Titans Tower

[ShadowBroker]

​

H U G E​

T H E - S I L E N T - CHAMPION​

Location: Titans Tower, 10F, Classroom A

"My biggest fear lays not on the unknown, but the unpredictable.​

That is why I fear my dreams, why *I* sleep with an eye open."​

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Tags: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ​

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Waking up. For some to wake up and intake the light of rising sun can be inspiring, hopeful, even a peaceful welcoming to the rested eye. It was at the morning when people decide what to do, unconscionably reviewing their agendas, planning on their super-computer like minds the next step, the next phrase, the next hour and so on until they rest - and even then, they still think further into the future.

Huge, he always woke up just moments before any sort of light reaches his room. His body always surrendered and beaten on the floor with nothing but a solitary pillow to hold his head. Hands interlocked and resting above his belly. But instead to plan his agenda, he has it all around him. Notes and notes surrounding his body like leafs of a tree covering around the base, unorganized for anyone but him.

But he liked to feel like this, the only emotion he was capable to comprehend, to understand to full extend of its purpose. Defeat. Anatoli's words were still walking on his head, The Commander's long glance still piercing on the back of his head - and the unpredictable anger change with shame.
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Leonard began some training before taking a shower, some push-ups and what not fight movements he had memorize. He picture himself in his previous combats and, with the help of some retrospective, figure out other ways to reach the take-down of his opponent.

He took shower only because he understood he was no longer alone; and people take showers. Even that seem to be need of changing. The warm water untouched, it was coldness what Huge wanted to feel, to be fully awaken and ready.

He searched for his things and began to dress himself afterwards: A brown shirt, some old pants which has lost its color, and over all his well trusted hooded-coat and his red bandana that he hides in one his pockets and uses only in cover missions. Once gear up, he took what deems necessary to the class.

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Everyone took it differently, so much can be said. Huge? No. He was indifferent what Agent-Black-haired-Johaness felt. It was his job to deliver the information and his to make it useful. Whatever sign of lack of objectiveness completely eludes him, like a machine that suddenly wants to insert a joke in the middle of a sentence, neither funny or of his business.

But to watch Batman in action, that was something he wanted to see - the one Leonard felt to be inspired of. The use of gadgets, the tech, the capability to deceive your opponent of to who has the combat superiority. But that was not what he saw. He saw - saw.

a child, wounded, alone - and about to die. His brain could understand the logic behind the scene and wanted people wanted him to see. But his heart saw something different.

Nevertheless was not enough to break the surface, his face looked as pale and indifferent as always. He grunted as he took his notes away and his pencil all back to his pocket. The small bag he had across his chest hardly feels like as burden, he attempts to walk outside only to be stopped by the voice of Marie who he has hardly paid attention to.

She wanted to eat together, all of them together, as a team. The idea slip away from his mind, his eyebrows raising as his beard covers his lips. He manages only to say little in respond, "Mhm-" his glance diverted from her to Alphus, as if he could have a different opinion, "Do you agree?"




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[The Regal Rper]

Location:Male Facilities | Durn Room → FL 10: Classroom A
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie One Mean Ghost ShadowBroker BainOfBridges Randomfella

Alphus woke up to an alarm only to stare out towards dim lights and utter darkness thanks to closed curtains. When he looked at the time he saw it read 4 a.m. He couldn't recall when exactly he'd set the time, nor did he recall going to bed, but judging from the neat stack of papers on his desk, and the abandoned pen not to far away, he had to reason that he had taken notes before retiring for the night. Of what exactly, he decided he'd find out since memory seemed to be failing him at such an early hour.

"Today's Lessons." Was what the title read. Alphus squinted and rubbed sleep out of his eyes then after a few seconds of rubbing his face, he stared at the stack of papers and the notes scribbled on his interactions of the day before. It took nothing but ten seconds for everything to come flooding back as his brain booted back up to its full capacity and like a slap to the face he recalled everything. And I do mean, everything. Antanoli's bizarre approach, the tense atmosphere, the deep rooted feeling of dread and anxiety that had come since learning who Marie was and how she truly connected to not just the team but to his rather distasteful family past in general.

As Alphus recalled all of this, the meeting, the words exchanged with Antanoli, Sir Tim's final words before their dismissal, Alphus felt a constriction in his chest. One that threatened to choke him and made panic levels soar to higher levels till he finally realized why his lungs were hurting so much. It was because for some odd reason, he'd forgotten to draw in air. Correcting that mistake was a simple task, it was getting over the trembles that racked his body and hands that really became the true issue.

Pulling the cushioned seat away from his desk and towards him, Alphus flopped onto that chair in the most undignified way that if his mother were still around, he was certain she would've have given him a nasty frown at not following proper etiquette. Uncaring of such thoughts, or at least trying not to, Alphus sat in silence. And let the shivers disperse on their own.

It was fifteen minutes before he finally calmed and when he looked up again, it seemed it had been longer than that because now it was 5:05 in the morning.

Staring at the green lights that displayed time, Alphus blinked a dazed stare. This was not like him. This was unbecoming. If he really wanted to make right with Marie, someday, and really live up to his dreams of being a true hero- then he needed to stop this immediately. He needed to be an adult as they'd been told. The paths they'd be taking was no place for a child. And if simple memories from yesterday's interactions and revelations could shake him up this badly- then he would be of no use on the field when it came time to act towards impending danger.

Alphus Bartimeur, sighed a long exhale and got up to check the time. He'd just wasted two more minutes. Perhaps it was best he do some exercise. Get his mind off things and focus more on what awaited ahead.

It was 7:15 in the morning when Alphus turned to the kitchen to get breakfast, clad in a gray shirt that clung to skin and dark blue sweatpants he ate quickly then returned to his room to prepare for classes. By 7:45 he was wearing a white undershirt, a black long sleeved button-down and light blue jeans. Picking his satchel and stuffing, a pen, notebook, and other minor necessities, he waited till 8:20, then headed to the tenth floor.

__________________________________________________________________________​

Scribbling. Alphus took notes on only the necessaries. Things he knew he needed to remember. Things that he should keep in mind and never forget.

Particularly one thing that Johannes said that struck Alphus the most outside of the Titans Initiative giving them the same training those in emergency departments required, it was that heroes weren't better than people, just their abilities. They weren't there to play gods, they weren't there to be oppressors, they were there to inspire others, to give others something to strive towards. And that was something Alphus had to make sure he didn't forget.

Because before he'd met Sir Tim, all Alphus had thought of heroes were these beings of great power. Beings that they were lucky to have protecting them rather than against them. The sheer damage they could do was enough to worry about altogether, but despite that he'd been obsessed with them not because of their power but because of how they used it and the ways they used.

Heroes are meant to inspire others. He recalled a time where Sir Tim, had inspired fear. He'd been scared. Terrified. He'd had horrible thoughts on what would happen to not just him but his sister. To not just them but the faculty that had served their family. That Tim Drake, Red Robin, was probably going to send him off to some facility to be studied on- observed like how his own family had observed him like a rat in a cage, something worse than when the government had repossessed all those...experiments. He had been worried for the life his sister would have and how screwed up his own would be down the long run...in the end all those fears had been unnecessary. He knew that now. And Alphus hoped one day, he could provide the sort of enlightenment that Batman had provided for his students...his family.

Upon dismissal, Alphus moved to clear his things. Lunch wasn't on his mind, research was. Seeing that video had brought an intense interest on the bat that he'd never really had before. He'd heard stories of Batman, seen old reports of him in his prime, but he'd never actually seen something like this. It moved something in Alphus, but it would have to wait when he heard Marie clear her throat, he paused.

The look of bafflement on his face was hard to miss, he hadn't expected that. He'd thought it would take some time before anything like that would happen. He also thought that even if he did go with the others, there may just be awkwardness- issues in the conversation department. Then again, that was a part of meeting new people. He'd have to get over it since this wasn't a one time business meeting among strangers.

"Y-Yes, certainly." He replied in response to Huge. Though the uncertainty in his voice however small, was certainly there, even if he did well in masking his previous shock with a well practiced smile.

 

[Neon Valkyrie]

Angel Marie Jansen​

Location: Titans Tower - Girls Dorm, Warcry's Room​

Marie's smile faltered as Huge's brow peaked, and his lips vanished. It wasn't quite the response she'd been hoping for ... though maybe hoping for a smile from Huge was unrealistic. Alphus' look of anxious surprise drove her the rest of the way to a frown. She clenched tighter at the strap of her backpack, shifting her weight to one hip. Both had agree to the outing, but was her presence really so ... so abbrasive? She chewed at the corner of her lips as she turned to lead the trio out into the hallway, reviewing her actions again and again as the waited for the elevator in thick, awkward silence. She supposed she had forgotten to say hello, or ask about ... well, anything. She also supposed that she'd kind of forced this whole 'Team Lunch' thing on them, like they were a bunch of highschoolers. She stiffled a sigh. The elevator doors slid open, and without really announcing anything, she sent them dropping toward the ground floor. Really all she wanted to do was buy them lunch. Nothing fancy, she couldn't afford fancy. Something small to make up for being the weak link in Tim's test the previous day. For being the vulnerable one.

The doors slid open. Marie stepped out, pulling her pack across her other shoulder as she passed the gargantuan feet of heroes past. The past ... that was a good place to start, wasn't it? The door opened, and a rush of fresh, ocean air came in to greet them. There was the faintest hint of dead kelp during the warm months, it was one of her favourite smells. Waves rushed loudly against the nearby shore. Behind them, the open sea was lit by the sun, a cool wind blowing in over the water, carrying the sounds of gulls and churning water. Ahead of them, a few blocks away, was Daly City, San Francisco ... and particularly, a McDonalds. Peering over at her companions, she realized she'd forgotten to mention any of her plan to either of them. Scolding herself once more, she couldn't quite manage a smile as she pulled a twenty and three fives from her pocket and held them up for Huge and Alphus to see. "I uh ... I saw a few fast food places on the way here. I-I wanted to buy you both lunch." She paused and bit at her lip, tucking the money back into her jeans. "To make up for yesterday ..."

Marie shoved her hands into her pockets and took a step toward the road, toward the land bridge. She felt like she should say something inspiring, or at least charming, or perhaps comical, but her mouth was paralyzed, capable of only the flatest smile. Finally she turned to face the way she was moving, taking a moderate pace. She had ulterior motives of course. For one thing, she'd had quite enough of being inside in her life. For another, they were supposed to get to know one another; As people first, and Titans second. If she was going to have to learn about either of them, it felt most respectful to learn it from the source. As they walked, Marie finally broke the silence. "So ... Alphus ..." Bandaids are best torn off quickly. She swallowed the sudden lump of sandpaper and poison in her throat. "Uh-where did you ... grow up?" Her face was suddenly burning. What kind of question was that? Her lips clamped into a line as she waiting for his response and tried desperately to think of anything to ask him, or say, that didn't come off as spiteful. What's it like being rich? How is the life of a Durn? Why do you use a fake name? There were nice ways to ask, but Marie found them blurry at the moment, hard to perceive.​

Tags: The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ​

 

[ShadowBroker]

​

H U G E​

T H E - S I L E N T - CHAMPION​

Location: Titans Tower, Outside

"Had I ever consider going out from the tower if not for a mission?​

Maybe- sometimes. The wind in my beard, the sunlight on my skin - It almost makes it worth it."​

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Tags: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ​

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Huge nodded towards Alphus as Marie seem to have changed her position, even her face seem different from the previous hesitation. Perhaps she expected a no? Maybe it was one of those famous rhetorical questions that have no reason to be answered and he just didn't get to understand that until it was fairly too late. Not even Alphus seem to have got the right response, for the response was not different for either of them.

It was not easier waiting on the elevator, his old rugged bag crossing his shoulder which he sometimes checked with the palm of his hand to ensure its position by the side of his waist. His glance moving from corner to corner of his eyes as he intended to always be cautious to what was around him while the *awkward* silence continued which Leonard hardly found it wrong or out of the ordinary. The subjects he thought to share with them could have very well been said while eating - as he saw movies doing it all the time. The people join in the dinner table and have a long and productive conversation in which they better get to know each other; opening themselves to the group without secrecy or lies.

It almost surprised Huge the fact the elevator was going down instead of up, to the kitchen of the tower. His face frowned slightly for the briefs of moments as he felt played, but no. He had clearly misunderstood what Marie was offering, of course. Perhaps they are to go eat elsewhere and maybe not prepare food but order it? Maybe they are going to hunt their food or ask for it on the street like some kind of team-exercise? Everything sounded normal on his mind.

Once outside, the gentle waves of the wind moving so slightly his beard tenderly as he closed his eyes. The feel of the sun on his face pressing on his pale cheeks as he gained color. He let go a smile at the sensation.

Marie spoke then, saying something about making up for yesterday as if she has wronged him or anything around that line. Maybe she did, but he couldn't really put his finger on what exactly was that make her felt like she owns him. He pulled his wallet from his coat and examine it in secret; once she turned away to continue walking - Huge never found a reason to bring money on him, but he had on him always in case to help someone or give the children gifts such as toys he would only manage to buy for what he gained with what he created with his junk and days as a scavenger. Money did not fault him, but it was not something he was paying attention to.

Once his hand returned the wallet quietly on his pocket, returning his face to his natural blank-indifference. He followed up his companions as the conversation seem to take place between the two. In addition to be part of it, he simply remained in silence and continued to glance one or the other according of who was talking, observing them with childish curiosity.


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[The Regal Rper]

Location:Titan Tower ⇀ McDonalds
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie ShadowBroker

Noticing that faltering smile made the boy once a horrible cringe and if he were being completely honest, he thought he sort of deserved the awful feeling he was getting from being the cause of it. Perhaps if he'd trained harder at mastering facial expressions in the face of these types of surprises he may have done better at hiding any form of reluctance that sounded in his voice but, what was done was done. And Alphus decided to keep his mouth shut instead of trying to apologize as he followed his teammates out the door. If he thought future conversations would be awkward, then he hadn't understood the level of true awkwardness till they waited for the elevator to open its doors.

How long was it? One, maybe close to two minutes before those stainless steel doors finally opened? To Alphus it felt like the entire time they'd spent waiting had been close to five or maybe six minutes longer. This....is going better than I expected, he wasn't going to lie. He'd thought things would've been worse after yesterday. He had no logical reason as to why he'd thought it, all he knew is that this morning as he took the elevator, the thought had somehow made it's way into his head that things would be worse. Relief would've been an understatement to say that Alphus was glad such a presumption was now false. Entering the elevator doors, he watched Marie in silence, then shifted his attention to Huge.

He had questions. So many questions. Many for Huge based off what he could recall from the few notes he had scribbled based off their encounter yesterday and the new details given, but even more for Marie. However for her...Alphus found himself frowning. It would be best to avoid asking them till the group has become stable. Feeling the elevator go down, Alphus' frown disappeared and his reaction was replaced with surprise. As a former bibliophile, one who had read much into the world of fantasy and occasionally the cliches his sister had brought him to read, he had a good idea where this elevator was going and where they were all heading. They were going outside for lunch. And he didn't like it. He wasn't mentally prepared for this. If he had the power to teleport, he would've done it right there and then. But he couldn't...so he followed when the doors opened and kept a stoic expression as he let the others lead him outside.

Feeling sweat, Alphus dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief, glancing Huge's way he caught the smile and felt a gentle tug on his lips upward in sign of a smile that quickly replaced itself with a frown. He'd always been the quiet type, never really one to talk much to others when it came to friendly gatherings unless it was always meant for formalities, something he could thank his parents for since they'd been raised to act the talk as much as they could walk. It was why Suzil, his twin sister, had been his step in in those situations. In scenarios where a new team went outside a multitude of things happened to break the ice he found himself thinking. Idle chit chat was one. Something unrealistic happened was another. But Idle chit-chat was what he dreaded. Sadly, Marie had chosen option number one.

"I uh ... I saw a few fast food places on the way here. I-I wanted to buy you both lunch. To make up for yesterday ..."​

Make up for yesterday? he didn't get it. What had she done-- the white haired young adult found his mouth forming a small 'O' as Marie continued walking. ...So that's why, he rubbed his chin. He'd have to put her at ease. It wasn't her fault to say the least they'd all fallen in line to be a part of the blame and he would have told her so as they walked and he thought of how to say it, till Marie called his name and he turned his attention to look up at her.

"So ... Alphus ...Uh-where did you ... grow up?"​

Alphus' brain proceeded to pack it's things and take the nearest train to Nopeville.

Blinking once, twice, then a third time...Alphus cleared his throat immediately to act like he'd coughed all of a sudden in order to avoid staring at Marie's reddening face any longer. This girl had caught him off guard not once, but twice. First lunch, now this? Sir Tim should've given him instructions, guidance, training or something to handle this! How did one handle a loaded question like that? What was more he'd just had it reminded to him that he couldn't ask her the same question even if he wanted to change topics. It was a conundrum, a double wham-me.

"....Well", he smiled awkwardly and offered what he hoped sounded like a warm laugh and not a nervous titter, thank God for that cool breeze, pulling out his handkerchief in a situation like this would've given the wrong impression entirely. "...Well" he began again, trying to fix any damage, "I've been a Gothamite my entirely life. Was born and raised in Gotham, both my twin sister Rebecca and I." He added, throwing in a genuine warm smile at the recollection of those times. "Although there where times we moved around the city, not for long or too often but it happened when my uh..." he took a second to pause, a word or something else he was having trouble saying or rather trying to re-word, "when my seniors, the previous Durns had...dinner parties to host or something similar we usually went to a resort we had ties to in hosting or held them at our own home on special ocassions." He stated vaguely. It wasn't hard to miss he was talking about his parents. Why he went about such a roundabout way of referring to them was anyone's guess.

"How about you Huge? You've been quiet for awhile. Where are you from, what's it like there?"

 

[ShadowBroker]

​

H U G E​

T H E - S I L E N T - CHAMPION​

Location: Outside, McDonald

"Home - such expression slides away from my comprehension-

For what people may understand as my home...

it is just a shadow for me, a very large shadow`."​

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Tags: Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ​

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It sounded like if Alphus had a serious problem to remember his past, his origins. At least that was the first conclusion Huge got in his mind. It even sounded as if the man was actually lying - since the truth comes quickly without much processing. But of course, the actual need of tact at times to speak about the Durns seem to be necessary.

He even spoke about Dinner parties, like if having dinner among relatives was reason enough to make a party, was it now? Perhaps it was, but long time ago though - when he was mere a child and had friends to share what little they had to eat. Thousands of children... who was he kidding? Leonard never had friends - his sister, on the other hand...

But even as Leonard questioned everything said from Alphus, considering that maybe he wished not to share everything to them, whatever idea he had on his head by asking Huge his own story did not help - his own past feeling rather like a burden since Alphus himself seem to come from somewhere you have 'dinners parties'.

"It is dark, cold and makes a lot of noise at nightfall." he responded with the fear he had when was little on the orphanage, "The entrance is old, so is the wooden planks beneath - the children were not allow to play at night because of the noise the old place does at the slightest of moves. All Blüdhaven is like that." he kept his sight distant and forward, not because he did not want to make eye contact; in fact he had no problem to socialize. But he was reviving those moments, "We use to sneak out through the window of the orphanage and search for parts at the junkyard, so we could make something useful of; my sister's idea." each statement seem separate from the other, as if his thoughts moved too quickly for him to reproduce them on words at time.

There was little else to add as he looks at the both of them, trying to read their expression and reactions to what he just said. He even tried to make a smile - though knowing Huge, it looked more like a creepy smile than a warm on. Much alike Alphus thoughts, perhaps, he believed he was doing right.

Beside that - at the end - his stomach began to talk within his body. It was silent, but Leonard knows well he is hungry.


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[The Regal Rper]

Location:Titan Tower ⇀ McDonalds
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie ShadowBroker

Listening to Huge tell his story, if Alphus were being honest, was like a slap to the face. In hindsight, he had no idea what he'd been thinking. Asking Huge a question so suddenly had been the wrong move. A move he'd picked to divert attention from him onto his own teammate. In a way, Alphus felt he'd just pushed Huge into the way of heavy ongoing traffic and then did nothing to help him when he needed it the most. From their last group conversation he'd suspected Huge had a past with orphans before but to hear how he told it shed a new light entirely and if anything it made Alphus look on to the man with just a small fragment of surprise expressed on his countenance. Hearing how Huge spoke of his own sister briefly, the young man sensed nostalgia. Nostalgia that sounded a lot brighter than his when compared to how he'd briefly touched on his parents.

Meeting Huge's gaze as he looked between them Alphus found he couldn't bring himself to look away. In fact, having Huge look at him made him feel just a bit worse but if anything, for once, he seemed to keep any sign of such emotion off his face entirely. Because shortly after he caught sight of what he presumed was a smile. Opening his mouth once then closing it again, Alphus attempted an apology but found the words dying in his throat.

He didn't ask for an apology. Nor did he seem upset. So what will apologizing do now but make things awkward once again? Hearing that reason Alphus' mouth closed for a second time and after glancing Huge's way one more time, he too smiled. A tight lipped smile indeed.

Well, he thought glumly, guess I know what I need to work on now. He thought as he someone's stomach grumbled.

"I see", he finally said, seconds after Huge himself had finished. And then opened his mouth to say something else but found he couldn't really think of anything to say. Licking lips and ignoring the low growl of a body that desired food, Alphus pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at the sweat forming on his forehead.

This day was going to be a long day.

"What uh--" he cleared his throat and glanced Marie's way before turning his attention back to Huge. "Her name, if you don't mind my intrusion? Your sister that is, her name?" He tried again. And again he glanced Marie's way even as he asked the question -nothing more than a quick glance before his eyes diverged back to Huge, unaware he was even doing it. He wanted to ask her a question as well but he didn't know how it'd look. Perhaps it was best he just stay silent for now.

Besides, they were almost there to their destination. Perhaps food would settle the air of awkwardness that only he seemed to feel was a little bit oppressing.

 

[Neon Valkyrie]

Angel Marie Jansen​

Location: Titans Tower - Girls Dorm, Warcry's Room​

Marie was almost startled to see the big man smiling in the sunshine. She couldn't help but picture Huge like a giant flower for a moment; closed and defensive until the sun comes out. Alphus, coated in sweat, almost flashed a smile when he, in turn, noticed the big man's unusual expression, but it quickly fell into a frown. He looked more and more anxious with each step away from the tower. Both looked rather perplexed by her offer. It wasn't the first time in her life her abnormal response pattern had left people wondering, but something about the situation stung a little extra. Always good to know you're even weird among the freaks. Maybe that's why should couldn't manage to stammer another syllable before turning to head out. Footfalls hitting the pavement behind her suggested the two men had no objections, confusion aside.

A heavy silence fell after her question. Her cheeks were on fire. She almost pulled her sweater up over to head to hide when she heard him issue a sputtering cough behind her. The sound of his voice came as a welcome relief. At least she hadn't killed him. A laugh, even better. The colour of her face levelled out as she cast a furtive glance, catching sight of Alphus' first honest smile in her presence. A flicker of it caught at the corner of her lips, but when she noticed Huge watching, she quickly turned her attention back to the road and turned red again.

Alphus spoke of Gotham, of his sister, of the parties and events that displaced them. Everything brought new questions. The mature part of her wondered what Gotham was like, where his sister was now, whether she too had powers. The childish part of her only wanted to know what the fancy parties were like. She'd never been to a fancy party. Somewhere in the back of her mind it occurred to her that he was verbally distancing himself from his parents, but she already had the sense that he didn't want to be associated with them, with their name.

Marie chewed at her lower lip thoughtfully, on the verge of attempting to coax the same information out of Huge when Alphus beat her to it. By now the two had caught up to the short girl, and were walking shoulder-to-shoulder with her down the road. Soon they would cross over into San Francisco.

His answer went far to explain his demeanor. Her lips fell back into a tight line as the large man went on, a wince crossing unseen across her features at the mention of Blüdhaven. For a moment she was far away, trying in vain to relive blurry memories of her family home. She couldn't even remember their names anymore ... maybe it just hurt too much to remember. Huge seemed to be even further away, snippets of his internal monologue tumbling from his lips. Another absent sister, more big questions. Concern, empathy, pensiveness, when Huge looked over her face was hard to read for all that was written on it. His attempt at a smile didn't seem to help.

Alphus looked like he wanted to dig a hole and wait for them there, like this was the smallest he'd ever fealt, mouth hanging agape. Marie scanned his features for a moment, her lips again in a line, her brow still knit with concern. It seemed this group was going to have a lot of growing pains.

There was a brief pause in their ongoing battle with silence as Alphus offered his affirmation. Marie felt her chest tighten a little as the natural order moved on to her. She tried to think of anything interesting to say about the lab ... anything clear about the time before, but it was hard to bring together details under this kind of pressure. She glanced reflexively at Alphus as he broke the silence again. Oh no, she was out of time. Alphus finished his question to Huge, a semi-stunned Marie peering somewhat dejectedly over at her white-haired team-mate. Their eyes met for a moment, causing the little blonde to wince, shift her stare to the little strip mall growing larger in the distance. ​

Tags: The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ​

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Titan Commander​

Tim Drake​

Location Titans Tower, 5F, Control Room
Tags Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ShadowBroker

"I thought we weren't going to let them leave the tower yet, sir," Johannes stated as he watched the same screen as Tim.

"Well, we weren't, but I don't recall us actually telling them that. So, I made a judgement call: either stop them or watch them," Tim replied, explaining that in retrospect neither of them informed the Titans that they weren't intended to leave the Tower. "We can clear it up later, but I think rounding them in would cause more harm than good," he added to his explanation.

"I can understand that. Reaffirming the rules later instead of reprimanding them now avoids this place feeling like a prison. Besides, they seem to be opening up, albeit slow. None of them have very well-developed social skills."

"The greatest good I think we can do for them is to give them a taste of a slightly normal life. Look at them. Alphus was raised in wealth by delusional psychopaths. Distanced from the real world and given a wrong purpose... he needs a taste of life. I want to break his obsession. Speaking of obsession, look at Huge. He was already a vigilante. In any other city, he would likely be wrote off as some pedophile. But, he was in Bludhaven protecting those he grew up with. His heart is in the right place, but even a good heart can do harm in the wrong place. But by far, if one of them had the potential to turn into a real villain, it's her. Marie. Her life was taken from her. Her youth. She faced death. She knocked at Heaven's doorstep and came back just to live through a little Hell. I tried to give her a little bit of life, but she never took to it. School wasn't her thing. She was still determined to do more, so I brought her here. She has the skills. And, if the Omega Gene Theory is correct, then all of their potentials are mysteries. Tim told Johannes. It was an insight to his team. Each one of them had their quirks, and more importantly, their reason to be here.

"To be blunt, Tim, I know the dozens of other candidates. It doesn't seem like you brought in the ones with the highest chance of becoming successful heroes. Quite the opposite, actually. Each person you chose is an innately high risk. If anything, it seems like you picked them to prevent them from becoming criminals," Johannes said. Not after a brief pause, admittedly. It was a pointed analysis.

"The success of the Titans is not in how many heroes we cultivate, but by the lives we save. Sometimes, turning one life around can save thousands."

"What about Jason?"​

A brooding silence permeated the air. Few people were willing to bring up the fallen Robin--especially to another Robin. More accurately, few people were willing to bring up an estranged brother. Jason may have been the black sheep of the Bat family, but he was still part of it.

"I have you to ask questions like that," Tim replied in a dangerously cool voice. Despite all of the thought that went into the reply, it was really half-assed. Tim didn't have a response for it. How would he? In all his time, Bruce never came up with an answer for Jason. After all, they were just human. "But, I don't believe a trip to McDonald's is going to make them into Red Hoods, so I believe we're quite off-base," Tim added, redirecting the situation after his lackluster reply.

 

[Sir Les Paul]

Location: Titans Tower, 5F, VIRI Chamber
Tags One Mean Ghost Randomfella BainOfBridges

VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE REALITY IMMERSION​

An entire room dedicated to the VIRI Chambers--metallic pods equipped with headsets and various other sensors. The room was one of the more syfy-esque rooms of the Tower, which was impressive given just how advanced the tower was. Screens upon screens upon screens placed through the room with hundreds of them not in the slightest being an exaggeration. All for five total pods. As the group had come to learn, VIRI stood for Virtual Interactive Reality Immersion and had stemmed from the Virtual Reality technology of decades past.

Actually, VR and Augmented Reality technology was commonplace. VIRI was a whole step beyond. VIRI technology created a neural link directly to a server that hosted whatever program was loaded into it. What was hosted was truly interactive, appealing to every sense that the body had in wholesome--and potentially even creating more. It was completely immersive. Johannes could not have emphasized how VR and VIRI were entirely different technologies that sought to achieve the same goal. VIRI was just infinitely superior.

Team Grayzone and its first lunch was far from as social interactive as Team Redbird. The men were still standoffish. They went to the cafeteria to eat, but hardly spoke. Small talk was pointless as the three found no middle ground. The silence of them eating was a far greater reprieve than any attempt at getting to know each other. Lunches at high school were less awkward. Less stressful. Less annoying. It made the pretense of the VIRI Chambers all the more exciting as the horrid experience of their lunch was lightened halfway through with a message on their Comms reaffirming where to meet and that they all had an e-Mail on Uranet waiting to describe what was going on.

Nothing of huge interest, just a description of what was going on. They would be first put unconscious chemically before being loaded into the pods. No big deal. Inside the pods, the headgear and spinal connections made would be enough keep them under. No need for prolonged chemical restraints. Basically, to immerse themselves in this new world, their bodies would be put on a type of life support by this system. Just something to allow their brains to experience what was going on inside the machine fully and not worry about their bodies. It was noted as entirely safe. Even in the worst case scenarios, the pods were capable of sustaining them entirely while technicians could work out whatever. The system had several failsafes upon failsafes to keep their minds safe. The only real thing the message told them to do specifically was take a shower.

Were the machines everything they were made out to be? Absolutely. Each Titan was given an IV where the drugs that knocked them out where administered. Admittedly, getting stuck with needles and placed in these pods made VIRI training seem incredibly inefficient. In a way, it was. The reality, as explained by Johannes, is that each of these steps were primarily there because this were their first "dip" into VIRI. After this, short excursions would merely require them hop in and load up. The first time was always the roughest with the highest chance of complications, both mentally and physically. That's why all these precautions were taken for the first dip.

Whatever anxiety that may have came at the idea passed. Each Titan was given a pill to handle that anxiety before they just... passed out. Only after each one was plugged into a dozen or more sensors, confirmed on the screens, and each were unconscious alike were they loaded into VIRI. Helmets and backplates included. Steve was the first out, then Dante, then Shift. His body composition may have played a role, but in the end, they all laid in the tanks the same.

What came next was the unexpected. Their conscious minds passed all checks. No desysnchronization. Their bodies were stable. They passed the first immersion test, too. It was a check to see if they could even handle the process of being put into a VIRI program. No complications there. The problem arose the moment they passed their first immersion check. The system halted. Controls stopped responding. Soon enough, the screens that reflected their perception check turned black and after a short while... all they reflected was one screen. A logo.

DUNGEON OF THE DESTINED​

Manual overrides failed. Reboots failed. All of the aforementioned safety features failed. Dante, Shift, and Shane were stuck in whatever program they were loaded into.

 

[ShadowBroker]

​

H U G E​

T H E - S I L E N T - CHAMPION​

Location: Outside, McDonald

"Sura, your memory holds me together while it tears me apart...

its terrifying."​

​

Tags: Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ​

​

"Her name-" he asked troubled, questioning his words carefully, "Your sister that is-" he continued to insist into further withstand the inquiry, performing all and every knowledge he had to reduce the probably grievances of the past, the nostalgia - because of misguided curiosity, "Her name?" or because of the invisible pressure that escaped from Huge's sightlessness before the evident awkward conversation.

Despite whatever he could have said, it is unneeded - Huge had no problem to speak about her sister's name, about her with logical details, the good moments shared and even about Elliot, no more as the Lt but the child who grew alongside the two of them. Perhaps it was only because of her that everything on his life came as it did, each and every word and acts bending the path of the two... or maybe it was always the two of them, and the path of one was the path of the other. Always together, always side by side.

Sura - is it wrong that Leonard, your own brother remembers you with ease and pain at the same time? That you became exceptional at charm but lacked the ability to solve the mysteries of all that is mechanic. The skilled and the talker. She was Huge's voice and he was Sura's vision. A perfect symbiosis.

His face - the only thing that people may look at first continued to remain neutral, always thoughtful and distant, a machine has more facial expressions. But his left hand, which was hiding underneath the pocket of his jacket would close intuitively to what answer he could muster.

"Her name was Sura." the answer being directed to Alphus, his sight rested on him, "She was beautiful, charming - her everyday conversation could settle down all storms, ease every pain." he then shakes his head, unsure how to follow it up as he finds the words, "I refused to leave her - and she refused to give up on me. She was the voice and I was the mind." then subconsciously gasped for air, his beard moving along the way - as if he let go of a heavy burden, but his head could not register it, "-Marie." he blinked a few times as he tried to balance the conversation, "You remind me of her." then nodded, as if he agreed to his own statement, but in fact was only remembering what Anatoli once said - probably he was more right than he could have believed... something he was not entirely please.

He would lie rather than show his concern about the conversation between the three. His hand stroking his beard as they moved forward - only forward. It was interesting how quick his mind manage to numb the slightest sign of emotions, he became an expert at it even if such ability did manage only to complicate the conversation, keeping everything within his dark core. "I am hungry - what about you two?" or maybe deep within his stomach instead, and his endless appetite.


​

 

[The Regal Rper]

Location:Titan Tower ⇀ McDonalds
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie ShadowBroker

He is...a tough one to read. It was the next thought that dawned on Alphus as he awaited Huge's response and when it came he continued to watch him as he gave his answer. Listening to Huge's response, Alphus felt a certain form of understanding and at the same time a strong sense of empathy. The way the man described his sister, Sura, whose name he'd now committed to memory, was a similar light in the way he saw his own and only remaining blood, Suzillan.

In spite of their differences, Suzillan was his lifeline just as Sir Tim meant more to him than just his teacher, and just as their servile staff were more to him than people that had been paid to continue taking care of both he and her in their time of need. It brought a comforting smile to Alphus' face when Huge made his next comment and pointed it to Marie.

He may not have known Sura, but Alphus could certainly agree with one thing in Huge's statement- Marie did have a charm to her and he'd be lying if he overlooked the girl's beauty. ....Wait.... he paused mid step and came to a stop.

Processing that recent thought Alphus, for a brief second felt nothing but confusion. ...Where did that come from? he found himself asking. He...wasn't quite sure. Perhaps hunger had finally snatched him in its maws and in his final moments of another subtle tummy grumble, a strange thought had decided to pop into his head instead. Orchid eyes shifted this way and that, first to Huge, when he made his hunger known, then to Marie as Alphus pondered the bizarre nature of the human mind and its ties to a terrible hunger.

"Agreed", he replied to Huge, and in turn decided to just drop that thought and pretend it'd never happened. The girl was charming, a fact was a fact and he shouldn't think more of it. "And Marie, I may not have said it before due to um..." the handkerchief made a brief appearance and sweat was wiped away, "due to um, my hesitance, but thank you for inviting us. Really", he said with a nod and small smile, "it's been a while since I've had the chance to walk with others like this. So thank you." He added a gentle pat on Huge's shoulder and said: "Let's go get some food, shall we?"

Despite saying this, it was only now Alphus recalled he hadn't had McDonald's in a long long time.

 

[Neon Valkyrie]

Angel Marie Jansen​

Location: Daly City - McDonalds​

Marie's whole body tightened as the question left Alphus' lips. It was a gut reaction. She knew that these were things they needed to share, for themselves AND the team. Part of her even commended him silently for his bravery in asking. That didn't stop the uncomfortable feeling of intimacy, of emotional closeness, from wriggling under her skin, whispering in her ear to withdraw, to hide somewhere, to offhandedly bring up how nice the weather was. Huge, on the other hand, looked relieved, if anything. Shifting his gaze, Huge spoke with carefully considered words, as he always did.

""Her name was Sura ..." Marie glanced up, seeing only a turned, bearded cheek as the tall man gave his answer. Peering back at the road ahead of her feet, she let her mind bubble away as she listened. Part of her was envious. That he seemed so at peace with the loss of his sister. That he could remember her at all. Better parts of her felt empathy for his loss, wished he hadn't had to suffer it, and wanted to know more about the girl who spoke for him.

The sound of her name startled her from her introspection and she looked immediately up at Huge. Her face went red. Perhaps she'd heard him wrong. Her eyes turned immediately to her own feet, blind to Alphus' sudden uncomfortable silence. A voice that could settle all storms? Surely he was just trying to be nice. Tucking her platinum hair behind her ear, her face was still red when she offered her best smile up to Huge. Thankfully the large man saved her from having to respond, announcing his hunger as they crossed into the parking lot.

Marie offered an emphatic nod in unison with Alphus, glancing over as she again her the sound of her name. "And Marie, I may not have said it before ..." Her cheeks burned again. A thin line of a smile pulled onto her face. She was happy ... she really was ... wasn't she? They were team mates, he was nice enough, maybe a bit stuffy at worst. She wanted to be friends, to forgive him and consider him separate from his family, to be a good team-mate ... So why did it make part of her so angry to learn that they had things in common? Why did she suddenly feel like yelling and kicking and throwing things for reasons she couldn't begin to fathom? She swallowed hard and finished her smile, pulling open the door for her team-mates.

No ... she was happy damnit.

The line for the counter was short. Marie spent all seven minutes of the wait staring silently up at the menu. She didn't really care what she ate ... somehow even the salads here had that fast-food taste. When they got up to the counter she ordered a a Big Mac and fries more because of successful advertising than anything, and a bottle of water to feel at least a little healthy. She waited for the others to order, and handed over the twenties from her pocket. She slid into a nearby booth, waiting till the others were seated before unwrapping her food. That first, disinterested bite reminded her of how hungry she was, and from there she inhaled the rest.

Finishing her last fry, the little blond sat back with her bottle of water cradled in her lap. Glancing at her WTBand, it looked like they should probably head back. As the other two finished, she pushed up from the seat and led the way to the door. Feeling the effects of the salt and sugar she'd just eaten, a glaze-eyed Marie stuffed her hands into her pockets as they began the journey back to the tower. ​

Tags: The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ​

 

[ShadowBroker]

​

H U G E​

T H E - S I L E N T - CHAMPION​

Location: Outside, McDonald

"Fast food. The name comes with the reality of it lack of healthiness

-but clearly that became an understatement."​

​

Tags: Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ​

​

It would be a strange feeling for Leonard to be within such a place, he had read about the disadvantage to eat often food that comes from this establishment, considering the intoxicating also addictive ingredients used to enhance the food. Although by 'enhancing' one understands it deflects the feeling of being 'full' until such questionable meat-burger slowly digest on the stomach before fully comprehend the gravity of what it has been eaten...

Ahem. It was his turn to order...

So many choices, all so colorful and so alike at the same time. His eyes darted from one combo to the other reading everything to the detail as if there was a secret written under the lines. He questioned the oversize commercial burger itself from the picture within his head as he slowly stroke his beard and tilted his head to a side; he would keep his redundant thoughts if it was not for the employee's tired eyes, looking at him up and down.

"-that one." he finally said, pointing out to the screen. The employee finally took a deep breath, already hysterical by the fact Huge didn't even say the name of the combo or just mumble the number. At the end, something escapes from its mouth and suddenly regrets it, inquiring if Leonard wanted his combo regular, medium or big. Such mistake cost another minute of decisions and comparison.

At the very end, Huge made justice on the 'Fast' taking his entirety of his patience and the employee's to choose. He did not smiled as he took his food, not saying he was disappoint about the burger or anything about it, the smell itself would bring a smile on him but everything he read already gave him an idea of how deceitful his first instincts would be- but he was also really hungry...

He sat down as he took the first bite, hot cheese stuck on his beard as he lays down the burger upon the surface of their team's table. His nose frowns slightly as he felt something sticky down there. His first idea was to remove it and eat it right away; though it was not civilized and considered it would be wrongly taken by his teammates; it was not a thought that came right away, but one that took him long enough for them to be adverted of his first intentions. He sought out something to clean it rather than drag it across his lips then attempted to chuckle upon what he has done, not naturally but as if he tried to make of his possible embarrassment an amusement even if he didn't fully understand it.

When the moment of departure came, completely absent on his own thoughts to care of the time, he diverted his interest to clean the table as if it was his rightful duty to keep it that way. Once all trash had been removed, with a satisfactory sigh, he clasped his hands and waved politely to the employee that took his order; having the belief he actually made another friend...


​

 

[The Regal Rper]

Location:Titan Tower ⇀ McDonalds
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie ShadowBroker

Nodding a polite nod of appreciation as he followed Huge into the restaurant (if one could call McDonald's such), Alphus could not help but feel the slightest tug at the corner of his lips at seeing the hint of red on Marie's face. It almost made the uncontrollable feeling of a smile break his calm expression, but instead of letting that amused grin free, he suppressed it and waited in the line when the others went ahead.

"Next." Then Marie stepped forward and his thoughts were pulled off her, Huge, and them all as a team, and into the next grumble that came from his stomach.

Oh...that's right. He thought as he looked up to the menu while Marie took her order. Internally Alphus cringed. Externally he just stared blankly at the list of orders. It'd be nine years since he last set food in a McDonald's and the memory of devouring everything their family friend, the captain, had ordered him and his sister that one time, a long time ago, set back in and made his cheeks grow slightly warm when he recalled the immediate stomach ache that came hours after, and the laughter that had followed from both captain and sister at his agony.

Grumbling in annoyance, his gut demanded attention, and with it nostalgia ended and the menu returned in view.

"Oh bother", he swore. Burgers had been something he hadn't eaten in a while. It was more of Suzillan's plate and even then it'd been served on the occasions she visited home. But no, it was not the concept of eating a burger that now danced in his head that bothered Alphus, but it was the concept of what etiquette he should use to eat a burger. 'Cleanliness was vital outside of battle', Wilfred had told a younger Alphus years ago, and that powerful statement now reverberated in the young adult's mind. Did one really have to use their hands when devouring something so large? Could he request a specific amount of ketchup and mustard for his sandwich or were they going to slather the burger in condiments like they had the last time he'd had it. Glancing towards a nearby stand with nearby napkins he wondered if he could use that as some sort of shield against bread crumbs, oil, and possible stains or spills that could befall his shirt or pants. Till a voice interrupted Alphus' mathematical equation of the exact number of grams and calories he wanted to consume.

"Uhhh, sir. You're next." Blinking Alphus' head turned to watch Huge move with his food in Marie's direction towards a now occupied booth.

"Sir." Alphus turned to the cashier to his left. "You're order?"

Clearing his throat Alphus moved in that direction. "Apologies", he offered with a small smile, one that was basically ignored with a shrug as the miss waited for him to say what she wanted. Ignoring the extremely bored look in the cashier's eyes, Alphus scanned overhead and considered what he wanted. He didn't want to gorge himself like when he'd been young, but he didn't want something small either.

Perhaps this too was another test Sir Tim wanted him to endure outside of expanding team relationships. The challenge of ordering a meal.

"Um..." a minute later he made his order and two minutes later was at the table.

He'd just gotten there when he noticed Huge had cheese on his beard and was going to point it out when he noticed the moment of pause with the young man. The chuckle Huge offered vaguely put things in perspective for Alphus but he paid it little mind as he sat down and decided this time he would take it slow with his burger, fries, salad, and medium tall sprite.

Finishing his meal last and dabbing away at his lips, Alphus packed up as the others began to prep for departure. He checked for stains, for crumbs, for minor imperfections, and when he was satisfied that his clothes were not tainted and that all was well, he followed Huge to the trash, did what was done, then began following the others out.


As he did, he couldn't help but slightly smile. His stomach was satisfied, and this journey to McDonald's while awkward and heavy, seemed to have got them one step closer to developing. So far, today had been better than he expected.

 

[Neon Valkyrie]

Angel Marie Jansen​

Location: Daly City - McDonalds​

Marie had a long time to think while Huge made his order, clearly offering careful consideration to the ever-changing display behind the cashier. It did provide a kind of calming effect, watching the photoshopped food transition by slowly. She glanced to Alphus, who was throwing a thousand mile stare in the direction they all were. There was a renewed colour in his cheeks, he must have been off somewhere nice. It was good to see him like that, he looked less like he might chip and shatter. Marie swallowed and peered down at the floor, almost startled by the young man from the kitchen calling her number at her. Glancing down at the receipt in her hand, she pulled her food over toward her and waited. Huge finally ordered, and Alphus in turn. Marie handed over her money and went to the table, starting into her food.

She couldn't help but exchange smiles with the semi-embarrassed Huge as he realized some of his food was climbing into his facial hair. Alphus arrived just in time to share the moment, and they all ate in grateful silence. Once everything was cleared away, they headed outside, back toward the giant T-shaped tower in the distance. Her stomach full, Marie couldn't help but wonder if anyone in the group could simply fly them home, or teleport ... even just carry. She glanced back at her team-mates, seeing contented smiles on both of them, the sight bringing a smile to her own face. She felt a small sense of accomplishment at having pulled this off, whatever THIS was.

Shoving her hands into her pockets, she fell into line with the others again, this time in the middle. They had passed back onto the road to the tower when Marie piped up again about something she'd been desperately curious about. Clearing her throat first, she stammered a little.

"So uh ... what ... what can everyone do? Like ... what's everyone's power?"​

Tags: The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ​

 

[The Regal Rper]

Location:Titan Tower
Mentions: Sir Les Paul Neon Valkyrie ShadowBroker

Halfway through the journey back to the tower and Alphus heard Marie ask a question. An important question, but a question he hadn't exactly thought of on how to answer nonetheless. It wasn't shock, concern, or a deep rooted sense of fear that made him pause at the question his ally had asked but it was figuring out how to explain his power that made him pause the most. For a long while, he didn't reply. Lost in his own thoughts and trying to picture a way in phrasing what he did, when he did, Alphus became temporarily separated from the world and any answer his comrade, Huge, may or may not have given. When he came back to, he had figured something out. A decent yet blunt way to explain what he did and how he did it.

"I turn to dust." Was his answer. Although to be honest, turning to dust wasn't exactly the best way to phrase it. Rubbing the back of his neck as they got closer to the tower Alphus pondered how to explain one literally became nothing but mote tiny particles that could be blown or tossed around by the wind but made it simple for movement and transportation or difficult to receive harm or injury.

"Perhaps that was poorly phrased" he replied after a moment of thought. "What I mean is, my power, is based off the manipulation of my own molecules." Raising a hand and stretching it forward as he walked, Alphus stared at his palm, focused on a certain point then just let go. And when he did, tiny fragments, bits and pieces of himself, of his hand began to float and circle around that single point to make a tiny penny shaped group of fragments composed of nothing but a part of his palm.

"It takes quite a bit of concentration to pull myself back together if I do it to my entire body", he informed as he allowed the fragment to float away from his hand and hover above his fingers. "But its not as difficult if I do it in parts." And once that had been said the fragment floated back down to the hold in his hand, flooded back into place and became solid once again.

"In any case Marie", Alphus said turning his attention to her with a small smile. "Thank you for today. If you wouldn't mind might we all continue the conversation inside?" He said in gesture towards the Tower up ahead. "Easier to make demonstrations that way, no?"

Following the path towards the Tower's entrance, Alphus took the lead in heading back to the class.

 

[ShadowBroker]

​

H U G E​

T H E - S I L E N T - CHAMPION​

Location: Outside, McDonald

"Power. We are not talking about an abstract and imaginary concept of control

but real - tangible - power."​

​

Tags: Neon Valkyrie The Regal Rper ​

​

The journey itself back to the tower was refreshing, much alike the food's taste and the conversation, whether or not Huge saw it all as it should be. He understood vaguely the whole meeting purpose and the sensation. He was content only to know he could return to the class alongside people he could consider as potential allies, probably friends if logic so permits it.

Logically, friendship could greatly enhance the process on which he was undergoing, but it would also jeopardize the mission through his emotions. He considered for a moment that theory as his pale expression disguised such doubts perfectly. Something he thought they all shared, or at least he hoped so, though not as clear.

Marie's inquiry might as well give more clarity on the matter. Our power. Our abilities and skills. Mastery. No - none of that. She was speaking of our super-power. Huge's right hand tightened up within his pocket as he remembered. Alphus spoke of concentration as Leo stared upon his ability, curious. When the time came to show his own he would not be any better explaining his ability as well.

He raised up his own hand, attempting to do a very alike demonstration but instead of doing anything, he shifted his sight towards his fist as his silent eyes remained static. He had to speak any time soon, but Huge's mind only did reply when he reconsidered the words he heard, "Not concentration." he said in kind, "I must concentrate to 'not' use it." explaining why he meditates and remains always expressionless, even though there is more to that, "and when I let go-" his hand returned to his pocket and his attention moved else-where, "-then I let go."

He had not to explain his ability was not something he controls but something he imprisons. Anger, hate, passion. Even though he did not say what was his superpower, clearly it was something lethal on its own. Alphus spoke once more and his decision to return to the Tower allowed Huge to focus for something else, also gave him the needed words to appreciate Marie's gesture, "Yes. Much appreciated."

He stayed outside though 10 seconds before following the group, he stared away upon the sun. His eyes closed again and rested briefly before continue onward. What will be the class about? Soon to find out.


​

 

[Neon Valkyrie]

Angel Marie Jansen​

Location: Titan's Tower - 10F, Classroom A​

The only response anyone gave to the uncomfortable question was the rhythmic slapping of feet. Marie receded into her shirt slightly, unable to decide whether or not divulging her own first would make things better or worse. Chewing at her lip, she glanced inconspicuously over at Alphus, then Huge ... it was harder with Huge, because she had to look upward to see anything of his face. Neither looked particularly offended. Actually, according to the feeling she got from the shimmering, glowing colours emitted from their persons, neither of them was offended, so much as contemplative. Alphus' blunt offering broke her concentration, brought her back to the world, and she just stared at him in silence. While she did her best to say nothing, her expression was a mix of pity and confusion. What use was that?

He clarified.

Marie watched in amazement as he arranged the atomic parts of himself into a new shape, quite separate from the rest of him. Amazing, but at the same time, how horrifying to feel yourself disintegrate, scatter. If he could feel it at all. She was chewing her lip again, trying to imagine it, as the little bits of Alphus leapt into a cloud around his fingers. Her stare was still one of morbid curiosity. Huge bore much the same look, how could anyone not? His display complete, it seemed rude to linger. Huge took the floor, though he didn't appear to be doing anything at first. Marie listened with baited breath, waiting for him to unveil the metal skin Tim had mentioned ... one of the few things about their powers he'd mentioned plainly enough for her to understand right away. Nothing. Marie offered a tight-lipped smile and a nod, then glanced at Alphus to see if he understood any better. She'd just have to wait and see.

It had come to Marie's turn when they reached the tower. She heard her name again, glancing over to Alphus, who offered a small smile. She blushed, glancing between the two of them.
"I uh ..." Marie's first instinct was always to brush off the thanks, downplay her role. This time, though, among her new friends, it felt like time to work on that. "You're welcome ... both of you." It was a little awkward, but why should it sound any different than it felt.

Proceeding inside, no more than a few dozen paces into the Memorial Hall before Huge followed. Offering a self-conscious smile, Marie glanced around at the hall, wondering if it could take a scream or not. "I ... probably shouldn't try to ... _demonstrate." Best not to try, Tim had been rather clear about his expectation that she not use her powers outside of authorized areas until she had passed her training. Steepling all of her fingers anxiously as they waited for the elevator, Marie met with her own inability to describe her powers, not to mention the new ability she'd been gifted during their encounter with Anatoli.

"When I scream, stuff breaks." At least she sounded like an 'America's Got Talent' finalist instead of an anti-personnel mine, but she would eventually have to admit that she didn't really understand her powers fully. She'd been able to do different things with different sounds and intensities ... the problem was having a safe place to train, somewhere she couldn't just knock populated edifices to the ground. The elevator doors slid open. Class was just down the hall.​

Spoiler: Apology

I totally forgot Tim gave them a breakdown of one anothers' powers at the start of their first class ... I've gotta start keeping meta-notes. Sorry guys

Tags: The Regal Rper ShadowBroker ​