Titans Tower

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Angel Marie Jansen​
Location: Titans Tower - 14F, Kitchen​

Marie was still pondering the moral implications of potentially stealing someone's food when she heard footsteps approaching. Straightening up, she had met Alphus' royal stare by the time he cleared his throat. She was half convinced he was about to lay claim to something in the open fridge when he instead offered her some of the heaping mound of pancakes on the counter adjacent. She looked shocked more than anything, her lips pursed thoughtfully, her brow set high, as though she was attempting to determine his angle. As much as she liked? It was certainly a better offer than a stolen fruit cup. She closed the fridge as Alphus stepped past her, managing to force out a "Thank you ..." before she was drown out by the faucet, and the slurp of a straw. She scolded herself silently ... she'd forgotten to smile, to give her name ... part of her appreciated Alphus' curtness, if only to save her from the embarrassment that usually followed her attempts at small talk.

Turning her attention back to the pancakes, she felt a sudden wave of panic as she saw one, then two, vanish effortlessly into the multi-chromatic man's face between muffled words. Stepping protectively toward the pancakes, she watched another disappear before glancing back over at the other two. Alphus Bartimeur. She made mental note, reviewing the short list of names she had to remember so far. Her stare lingering, she noticed the other one, the shirtless one, glance over at her. A scowl flashed across her face. It was something in his eye. Something appraising. She turned immediately back to the pancakes, back to Shane. Over her shoulder she heard another name for the list, but kept her eyes on the prize. She didn't have a plate, or utensils, but the current priority was wresting the remaining cakes from the hungry giant.

Then Marie heard it. Little Mouse. The increase in volume suggested the nickname wasn't for Alphus. Turning, still standing as close to the plate as possible, she narrowed her eyes at Dante. She had choice words on her tongue. Before she could speak, however, the large Titan behind her leapt to her defence. The ensuing din saved her from saying something she might have regretted. The ding of a microwave finally drew Shane away from her quarry, and she snatched up the plate. The pile had dwindled significantly. Somewhat deflated, she took the plate over to the table, oblivious to the syrup bottle sitting just a few feet away. She and Shane were just sitting when Steve finally added his name. He looked ... uncomfortable. It was comforting, a brief but honest smile pulling at the corner of her mouth before she set about eating. She had just rolled up the first pancake and bitten into it when she noticed the sizable portion of spaghetti sitting in front of Shane. Her flat stare rose slowly to Shane's smiling face. Her second, abrupt bite of rolled pancake seemed to punctuate her irritation. At least those last three proved rather delicious, and she had forgiven the hungry hungry Titan by her last bite.

Sitting back with a contented slackness to her expression, she went over the names one more time. Alphus Bartimeur, Shane, Dante de la Cruz, Steve Carter ...​



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  • And so it began...

    Every remaining member of the Titans felt their WDBands tingle slightly only to all illuminate simultaneously, debuting the same green-hued screen.    ​


    Notifications

    [1] new priority e-mail.





    • ⚿ | https:://mail.ura.net/mail/u/0/#inbox/nfx56dt
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      Uranet
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      COMPOSE​

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      Team AssignmentsAdministration <admin@ura.net>
      The Regal Rper The Regal Rper (Alphus Durn) ▼



      Titan Command


      You are to assemble in Conference Room B on the Sixth floor at 1800.




      This message will auto-delete in 1 hour.







    clarinetti clarinetti has been suspended due to inactivity.


 


  • Location: Titan Tower; 14F
    Mentions: ShadowBroker ShadowBroker BainOfBridges BainOfBridges Randomfella Randomfella
    Interactions: Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost
    For a brief moment Alphus frowned. It wasn't that he didn't see the humor in Dante's witty nickname, it was that he saw the rather clear distaste in Marie's recognition to it. He was about to address, but before his lips could open and say a word, Shane came to the rescue and his input was no longer added.

    Spook he thought to himself as he watched the girl and the man carry their meals back to their territories for a good feast. And as he absently watched, his mind drifted to more interesting things. Like how Dante got his nickname. A nickname one of the agents gave him, perhaps? It wasn't impossible. They'd all have code names at this point but their code names all had something general to do with their powers, or at least to some extent had some personal meaning. Glancing at Dante, Alphus surmised from the look he now had, Spook wouldn't be something he himself would personally go with. So if it wasn't something personal he choose, then it had something to do with his powers and whomever had assigned him the name had done it in an act of irony...or humor.

    Alphus thought better on asking Dante why or how he got that nickname. Instead he aimed to change the topic till he felt the vibration on his arm and heard several buzzes coming from more than one notification. A notification that told Alphus leisure was already over before he'd even glanced at his band. "Excuse me." He said in dismissal, as he made his way to exit the kitchen, then paused as a thought occurred to him. "I hope we'll be seeing each other again sometime soon." And with that he was out the door.


 


  • Location: Thirteenth Floor
    Mentions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul
    Interactions: None.

    The dark roomed reminded him to where he use to live at Bludhaven, of course it was not dark enough until Huge 'redecorated' the whole place from bottom to top. He cared more for a moment of silence rather than the luxury of a great view or a bunch of furniture laying around for him to feel like home. He remained on both of his knees, his feet behind him; meditating. He closed his eyes as he let his hands slide slowly through his legs.

    Maybe the reason of his meditation was not meant for some meaningful purpose and just a relaxing habit; so much as it is yoga. But Huge saw it more as a tool to set his thoughts in clear. And to better comprehend new information he also needed to understand that people, in its majority, do not reason like he does; and to reach his inner empathy, he had to meditate and think the same way others do.

    He had written the names of each character he was capable to meet since then, leaving no stone uncovered - he also wrote down details such as the hair, color of their eyes. If he was capable of, he would even write down the pitch and loud of one's voice - but he kept going with just an estimate of their height and the clothes they were wearing by that moment.

    Regardless, it would not be long for him to have the call - the one he was waiting for. The message was clear and his objective too. He raised above his own trance of tranquility and seek out for everything he need in order to abandon the room.



 

Alexander Alfaise
Location: Titans Tower 5F Conference Room A ----> Plane to De Terra
Tags: sitanomoto sitanomoto Epiphany Epiphany Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul

Under the experience of a well trained Tattoo artist, a tattoo would cause very little pain. At most a person would have a mild pain similar to that of a sunburn. While he was well trained, there was nothing Alex could do about the pain his magical tattoos brought as they were being placed. The pain was no mere skin pain, it delved deep into the muscles and bones. Even Alex, as the one placing the tattoo, wasn't immune to the pain that it brought. It was a feat of will that he didn't flinch at all as he applied the tattoos to the girls, but he'd long learned from experience that he needed to complete the tattoo in one movement.

If he made a mistake, not only would he have to completely start over but the previous attempt would remain on the skin it was placed on. This also meant that he had to put in measures to make sure they didn't flinch either. To be fair, the two he'd be doing this mission with probably had their fair share of pains.

Seeing the girls in their slave attire was a sight. Little was left to the imagination and Alex had a creative imagination. He would have enjoyed the sight longer but time was of the essence apparently. After saying his goodbyes, he was ushered to his plane.

Sitting alone, the impish smile on his face slipped as he stared at the mask in his hand.

Ideas ran around in his head, mainly for how he'd find the other two. Societies with slaves and a strong rules the weak mentality generally had a simple method for acquiring slaves. They either stuck to proper currencies or the strong simply took what they wanted. If the latter was the case, he could just find whoever claimed the girls and take them. The former was the more complicated direction. Getting his hands on money would be difficult right from the start.

"Damn" he mumbled as he ran his fingers over the mask "Not enough information on anything" he placed the mask onto his face. It did fit quite well "Guess I'll figure it out as I go" he said, a grin appearing on his lips. It would be nice to go a little wild. There were too many rules with the Titans.

The best thing about being a Gangster had been the freedom to do what you wanted. If you wanted food, electronics, tools, you just took them. As long as it didn't bring trouble back to the gang, you could do whatever you wanted.

Still it didn't mean he wouldn't do the mission he was assigned, he'd just have a bit of fun while doing it.
 


​
Hero Points: 0
Codename: DeadmanRank: Tier 3Cards: NoneLocation: Titan's Tower Kitchen (Start)
Titan's Tower Memorial Hall (Finish)

Tags: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul

  • "Spook, you should know better than to be giving out nicknames."

    "Ey, Fuck you Shift for brains" Dante quipped without missing a beat. Granted, the way he said it the 'f' could easily have been lost to the ear. It was clear he really didn't like the name one bit. Then again, Shift should already know that by now. No, the multi-chromatic soldier boy was trying to grow a pair and push his buttons. Despite his sharp tongue, there was a hint of amusement in Dante's eyes. Truth be told, when he was getting a ribbing like that it reminded him more than a little of his buddy Franky. Then again, they were known for coming to blows and yet they were still somehow friends.

    "Spook? What, big fan of Ghostbusters?"

    "Look what you went and started.." Dante grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest before shifting his gaze towards Steve. "No, one of the higher ups decided to be a real bitch and try to saddle me with an embarrassing nickname. Looks like the name's been dropped though, so that's a plus." Dante remarked leaning against counter once more.

    "If we're talking our names we go by on the streets. I tend to go by Deadman." It seemed like Dante was about to say more, but a buzzing tore his attention away from the group. "Well well... Looks like we're actually about to do something." A smirk spread across his lips. "In that case, I'll have to catch you guys later." He pushed himself up away from the counter. "Looks like I'll have to try and figure out your name next time, Little Mouse." He cast a playful grin in her direction. Until she got around to telling him her name, the nickname would have to do.

    Now, he was readily aware of the virtual death glare she'd cast his way. After all, he wasn't blind. The simple fact was, he didn't care. She could give him the stink eye all she wanted. If she didn't like the nickname, she'd eventually give him something else to call her. Until then, well, Little Mouse would work. With a wave over his shoulder, he headed out just a few moments after Alphus to get ready for whatever shitshow the higher ups had in store for them next.


 
Angel Marie Jansen​
Location: Titans Tower - 14F, Kitchen -> 5F, Conference Room B​
Having already forgotten about her complimentary fit-bit, Marie flinched lightly and slapped at the sudden tingle at her wrist, not noticing the communal flinch that went through the room as the message came through. Glancing down, she felt a little stupid as she saw the little screen glowing with some kind of alert. Glancing around at the other, equally curious Titans, it took her a moment to understand that there was more information waiting for her in her room. Biting at her lip, she fiddled with buttons until the WTBand's screen went dark again, pushing up from her chair as Alphus passed by, issuing polite parting words before disappearing. Picking up her plate, she tried to avoid eye contact with Dante as she passed him on her way to the sink. He'd seemed unphased by her anger toward him, and suspected showing him any more would only earn her another, less flattering nickname.

There it was again ... Little Mouse. Her lips pulled instantly into a line as she faltered in her stride. Her jaw clenched, blood rising to her cheeks, she had turned around before her wits returned to her. She managed to hold her tongue until he was out of sight, casting one last nonchalant wave over his shoulder. Storming the rest of the way to the sink, she scrubbed angrily as she reviewed all the things she hadn't yelled after the Deadman, most of which brought new, literal meaning to the term 'Hurtful Words.' A frustrated sigh escaped her lips as she dropped the plate into the rack and turned to leave, casting a hesitant glance at the last two Titans in the room before departing in turn.

Later, in her room ...
After a few attempts at her newly created password, Marie managed to log into the private terminal, the message appearing among her notifications immediately. Pulling up the full text, she spent long minutes leering at the screen, bottom lip clenched lightly between two fingers in deep thought. She knew what she was walking into ... or, she suspected she knew. Johannes had said they would be assigned to teams before the day was out, and it was obvious that this would be the only reason to summon all the recruits at once. No, what she pondered was who she might see in that conference room, who she might end up with. It seemed like only minutes, but when she glanced down again it seemed the time had crept right up beside her. Hurriedly locking her computer, she dashed from the room.

Later, after an impatient elevator ride ...
Marie pushed through the conference room doors with only minutes to spare, sheepishness already clear in her face. She paused for a moment at the door, ensuring she'd not interrupted anything. The two Titans within seemed to be sitting in relative silence. Alphus she recognized from the kitchen, Leonard she didn't. Keeping her head down, she moved quickly to the nearest open seat and settled into it, offering a reserved nod to the other two before giving the familiar room a cursory glance? Hadn't everyone been summoned here? Or, was this ... Marie glanced between the two pale men again ... was this the whole team?[/I]​



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Titan Commander​
latest
Tim Drake​




Location Titans Tower, 5F, C. Room A
Tags Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ShadowBroker
Irony. Irony in that the first to speak was Huge, the one that disliked it the most. Granted, it was a single word.

The door closed once Marie entered. Tim went unnoticed as he entered behind her. A skill most those in the Bat Family picked up over the years.

"I'm glad to see you all made it," Tim told all of them in a relatively flat tone. The one he was speaking with in the Memorial Hall had faded. This was the one that Alphus was more familiar with. The 'get things done' tone that the man tended to have. Tim wasted no time walking around Marie and the table, drumming his fingers along its top as he made his way to the seat at the end of the table--the one Agent Johannes had occupied earlier that day.

"Alphus Durn, self-molecular destabilization gained through Quantum Vapor experiments. My personal protege. Huge, strong man with metal skin due to a genetic mutation. Known as the Champion of Melville. Marie, vocal sonic projection also gained through Quantum Vapor experiments. A personal recruit of mine. I've had my eye on all of you since before the Titans. I will be the Mentor to your team--which by the way will be dubbed Team Redbird. I don't intend on ranking you or naming teams in any sequential order. That never sits well within the ranks," Tim told all of them. He cut through the bullshit and straight to the point of telling all of them what they could do, how and why they were here.

"I spared you the unneeded introductions. Outside this team, you may keep secret whatever you feel necessary. Within this team and with me, you must share everything. That said, there is one other point to make. All three of you, whether it was directly or not, were given your abilities by Quantum Vapor. This means that as you grow, you should be able to help each other grow due to the inherent similarities in your abilities. Another reason I brought together this team. However, two of you are connected together by a closer tie of fate. Marie, Alphus is not just another victim of the ACS. He is also its heir, including all of its subsidies. The experiments done to you were mere tests for what was done to him," Tim told them. He told them all. He spared no secret. He took out some of the deepest shadows that Alphus kept confident with them and brought them to light. Not just to light, but straight to the attention of someone that--like him--was experimented on by the ACS.

"It is best you clear the air and be upset now than to find out later. Huge, you have no connection to this. The people that hurt your friends had no connection to the ACS or CADMUS, so you have far less to worry about. Regardless, it is important you at least try to understand the hurdles this creates. I brought you together for a reason. I kept you all under my wing for a reason. Trust in that," Tim explained to all of them, this time pointing out Huge in particular. It had to be some type of relief to know Sura wasn't involved in any of this.

"I will explain more about being a team within the Titans shortly. We have a guest that insisted he visit at least a few of the new Titans. Considering a third of you are gone and Johannes was against it, you three will be the one he visits. This will also be a test. You were all just given a plethora of information--potentially upsetting information. I want you to be courteous to our guest as he has always been to the League. I chose to tell you beforehand to see just how much control you have," Tim explained to them, transitioning into a new point where there was little to speak out against. They had to play host to someone--someone that already caused some type of dissonance in the upper echelon of leadership.




 


Location: Titans Tower, 5F, C. Room A
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper The Regal Rper
Interactions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie

Huge would look over his shoulder as to check the new comer - someone rather small and young for heroics exploits; he thought. Of course, there had been young heroes before, teenagers and such, but Leonard simply could not accept it now. The task ahead was too dangerous and probably challenging.

Not that his opinion would matter to anyone, not yet. Beside of Alphus who turned out to be rather 'polite' and 'professional' - This one, the child, seem also very respectful and restrained; walking as if the floor had been made of glass.

A few moments before and the commander in charge arrived, not an Agent of unknown purposes or some strange walking doll... Before Huge could even prepare to hear out what Tim had to say, as he expected some kind of task of any sort; probably even a class in which he will have to write down hints and tips. Instead - he got his private personal affairs assaulted directly. No matter if it was or not a secret, it was without his authorization. Although Tim had a reason to give away all this information and pursue more important matter, he could hardly understand the purpose to shake the ground in such a haste. But of course, maybe it meant more to the two, Maria and Alphus which seem like their power's source are related to an extend.

Needless to say Tim actually agreed with Huge's thoughts; he had nothing to do with it - and of course, none of Huge's friends as well. How could he even consider that? His expressionless face would never gave away a single sign of concern or annoyance; not while he was busy with his own thoughts. As if his brain couldn't act outwards if busy with Leonard's own demands. Regardless of brain explanations, there was still Huge's thoughts on the task ahead.

An interview - a meeting - a social event. No matter how the Commander has chosen to call it, he had greatly overestimated Huge if he so decided to greet this *asset*. Giving Leonard this task was almost like telling him to bring the moon to Earth's surface. It could be possible, but not now. Not while he was still trying to speak correctly without bring discomfort or awkward silence. "Tim - Commander - You have done a mistake in your calculus" but even if that was what he pretended to say, he kept his mouth shut. He grabbed something to write on, trying to do what best he could - write down everything said and done in it. Probably that was the only good he could do.

A new team - new comrades - even a name, Redbird. "Why bird? Who is capable of flying... or to convert into a bird? - Hold on, someone is wearing red clothes? Am I wearing red clothes?"

 

Location: 6F | Conference Room B
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul ShadowBroker ShadowBroker Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie
With Huge's entrance Alphus gave a small subtle nod of acknowledgement- with Marie's he offered nothing but a small calming smile. It wasn't until his mentor and savior had entered that he chose to rise with full attention, back straight, eyes on Tim as he listened. Hearing each member of the group's abilities being listed off made Alphus quirk a slight brow but not make him question the cause. Hearing that this team would be his team- the team he was to be a part of filled Alphus with a sense of pride.

He felt a part of his soul swell with confidence that these two TItans would be his allies in arms. And he made a silent promise, that he wouldn't let Redbird or his mentor down. Turning his attention back to his mentor as he continued his spiel, Alphus gave his full attention, especially when he heard that two of this three had a certain connection. At first it had piqued his interest, then it all came crumbling down.

Sir Tim continued, but even though Alphus had learned to read lips, even though he could hear the faint echo of his mentor's voice in the background of his mind- even though a large part of him knew he should be paying attention to what was being said, he couldn't. All he could do was replay what his mentor had said. Repeating it in his mind, over, and over, and over again.

"Marie, Alphus is not just another victim of the ACS. The experiments done to you were mere tests for what was done to him. "

"Marie, Alphus is the heir of the ACS. The experiments done to you were mere tests for what was done to him."

"Marie, the experiments done to you were mere tests for what was done to him."

"Marie, you were a mere test- a simple tool for what was to be truly done."

"Marie...Alphus is the heir of the people who turned you into a guinea pig."


Alphus blinked and blinked hard only to come out of that addled daze and stare at his mentor in numb neutrality for what felt like an eternity.
​

Then a word was spoken.

The first word to bring him out of that wave of confusion and those ominous clouds of warring emotions was a single word, an ironic word to use really but a word that resonated within. The word: 'trust' and believing in the Sir's decisions, but if Alphus wanted to respond he found he couldn't. His throat had taken a trip to the desert and his lips fared none the better. Trying to get his bearings to recover, he blinked once, blinked twice, tried to draw in breath only to find his respiratory failing, making him force a cough into his fist so he could restart his lungs. That cough sent a prickle of constricting pain through Alphus' chest then sent a wave of nausea to ensnare him.

It was only after Alphus had restarted his breathing with a contained shiver that looked more like a shift in discomfort did he finally realize the pounding in his ears was slowly subsiding. Only to allow him the chance of hearing Sir Tim speak again.

"--We have a guest that insisted he visit at least a few of the new Titans." Hearing those words struck a chord within the muddled young man, something that drew him back to what Sir Tim was saying. Hearing: " This will also be a test. " forced Alphus to silence every doubt in his mind and every emotion that screamed in agony at Marie's revelation. Those words forced Alphus to sail free of those portent clouds and threatening waves, but not without damage done to his vessel.

It took several seconds of practiced calm breathing but Alphus barely, just barely managed to shut away his woes on the sufferings Marie received at the hands of his family and focus on the task at hand.

With a trembling sweaty palm, he took out a handkerchief and dabbed away at the sweat draping itself on his forehead. And with a shaky exhale he brought himself home with a fragile and weak but determined smile.

"I--" he swallowed his own saliva then cleared his somewhat dry throat, hoping his voice didn't waver when he spoke. "I look forward to meeting our guest, Sir." And he meant it, he even added a smile. If it meant staying away from this topic, possibly forever, he would take this window opportunity and beat his emotions back so the more crucial task could be done.



 
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Shane Tift (Shift)

Location: Titan's Tower - Kitchen -> Shift's Room -> Memorial Hall
Tags: One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost BainOfBridges BainOfBridges Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul
Shift could only continue to smirk as he enthusiastically finished his meal. It seemed that was still a sensitive spot for Dante, at least his comeback was rather smart, causing the multicoloured man to slightly chuckle, before focusing on his dish once more. As Steve introduced himself, Shane looked up toward him for a short moment, giving a friendly nod. His focus was so heavily on his meal he did not even notice the young girl's short anger toward him.

It was not too long before Shane's WDband began to tingle, turning his attention to it, it appeared to illuminate, along with all others in the room. Most left as soon as it did so, yet Shane still had a meal to finish, and damn was it too good to simply leave behind. After a few minutes, licking his lips, Shane headed toward his room, eager to check it and this message out.


When he finally reached his room, opening the door before it, Shift stopped for a while to take it all in. The room was rather nice, but the main thing that got to him was the realisation that came with it. He wasn't home anymore, this wasn't some boot camp, this was real. He was going to be a Titan, finally put his powers to use, at least he hoped it would go that way. Small beads of sweat began to form at the top of his brow as he walked in, the door shutting behind him, his gaze moving toward the case he held. Placing it down on the nearby table, Shane began to work on checking out the laptop, quickly making a login before checking out the message he had received. "1800, damn, must been longer than I thought..." Shane thought to himself, staring at the time on the laptop, he didn't have that long left to get to memorial hall.


Leaving his room, Shane couldn't help but have his thoughts clouded the entire way there. Surely if they were going out on the field they were going to have their powers back? If so, how would he react? Thoughts of possible disasters filled his mind, his face turning far more stale as it continued. All of these years and he still had little control over his abilities, he blamed himself, at least for the most part. However, as he grew closer to the Memorial Hall, a far more enthusiastic expression grew, or was simply forced.

As Shift arrived, he looked up at all of the statues once more, including the central ones he moved toward. Great heroes who did whatever they could for the good of the people, and those around them. Shane only hoped he could come close to what some of them had achieved in their lives, especially after he had wasted most of his.
 

Steve Carter - Animus
Location: Titans Tower 14th Floor, Kitchen -> Memorial Hall
Tags: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Randomfella Randomfella One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost


For a brief period Steve's expression formed into one of amusement. He'd never taken pride out of causing embarrassment, all evidence to the contrary in fact. But it acted as some manner of comfort that he wasn't the only one embarrassed or nervous about something; a similar effect to Marie's arrival. But the name Deadman rang a bell with Steve, hadn't Deadman been...? The buzzing of his WDBand broke his chain of thought. In a cycle that was starting to seem ever self perpetuating the nerves returned to Steve as he saw the notification. As the group dispersed away Steve made his apologies and skulked away back toward his own quarters.

As the clock struck 1800, so came the sound of stampeding feet as Steve rushed through into the memorial hall. In spite of his nerves the young man seemed to have managed to travel down and change clothes at the same time. Steve hastily threw the plaid shirt on over his t-shirt as he narrowly stumbled away from outright running into one of the vast statues of the hall. With that and his jeans he could have looked like a lumberjack if he had the muscular physique and beard for it. His limited dexterity had at least granted him enough mercy to avoid the humiliation of knocking himself out cold in front of... his team?

"Mierda! Sorry-sorry I know I'm-" He pauses as he hunches over to catch his breath in front of Shane and Dante.

"On- time? Late?" He asked in a rhetorical manner, pushing himself upright and wiping his brow. It struck him once again that his present company was... more fittingly placed than he was in this hall. They bore more resemblance to the statues that now watched over them. One was... well, metahuman by appearance alone. The other was armed for war. Steve certainly wasn't terrified of the presence of a firearm, more unnerved. He'd only seen them on ranges and in video games and the fact Dante had one holstered did not cast a happy open.

"Have I missed anything?"
 


​
Hero Points: 0
Codename: DeadmanRank: Tier 3Cards: NoneLocation: Titan's Tower Memorial Hall

Tags: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Randomfella Randomfella BainOfBridges BainOfBridges

Dante quirked an eyebrow as Shift for Brains was next to appear. Seems the two of them would be perpetually stuck on the same team... Not that he minded, given the multi-chromatic soldier boy was someone he could get along with for the most part. There was just that troubling issue about him that he'd noticed in their prior 'training'. It almost seemed like he was second guessing himself.

The question was, why?

Soldiers were taught how to fight and how to react to adverse situations, so why did it seem like he hesitated? He'd have to ask at some point. If he was gonna pull that crap when they were on a mission, it could very well get someone killed. Dante didn't exactly like the idea of getting put in the ground because some fuckwit had to think twice about what he was doing.

"Mierda! Sorry-sorry I know I'm-"

Speaking of bad first impressions...

Steve just seemed to... Well, he blended in with the background. Nothing about him really stood out and, given he was gasping for breath just getting here, it seemed obvious he wasn't on the same physical level as he or Shift. As it would happen, Dante's impression was quite right. Although he didn't know it, he and Shift were two of the highest scores on that initial fitness test. Steve, on the other hand, was one of the two lowest.

Though, that only represented a baseline. Given Dante had been a gymrat for years following in his brother's footsteps, while Shift was a soldier, it wasn't all that surprising that the two of them would be on the higher ends of fitness. Between the two of them, no doubt they'd be able to whip their third member into fighting shape rather quickly. Whether or not he'd survive their workout regimes though, was another question entirely.

"Have I missed anything?"

"No, not yet. We didn't beat you by much, but there hasn't been any sign of who we're supposed to meet up with yet. Granted...." He paused, looking around at the statues. "It's not like I went and checked behind every single statue here to see if someone was hiding behind the statues." Dante quipped, keeping his back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. With all the bullshit that had happened so far, he was guarded. Keeping himself such that sneaking up behind him wasn't possible, while giving himself the best lines of sight around the statues in case of any fuck-mothering shenanigans.

At this point, he'd be shocked if this was actually something productive and worthwhile.
 
Titan Lieutenant​
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Agent Johannes​





Location Titans Tower, Memorial Hall
Tags One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost Randomfella Randomfella BainOfBridges BainOfBridges
This was his team. The three that Tim suggested he train. Actually, just one in particular: Dante. While Tim had a pretty good feeling for Dante in that he could be far more than he was, he wanted to put him under Johannes. The only person in the Tower that truly could know what he was thinking before or at least when he potentially did something stupid--more so, dangerously stupid.

Steve was another apt choice for Johannes. While he had great potential with his abilities, he lacked a certain dedication. This was a life he didn't ask for nor one he precisely wanted. He was man touched by the fate of the White Light Redemption. It was hard to gauge anything from then. What Tim knew and what Johannes understood, however, is that those people never asked to be brought back to life nor granted the powers they had. There was a reluctance in that.

Then there was Shane. Shift, as he was known. By the logic of Tim, he wasn't placed on the team to benefit from Johannes, but to be a benefit to the others. He chose to be here and unlike Dante, he followed the straight and narrow. What was worrisome was that, well, Shane was a good kid. A good guy. Perhaps a good man. Good men could change for the worse in this world. What did it really take?

Just one bad day.

Johannes continued his psychological profiles of them as they interacted. Dante was the first one there--decked out in his gear. He had something to prove. That, and he already had a bad taste in his mouth left by Love and Hyperion. They were field Agents--not quite meant to be educators. The only reason Love stuck around was for Q, but that was an entirely different story. This one was about Dante. He arrived early--even earlier than the soldier to whom being an hour early would be better than a minute late. Such was the environment he was trained in, albeit briefly. It's not like he was a hardened vet. Nonetheless, the point was made.

It put Johannes in a position to question the intentions of Dante. See, Dante came from a volatile gene pool, but that meant very little. Passion was a powerful thing when controlled. His sister was a fantastic student. Their father, though. Their father was a force to be reckoned with. In a world where men without powers often felt powerless, his father became the face of death itself for countless men. That was passion. That was potential. The question remained, what did Dante intend to do with it all?

Johannes maintained the belief that even he didn't know. Not yet, anyway. Johannes speculated that Dante wanted the Titans to help with that. He showed up early not to prove he was better than the other two, but because he was eager and curious for what the Titans could give him. What it could make him. He was impatient for it. Johannes speculated that Dante wanted the Titans to work out more than any of the others--regardless of how he outwardly portrayed it.

For that reason, perhaps it was good to have him beside Shane. Shane was straight-laced, sure, but he was here as if it was the next step in his career path. Perhaps seeing the personal passion from another would do him good. And, Steve? Perhaps seeing the passion, determine and drive of those two would inspire him.

Johannes ran a dozen more thoughts in his mind. Dante wasn't always the center of all of them, but he was the one that had shown his personality the most. It was only logical that he made the most inferences on him so far.

Not long after the last few words Dante let loose, Johannes shifted out of his silent position behind one of the statues. "It's not like I was well-hidden, either," Johannes said. It was odd. Odd because it seemed like a lighthearted joke. Something a little out of his previous character.

"Welcome, gentlemen. You know me, I know you. I'll be your team mentor. First matter of business, we need to name your team. Tim was against using letters or numbers. He named his team Redbird--ten points to the first one to figure out why. I, however, am not so self-indulgent. So, your first test is one of teamwork. You have sixty seconds to all unanimously decide on a name for your team or I'll make it. Agent Q suggested Rainbow Ghost after Shift and Dante, and I won't lie: it's growing on me," Johannes told them, giving them a quick and immediate prompt after he introduced himself. This seemed entirely unlike him. Maybe the monotony of the introductions really did change him. Or, maybe he changed upon being a leader. Hard to figure out now.

"59..."




 
Angel Marie Jansen​
Location: Titans Tower - 14F, Kitchen -> 5F, Conference Room B​
Marie's non-commital nod earned a pleasant smile from Alphus. She tried to reciprocate, only managing to pull her lips into a thin line. Slipping into her seat, her nod to Huge earned an entirely different reaction. Half-hidden behind the man's beard, a look of distaste had settled across his stoney face. Matching scowl for scowl, the young blonde was too distracted to notice their mentor's silent entrance. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Alphus straightening up, his attention drawing hers only seconds before Tim broke the tense silence she'd catalyzed. She offered another line of a smile as Tim drummed his way around to the seat at the head of the table. Assuming the old man would address her worries about the small size of the team, Marie tried to swallow her worries, new and old, as the old man began to speak.

"Alphus Durn ..."

Marie felt the blood run out of her face, a cold chill running down her spine. Durn Her stunned gaze flashed across the table to the pale young man. Could it be a coincidence? It wasn't a common name. Like Wayne, or Luthor, It carried weight, pedigree, history. Henry Vincent Durn. He said his name was Bartimeur. A light crack sounded as her fists clenched white at her sides. His personal protegee. Her stomach lurched, squeezing the taste of bile into her mouth. Her features twitched their way into a glare as Alphus began to beam with a sense of comeraderie, still listening intently to the old man.

"Marie, Alphus is not just another victim ..."

Marie's glare turned quickly on Tim, who seemed unphazed by it. Once free of the lab, living on her own, she'd spent many late nights angrily clutching her phone in the dark, thumbing through the internet for anything she could find about ACS. She knew about the CEO, the head of the Durn family, but Alphus had never come up in her research, least of all the name Bartimeur. Her fists were starting to tingle from the lack of bloodflow, and Marie soon realized she'd forgotten to breathe in long moments. She looked back across to Alphus, her heart was pounding in her ears. Clear the air? Be upset now? I don't ... I don't even know what to feel about this. She felt ... she felt angry, and yet sympathetic. Betrayed, and yet grateful for the honesty. Part of her wanted to cry, part of her wanted to scream ... REALLY scream. A million feelings buzzed in her head, and none of them found their way to her mouth in the brief silence after Tim's curt reassurance.

Alphus dabbed nervously at his forehead, clearly more than happy to leave the subject behind as the old man announced that their lesson would begin with a visitor, and a test of sorts. Test. Marie's scowl was cemented in place. Who ... who else would be upset by this information? As far as she was concerned, Alphus had been a willing participant in his own transformation, not that she was in a particularly empathetic mood at this point. With her hands now numb from the tension, she finally uncurled her fingers and crossed her arms. Forcing herself to breathe, she tried to ignore the last five minutes, and the meek response from Alphus, as her attention moved reluctantly back to Tim. She held the faint hope that the visitor, at least, would be someone she wasn't yet angry with.​




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Titan Commander​
latest
Tim Drake​




Location Titans Tower, 5F, C. Room A
Tags Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ShadowBroker
Both Marie and Alphus were shook. Alphus managed to maintain himself. Marie was a bit more of a wildcard, but at least for the moment, she seemed in control. Even if this erupted later... erupted when Tim wasn't there. At least it was now. At least it was during training. At least it wasn't while they were in the field. Tim reflected back on his youth for a moment. How many people might have been saved if he worked things out like this? Dick, Damien, Stephanie even...

...but this was no time to reminisce.

"Why Redbird?" Tim said. It was an obvious redirect to Huge. Perhaps Huge didn't know. In fact, it made sense that Huge might not know. He didn't precisely follow heroism--especially that of the past. "I was a Robin--partner with Batman. Robin's are... well, red birds, Huge. You're being mentored by a former Robin, so I thought it fitting," Tim explained. Although it was a slightly odd explanation. It was a moment of trying to word something someone felt so obvious that the explanation itself was difficult. Like explaining a joke. Sometimes humor couldn't be expressed into words.

Then the air changed. Entirely. Even for Huge. Tim had a strong aura of leadership, but that was natural. What happened in the social atmosphere now was far from it. It was energy. Excitement. It was the type of motivation one gained when they listened to their favorite song. That extra mile they could put on the track whenever the next 3 minutes was a beat they loved. It was those lyrics that spoke to them. It was something one couldn't quite describe, but everyone had felt. It was almost... sinful.

It was the Devil.

Sort've.

As the new energy in the room hit it's peak, Anatolí entered the room.

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Anatolí Morningstar












"Mister Drake, you aren't being too harsh on them, are you?" he said as he walked in. Everything about him was filled to the brim with a flowing energy. To Huge, it was that satisfaction after keeping the streets safe. Alphus? Oh, it was those rare, sweet moments growing up he one-upped his sister. Marie? Well, this sultry gentlemen was the embodiment of sin, and despite her past, she was still... just a girl.

He was everything you could want him to be.

His blue eyes hit Huge first. He could tell that of the three, he was the most resistant to his abilities. The charm. The persuasion. He smirked slightly. The type of smirk one might have thought he would dart at Marie instead. It was almost flirtatious, but it was nothing about Huge that merited it. No. It was more so the challenge. But, soon, those blue orbs glazed over the others--Alphus, then Marie.

"A pleasure to meet all of you. I'm Anatolí Morningstar. I own Lux and I make sure LA is a safe place to.. explore yourself--regardless of who you are," he told them. Every word he said was charged with some allure. It was obvious some of them were specifically chosen for it. Still, the delivery of these words lacked no luster.

"When I heard the new League was going to be training new heroes just a hop, skip 'n jump away from my humble abode, I just had to come see for myself," he continued on. He really just reiterated what Tim had told them. A guest was interested in seeing them. Yet, somehow, when he said it--the way he said it--it became something entirely different. It was almost as if he was a fan spectating from the outside--and they were the newest players on the roster.

A half-word left Tim's mouth, but a quick hand was raised by Anatolí--quelling whatever comment Tim might have made.

"Oh... do tell me a little about yourselves," he said. This was where his real abilities were kicking in. His ability to draw out the deeper parts of people. "What do you like? What do you do in your free time? Who are you?" he continued. He made it sound like a series of questions from a job interview, but it was just a build-up. A build up to the question he poured his real power into. "What made you three desire to join the Titans?" he asked them--as if they had a choice.


I suggest briefly looking over his sheet. The ability he is using now is known as Dream & Desire and reads as such: "Anthony can force virtually anyone to tell them their deepest desires and grandest dreams. ...and feels like an unstoppable urge. However, it is possible to resist." This does apply to specific questions like the last one he asked, so it's not just their greatest desire.



 


Location: Titans Tower, 5F, C. Room A
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper The Regal Rper
Interactions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul

The air began to change, something on it. Perhaps it was Huge's idea that everything around him earned a new different color. As he tried to read Marie and Alphus expressions he found himself clueless if it was, actually a matter of; and allow this to slide, *Huge* importance. There was no emotional display rather than a few signs of frustration or desperate sight movements. Probably the fact that Leonard had no actual idea of the horrors behind the suppose experiments done to Marie or the actual dark behind Alphus.

Leonard tried to divert attention from this pressing matter with a inquiry that would seem obvious for some. Even the answer to such a question was harder to conjure than the question itself - perhaps Tim should have expected that Huge would be oblivious to some knowledge he would find common. Despite this light inconvenience, Leonard responded once more towards Tim, "A-h" as if he finished the puzzle, setting the last piece among the rest and finished the picture entirely; "You are the bird one then, Commander." sorta finished actually. Probably he was trying to meas with Tim, or most certainly the great amount of information given to him forced Huge's mind to take a breather - a long one.

"-aren't being too harsh on them, are you?" And he came, the so call 'guest' - Huge so detected before something was off about the conversation; but now he felt something more- not just off but odd. He felt as if something forced him to feel, his brain torn apart in order to inject instant ease on his mind-sight. But as much this attempt has pursued to reduce Leonard's mental defense, it only dramatically set him on guard. The streets were safe - and in Huge's book, that is only temporally. Why he would feel so peaceful? Why he would feel satisfaction? He is among strangers and one of them is suppose to be - Who?

"Why is he looking at me?" Huge thought for a moment, feeling rather unsettled by his sight-line, "Why is he smirking? Am I funny to him? Like some kind of punch line?" then his opened wide as to suggest something on his mind, "Is he trying to flirt with me? Should I tell the Commander of this? - No, I must abide to the Commander's petition, I must be respectful and aid the odd-looking man. Whatever if my dignity is on the line for it."

The introduction seem about to end, Tim was about to say something - Huge would so have noticed for his extreme interest on his task. That if the odd-one hadn't dismiss the end of it. Even more - like a snake waving a white flag, Leonard felt something extremely odd on his questions. It was not something tangible, it was not a dagger coming his way but it was trying to pierce into him in order to break him. Like a torture without tools, he had no proof it was happening but he could feel it on his skin. If it was not for his mental trauma, maybe Huge would have responded with word - but the result was entirely different and unexpected.

"Oh... do tell me a little about yourselves," Huge's eyes shook intuitively, responding what he could not with words. His mind became heavier and so did his mind-sight. "What do you like? What do you do in your free time?" Like flash of memories cut off from horror movie, they arrived upon Huge's sight-line - steam coming from the bottom like the fog surrounding his darkest memory- "Who are you?" The memory of his beloved sister and the sound of the silence, right after a projectile being fired. That silence - like touching the door of heaven, one foot on each side of the gate. "What made you three-" but what kept him at the right side, what burned like fire - all that hatred - all that rage. "-desire-" the faceless man and the smoking revolver, the echo of the weapon menacing his soul.

His hand, hidden underneath the chair would try to become of steel as his mind has suddenly shatter in the memory, shaking; and although Leonard say nothing with words - He responded with the final change, not only on his face which has turned from the pale skin to slightly red and his expression far more twisted, madness eroding from his features. The sudden change on his own aura. The commander presents leadership - The odd-one presents persuasion and charm. Leonard, his aura was one of immense darkness, hatred lashing out of his eyes. No more indifference, the caged beast exposed upon the odd-one. The guest managed to unfold Huge's core desire, and the rage that he has hidden beneath it. He should have considered better what he wanted to achieve with this.

For such wrath does only achieve one thing...


 
Shane Tift (Shift)

Location: Titan's Tower - Memorial Hall
Tags: One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost BainOfBridges BainOfBridges Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul
Shane crossed his arms with a smile as he noticed Dante had already arrived. He wanted to appear as if the young man's presence was a good thing, when in reality Dante's nature did worry him somewhat. After their encounter with Hyperion it was obvious how he was, he was a loose canon, to Shane he had thrown their whole plan of attack out of the window, eager to run into the fray all on his own. Something like that would drive Dante's teammates to quickly react to anything the young man had caused, any hesitation would end in disaster, Shane was simply not sure he could cover the madness. Yet at least over the last couple of days Dante had been showing far more enthusiasm to the whole idea of the Titans, hell, he was almost showing him up. His thoughts didn't show on the outside though, the cheeky smile glancing through.

It wasn't long before the guy he had seen before in the kitchen turned up, Sam? Stan? Steve. His abrupt entrance causing Shane to glance toward him with a more neutral expression. His words just caused Shane to laugh however, a short chuckle escaping as a grin reformed with closed eyes. He knew very little about the young man, he looked fit enough, though Shane hadn't looked into any of their results, they hardly mattered to him. What did matter to him, and was far more intriguing, was what he could do. Dante was obvious with his abilities, and Shift couldn't hide that there was clearly something abnormal to him. He supposed he would find out soon enough.

As Dante quipped up in response, Shane's chuckle ended, his interest now toward exactly who they were to meet, and if there were more recruits to come. "What? You can move through them but you can't see where you're going?" He questioned in a joking tone, his deep voice being cut off right at the end of the sentence as he noticed one of the agents had emerged. It was Johannes, perhaps slightly disappointing that Tim himself hadn't shown up, being a famous hero in the past after all. Shane would be lying if he didn't prefer many of Johannes's traits however, he was clearly much more serious than Tim, something that Shift had come to expect from a commander. Regardless, as soon as he caught eye of him Shane shot up straight, hands moving to his sides, almost saluting as he moved them, remembering mid-action that this was not that kind of place.

As Johannes spoke however, he seemed far more friendly, joking and taking a quick punt at Tim. "Redbird?" Shane thought to himself for a moment, dwelling over the possible members of the team, before coming to the obvious answer in his head. As Johannes continued, a recommendation for their own team name came up, Rainbow Ghost, the Ghost part was obvious to Shane. "Rainbow???" Shane questioned internally, now that was one he hadn't heard before, Q must be the free thinking type, he was clearly more like a chalkboard than anything... Is this how Dante felt when he was called Spook? At least they had a choice this time, and Shane wasn't about to accept that one... Plus it left out Steve... Yeah...

The countdown had already started, and Shift had no intention in letting it reach zero. His stance turned far less serious, bringing a hand to his chin, rubbing it intently with thought. "SSD? Like the letters of our names...? No... That sounds crap." He concluded, his tone a light and thought provoked one. Another idea came to him however, only a few seconds after the last, causing him to snap his fingers as he looked up toward the others, perhaps he was getting a little too into this. "You called yourself Deadman, right?" He asked Dante with slight excitement, looking toward him all the while, though Shift clearly wasn't looking for an answer. "The Shifting Dead!" He exclaimed, perhaps not loudly, but with some enthusiasm, that was until he turned to look toward Steve. "Or is that too dark...? We should probably have something that relates to us all, after all." Shane noted toward him, returning to his thoughts as he did so, having no idea of much about Steve himself. Time would not last forever, however.
 


​
Hero Points: 0
Codename: DeadmanRank: Tier 3Cards: NoneLocation: Titan's Tower Memorial Hall

Tags: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Randomfella Randomfella BainOfBridges BainOfBridges

"It's not like I was well-hidden, either,"

Fucking smartass. Dante figured the guy was there, honestly, he just didn't see a need to go looking for him if he didn't seem inclined to come out on his own. He watched Johannes as he gave his little introduction.

He named his team Redbird--ten points to the first one to figure out why.

You mean it wasn't incredibly fucking obvious? Shit, the only reason he probably didn't go with "Red Robbins" was because he couldn't wrestle rights to the name away from a burger chain. Though, it'd have been hilarious for their "battle cry" to be a chorus of 'yum'. He snickered to himself at the thought. His eyebrow quirked as Johannes went on. So they'd get to choose their name? Did he mean like an actual fucking choice? Well there was a first time for everything, it seemed.

Agent Q suggested Rainbow Ghost after Shift and Dante, and I won't lie: it's growing on me

Oh HELL fucking no! It's like she took two edgy video games and mashed the names together to create the ultimate cringe-inducing, squeaker screeching shitstorm of a name she could think of! No, that couldn't be the actual name, even if having the word 'Rainbow' in the name would make them pretty damn popular in nearby San Francisco.

Agent Johannes gave him no pattern for naming conventions. So there didn't need to be a color or an animal. He knew a bit about Shift's powers from before, but he knew next to nothing about Steve's abilities. So, picking a name based off any similarities in abilities was out of the question. He'd have to think of something that was broad enough to cover all of them.

Glancing from Steve to Shift as the countdown started, he knew that some names would need to come up quick if they wanted to reach a decision. Then, of course, Shane started fire off names as fast as he could think of. Clearly he was about as displeased by "Rainbow Ghost" as Dante was. Maybe now that multi-chromatic fuckwit would understand why 'Spook' had set him off so much. Still, Shifting Dead, although unique, didn't exactly scream 'We're the good guys'.

Not to mention Shift's train of thought had burned a good 15seconds at least.

"Perhaps the Night Guard or the Night Watch.." Dante murmured, more thinking outloud than actually making suggestions at this point. He was used to working at night. That was when most of the city's worst came out and made the city its personal playground. There was also the various connotations to being those that guard the night. It meant allowing people to sleep easier, and should the worst happen, they'd be the first to respond.

"Or hell, even New Dawn would work..." They were supposed to make this world a better place, after all, so a name that stood for the hope offered by a new day would be fitting. Not to mention the connotations of hope those words created. The trick would be coming up with a name they could all agree on.. At least he'd managed to figure out three in less than ten seconds that could work without focusing on two of three squad members...


 

Steve Carter - Animus
Location: Memorial Hall
Tags: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul Randomfella Randomfella One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost
"Inferno team." Steve pipes only a second after Dante finishes, prompted by the glance from Shane. He seems to leave it at that before actually glancing around at the other three in the hall with him and clocking that he may need to actually explain the name. Nor had it occurred to him until moments ago that he might have to contribute himself. He'd happily resigned to silence to let the two more experienced team members hash out a name.

"You know- you're called Dante." He explains, gesturing toward Dante. "Dante's Inferno, Dante Alighieri? It's a um- poem, they're colorful. It's about hell, fire- I suppose it fits with my... Actually scratch that. Bit of a morbid name. Yes, no, maybe?" Steve continued, effectively suggesting, immediately dismissing and then his own suggestion in an act of supreme indecision. Anything would be better than Rainbow Ghost. Not that he had anything against Rainbows, or Ghosts. But it seemed like a name better suited in a kids book than among Titans. Steve's jaw clenched in a visible attempt to shut his running mouth before he promptly shoved his hands away into the confines of his pockets. His eyes flickered from Dante to Shift and to Agent Q, whose sudden emergence from the shadows had startled him; as did his sudden shift in persona. He might have berated himself for being surprised had he not been so on edge. It was a common enough thing to see. Like any teacher his approach would shift from situation to situation.
 

Location: 6F | Conference Room B
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul ShadowBroker ShadowBroker Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie
Alphus folded. He gave into the peace, joy, and relief, like a child nestled under a blanket for warmth. He ignored every rational thought that screamed at him. Ignored the whispers in his ears that said: "Something is wrong!" and "This isn't right!" Instead he relaxed. And gave Antanoli his undivided attention.

When questions were asked, Alphus smiled, gladly intending to answer. But then he found he couldn't. Rational had kicked the door down and barged in when he heard one question. One question that said: "Who are you?"

And just like that he was back on a bench. Hearing the same question being asked to him by another.

He was Alphus Bartimuer. But who was Alphus Bartimuer? Alphus' lips moved wanting to answer Antanoli but no words came forward. They refused to. It wasn't because he didn't know who he was. It was because he was searching for something outside his tribulations to relate his name to. With Mary here, he refused to bring up the past, but what else could he say he'd done since changing his name except try to correct the mistakes of the past? He knew his hobbies and he could list them off:

First he liked reading. Second, he loved to read, and third even more reading. Fantasy had been his favorite genre as a kid. He was a mega bibliophile and hero fanatic. Its how he recognized Shift so quickly despite his rather obvious appearance. Back when he was a member of the Durn's, he recalled the times he'd hunted papers to read everything or anything he could on the latest heroic gossip to learn or rediscover more on the heroes he didn't or did know. Simple to say, he was a fan. But that was Durn...it wasn't Bartimuer.

Bartimuer didn't read for pleasure he read for intel. He wasn't as relaxed as Durn he was tense, distant, but two times as socially awkward. He kept his emotions locked and bottled up while Durn had always been willing to share when pushed. On top of all this, Alphus couldn't recall the last time he picked up a book to simply read for the sake of enjoying a good book and it made his brows furrow in confusion as realization after realization began to hit him and thought after thought forced all those senses of euphoria to a quick exit out his system.

His jaw set and he felt a wave of distaste slowly replace the satisfaction he'd been feeling before. Powers, logic reasoned. Powers are at work logic stated. And then his eyes locked onto Anatonli, and without even changing his visage, Alphus found a feeling of dislike settle in.

After what had just happened with Mary, this was the last thing he needed. The last thing he wanted, was to have a guest- his mentor's acquaintance or not to coax him into revealing something he'd rather not. If Antanoli had hoped to achieve a sport from this he'd gotten it, because glancing over in Huge's direction immediately told Alphus the man was just as displeased as he.

Regardless, he would answer the question. The one question he knew he could answer without any trouble whatsoever. "It is...a pleasure to make your acquaintance Sir Anatonli. I am Alphus Bartimuer...or Alphus Durn" a part of him wanted to cringe at the name, "I joined the Titans in hopes of aiding them in helping others and in hopes of also achieving a step closer into righting the wrongs my family committed in the years they were at their best. And if I may say," his practiced smile surfaced, "it is a pleasure to have you here." The hint of sarcasm was barely there, but the crossed leg over knee and folded arms was enough of a hint as anything.
 
Titan Lieutenant​
c23e12f2dcf99751c23cf5dcca6b42a0--sexy-girl-anime-anime-girl-black-hair.jpg
Agent Johannes​





Location Titans Tower, Memorial Hall
Tags One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost Randomfella Randomfella BainOfBridges BainOfBridges
Johannes had a collective field day as the minds and imaginations of the three in front of him ran wild. Of course, there were the thoughts that permeated the air before that, but those were far less interesting. Dante being salty about Johannes remark, Shane questioning the reliability of Dante, Steve... being Steve. He seemed more along for the ride until he was given an actual task. Then he started reference some fourteenth century classic literature.

A little unexpected, slightly impressed, admittedly overkill.

Johannes chuckled at the three as they tossed him suggestions. Each one of them wasted a good portion of their minute just making suggestions, but not a one considered the other half of the assignment: they had to agree. Just pitching ideas alone was pointless. And, what did they have left? Twenty seconds, give or take. Buuut, Johannes was enjoying watching them scramble, so he felt a little generous.

"Pause. Not a bad effort, to be honest. Night Guard didn't seem too bad, but I think you all went off without a proper prompt, so I'm gonna reset the clock and elaborate a little bit on what these names are for: communications. Everyone will get a code name eventually for radio talk, but your teams need one sooner than later. The name needs to be short, just a few syllables, quickly said--something that rolls off the tongue--and very clear, something you won't mistake. For instance, Inferno isn't a bad theme, but it's three syllables for just one word. A sequence of letters can be potentially mistaken for any acronym we may find. The example I chose, Night Guard, then might be confusing if we're ever dealing with... night guards. Nighthawk would be a better choice. Nevertheless, a good rule of thumb is to just mash a simple descriptor with a simple noun and attempt to keep it at or under three syllables," Johannes explained to all of them. His tone shifted from the more scrutinizing one he had during their previous meeting. There was no elitism in his voice. More like, an art teacher giving bits of guidance.

"No name will be perfect, either. Even Rainbow Ghost has a fault in that it's a bit of a mouthful to say quickly over a comm line. But, since I saw you three actually giving this a solid go, I decided to meet you half way. So, you have another minute to figure something out--but in that minute, you also need to pick a team name. Rainbow Ghost, Night Guard, Nighthawk," Johannes went on. In a swift motion, he looked over to Steve and ran through some other ideas, "Deadforce, Gray Zone, Lightshift... I could go on. All I ask is you not choose something as cliche as Redbird."

Johannes paused. Perhaps it was cheating. Perhaps he wanted to give them the hint: he had a slight stake in this.

"59..."



 
Shane Tift (Shift)

Location: Titan's Tower - Memorial Hall
Tags: One Mean Ghost One Mean Ghost BainOfBridges BainOfBridges Sir Les Paul Sir Les Paul
Shift scratched his chin as the others came up with more ideas, probably ones more viable than his own had be. As Johannes intervened, the young man attempted to listen intently. "Something like Gray Zone sounds alright." He replied, looking from Johannes to the other two, before turning back to his thoughts. "Perhaps something based on adapting, since Dante and I can both alter to fit our environments." He got out, offering another idea. Maybe he was trying too hard to set a relevant theme to it, but they could always decide upon something before the end of their time.

"Modifers... Haha." Shift let out somewhat quietly as the others continued, it was more cheesy than fitting.
 
Angel Marie Jansen​
Location: Titans Tower - 14F, Kitchen -> 5F, Conference Room B​
((I would just like to preface this with an apology ... I get terribly carried away sometimes. To make up for it, the TL-DR is this: Marie can't resist Anatoli's powers, and aside from swooning a bit, admits that she actually joined the Titans to cope with her feelings of alienation, and to find a new family.)) An uncomfortable silence fell over the room in the wake of Alphus' polite comment. Marie was resigned to glaring at one person or another, and Huge looked like the third wheel on a bad date. Remaining either ignorant or dismissive of the tension he'd uncovered, or created, Tim offered some clarification to the puzzlement Huge had show at the name. Dismissive it was. He'd said it was best to air these tensions, perhaps it was some kind of team building exercise ... but it had only been a year ... a year since she found out her life had been unjustly stolen from her in exchange for ... in exchange for what? The safe evolutionary transition of the benefactor's heir? She'd almost forgotten about the guest when the first few tingles of his empathic presence hit her. Her body felt it first. Sweaty palms, quickened breath and heart rate, an almost imperceptible sharpening of the senses, an impossibly minute dilation of time as her brain opened itself to what was to come. She ... she felt like it was Christmas morning, back with her family, back when she had a family. Somehow that thought glanced off of her, and she was left only with that false sense of hopeful anticipation. Her mental state was written all over her face, chewing madly at the corner of her mouth as she tried to process what was happening to her.

Marie flinched visibly when the doors flew open in a flourish, the blonde man stepping into the room all full of energy and ... well, himself. A charming smile on his face, a confidence that showed in his stride, resonated in his voice. It didn't help that, from her perspective, Tim WAS being rather hard on them. Now a handsome prince had swept in to call him to task, how could she be anything but charmed, quite literally. Inching forward in her chair as he took his place near Tim, she felt a brief pang of jealousy at the look their visitor cast at Huge. All she wanted just then was for Anatoli to look at her that way. Her brow rose slightly as his eyes fell last on her, her mouth hanging slightly agape as though she were about to say something, even though she wasn't ... she couldn't, she'd forgotten how.

Marie blushed and looked away. Not because she'd been holding the man in an unblinking stare since his arrival, not because of the dizzying typhoon of emotions she'd been subjected to since sitting down less than an hour ago. No, the colour in her cheeks was because of where her mind went at those honeyed words he spoke. The broken stare, because she suspected he could tell. Oh my god, what the hell is wrong with me?! Normally this part of her mind was all anxiety, self-doubt, anger, frustration, but now, right now, it was like she was impervious to her own demeanor. Her moment of clarity faded as he spoke again. Really, just to see ... us? Then a wide smile spread across her face as Anatoli shushed Tim. She was still angry with him, despite the blonde man's powers, and enjoyed the sight of him being taken down even the tiniest of pegs.

Marie barely felt like herself as the questions began to slip out of the prince of darkness. Normally she would have become defensive, even suspicious of people seeking to know more about her, but right now ... right now she would have told the young man before them anything. She was still working up the courage to speak when Alphus broke in on their conversation ... was it their conversation? The little blonde was almost offended by his use of that false name, by his tone, his general look of discomfort and apprehension. She glanced to Huge, who looked like he was about to pop, and not in any of the good ways. Had she ... had she missed something? I mean, I know he's only been here for a few minutes, but ... are you people really so allergic to positivity? Then it struck her ... SHE was that allergic to positivity.

Her brow creased as she tried to reconcile the anger and betrayal she felt a few moments ago with this ... this unreasonable upbeat-ness. Before she could come up with any kind of judgment about her state of mind, she found herself speaking. "I told Tim ..." Her eyes grew wide. She couldn't stop herself. No matter how much she wanted to keep her secrets close, she found herself powerless against Anatoli's powers. "That I came here because I wanted to use my new powers to ... to stop people like the Durns ..." For once there was no accusation in her use of the Durn name. "But that was a lie. I uh ..." She glanced at Tim, then back to the blonde man. "The truth is ... I ..." She sighed heavily. Even the part of her that was enthralled wasn't good with words. "When I was at ACS ... the hope that I would get to see my family, my home, again ... it got me through, you know? And then I got rescued ..." Tears welled at the corner of her eyes as her lip trembled lightly. "and uh ... and it turns out I can't ... that I'm just alone. And I try to go out and live ... live a normal life ..." Her head sank to her chest. "and it just made me feel like ... like even more of a freak because ... because everyone thinks I'm some ... some weird, antisocial bitch ... who doesn't know about ... how to dress, or how to talk to people, or what bands are the coolest ..." A frustrated sigh escaped from her under the guise of a chuckle as she wiped an impending tear from her eye, an equally large tear dropping into her lap from the other eye in protest.

"And I'm just hoping that ... that THESE freaks will be my new family, that this will be my new home ..." There it was ... her most well kept secret, her vulnerability, laid bare by force.​




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Titan Commander​
latest
Tim Drake​




Location Titans Tower, 5F, C. Room A
Tags Neon Valkyrie Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ShadowBroker
Even Tim was astonished by the... effectiveness... that Anatoli had. Tim never encountered much of the paranormal, let alone the divine, but Bruce had always warned him about it. About the intricacies of the mystic world. Anatoli was far from just "magic", though. By all means, he was a human--just an extraordinary one. His abilities were divine, but he was no angel. Regardless, Bruce was vehement in his warnings about divinity. About Angels. They never interacted with humanity for a good reason and their abilities were nigh-impossible to adapt to. They were not fueled by magic or will power, by far not science...

This only made it even more important to keep Anatoli on their side.

Despite the flashbacks to being taught briefly about the absurd abilities of Angels, and the danger that surrounded the Spectre, Tim was more so impressed with how much was drawn out of the three. He wanted to bring their emotions to the foreground with his speech, but Anatoli was forcing it--in potentially the most successful of ways. When Anatoli used his abilities on Tim, he resisted it. He had apparently underestimated his own willpower. Even Huge was not immune to these abilities; he could see the rage boiling up inside of him.

This was... this was new. This was interesting.

Anatoli found it equally so. While Huge was silent, his red face, clenched fist and general demeanor turned to that of a man with a grudge. A man seeking vindication. A man to be feared. The most ironic phrase came to mind: Even demons run when a good man goes to war, and Huge might have just been a prime example of that.

Of the three reactions, Alphus had the least interesting--at least to Anatoli. To restore the honor of his family? That seemed a little self-centered in comparison to Marie, whom was wanting the Titans to be her new family. Granted, Anatoli still revered Huge as his favorite. He was the challenge after all. The mystery. Not to mention, a hero that had the deep, dark motivation of anger... that had a lot of potential.

Anatoli had a plan.

"I know much of the Durns," Anatoli responded, taking his attention off of Huge and shifting it to Alphus. Around this time, the pressure of his ability was wearing down, but he did still have that exquisite charm. Anatoli smiled, which for the most part was an odd reaction to the Durns as they stood now. "More specifically, the ACS. I never actually interacted with anyone I assume kin to you. The ACS was a fantastic front for a vile business. Believe it or not, friend, I was partially responsible for bringing them down. As you know, the ACS had extended their reach quite far... this includes to San Fran', my home. But, once I found out what they were doing, I had my help get in touch with a certain Beetle and not long later, we were working together on some loose ends that helped Tim there bring in.. well, your parents," Anatoli explained. It made sense. Too much sense. Was the man in front of them really that powerful? Oddly enough, Anatoli had enough tact to make it sound as if the entire endeavor was a favor to Alphus. It was a beautiful conflict.

It was Winston Churchill whom said: 'tact is the ability to tell someone to go to Hell in such a way they will look forward to the trip.'

And, just after that, the effects of his ability to yank on desires like a loose handkerchief had faded, but its impact definitely lingered.

Anatoli looked over to Huge and kept his contagious smile ever-present. "And you, friend. I hope whatever it is you search for--you find. A suggestion, though, is not to let your search keep you from seeing the world around you. It's easy to lose sight of the..." he trailed off before letting his azure eyes dangerously fall onto Marie. "Beautiful things in life."

​


With that, Anatoli lifted his hand and with a quick wave of his fingers, created a transparent, green forcefield around Tim. An egg-shaped cage. almost. His smile then turned into a smirk. The energetic presence he had shifted almost pointedly at Marie, yet never became overwhelming. He stepped forward, nearing Marie, but relaxed entirely. His entire body was open. This was the same as some punk. Far from the same as any brave boy, either. This was... smooth. Powerful if only due to confidence.

"I didn't intend on giving anyone a gift, but I believe you may be deserving... just do me a favor," Anatoli said, asked really--as if his words were soft enough they never refused Marie a choice. Not like his initial abilities did. "Do try to forgive Alphus, yes?" he asked, his voice becoming a little more dry and raspy, now nearing her enough to make his presence felt in a grander way than the atmosphere he created. It was an odd request, too. An odd favor. To forgive someone else? It had no real impact on him...

Anatoli lifted his hand again, this time close enough to Marie to wrap his fingertips around the soft underside of her chin.

This. This was odd. What was he doing? To Huge and Alphus, this seemed... well, potentially creepy.

But, Marie would have an entirely different perception. A new energy would flow through her. A powerful stimulant from the tips of his fingers, through her skin--quickly through her body. Almost as if being flooded with delightfully cool water. Time slowed for her. The world stopped. For just a moment, everything was changing.

This was another ability possessed by Anatoli. Power Augmentation. While the sensations kept her mind busy, Anatoli was crafting a new ability that fit parts of her soul. Not all of them. No quite perfect, either, although he could. No. He crafted her the ability he felt she needed. He crafted her Empathy. As the world returned, to normal and Anatoli withdrew his hand, Marie was gifted with something entirely different than her Sonic Projection. A new ability to toy with.

The waters receded and each individual in the room--save Anatoli himself--projected a unique aura around them. The colors were arbitrary, unique to them, but with enough focus, Marie now possessed the ability to quite literally feel as they felt. Their exact emotions. Their intensity. Perhaps even see glimpses of what inspired them. Anatoli winked at the Marie and whispered, "Don't tell. Our secret, savvy? before chuckling and stepping back.

The world was changed for her and in the mean time, the force field around Tim lowered. He darted nigh-evil eyes at Anatoli as laughter echoed out of him.

"Morningstar, enough. While I do enjoy the pleasantries, binding me isn't precisely polite," Tim said. It was obvious he now had to fight to keep his own tact--and failing. One might call him the spoil-sport. Granted, how Huge and Alphus felt about the events that transpired in front of them might make his reaction seem quite called for.

"I was just having a little fun, Mister Drake..." he chuckled again.


 
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