts to be numb. How and why she did this to herself was beyond her. Madam was not the only one to blame- Katriane was as well.


Katherine's objection startled Katriane out of her reverie. Her sister was usually the good child- if she was resistant then truly Katriane's aversion was doubly justified. It just then that a vision of her and Two strolling down a street, chatting and presumably flirting, flitted through her mind via the telepathy. Had she not been in such a terrible situation physically she might have laughed aloud, though her amusement carried through her next words. Quite an interesting proposition... and there you go again. Apologetic again. Are you next going to blame your 'modifications' for sending me these mixed signals? The brief image helped center Katriane after receiving this wretched mission. It was rare someone thought so kindly of her and unheard of to be flirted with- so she enjoyed the teasing of Two for his embarrassment. His hesitance made her wonder if he would sincerely try to woo her or if he would putz out at the last moment.


Almost certainly the latter.


Behave yourselves. I'm adding two more to our... group. Katriane did not mean to doubt Katherine, but they were unlikely to succeed in changing Madam's mind... or any other stance of the league. They were essentially powerless in the situation and had no aces tucked up their sleeves. That left Katriane with only one option- to run to the ends of the earth. If she met with Two and Robin more than once she might expose them to danger for the watch might be capable of tracking her- how else would Madam know if she was being derelict of duty? And how could she possibly comply? No, she would not be complicit in the damning of Unclassified struggling to survive and defend themselves from a hostile world. To encourage Katherine's defiance would only blemish her record and put her in danger as well. It was best to assist Two as promised and withdraw as quickly as possible- it was her only hope. How could she prevail against the might of the league? Mittens cast her a concerned gaze.


With reluctance Katriane's mind reached out first to Katherine, encouraging and welcoming her to join into a telepathic connection. It reached with more difficulty toward that of Zak, the 'friend' she had hoped might be able to ease Two into the memories he lost. Both or neither of them might respond amicably but she obviously hoped for the former... for the toll of such an extended connection was taking a toll. Her vision was flickering with black splotches from exertion and very soon it was likely she would gain a telling nose bleed.


@Auren @Erica @Grin @Sol @Prizzy Kriyze
 

Zak Muir

One-bedroom apartment on the north side of the City
​



“Take care of you.”


Zak could hear the concern in Kirsten’s voice. Calling his sister may have been a mistake given his current state of mind; she always knew when he was upset, even when he kept his answers brief to disguise the irritation in his voice. Missing their weekly phone call would only have raised more suspicion, though, so he had done his best.


It didn’t help that the grey and blue softball cap lay on his living room table, next to the pizza boxes he had been meaning to throw away since last Thursday. He had used it to discern where Alana and her mother were likely headed, but the information proved more evasive than usual. Each time the teenage girl seemed to be in a different location. He had finally gotten a solid lead, but before he could act on it, he had to get some rest - and check in on Kirsten.


He held Don Coyne’s business card in his free hand, pinching the edges of the heavyweight paper between his thumb and index finger until it started to curve. The card wasn’t enough to trigger a vision without his willing it so, but if necessary it might be enough to trigger one with a little effort. If nothing else, he could track the guy down the old fashioned way when the time came. But first he had to find Alana. “I always do. Don’t I?” He answered with a smirk he knew Kristen would hear through the phone.


This usually signaled the end of their conversation, but this time he heard her smirk in turn. “Yeah, yeah. But you’ve got that I’m-about-to-start-trouble tone.” When he didn’t object immediately, she pressed on. “Don’t bother denying it. I know you probably can’t say anything about it, especially if it’s League business.”


Zak shook his head. It wasn’t Hero League business, and Kirsten probably knew that. But she was smart enough not to imply anything else over the phone - not overtly anyway. “I can neither confirm nor deny...” he quipped.


“Mmm-hmm,” she teased. “I know the drill. But you’d better call next week or I’ll be forced to cut class, hop on a plane, and rescue your sorry ass.”


It was then that Zak felt something he hadn’t in a long time: a faint but familiar touch to his mind. “Yes, Ma’am. Look, I gotta run. Someone’s on the other line. Talk to you next week?” As he spoke, he gently opened his mind to the one trying to reach him. It felt like easing into a pool of warm water, only much more personal.


He barely heard Kirsten’s reply of “You’d better. Talk to you later,” as he hung up the phone. He was too focused on the mental connection being established.


He and Kat had attended the University at the same time. She and her sister had caught his attention. Admittedly, they had caught almost every guy’s attention at some point, but it was Kat’s transformation after graduation from an idealistic hero-wanna-be to a disillusioned pessimist that had drawn him to her specifically. He was past the crush he once had on her, but he remained protective and tried to maintain a friendship. Her sometimes-delicate emotional state seemed to embody the catch-22 the world offered Aberrants. (It didn’t hurt that she was pretty, either; he knew his weaknesses.) She was nearly a recluse these days, so the fact that she was reaching out surprised him. If this were about a mission, he would have heard from the League first. So either she was in trouble or... well, she was probably in some sort of trouble. The only question was what kind.


Luckily, he knew how the link worked and had experience keeping his emotions in check. It had been a while, but he did his best not to let the sudden wave of protectiveness he felt seep into the mental connection. It didn’t even occur to him that others would already be listening in. He instantly asked, Kat? Are you all right?


Then he realized they weren’t alone. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate. There were at least two others. What the hell was going on?
 
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[Redacted] - Alias: Subject Two

A Home in the Middle of Nowhere
​



When Robin started speaking, Two blinked and almost cut him off before realizing that there wasn't a thing in the world that was apt to stop the other male from rambling on, even if it WAS regarding the image of himself and Kat that he'd projected. Rubbing his temples, he waited until the blast of words came to a close (along with some VERY interesting facial expressions and hand gestures) and began trying his best to respond.


"First things first - we DON'T have any history together. That image was just me being really shitty at not 'saying' what I'm thinking. You mentioned 'girlfriend' and that's where my brain took me. Keep forgetting about the whole 'mental link' thing," he grumbled and went to take his empty beer bottles into the kitchen. When he came back out, he continued.


"Second, not uppercutting heads off is good. Kat's head or otherwise." He sighed at that and looked at his hands again. His arms felt lighter and more flexible - more like they were normal again - and it was a damned good feeling. "Thirdly, not dismantled. I have a bad feeling that there wouldn't be much left of me from all the tech that I've apparently got instead of fuckin' limbs. Keep the pheromone booster pack and any other fancy gadgets to yourself, but if your pals can get the rest of me feeling as limber as my arms are right now, I'd owe you for sure, man. If I'm ever gonna' hope for anything in the way of normal, I'd better get these parts of mine installed right by professionals AND learn how to use 'em a little better."


"As for sub-legal... I have no idea what that means, but you'll have to gimme a list of what you got. And... you're a pretty damned good wingman for a virgin at a hundred twenty... just keep it a little low-key, yeah? Teasing now and again is fine, but Kat controls animals, remember? She'll likely kill us both," he joked, actually grinning this time, even if he was shaking his head at the other's own grin and thumbs that were shot upward toward the overly enthusiastic face.


"To be honest, I'm not sure if now IS the best time. I should ask Kat when she's coming back. For all I know, this 'upgrade' of mine could take days - not to insult your friends, if I even am - and I'd figure at least letting her know the scoop would be a better idea."


As if on cue, a few stray feelings swam over his mind and a familiar voice spoke into his mind. The cybernetic male flushed at the words, a feeling of embarrassment creeping from his untrained mind as he replied. Not apologetic, just a bit flustered. And those 'mixed signals' are all me. Sorry about that... it's just been a long time since I've thought about that kinda' thing other than... my last relationship. The thought that followed wasn't clear, but there was a sourness to it as if it wasn't the most welcome subject in the world. Quickly fading, his thoughts and words went back normal. Maybe we'll have to talk it over more in person, yeah?





Smiling again, he rubbed his head against the unique type of communication, concentrated and continued. When are you heading back here, by the by? Robin mentioned 'upgrades', but I don't want to run off if I'm going to be out of commission for days at a time or anything like--


Before he could finish, Kat popped in again about adding a couple more to the 'conversation'. There was a pulse of thoughts and Two staggered, the beer in his stomach giving an unpleasant churn for just a second before the nausea passed and someone asked 'Kat? Are you all right?' Blinking, the augmented male furrowed his brow in concentration, trying his best to 'feel out' the others, if that was even something he could manage to do.
 
Offical Bizness

Madam -- Office





Madam stared at Katherine with narrowed eyes. She plucked a file from one of the many piles that occupied her desk. She opened it, leafed through the documents inside. With the sound of whispering paper, she finally laid the file down with a snap, displaying to the girl photos stamped

Classified

. Many detailed Unclassified men and women attacking heroes, stealing, and the like. Some had silver circles around their heads, a V written beside it.





"I have placed others in charge of keeping the Villains in check. These Unclassifieds

are

spreading harm and chaos. They are harming the system that has maintained the peace, and must be dealt with. That is now your utmost concern,"

Madam glanced from one twin to another.

"The Hero League has worked very hard to keep this from the public, as we do not want to cause them panic. It is best kept that way."




Madam closed the file and moved it back to is corresponding pile. Then, she raised a very sharp brow.

"Anymore questions?"

she asked, though her tone said that the conversation was over.






@Killigrew @Prizzy Kriyze @Syrenrei


 
"Yeah, I don't really know how tech experts here work. Back in my day those enhancements never existed. I would bet a few days though I suppose I could help speed up the process and cut it down considerably. Money is the only true super power in any person's day, am I right? But yeah, I understand wantin to consult with the missus before anything. Reminds me of dad before well before a hundred years passed by in the blink of an eye."


Robin wanted to point out that the one's who held Two captive were probably professionals too but then he realized that this robot may not have Sense of Humor version 10.0 installed, so he kept his mouth shut. He also didn't say anything about not being afraid if he ended up being torn limb from limb by Yogi bear and Booboo bear, he had slept through a hundred years and getting a girlfriend was already on grounds for pedophilia. Plus he'd just be useless baggage for the girl.


Robin made his way to the fridge to survey what was left when another one of those faint voices in his head assaulted his mind. He could hear Two, he could hear Katriane, and he could hear another voice originating beyond the fringes of his awareness. Then again Two and Katriane also sounded like they were just a little past his awareness, except those two were distinctly familiar. Robin helped himself to can from Katriane's dwindling supply of beer. He allowed the lager to cool his parched throat, hopefully that shock just gave him a dry throat and nothing else. Kat said something about adding more people to the mental link but Robin disregarded it, he didn't exactly know how this telepathy mumbo jumbo worked. In fact he was probably too old for that shit.


Robin made his way back to where Two was. Only to find the T-800 looking very constipated, that brow was very convincing in portraying that he was battling against quite a large turd. Robin found himself laughing very loudly before he could muster enough mental strength to stifle it. He nearly drowned in his beer to be honest and chugged the can before speaking.


"Look, I don't what you intend to do, but looking constipated doing it isn't going to help. Though I suppose you're mentally searching for your girlfriend which is admirable if you didn't look like you were forcing a particularly large turd out your ass."
 
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Gaspard John Iscariot


Madams Office

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​



Gaspard faked a neutral expression when he entered the office, acting as if he was actually supposed to be there... But madams glance told him otherwise. He felt his heart jump and leaned very slightly backwards with slightly widened eyes as she looked at him, but did his best to retain his composure. He'd always been just a little terrified of madam, and that much should've been obvious. Luckily for him, her gaze didn't remain on him for very long.


Gaspard wasn't known for his great attention span, which was understandable since he possessed no such qualities, and quickly fell into thought when the Madam spoke up. His eyes wandered over the room, and eventually landed on Katriane. Once upon a time he'd had as much respect for her as her sister, but that had faded. She hadn't proved to be a bad person in his book exactly, but he just didn't like her. Besides, he was uncomfortable about her abilities. He did not know what she could do with her telepathy, and he'd always felt like his privacy was being invaded when she was around. It was a thing about personal integrity, and he believed everyone deserved to keep their secrets to themselves.


He snapped back to reality when Kath spoke up. She sounded somewhat upset, but he unfortunately still had no idea what she was talking about, as he had paid little to no attention to Madam. His hand automatically moved towards his knives, but when he realized what he was doing he stopped himself and hoped nobody noticed. He had heard Kath though, and raised an eyebrow. We're going after unclassified? That's weird.


His interest was suddenly piqued, and he actually listened to the Madams response. Unclassified spreading chaos and harm, huh? Strange. It's not like it was unheard of, it happened a little now and then, but a mission for two alumni directly aimed at taking care of unclassified? It seemed like overkill to him. He'd have to ask Katherine about this later.


@Auren


@Killigrew


@Syrenrei
 
Katherine


Kat's thoughts started to trickle in. It was a calling more than anything, a prodding, a question that required Kath accept before the information would be shared. Katherine had been waiting Madam's response as it happened, and couldn't help the confusion from furrowing her face.


She accepted the request without hesitation, without thinking. Conjoined thoughts and emotions congealed with the forming of a psychic bond, a familiar sensation that Kath pushed to the back of her mind, keeping her eyes on the authority before her. If Kat addressed her, she'd hear it. Now was the time to listen. For the Madam was speaking, reaching for a folder, thick with paper, displaying it open on the desk before them, and iterating again the simple necessity of their assignment.


Katherine couldn't help her still-present discontent and confliction. Unclassifieds were by and large benign from Kath's experience, and the stray powers-wielder that wasn't was the exception, not the norm, and usually formed by extenuating circumstances. But Katherine wasn't the leader -- she didn't make the assignments, she didn't decide on the missions. She had chosen to submit to this authority, and decided that to be the right way, and the Madam had humored her subversive retort with uncharacteristic patience.


She was nodding resignedly when the connection became louder. Emotions, unpracticed and unfiltered, poured in by strangers on the other end, echoing as from afar.


Two distant voices. And then a third, more familiar, set in, were caught in the network of minds. But neither made Kath go rigid with empathetic worry.


It was the nearby that did -- Kat beside her. The paling of her face was evidence arresting, and the sensations offered by their shared minds confirmed beyond all doubt. Kath clicked her teeth.


"Madam, thank you for the honor of this mission." Kath said quickly. "We accept, and we shall certainly get right on it." The champion then spun on her heel and snatched Katriane's arm along the way. Provided she was too spent to resist, Kath all but dragged her sister out of the office, through to the hall, and kept on walking for the elevator.


"Who are all of you?" She shot through to them all, but didn't really wait for an answer. It was more an accusation than a question. "Get out of Kat's head. Now."


She severed her own connection and turned a reproachful look on Kat. With analytical eyes and a practiced forbearance, she took hold of Kat's chin and turned her head, watching her eyes. With a sigh blowing out her mouth, Kath stepped back, and crossed her arms. An eyebrow raised in askance. "What's going on?"
 
Katriane avoided saying anything to Madam purposefully and, quite fortunately, her superior was much more interested in what her reflection had to say. The sidekick that had taken a shining to Katherine (and who could blame him) stayed as silent as Mittens during the brief discussion. Sometimes she had the fleeting feeling that she was but a side character to the grand story of her sister and the Hero League. Some day there would be a collection of stories detailing the courageous acts of Harmony, preserver of justice and hand of the righteous! Oh yes, and she had this woman that looked exactly like her but hid in the forest with animals. A small sigh escaped her lips as the task was accepted for her though she did not blame Katherine. Madam wasn't giving them a choice. There was no choice except to nod and then take whatever action was deemed necessary later- and pray for the best if possible.


It was Katherine's choice to call it an honor that made Katriane suddenly feel violently nauseous. Had she miscalculated in her assumption that her sibling would at least be understanding of the moral ambiguity of the mission? It was no secret that the better version of herself still believed in the best of most people and situations. When the glorious brilliance of the league faltered and dimmed she was a beacon of its virtue. Katriane believed that had she not been such a rampant disappointment that Katherine's portrait, dressed as the lovely Harmony, would be plastered on every advertisement for the league. Even now, trying to retreat from the watchful gazes of the world, she was a blemish and stain on her twin's image.


As she was dragged into the hallway and towards the elevator, Katriane used her free hand to blot at her nose. A thick, warm stream of blood had begun to seep from her nostrils and was duly noticed by Katherine. There was no use in hiding the exertion from the all-seeing heroine. Gaspard and Mittens trudged a few steps behind and watched the spectacle unfold but still Katriane showed no signs of embarrassment, regret, or shame when she was veritably scolded. Her shoulders were slightly sagged in her typical resignation towards life but otherwise she did not display outward signs of emotional turbulence. Katriane was too advanced for that and too paranoid of her plan being discovered prematurely. Run, run, run- the telepath must find a way to run and save them all from her tragic and pitiful downfall.


As Katherine stared in her eyes she flickered her gaze away finally, taking the opportunity to speak to Two, Robin, and Zak after the rude intrusion and accusation lobbied in their direction. While she understood why her sister had tried to order them away she still had things that must be conveyed at this inopportune time. The clock was ticking in a relentless countdown until Madam would discover her intent to defect. Even now her heart raced at an alarming speed that surprised Katriane herself. Who knew that there was such real fear and concern for her life buried deeply within? I apologize for Katherine, she is a little upset with me today. Don't depart just yet, there is something important I need to convey to all of you. Introductions first- Zak, these are my new friends Robin and Two. Robin and Two, this is my friend Zak.


Taking a deep breath, she realized that she hadn't answered any of their questions. Zak had inquired if she was all right, Two had asked about meeting later, and then Robin had gone on some long tangent that probably required a response. Her head throbbed briefly and the colors of Katherine's eyes swam together with her blank stare. She dabbed at the blood above her lip casually, rubbing it between two fingers. You'd think her sister would be more pleased to see the source of her power flowing so freely, waiting to be utilized. Zak, Two needs some assistance in discovering some memories he lost. Robin, I'm afraid I'll need your assistance in removing a watch from my wrist that almost certainly has some tracking device on it- the sooner, the better. Another pause. If she didn't tell Zak she was okay then he would know with certainty that something was horribly wrong, yet telepathy did not allow her to tell any lies. I'll be fine, Zak. Madam gave us a mission that has Katherine and I at odds again- as usual.


With that handled she cleared her throat, trying to make certain none of the crimson fluid was traveling to her stomach. Katherine demanded her attention and she could not escape a reply as much as she wished to. She pressed the elevator button to descend to the lower level and then parted her lips to speak softly. "I'm sorry, Kath." Apologies were common enough from Katriane but this was more saturated than any preceding. It was as if with those three words she were apologizing for not only her mental transgression but her entire existence. Her gaze flickered to Gaspard before returning to Katherine. "I have to help a couple friends I made today. They are good people in need of help and that is why I reached out to Zak. Kath... I'm not a hero like you are, like even Gaspard is. I want you to be safe and happy and the champion that you take so much pride in being, and so... I think it's best you stay away from me, Kath." Her eyes spoke that she could not possibly accept the mission laid out before her yet she could not say so aloud- not in front of Gaspard and not in the Academy.


Katriane was certain that she could maintain this telepathic connection with her distant friends just a little longer. The use of her powers earlier in the day might be exhaustive but certainly she needed to hear their responses to her requests. After all, she had only collapsed twice in all the years she had used her abilities. Twice. Katherine was being paranoid.


@Grin , @Sol , @Killigrew , @Erica , @Prizzy Kriyze
 

Zak Muir

One-bedroom apartment on the north side of the City
​



There were at least two others in Kat’s mind-link thing. Zak had never enjoyed the sensation of sharing minds with others. His first experience had included informing both sisters that he thought they were hot; he was pretty sure that they had enjoyed that knowledge even as they had chided him about staying on mission. But even after he had learned to temper his emotions, there was something overly intimate about the connection.


It didn’t help that there were strangers in the mix today.


And one person he knew very well. He heard Kath’s voice and felt her holier-than-thou presence over the connection. Her irritation seeped into his mind, feeling like sandpaper in uncomfortable places.


"Who are all of you? Get out of Kat's head. Now."


Ahh, yes. Sweet Katherine, the Hero who took no prisoners and brooked no argument. Her heart was usually in the right place, though, and the order to get out of Kat’s head only increased Zak’s concern. Was she hurt? Some of his concern was probably leaking into the swirling pool of thoughts and minds that Kat had created, but he couldn’t help it.


He didn’t move. Literally he remained still on his couch, closing his eyes in an attempt to mentally ‘listen’ more carefully. Figuratively, he would not sever the connection until he knew that she was okay. He tamped down any further questions, waiting for Kat to respond.


Luckily, she did so quickly. I apologize for Katherine, she is a little upset with me today. Don't depart just yet, there is something important I need to convey to all of you. Introductions first- Zak, these are my new friends Robin and Two. Robin and Two, this is my friend Zak. New friends? That she had to introduce via her mind link? He stood up, reaching for his coat.


Zak, Two needs some assistance in discovering some memories he lost. Robin, I'm afraid I'll need your assistance in removing a watch from my wrist that almost certainly has some tracking device on it- the sooner, the better. He was at the door by now, coat on, keys and helmet in hand. What kind of tracking device? Had the League started tracking members? If so, why would she need it removed? That could lead to a whole lot of trouble for her. He didn't know Robin's name, was he someone new to the League? Before he could ask, she answered his question, albeit evasively. I'll be fine, Zak. Madam gave us a mission that has Katherine and I at odds again- as usual.


He swore aloud as he sent a few thoughts over the connection simultaneously. Two, Robin, he thought in greeting, then he thought of a warehouse by the docks, along with the dock number: 42, hoping that the image would translate over the connection. I can be there in ten. It’s clean and safe.


“Clean” didn’t refer to the place’s physical cleanliness. If Kat was in trouble and they were tracked there, it wouldn’t lead back to him or anyone else. His protectiveness could probably be felt over the link, but he didn’t care at this point. He just kept his communication brief, because he had a feeling Kat’s concern wasn’t unfounded.
 

[Redacted] - Alias: Subject Two

A Home in the Middle of Nowhere - Heading Out
​



The augmented male watched Robin and listened, trying to pay attention to the mind-link as well. It was making him feel like he had a bad case of vertigo, but he closed his eyes against it and tried to ignore it, chuckling at Robin's words about 'the missus'. He shook his head and continued to pay attention to the mental link and conversations there.


Thoughts started swimming in about food and Two opened his eyes looking towards Robin with a raised brow. Before he could comment on the 'words', however, the other male spoke into his ears and mind at the same time. Two winced and replied. "I'm concentrating so that I don't help all this beer make a second appearance, g'damn it," he snapped, humor dwindling a little with everything that was going on. There was something wrong, he could feel it, but nobody had said anything about anything.


Then, a voice snapped through his head that confirmed his suspicion. It asked who they were and commanded they get out've Kat's head. The sudden outburst made Two go partially reeling, gripping his head with a groan as the voice dwindled and vanished. "Sonovabitch, what the hell is going on?!" he grunted, steadying himself and going to 'say' something when Kat popped back in again, introducing Zak first and then directly addressing Robin. After adding that she was okay, Two sighed a little in relief, but stayed on edge.


Pressing thoughts forward to the others, he responded to Zak first. Well met, Zak, he replied, then got the image of the docks and gave a mental nod. Alright. I'll see how quickly we can get there.
 
"The beer makes a second coming whether you like it or not, Two. By the way, how exactly do I go about projecting thoughts and such with the mind link? I mean I wanna say hi to the other people too."





This was the penalty for not listening to Katriane who probably explained everything but couldn't seem to realize that Robin was busy not getting himself and Two, possibly, killed. In any case, hopefully Two had some idea on how all this mental projection thingy jargon apparatus worked. He could see the images sent by some guy named Zack or Zac or Zacc, maybe Zakkk, if Katriane or the Zakc guy would be kind enough to spell out the name it would avoid any of those "that's now how you spell my name" moments. For now, he'd stick to calling the guy "Zack" since there were probably a fair few Zacks a hundred or so years ago.


Then again, there was that jerk who felt like he/she/it was trying to force them out of the mental link when that jerk in question was just a visitor in Katriane's mental link jargon thingy. The Jerk in question was revealed to be Katriane's sister but that still didn't excuse the fact that she was being a prick about everything. Even though Lucia was the same a hundred years ago when he brought his friends over that one time. Still, if this Zack guy was as much a prick as Katriane's sister, Robin may just have to go look for an Asshat 101 class when all this is done.


Still, Two seemed to understand what was going and was probably making decisions for the both of them. No doubt this dock or what looked like it, at least, was some destination they had to go to. Robin had no idea how to navigate the streets of the city or this new world so tagging along with Two seemed to be the best bet for now. It wouldn't do him any good stumbling around town and it would probably be a bad thing if his chaperons would get wind of this adventure he's going on. Not that he would mind being remotely shut down, if that was even possible, and hauled back to his room. It'd be like when he was little kid staying up all night watching cartoons, falling asleep on the couch and then magically waking up on his bed the following day.


"So, when are we leaving, Two?"


dunnowatelsetopost
 
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Gaspard John Iscariot


Madams Office>Just outside the office

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

​



There was little more conversation to be had in the room, and Gaspard flinched as Kath grabbed Kat and pulled her out with little to no warning. He hurried after the two not to be left alone with Madam. He had his suspicions that they were communicating telepathically, but he had no wish to be part of that. He hated having information held from him, but his irrational fear of telepathy was worse.


Blood ran down Kat's face, and Gaspard surpressed the shivering. If he remembered correctly, that was the consequences she faced for using her abilities, and he didn't like it. Fortunately, Kath didn't seem to be part of the link, as she resorted to speech. "What's going on?" Gaspard stopped and observed them. This whole ordeal felt unpleasant, but John assumed it was just his paranoid nature that was kicking up.


The speech that followed wasn't exactly what he'd expected to hear. She even complimented him, or maybe she didn't interpret the title of Hero as something positive. John abandoned the thought. It wasn't important, unlike the rest of what she said. It sounded like she was either getting cold feet, or wasn't planning to be a part of this mission to begin with. Defiance wasn't very popular at the academy, and Gaspard felt like it was his solemn duty to enforce this, but something made him stay back. Perhaps it was because of the incredible lack of evidence, she'd only said that Kath should stay away, or perhaps it was because she was Kath's sister... Oh, who was he kidding? It was definitely because she was Kath's sister. John wasn't exactly known for always working on absolute evidence, and he'd have to admit that himself. He always did what he believed seemed right. Assuming that those five men with knives are actually just returning the cutlery they'd borrowed from that old lady was naïve.


He closed his eyes and thought how he should react to this, only to give up. He was never sure of what he believed was right, and usually asked Kath when things got moral. He opened his eyes and looked back at the two. Instead of saying anything, he applied a tiny amount of force to Kath's shoulder briefly, as if he poked her, to get her attention. He looked at her as if to confirm that he was indeed interested in talking with her as soon as this was over.


@Syrenrei


@Killigrew
 
Katriane had not truly expected Katherine to be cooperative, but it was still exasperating. Both sisters tried to shield one another in their own way, like valiant knights of old bravely sacrificing for the beloved princess, but that was also precisely the issue. Neither one truly wanted protection from the other. Katriane put Katherine's happiness before her own and her twin did likewise, creating an endless and tiring circle of selflessness that kept hamstrung from forthright honesty. It was because Katriane cared about the feelings of her sibling above her own that she allowed her timetable to be tossed aside as she tried to placate Katherine into a plan of no contact. Without doubt it would be one of the worst turning points in her life but she simply could not allow herself to continue to drag down the immaculate life that was Harmony, righteous superhero and vanquisher of evil. And that was what she did, both in and out of costume- she spoiled that glory slowly but surely.


Katherine insisted on discussing what troubled Katriane over coffee and the latter eagerly accepted if for no other reason to get away from Madam. The Academy was full of people who were incredibly loyal and obedient to the Hero League. They drank the proverbial Kool-Aid and with each passing moment she became more paranoid there was a telepath of reading even her mind and intent to be defiant. Well, perhaps it was wrong to mark herself as defiance for that implied action rather than fleeing a problem outright. Katriane sighed to herself and let Katherine lead the way from the elevator and the campus to a local cafe that was rather accepting of all the oddities at the university. Many still stared uncomfortably at the wild cougar prowling at Katriane's side but it was not unheard of for those with abilities to have familiars.


And, more importantly, everyone adored Katherine. Even on the short jaunt to get coffee people smiled and waved at their champion. Had she more time for them there was no doubt they'd sing praises, tell her she was an inspiration, ask her for advice, or simply ask for her phone number depending on their sexual orientation. 'Dreamless' was much less well-known and there were frequent double-takes when the twins were out for although their hair style was similar and their physiques nearly identical, they exuded very different auras. It often took a casual observer a moment to recognize the similarity past their posture, expression, and dress styles.


As they were on the sidewalk and less than a hundred feet away, Katriane's confidence in this extended telepathy session was starting to dwindle. The crushing noise and feeling of all the minds around her was amplified by exhaustion. The distance of all three men in her telepathic network was taxing and draining in a way that she could not properly explain in words. Her nose had stopped bleeding and so the antihero falsely believed perhaps she could hang on just a little longer- until Zak had rendezvoused with Two and Robin. She put on a brave face and was so full of determination in this singular goal that Katherine might have been proud.


But then it came crashing down.


Twice Katriane had collapsed under the weight of her powers. The first time had been an experiment as a young teen, linking herself with Katherine to see what would happen when she pressed at her limits. The second time had been when she was taking a course with a lovely future sidekick and had miscalculated the precise threshold. She had quietly begged the sidekick not to tell anyone what had happened and, virtuous lady she was, to this day it still had not been whispered to another soul.


Katriane's knees locked briefly before all of the muscles in her legs simply gave out, causing her to crumple to the ground dramatically. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head just as her lashes slipped down to their resting place as if this was but a simple fainting spell. If only it was! In a moment her subconscious and conscious blossomed brightly for Zak, Two, and Robin to gaze upon. It was a kaleidoscope of beauty and tragedy as she pulsed with compassion and empathy unspoken and potent beyond recognition, tempered slightly by the devastation of reality. They felt her heart ache and cry out with the anguish of loneliness and knowledge of what she could not help affect. So many emotions collided and swirled that it was breathtaking in a way only telepathy could expose- for it was her heart laid bare at their feet for that fleeting second. They glimpsed an encompassing sisterly affection that would have her sacrifice every fibre of her being if it would keep Katherine alive without injury. Coupled with these feelings were also images that were less ambiguous- of playing in the snow with Katherine, laughing and giggling at a young age; of Zak turning and smiling at her during a mission instead of her sister; of having Mittens curled up with her on the bed when she was ill two months ago; of a little boy being saved from an abusive Unclassified father; of ripping apart pictures of her heroes in her room after discovering their dark subconscious thoughts. Lastly, and most importantly, was the pressing sense that the Hero League was flawed, unable to recognize the Unclassified who wanted desperately to be trained and accepted, of villains who wished to be heroes, and how some heroes were just as damaged as those they damned. Desperation. Horrible desperation.


It was over in a breathless moment; less than five seconds transpired during this entire vivid experience. Katriane grasped one conscious thought before she accepted the relentless embrace of darkness and quiet- numbers for Zak's cell phone for Two and Robin and a snapshot of her current location. It was all she could do and it was not nearly enough. She could not explain nor apologize for failing them and thrusting herself on their mentalities. But perhaps she would wake up and their mission would be but a horrible dream, a manifestation of all her fears and anxieties that never came to fruition. A wonderfully hopeless dream.


@Killigrew @Prizzy Kriyze @Erica @Sol @Grin
 

Zak Muir

North Side of the City
​



The rumble of his bike had settled comfortably into the background of Zak’s senses as he headed south and east toward the docks. Traffic was relatively light, and the motorcycle offered him maneuverability when it got congested. He could still feel Kat in his mind, along with the two strangers Kat had introduced him to. He had little to judge the two newcomers by aside from the mix of affection, concern, and determination from Two and the silent aloof mind of Robin. Whoever he was, he seemed to observe everything with a wearied detachment. Zak would help them for Kat’s sake, but he also needed to talk with her. If she was helping out Unclassified, discretion was an absolute necessity. He should know.


Katherine had left the joint mental session after chewing them out. Thank God. Her annoyance would only make him mentally itchy, an unnecessary distraction while driving. He could feel a little of Kat’s frustration with her sister through the link, but it was abating. Apparently, they had left the University. Good.


While stopped at an intersection, he looked up at the camera affixed next to the traffic light. Resisting the urge to weave through traffic and get to the docks, he was taking it easy. He didn’t need anyone taking note of a bike in case things went south later. As he eased the bike into gear, thoughts and images flooded his mind. He cried out in pain inside his helmet, instinctively veering his bike toward the curb. By some miracle, there was space between two parked cars sufficient for his motorcycle, and he managed to target and guide himself to safety while images flooded his mind. The sense of despair and desperate disillusionment brought tears to his eyes and a lump to his throat.


Heart racing and horns blaring behind him, he removed his helmet to get some air just as he caught the last information Kat had sent: a coffee shop not terribly far from the University. Kat! he tried to call mentally to her, but the link had been severed, cut off abruptly although the onslaught of emotions lingered. “Fuck.” Angrily wiping the tears from his eyes, he caught his breath and put his helmet back on before pulling back out into traffic.


Another set of horns greeted him, but he didn’t care. This time he wasn’t going to be careful. He sped through traffic headed for the last place Kat had projected into his mind. He could be there within two minutes.
 
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