MCU: The Game Goes On (IC Thread)

[Camleen]

Posting Order
Camleen - Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel
Ms.Ezra - Miriam Butler/Warbird
Nomad-22 - Malusi/War Dog
Soverign - Ray/Chameleon
Gands - James Proudstar/Warpath
Ms.Ezra - Andromeda Barton/Scarlet Spider
AshenAngel - Jackson Cardenas/Gloom
Not_Amy - Sarah Rushman/Marrow
DANAsaur - Charlotte Kim/Banshee
MrStoryTeller - Logan/Wolverine
@Gands - Jenna Wyngarde/Mirage


The OOC​

 

[Camleen]

"You'd think that with the knowledge of the threat of constant alien invasion or interdimensional magic warlord taking over… people wouldn't want to fight amongst themselves as much. Isn't that how it is in the movies? A common enemy of humanity brings humanity together? Wasn't that the guy's plan in Watchmen? Well that's not how things turned out. Let me tell you about the planet's last great war. I guess the beginning is a good place to start…"



Fairield, Conneticut...
The much anticipated day had finally come. There was half a dozen different groups wanting permits to protest here this day. Well some would protest, others would stand in defense of their ideals. The event that had brought them all together was the opening of a new 'safe house' for powered beings. Mutant or no, they could come here for shelter if they needed it. It was called 'Arcadia House', and it was the newest one in the country. The second, in fact.

Now why, you may ask, would someone be opposed to a safe spot for people? Because some would say that Arcadia House was nothing more than a place to hide criminals. The term 'mutant' was fairly new in the lexicon of culture, but it had been around for decades. But before the 'Rebirth' (as it has been called when the Avengers reversed the killing of half the universe), the word 'mutant' was used mainly in biology classrooms. And very very rarely to describe a person. But now… they are more prevalent. And this scared some people. Some of their friends were miraculously returned to life… only to have those friends be hideous monsters now, or have ungodly powers of some kind. People were frightened… the government was untrusting of this new branch of evolution… and so steps were taken to curb the 'outbreak'.

Arcadia House was ran by a group called the Superhuman Liberties Union (SLU for short), a group that defended the God given rights of all beings with enhanced abilities or mutations. Publically, they said they would turn in those that were deemed criminal, but that has been a rarity. There was more to the SLU than what it seemed on the surface. But the same could be said about the main group protesting the opening of Arcadia House… the World Protection League. Something of an extremist group… they believe all those with powers have to be kept in check. Especially after so many lives were lost to those with powers who acted irresponsibly. They arrived earlier in the week, and now come out this day to show their opposition to what they see as a major threat. They all wear black… all have hoods drawn up… all wear the same featureless mask. The SLU, of course, had a presence also in the street. People wearing brightly colored clothes, mostly red white and blue in nature. Some of them are armed, but not many. And only pistols. But they are outnumbered 2 to 1 easily here, even though it is the grand opening of their own facility. Other groups are here also… the usual suspects. The KKK, some pro-LGBT groups, some against LGBT… the usual.

The President of the United States, President West, had urged all sides to protest peacefully. As is their right. But tempers would flare here today. The local police had been preparing themselves, but they had no idea this amount of people would show up. Easily thousands all together. They did their best to keep the groups separated, to make sure there was no violence. But while the local police did their best, another group had been called in. Represented by 3 small drones hovering high overhead, monitoring the groups… maybe more than just monitoring…

The building itself had been opened for business not much earlier. But no one has yet approached it. Perhaps for fear of the different groups… perhaps for fear of becoming the focus of any of these groups. The representatives of the WPL (World Protection League) hold up signs exclaiming 'Protect humans from walking weapons of mass destruction!' and 'Muties are a threat to my children!' and 'Register the threats!' etc, etc.They, as a group, walk back and forth in front of the building on the sidewalk. There is tension in the air, one can feel it. People are getting loud, yelling through megaphones.

The group that actually runs the Arcadia House, the safehouse for those that need it, knew this would be coming. The concept of these safe houses are controversial, to say the least. Hired security guards stand at the front entrance of the building, watching for any that might try to get into the building with ill intent. A small group of 4 workers have a little stand in the front lawn of the building, the sign above the booth reads 'Arcadia House information'. They have pamphlets ready to be given to any that might be interested, and are ready to consult with anyone that think they need to be here. They try to ignore the multiple groups in front of their building… they just want to do their jobs. There are supporters of the SLU there also in the street, holding up their own signs of support for any that might be persecuted.

 

[Camleen]

Earlier in the day…
The sun hadn't even come over the horizon, and yet here she is wide awake. As it often was for Carol Danvers. She lays on the mattress that has served as her bed for the last couple weeks, staring up at the ceiling. The house she resides in isn't hers, instead it belongs to the family of one of her closest friends. The room at one time served as a nursery, but now it serves as a guestroom.

When she returned to Earth, she truly didn't know what to do. She didn't want to go back to the Avengers, that would be to hard under the circumstances. And the fact the government was starting to really crack down on those with powers… that made her uncomfortable. Her life had been controlled while she was in school, growing up. She wasn't allowed certain duties in the Air Force because of her gender. And an alien government used her as nothing more than a weapon. So government oversight isn't something she sees much benefit in. Even if some of her friends were for it. And that's part of the reason she's awake so early, a new safehouse opening. An event where many people expect trouble. She tried to tell herself that she wouldn't get involved, she wouldn't go to the event. But she knows that isn't true.

And so she gets a quick shower and dresses, wearing jeans and a black t-shirt. Nothing fancy. She keeps as quiet as she can, not wanting to awaken anyone else.

The home she is a guest in belongs to Monica and James Kline. Monica being the daughter of Carol's best friend Maria. But little Monica is all grown up now, and even has a kid of her own. A pleasant surprise for Carol when she returned here. As soon as Carol showed up, Monica offered her godmother a place in the home they had been building for years.

Carol makes her way downstairs now, creeping as quietly as possible. And as she gets to the bottom of the stairs… she sees the light of the television in the other room. Her eyes narrow a little and she creeps closer to the room, peeking in. And sitting on the couch in front of the television is a little boy, Monica's son. "You know you're not sposed to be up, right?" She says softly as she approaches the back of the couch. The boy is 8 (almost 9, as he would point out), his hair dark and curly. He looks over his shoulder towards Carol, crunching on some cereal. His name is Allen, and he loves 'Aunt Carol'. He doesn't say alot.. to the point his parents think he might have some learning issues. But that doesn't stop him from getting his point across when he wants to. And yes, he knows he's not supposed to have the box of cereal resting on the couch between his legs… but what's the point of early early morning cartoons without cereal. Carol comes around the couch and plops down next to him "You're not sposed to have those either. Gimme some." She reaches into the box of cereal as he holds it out to her, and she pulls a handful of the way to sugary cereal out of the box. She crunches on the cereal as he scoots closer to her, now both of them watching the television. It's a show depicting cartoony flying saucers landing in a field and talking to cows. Carol's brow perks up as she watches. She then leans over and whispers "That's not how they do it, ya know." She then sits up and crunches on a few more bits of cereal as she motions to the television "The aliens contact the farmer first, then they talk to the moo-cows. Everyone knows that." Allen giggles softly as Carol grins, and she glances towards the wall clock at the time. Sun will be up soon, so she has to get moving. She leans towards him and kisses the top of his head and pushes herself to her feet. "Okay, auntie's gotta go. Time ta start my day." Allen gets up on the couch onto his knees and crawls closer to her, looking up at her. She shakes her head as she reaches behind him, grabbing the jacket there. "No way, kid. Your mom would have a heart attack if I took you with me. And then she would hunt me down and hurt me. Prolly ground me too. You want me ta be grounded?" He frowns and shakes his head as she slips the leather bomber jacket on. "Yeah me neither. So put the cereal away, just like you found it. Just like I showed ya. And in twenty minutes… go jump up and down on mommy and daddy's bed, okay?" She says with a little grin. Allen still frowns, but he nods. He holds his arms out to her, and she now smiles as she leans down and embraces him tightly. She kisses him on the cheek as she lets him go, and he reluctantly lets her go. "Be good, kiddo. I'll be back soon."

She navigates herself to the train station, where (according to her Googles) a train leaves soon for the Fairfield Metro train station. A little bit of a long ride… but the cheapest. She's kind of on a budget/allowance until she can get things together in her life. And she thinks Monica just enjoys giving 'Captain Carol' an allowance.

While it may seem kind of degrading to rely on someone half your age for money (in her opinion), the fact her goddaughter has taken such care of her since her abrupt return to Earth is a blessing.

Now the other question would be… she's Carol Danvers… she's Captain Marvel (though no one outside of Fury and Peter Parker actually use that name)… she can fly to the moon and back in less than 20 minutes. Getting to Conneticut should be nothing. But Carol knows what kind of atmosphere her world has now. Paranoia everywhere. People are (with good reason) scared (for the most part) of people with powers. This little planet's been through a ton of grief in the last 30 years. And then there are others that prey upon that fear, making it worse for their own benefit. And so Carol is indeed incognito. Her ponytail is lopped through the back of the Red Sox hat she wears. Her eyes hidden behind aviator sunglasses.

Finally the train arrives, and she steps off of it with her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket. There's a lot of activity around her. Some people dressed up in weird costumes, others carrying picket signs under their arms. Yeah, this must be the place. Others are arriving at the same time she is for the opening event. She doesn't stare at any of them, really. She doubts any of them have powers or a stake in things. They're just looking for an excuse to have a good time, or do some rebel rousing.

It's a short walk from the train station to the Arcadia House itself. But it feels like much longer since there are so many people moving to and fro, so many people congregating and planning. It's a big crowd… and seems to get more animated the closer she moves towards the center of everyone's attention. But, once more, she keeps to herself. She just watches everyone around her. She had been hearing about how much of a big deal this is… and how divisive all of this is. The very subject of registration, of being told what you can do when. She's seen 'demonstrations' of hot topic issues before on other worlds… and rarely do they end with both sides agreeing to just go about their separate ways. No.. there are people yelling at the other side, getting very worked up. Carol thinks this could be a problem… and so she's here to make sure things don't get to out of hand…

 

[Ms.Ezra]

WARBIRD
​

Fairfield, Connecticut is a long way from Chicago, Illinois. Moreso for someone like Miriam Butler who would on a normal day have no business in Connecticut in general. But this was neither a normal day nor normal business for her why she had taken a plane and one bus from O'Hare to get here on this street corner looking in and around at this veritable powder keg in search of two things: Anyone with charisma and an ability that would be a good addition to Underground Super Combat, and any excuse to hit a Neo-Nazi.

The first was the priority for the promoter, Jerry, the second hers with some embellishment. Really she was to keep Jerry safe, but the young Jewish woman really really wishes one of the Neo-Nazis would step out of line and give her a reason to fight. Miriam did not look like much at the moment in her navy blue New York Yankees hoodie, denim jeans and black boots, but she wasn't chosen for an arbitrary reason to accompany Jerry. Jerry himself looked straight out of that skit from SNL right down to the handlebar mustache, big glasses, Bears cap and his blustery voice. Only thing not from the skit was the grey business suit he wears while he stops anyone who passes him wearing a costume, and asks them the same series of questions. So far they've all gone like so:

"Hey hey you got powers? You got powers, I got a job for you the law can't touch! No powers? Alright you have a nice day and stay safe!"

So far no takers. A lot of being waved off, being told "Not interested" in varying degrees of politeness and vulgarity. But Jerry was nothing if tenacious. Even through the growing turmoil, he kept his eyes on the prize. Miriam herself had her eyes roaming. They had chosen to sit at just outside the edge of the Anti-Accords crowd to scout for talent, but keep out of anything that might happen as much as possible. Which suits her just fine. If the protests of old were any indication, things could get ugly, and Miriam would only have time to punch maybe one Nazi before picking up Jerry and jumping out of here to safety. Miriam loves to fight, otherwise she wouldn't even be in Underground Super Combat, but she wasn't getting in this fight for either side. So in the meantime, Miriam just sat on a bench chewing her bubblegum, occasionally blowing a bubble and popping it appearing to be every bit a bored young woman despite the setting.

 

[Nomad-22]

Shepard​

Yards away on the left side of a mob covered street a white colored van parked next to the sidewalk. Inside the the back was two people. One seated in front of a set of computer screens was a raven-haired Causasian girl no more than seventeen years old, wearing a gray hoodie and blue jeans. Seated beside her glancing from one screen to another was a man of dark-complexion in a light brown jacket with intense eyes. His gaze searched for anything out of place beside the obvious near riot apparent to all outside.

Even within the vehicle the operative known as Shepard in the SLU can hear the chants, screaming and curses being thrown at one another by all parties involved. Pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand, the man suppressed a sigh. Bast's sake this disaster is begging to happen. He thought with mounting frustration before lifting a Starbucks coffee cup and sipped. There was little Shepard could do right now but wait and see.

His directive had been clear only observe unless to defense themselves and prevent the upcoming brawl becoming an all out battle. As an uncover operative for Wakanda and a member of SLU's secret branch the Shepard knew the importance of collecting information and being discreet. Without turning from the screens Shepard asked his young associate in a deep southern accent he had perfected over the years.

"Network have your friends on the inside picked up anything of note?"

Shaking her head and keeping both hands on the computer panel, Sarah Vale replied.

"Not much other than the cops are bringing in reinforcements but nothing else. What ya see here is proof enough why."

Finally, a weary sigh escaped Shepard. Even with Sarah's mutant powers to 'speak' with machines it had limits. They were able to listen into the police frequency earlier and hacked their video surveillance but nothing further. Personally he didn't think there was a way to stop a riot from breaking out. Yet the uncover Wakandan hoped they can minimize the damage as much as possible.

That's why the SLU had their people flittered among the host of mixed collection of protesters. If someone tries to provoke an outright war they will deal with it. Letting Network continue on with her task Shepard turned away and made an encrypted call from a cell phone.

"Thunderbird, status report." (@Gands)

 

[Soverign]

It had taken Ray nearly 3 and a half days to fly to the now surrounded Arcadia House. If he had been able to turn into his largest flying form he could have done so in hours. But sightings of beasts on the way here was not going to help things along. Yet alone stop a riot. As the Golden Eagle landed on a rooftop he shifted into his human form stretching. After feeling a satisfying cluster of pops and making sure that his clothes were fine Ray moved sitting on the edge he looked down at the crowd and gave a small smile. To this day humans were odd, yes he may look like one but he never fit in as one. Animals always seemed to understand him more.

"I wonder if they ever do look up. Or only at obvious things" He said seeming to speak to nobody. But was met with a mental jolt. Quickly seeing escape routes, how many there were, and how hungry he was. A predators mind indeed. Ray smiled softly as the chanting was heard "No Sue, we can't hunt them. I will get us something substantial later" If she had her own body she would have killed him there but she merely snarled in his mind and left the conversation. Her instincts being strong but able to be controlled. Sue always was satisfied when he ate normal food but if he ever went hunting she often was subdued for days and was easier to handle.

Looking around he harnessed her sense of smell. Upgrading from the very poor human sense of smell. He looked around and hummed as he started to observe the observers. Looking at a Van he smelt only two, but was to avoid it unless to say hello. Watching others who seemed to keeps eyes on the crowd he noticed a very bored looking women. Probably just waiting for a fight, came to the right place for one really. Lastly he saw the desk in the center of all the mess out front. The man seemed calm, well he was asking those with powers to walk through hell to get to him.

As Ray stood up he looked over the edge then at the ally side of the building. Deciding to go the more discreet side he jumped turning into a house cat so the fall was like feathers. With his fall taken care of he turned into a German Shepard. With his form taken he tagged along behind a couple who was walking. Making the honest onlooker thing he was just their well trained dog without a leash.

Upon reaching the closest section of the protesters passing a bus stop he shifted and quickly sat at the nearest bench. Relaxing there he seemed like the casual watching pedestrian laying his arms over the back. Humming to himself he looked at the crowds to his left and the Van to his right. Keeping his position he didn't want to get involved just yet wanting to observe some more.

 

[Gands]

James Proudstar. Aka Thunderbird

James got up this morning early. The grey light of dawn provided all the illumination he needed for his run. Coming back to the hotel room he got into his agreed on gear. Baseball cap with a red, white & blue Arizona Diamondbacks logo. Jean jacket with a captain America shield on the back, the words ( Molon Labe ) underneath it.

The SLU team he was on had normal uniformed security around the new Fairfield Arcadia House. He was out making himself part of the small pro crowd out front. Something caught his eye at the roof line. At first only a bird, then it changed into a young man.. Who seemed to fall/flow off the roof towards the side alley where James lost him in the crowd.

Then he heard Shepard's status check.

" Spotted one enhanced briefly on the roof Shepard. Maybe some sort of shapeshifter. Lost him in the crowd. . Lots of drones in the air. A few look pretty heavy duty. I expect big brother has eyes in the sky. "

James thought to himself that this situation is going to get out of control soon. He hoped and prayed that no one would get hurt. He had been with SLU for maybe a year and a half. Most of that wotking with Shepard & his team. There was a huge amount of respect there for his boss. Shepard has worked out with him many times now. Taught James martial arts moves, supplementing his skillset there, strategy & tactics. His emt/first aid skills were top notch now. He thought about that, issuing a prayer to the great spirit to keep these innocent people safe and unharmed under his watch.
@Nomad-22. @Camleen. @Soverign. @ ms.ezra

 

[Ms.Ezra]

​

Loud voices of dissent, approval, vitriol and righteousness. All being tossed around in the air from sides equally certain theirs is the gospel truth that must win out, and so they will do whatever they can to make it so. This place was a war zone waiting to happen, breeding anger and anxiety for all present and watching near or far.

And Verona loves it. These were the perfect conditions for Andromeda to be producing adrenaline at a rate that would have its mouth watering, if it had a mouth. It was a veritable smorgasbord for the life form from beyond the stars, and that was the extent of its thinking on the situation.

Andromeda has more complex reasons to be here with the NYU Rainbow Group. The campus organization was dedicated to celebrating everyone who strayed from the 'norm' of society, and super-humans(or mutants as some chose to label others and themselves) certainly fell within those parameters. But the other members only know Andromeda Barton as a bi-curious girl from Texas. Explaining Verona to them would have been too much. While Andromeda was not inclined to share her very unique relationship, she still wanted to support the decision of others to not only make it open, but use it for the benefit of humankind. One of the reasons she wasn't on the Pro-Accords side of this situation was because that cause had some very invasive protocols she just could not abide. They also would not have been accommodating to the choice of attire the club had chosen, paid for, and provided to its members: a spandex facsimile costume of the neighborhood hero of New York, Spider-Man, in all the colors of the rainbow replacing the usual red.

"ACCORDS.ARE. OPPRESSION!"

That was the chant of the NYU Rainbow Group as they held their sign up near the front lines of the anti-accords side of the street. Andy yells that as loud as she can in tandem with the others holding up the large sign that proclaims the same with the other members concealed under the same mask and costume. She feels the tension of the situation, the possibility of conflict, and while it feeds the symbiote inhabiting her body it also keeps Andromeda alert for any trouble that may arise. The symbiote she had named Verona has proven capable of overwhelming many street thugs; now was her chance to test it against any fascists or terrorists who would choose this as their chance to exert their will on others no matter the human cost.

​

 

[AshenAngel]

Jackson Cardenas • The Magician Gloom
​

That was everything. Money, water bottle, clothes… Gear… That's everything. Now he'd just have to get out before someone noticed he was taking too long.

"Jackie, my boy, where do you think you're going?" …Shit.

Jackson Cardenas put on an easy-going smile as he turned to look at the figure standing at the door of the train car. "Was planning to hit that rally. Buncha rich guys who think they can do what they want behind a banner'll be there. Figured it'd be decent money."

"The bag. What's it for?" Ever since Jackson joined the circus, this guy had been watching his back. Of course he'd know what was really going on. You see, this guy was Harvey, just Harvey, and he knew every trick in the book. He's the reason why Jackson was still alive after everything. He taught him everything he needed to know.

"I look like a college kid. It'll be daytime. It's to sell the image... Didn't have much else to stuff it with to make it look heavy." He couldn't let his criminal little smile fade. He wasn't innocent in this. He had to get out of here, now. Harvey wasn't a big man. At least, as far as typical circus staff went. He wasn't a muscle man, wasn't five hundred pounds… Honestly on the older side of forty. But he was big enough to fill out a suit and kick your ass in style. And he wasn't buying the story. Shit. "I'll be back before practice, cross my heart."

"Half your cut. You go out, you come back. I get half the cut. See if your little excursion was worth the trouble." Jackson opened his mouth to argue. "Nah-ah-ah, Jackie. Shut up if you know what's best for ya. See, I've been paying attention. You've got something hung up in that mutie business, and that's bad for my business. Understand?" Jackson nodded numbly. Suddenly Harvey was in his space. Shirt balled up in Harvey's fist. The smile disappeared. "Jackie, you answer me when I talk to you."

He grimaced when Harvey actually lifted him up. "Yessir. No mutie business. Got it."

"Do you really get it, kid? Do you?" Harvey drawled. "Muties start poppin' up, suddenly our little show is nothing compared to what you can see on the news. People start wonderin' if we're effin' muties, start messing with us. So, when our prized kid starts showing something like sympathy to those freaks… We can't let that happen."

Jack's eyes glowed red and Harvey's startled yell was cut short as the twenty something slammed his bag across his head. The guy crumpled and fell to the floor of the box car, unconscious. "This freak's had enough." Jack scoffed as he put on his sunglasses with still shaking hands.

He marched out of the box car, snagged some funnel cake from the booth when the guy was distracted, and headed towards the closest train station. The outskirts of the city weren't too populated by foot traffic, but there were people. Everything would work out. He tossed out his trash, cast a glance around, and as he continued along his way, he accidentally bumped into a guy who was leaving the train station. Deft fingers snagged the wallet he'd seen in the guy's pocket. The guy was none the wiser.

Mark Slader, proud owner of a city transit pass. Bingo.

•••​

Jack arrived amid a sea of people. He frowned slightly as he glanced around. Plenty of easy marks, but he didn't like how many drones were up there. No, this was too high profile to make any good snags. Maybe. Depended on how tight the crowd was packed. He pulled up the hood of his white sweatshirt and adjusted his shades. He needed to make things work today. He didn't exactly have a fallback plan.

He was already decided on who his main targets were. Any asshole who was against his future place of residence was fair game.

He worked his way through the dense crowd of bastards and other horrible people, deft hands nimbly grabbing wallets and ridding them of their heavy load. He kept the cash. Tossed the rest. Couldn't afford to linger too long. Had to keep moving. Had to get to the safe place before someone caught onto him. Had to be safe. Had to be safe. He started to work his way out of the crowd. Too dangerous to try and get to the Arcadia House from the bad side. The guards might see him as a threat. Hell, the crowd could even turn on him.

"How are you making out, Jackie?" Everything ran cold when he felt a hand on the back of his neck. He couldn't breathe. Harvey had found him. "It's time to go home, kid. Don't think of trying that little trick of yours. You don't have many friends on this side of the street."

Jack's gaze darted around the crowd. All imposing figures, shouting chants to drown out the anti-Accords chants that were raising up from the other side. Even if he screamed for help, his voice would be lost in the crowd. "Harvey, don't do this." He gritted out. His hands were shaking now. "Please, just let me go. Please."

"Jackie, shut up. We're going home." Jack nearly tripped as Harvey tugged him along, looking every bit like a disappointed father figure. He sold the image of a step-dad far too well, Jack fitting the image of a disobedient teen just the same.

He couldn't go back there. He couldn't keep up that act any more. So, despite his better judgement, as the two of them were approaching the thinning back edge of the crowd, Jack did the only thing that popped up in his stressed out mind.

He elbowed Harvey as hard as he could in the rib cage, breaking his grip, and he fucking bolted.

"Stop that fucking mutie!" Harvey's deep voice drew the attention of the people around him and whipped them into a frenzy.

Jack broke through the line, hands immediately going up to show he wasn't a threat to any guards that were watching. "Please, please, I can't go back." He begged, looking up at one of the security staff. He couldn't go back, he needed to be safe. He walked up to the information group, scared eyes constantly darting back to the frenzied crowd as the shouts grew more hateful. He approached the information table, shaking from the adrenaline and fear of it all. "I don't have anywhere else to go. Please, I'm not safe anymore." The fact that his voice was starting to clam up betrayed how completely overwhelmed he felt.

 

[Amber Franklin]

MARROW
​

Some mutants are indistinguishable from what others consider a 'normal' human being. Some have a mutation that makes it very obvious they are different on a genetic level. Of those, the unfortunate can't change what visibly marks them and the fortunate can.

Sarah is a mutant who chooses to set herself apart with a pair of bone horns that jut out from her forehead roughly two inches. The horns go well with her leather jacket that has a large Baphomet and pentagram on the back. Looking like a devil minus the red skin and pitchfork may not help their case, but it was her choice just like someone chose to have a tattoo or a piercing. Yeah Sarah considers herself a Satanist, but not in the way most would think. All that blood sacrifice over candles and chanting crap wasn't her way. Satanists of her kind put themselves in opposition to the norms of society in other ways. Like being a mutant and being unafraid to show it.

The young woman walks at the head of a group of four younger people, between the ages of thireen to sixteen. They look clean in the face, but their clothes have seen a lot of mileage, and one is very rat-like in appearance. He stands right behind Sarah, cowering as the Pro Accords side erupts on their approach to the Acadia House information desk. Sarah leers around at them, body tensed for a fight.

"Stop that fucking mutie!"

"Stand back!" She yells at the mob that looks ready to do just that, stretching her right fist out at the crowd and making her knuckles extend out into sharp spikes. Her horns also grow longer, nearly a foot.

"Keep going." She tells the group she had been escorting and they run to the information table beside the young man who had sprung out of the wrong crowd. Meanwhile she stands with bone spikes out staring into the crowd, ready to face them alone if push comes to shove to bones to bullets.

 

[DANAsaur]

Charlotte Kim aka Banshee​

---

It was well known from the monsters of history that people didn't react to death tolls if they were too high to comprehend. One death can mobilize a community, even a nation. Many deaths, hundreds or thousands, can make a lasting impression to be used for good or bad intentions. Millions of deaths were the ticket, make it bloody enough and people will keep on eating their cornflakes and pouring their coffee. Humans just aren't wired to cope with that kind of devastation and so they don't, like a safety shutdown.​

​

So the path for the warlords was simple, make sure the death tolls are as high as possible. For those freaks that are able to react - shut them down with fear of the "enemy." Wicked fun. Worked every time. The only antidote was to shine a light on one dead child at a time, just one. Let the world see each God's child killed in the name of war, in the name of money, greed, and misunderstanding.​

​

And that's exactly what Charlotte Kim wanted to see: a war between mutant and humans. After all, she wouldn't have lost her baby if it weren't for humans. Because of their greed and their irresponsibility, Thanos wouldn't target their planet. Then she wouldn't lose her beloved and her unborn child. "All humans must die" she mumbled under her breath, her chocolate brown eyes flashing out of anger "And by creating a war between humans and mutants, I am certain the entire human race will be eradicated"​

​

Her plan was simple: wait for an opportunity to strike before letting out a high pitch scream to harm both mutants and humans.​

​

All I have to do is wait she thought to herself One small little nudge and everything will fall into place. I just have to be patient​

​

I'm not part of any group so they'll have a hard time tracking me down. Besides, with me wearing a black hoodie and black skinny jeans, no one will suspect me. I just really need to be patient and everything will go smoothly​

​

But patience is not her strongest suit. ​

​

She tapped her black Louboutin pumps against the pavement and tossed her newly dyed purple hair against her shoulders out of boredom, her chocolate brown eyes scanning the crowd. At the moment there nothing really interesting to look at except for her well-manicured nails. But I only have ten delicately designed nails so it doesn't do much to ease her boredom.​

​

Just then someone shouting snapped her out of boredom, her eyes immediately looking around to see what's happening. It seems a mutant was running away from a human. It's not really that interesting but it's enough to catch her attention and ease her boredom. Charlotte then decided to get off the bench and followed the two. ​

​

But before anything could happen, someone stepped in and stopped the potential fight or beating.​

​

Charlotte stopped on her tracks and clicked her tongue under her black medical mask. "Just when things are starting to get interesting..." she mumbled her breath. She was hoping that the little fiasco would trigger everyone's emotions but it seems that's not the case. "What a waste"​

​

She then looked at the one who stopped the potential fight and raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at the girl. It was obvious that the said girl is a mutant; horns were protruding from its forehead and there were sharp spikes on its knuckles. The girl looked like a demon child and for some odd reason, Charlotte felt like she had seen the girl before. She couldn't quite place where but she's certain that she met her not too long ago. Perhaps in one of the concerts I went to?​

​

Deciding not to dwell on such trivial thought, she decided to just forget about it and go back to the bench she was sitting on and look for something else that can ease her boredom. ​

​

But upon turning around, she accidentally bumped into someone. Instead of saying she's sorry, Charlotte had the audacity to feel annoyed. "Watch it!" She glared at before checking her clothes to see if it is still impeccable.​

​

"Can't you see I'm walking here?" She retorted angrily "You're lucky my shoes aren't ruined."​

 

[MrStoryTeller]

Logan/Wolverine

Logan had caught wind of this new, "mutant", house that was opening up somewhere up in Connecticut and he figured that he should check it out to make sure that the mutants were going to be well taken care of and not used for anything else. It meant he would have to leave his group though but he knew a couple of well-powered mutants in the group that could take care of them all while he was away if trouble would find them. Logan hitched a train ride up to the state and it didn't seem to go as long as he was expecting it to be. As he arrived at his final stop and exited the train, he could already see the alerted and on edge security. A couple of small anti-mutant groups were holding signs and shouting something. Logan just walked on by like he was no one.



He could tell he was in the right place. There were tons of people at this event. More than he had expected but would make it easier to blend in. He took up a spot against a building and lit up a cigar. As he took a bit drag of it, he began to scan the area to see what was all going on. Taking a smell, he could tell there was a good mix of mutants, metas, and humans all here. It was surprising that no major incidents had occurred yet. There were guards and security everywhere though. Logan had arrived in time he had hoped. It had not seemed like anyone had given a speech or declared the place open yet or there wouldn't have been this many people still here. One thing for sure, Logan was on high alert. It would not stay quiet for very long. He would do his best not to get into a fight but would protect anyone that looked to be in danger.

 

[Gands]

Jenna aka Mirage

It had been maybe 10 hours since the teleportation out of the facility. After one pizza meal for she and her fellow escapees and some sound sleep, the others decided to all go their separate ways. Before sleep, they had hidden the teleport boy's body in a dumpster. They all said a long prayer for him, though none of them were overly religious.

She gave the others a share of the money she had taken from the two guards who had murdered her nurse. It was maybe 10 o'clock at night now. On the television at the Pizza place there was big news about some sort of mutant place opening up. It wasn't far as the crow flies. Problem was, she didn't fly, nor did she know how to drive.

She was trained to fit in, raised with other children in her section of the facility. Taught social skills, computer skills, all very supervised of course. Taught to fit in. She had good body language skills even without her telepathy. She was quite fit, within upper human normal for her size, which admittedly it wasn't much at 5'2".

Earlier in the day, she had managed a trip to Walmart. New cheap clothes for everyone. She had enough money now for a train trip down to this mutant house as the newsman had said it. Arcadia house she thought she had heard. She found sleep deep in a city park. One man decided to bother her. She became angry at him, his intentions, his horrible desires. She skewed his perception 90 degrees off to one side and maybe 10 degrees up. He didn't bother her again. She tied off the effect, moved to a new spot and tried to go to sleep. He should have normal vision again in the morning.

The morning started with a trip to McDonald's. Cafe Moca with a pair of Egg McMuffins, on special, accompanied with a large orange juice. She was rather hungry. Then the train. Full of people, busy people, some few already angry at the concept of mutant house. Others angry with the concept of other people being angry. She wasn't certain what exactly entailed being a mutant. One thing for certain though, she was distinctly not normal. She wore a bright pink top with black jeans and hiking boots. There was a backpack with a used copy of Last of the Mohicans inside it & a pack of snack bars. She had forgotten to remove the tag from her top and from her jeans… and from her boots… She had remembered somehow for her backpack and the book. There was a metal tag around her wrist. It had her name, Jenna Wyngarde 134B. Under that there was a long 10 digit number. Jenna didn't really know why she hadn't removed it. She supposed she needed a reminder of her life before freedom.

There was a woman on the train, tall, with dirty blonde hair and a baseball cap with a pair of stylized red socks on it. She walked with confidence, something like the guards at the facility. Only her surface thoughts were of a young boy and hunger. Oddly enough, of wishing she could have flown here. Jenna hadn't investigated enough minds yet to know this wasn't a normal I wish I could fly thought.

Jenna seemed to follow a large group from the train station. Thoughts confirmed most of them were going where she wanted to go. This Arcadia house was one crowded noisy place to be certain. She went through the crowd now, only the slightest brush of her power to give people the impression she was beneath their notice. She didn't want to mix with all the angry people, but they were everywhere, it couldn't be helped. Then there was the young man, surging through the crowd, afraid, desperate. She felt that desperation enough to check with her telepathy, though that was harder than expected, so much anger. The angry man following him, she gave that man an illusion that he had achieved his goal, dragging an imaginary boy off to some circus. Then there was the devil girl, daring someone to take her on, defending her little troupe.

She was not paying attention then, her mind briefly occupied with the angry circus man and the devil girl, when she bumped into the Asian woman with the purple hair. There was brief touch, Jenna was almost overwhelmed by the fury. The outright desire for war and death. It stunned her for a second. She was shoved aside as the girl talked down to her briefly before shoving past her. So much so that she changed her plans. She had to get out of the middle of the crowd. She tried to follow angry purple hair girl as she shoved her way back out of the crowd.

She had lost just a little too much time being stunned at the revelation of the purple hair girl. She was not in the middle of the crowd now, but still rather lost in the emotions and noise. Her mind was revolted and a bit consumed by purple hair girl still. She felt herself get sick, so much hate. She stumbled and fell to her knees. She helplessly felt her stomach heave up the delicious McDonald's breakfast onto someone's shoes. From her knees now, she reached out to steady herself with one hand, while the other wiped across her face, the flickering tag on the arm of her new pink top. She looked up and saw red socks hat woman.

"There is a girl… purple hair… wants to start a war… "

 

[Camleen]

GM Post!

​

The masked members of the Human Protection League now begin to form something of a line along the sidewalk leading to the Arcadia House. There aren't just masked members, but the masks seem to signify a certain rank amongst the group. Some liken it to the hoods the Ku Klux Klan would wear, but the HPL insists they have no affiliation with the KKK. They don't completely block the sidewalk, but they certainly are making it difficult for any that might approach.

A woman carrying an amplifier moves towards the front of the group and sets it down. She flicks it on, and then someone else steps forward. He is holding a microphone as he moves, a wide friendly smile on his face. He speaks into the mic, his voice amplified by… the… amplifier. Which just makes sense.

"My friends! Welcome to another attempt to take us all apart!" He motions to the Arcadia House. Some of those gathered (not of his own group) recognize him as AJ Collode… the leader of the Human Protection League. "These are not safehouses… they are recruitment centers for aberrations!" He pauses a moment, and then continues "15 years ago New York is destroyed… and they claim aberrations saved us! But those aberrations, the Avengers, were the ones truly responsible! 12 years ago the UN was bombed! 11 years ago a hotel in Nigeria… filled with innocents! And then… 9 years ago… Thanos." He pauses again, his hand lowering a little as he stares out at the crowd. Most in his pro-accords group are smiling or nodding, most in the other groups are not.

"They claim an alien came to Earth and killed most of our planet's people! And then a few years later… suddenly and conveniently everyone is brought back to life! And every time the aberrations calling themselves the Avengers were there, again convenient! It's all a plan to take hold of our world and our liberties through use of living weapons of mass destruction! They are responsible for killing millions of people in this time! How many more?! No one will tell us the truth about how people came back to life, no one was there at the supposed battle at their headquarters… or should I say safehouse… or should I say recruitment center… or maybe it was the first Arcadia House!" Many of his group cheer at that.

"And now, brothers and sisters, they are opening more of these Arcadia Houses, recruitment centers! Training more aberrations to fight for them and to kill more innocent people, all in the name of their own glory and power!" Another loud cheer from the group.

And as Jackson breaks desperately through the group, some of them immediately step aside to allow it. As if afraid to touch him. And it's then that most of them pull their phones from pockets… and they start to film the proceedings. AJ once more calls out, motioning towards Jackson. "And another fighter for the abberations!" Things are going precisely as AJ wanted them to. Because soon after… Sarah steps up. She defends Jackson getting to the Arcadia House members… spikes and horns growing from her skin. "It's the fight of our very lives and souls, and the lives and souls of our children, ladies and gentlemen! These agents of all things evil and satannic now threaten you! Look at the monster!" He points towards Sarah as he speaks.

And as if on cue, as Sarah makes her threat, one of AJ's comrades steps forward. He slips his jacket off and lets it drop as he strides through the crowd. He is wearing what looks like dark colored armor, some of it metallic. But with each step, a soft mechanical 'whirr' sound is heard. He is easily over 6'4" in height, his hands now glowing as he clenches them into fists. AJ's loud voice is heard as people part way for this armored man, and he is staring at Sarah as he moves towards her. "That mutie abberation just threatened us all with those demonic blades! So now we defend ourselves!" The crowd starts to cheer as they all stand back, most of them recording video or taking pictures.

​

 

[Camleen]

The workers in the front property of the Arcadia House move towards Jackson, 5 of them in fact. They all wear similar outfits, a light blue color the common motiff. One of them smiles to Jackson as he speaks. "Hey, don't worry. You're safe now, friend. No one's going to get to you ever again." She smiles to him and motions him towards the little information booth they have set up. "We just want some info, okay? Don't worry about the crowd, they usually take care of themselves. And they know we have simply the best lawyers."

Capt. Carol 'Avenger' Danvers​

Yep, this place is a mess. Carol frowns a little as she listens to those around her, as the tension rises slowly. Glancing upwards, she sees those drones hovering discretely overhead. The small lights in the front of the drone turn from red to green and back every once in a while. Carol figures that's when they're taking recordings, or scanning the crowd.

Her head turns towards the different groups as she stands anonymously… well they are angry, but it surely is an interesting gathering. Her eyes fall on the NYU Rainbow Group… and she has to grin widely. Awwww those are such cute costumes. Peter would be so embarassed… she loves it. She can see the young fella in the rainbow colored costume. She'll have to see if she can make that happen. Her eyes linger on the group, but her attention is drawn to AJ Collode… wow the man himself. She's seen him on television before. He has a late night cable show that is on sometimes, and he's one of the more outspoken people against those with powers. She's to focused on him to really notice the young girl who had been throwing up. But the girl kind of crawls closer, and now Carol looks down at her.

She puts a smile on her lips as she kneels down, and she grasps the girl gently by the arm to help her up. They both get to their feet, and Carol glances in the direction of the purple haired girl. "Well 2 things, sweety." She looks back towards Jenna as she continues "People that say they wanna start a war, usually don't or can't. And second…" she glances around as she still keeps a hand on Jenna's arm to make sure she's okay. "if she's the only one here that wants to start war, we're ahead of the game." She says with a nod. Her other hand comes up and she removes her aviator glasses now.

But then… it's one little word that makes her tense up. She doesn't hurt Jenna, of course. Her gaze flicks towards AJ as he says that one word.
Thanos
In Carol's mind… memories flash.


The Earth from orbit.
The Sanctuary II firing on her… and then it going down in flames.
Holding the Iron Gauntlet.
Going toe to toe with Thanos himself… and winning.
And then… watching Tony Stark die.


She shakes her head quickly as someone gets through the crowd, someone being chased. She feels a shiver run up her spine, and now she looks towards Jenna as she speaks, forcing that smile on her lips again. "Hey, get some distance, okay? This might be bad." She lets go of Jenna as Sarah steps up to defend his path, covering him. Carol tucks her glasses into the pocket of her jacket, just in time to hear AJ declare they've been threatened. Well.. they really haven't been. Not yet, and certainly not by Sarah. Yeah she's brandishing dangerous weapons…….. okay maybe they are being threatened.

The armored man moves towards Sarah… and Carol is in motion.

The man in black armor growls and draws a fist back as he closes in on Sarah suddenly. He throws that fist in a powered punch… but that punch is stopped in mid-throw. Wide eyed under his mask he looks towards his fist, seeing Carol calmly holding it in place. His armor is basically a kind of power armor, giving him greatly enhanced strength and endurance. But… he can't break free from Carol's one handed grip. And Carol just glares at him, and AJ's voice is heard once more over the amplifier. "She must be another mutie! Now they're atta-" The air is suddenly filled with shrill static as the amplifier seems to explode. Not like… a bomb. But it melts a little from a hole suddenly in its front, smoke rising from it. Carol's free fist is pointed towards the amplifer… and her body shimmers with white and blue energies cascading along her slim form. "That's enough out of you, douchebag. And for the record I'm an alien, not mutant. Duh." She says very matter of factly. The group as a whole takes a step back, and the man in armor sees his chance to strike!

He draws his armored head back, and then thrusts it towards Carol's head while she isn't looking. He lets out a howl of pain as his helmet cracks, parts of it falling off. He starts to slouch down as Carol still holds onto his hand… and she just slowly looks towards him with a 'really?' look. She lifts him up with one hand, and then drops him. He falls unconscious like a rag doll, though he's still alive. Just super dazed.

"Okay."

She utters as the others in the group… and in the other groups… seem to start to feel brave. Some are now wielding small clubs and half baseball bats.

Now… Carol knows if a riot breaks out… it will end up with nothing good. Period. The police are outclassed here, and outnumbered. Glancing discretely up she sees those drones are no longer there. Which is a bad sign. But back to the crowd. If they start to fight amongst one another, it will be really bad. So maybe she has to give them something to focus on.

Her hair now starts to sway as her eyes glow brilliantly. Her fists are held out at her hips, her arms tight to her sides. Her form is lifted up a little as now the whole of her form cascades with blue and white energy, pulsing like a small star. She yells out as she looks around herself, now 5 feet off the ground. "Everyone put your weapons down and disperse! Now!" She hopes words and her little show will be enough.. but she isn't so sure…

 

[Ms.Ezra]

WARBIRD
​

"Hey M!" Jerry gets her attention and Miriam looks aside at him.

Looks like he wants something. Great

"Yeah?" Miriam asks.

"Getting hungry, how about you take over while I get us some grub?" He suggests.

"Take over..." Miriam sways her head side to side while considering his suggestion. "...yeah alright. Get me a little something spicy while you're at it, huh?"

"You got it." Jerry affirms and hands her his bundle of business cards. Miriam stands up from the bench and pulls off her sweater; now she wears a black tanktop with USC across the chest.

"Underground.Super.Combat!" Miriam claps on each word and yells at the top of her lungs to compete with all the other chants going on. "I know you've seen us on Youtube, now we wanna make you a star! Be the first member of USC East and show the world what ya got!"

Already Miriam spotted two kinds of looks she didn't like; guys with a very selective gaze and people who didn't like her trying to recruit for something they viewed as beneath the spirit of the day. But Miriam carries on with the confidence that she has a two-foot bubble where nobody could get in a sucker punch or a grope.

That is until things amp up on the words of AJ Collode, and he says a few choice things that get her blood boiling. She uses her power to rise up two feet off the ground in order to see over the crowd and glare at AJ.

"They claim an alien came to Earth and killed most of our planet's people! And then a few years later… suddenly and conveniently everyone is brought back to life!

Not everyone came back, asshole.

Miriam has a mind to jump over this crowd and sock AJ right in the mouth.

"Bad for business." Miriam tells herself quietly outloud to tamp down her temper. "Wrong arena, wrong time, and wrong reasons." Then her eyes catch someone more interesting and worth her attention than AJ: a devil girl who looks to be itching for a fight. Miriam squints and leans forward to get a better look at the girl so defiantly leading the way to the Acadia House. "Those....bones? Nice." The situation escalates suddenly when a young guy comes running out of the Pro Accords groups and makes a beeline for the Acadia House as well, and the devil girl takes it upon herself to defend him, a complete stranger.

Just as Miriam starts to think maybe this girl has too noble of intentions to want to join USC, AJ pretty much goads an armored goon into attacking her. For a second Miriam thinks they were about to see not only what kind of fighter this devil was, but what kinds of fighters were gathered her as this powder keg was finally set on fire as a result.

But then someone intervenes in a spectacular fashion. An older woman stops the inciting blow of a riot, shuts up AJ for the time being, and then demands everyone to disperse while making herself a human star.

"Star Queen." Miriam says thinking instantly of a name this one could have if she were to join USC. The young woman looks up at her, and around at the crowd.

What better way to get in her good graces than backing her up?

"You heard the lady!" Miriam claps around at everyone. "Pack it in! You don't gotta go home, but you can't stay here!"

 

[Nomad-22]

SHEPARD​

James has great potential. Malusi silently concluded from Proudstar's brief report. The past year had given the Wakandian plenty of evidence of why. No doubt Fury had some kind of unknown agenda for letting young man join the SLU, but Shepard hadn't found any ulterior designs from James so far. Shepard prayed to Bast that his instincts were right.

Nodding the operative subsequently replied. "Acknowledged Thunderbird. Hold your position and alert us of any further suspicious activity." Even as the words came out of his mouth Shepard again noted stretched thin they were here. Eyes back to the screens he had to restraint himself from swearing out loud.

He understood the concept of the right to peacefully assemble to express free speech. Although watching how agitated the masses were becoming made him think that it was only being used as an excuse to fight. True Shepard won't hesitate to defend himself and those under his charge but not without exploring other options first. Seeing the sheer rage on many faces of both pro accord group and even from some from the opposition, Shepard couldn't help but be reminded of a certain man. One who had been consumed by hatred and nearly launched world conquest as a result...

Killmonger

The name brought a shiver up Shepard's spine, despite fact the usurper has been dead for years now. Suddenly Network raised her right hand pointing at the left center screen, saying.

"We got a runner."

Narrowing his eyes Shepard looked on as Jack ran for safety of the Acadia House and anti-mutant bigots trying to pursue him. Only for Marrow to intervene standing in their way and displayed her mutant powers. Immediately Shepard message a secret code to his associates among the crowd to be ready.

Then as if it can't get any worse AJ Collode finally appeared. "Turn up the volume Network." Shepard ordered causing the mutant operator to mutter.

"This is bullshit."

Nonetheless, she complied. Soon they can hear Collode's voice as the leader of the Human Protection League went into one of his infamous rants. Listening in Shepard found himself squeezing his fists with silent rage. What really boiled his blood was how Collode denied the existence of Thanos and the battles fought against the mad Titan. I was there you inja! Thought, Malusi who had wanted nothing more than to leave the van and break every bone in the speaker's body but knew it would achieve nothing.

Subsequently, an armored figure from out of the league strolled forward for Marrow to punch her. Before Shepard could message his team to move in when a stranger stepped forward, locking the would-be attacker in 'unnaturally' strong grip. Eyes widened in shock Shepard next witnessed the new woman with energy covering over her body melt the nearby amplifier with a free hand and speak. He raised an eyebrow at her confession of being an alien. However, the operative's shock grew further when Carol took the full force of an armored headbutt by her captive without a scratch.

Dropping the unconscious bigot the newcomer lifted off the ground and shine like a star, blinding the screens. Still the audio was working enough for Network and Shepard hear this alien's demand. Seeing an opportunity Malusi took advantage of it, messaging the team. "Do as she says, fall back. Maintain observation of the crowd as you do so."

Shepard wanted to believe this whole power show will be enough to prevent bloodshed. In his guts though he feared some people will perhaps still be stupid enough to try something anyway.

 

[Soverign]

Ray sat there on the bench and after listening to everything the speeches, the protesting, the noise. There was a reason he lived in the woods. Everything in the wilds were at the right place and if they had an issue you found out about it very quickly and honestly. Humans are just strange. Sighing Ray went over everything in his mind 'So one group lead by suit and beard hates aliens and mutants. The others support them in varying ways and these are mutants willing to fight in defense or even offense. Sometimes i wonder what is more annoying the fact they cannot agree or that they can't just move on. Change is inevitable' Standing Ray made one last look around then shifted back to a Shepard and started for the crowd. Keeping his head down he made his way to the center of the group. Looking at the man on the floor he was amused. The women that put him there was standing there not amused by his attempted attack. Looking her over his mind clicked with labels. His instincts telling him key things Alpha, Strong, Pack Leader. Shaking his head he huffed as he pulled out of his canine mind.

Sitting he watched waiting for what others would do. Hopefully this display would override their need for combat. If a challenger could not match a leader in the wild they back down. No sense in dying in a fight you cannot win. Walking out he made sure to avoid the group that was all clad in black. Easily sensing they were of an aggressive nature and hate was as natural as breathing for them. Stopping by the pair defending the Arcadia House he gave the horned female and the Alpha like female a glance he shifted back to his human form.

Cracking his neck he straitened his jacket and gave them a smile "Got to admit you two got guts. Though i don't see them winning a fight here. Try not to kill them ya?" With that he hummed a tune and made his way to the table.

There was a trio of people already there and seemed frantic, must've been the people the horned lady was protecting. Turning around he looked on and couldn't push away the feeling something was up. He tilted his head still partially thinking like a dog would "When a fight breaks out i wonder how many go down in the first few minutes. My guess is 22 how about you desk dude?" He said looking over his shoulder at the man helping the others. As he waited for a response he looked back and watched like a kid to his first boxing match. Both sides ready to go to war and the only thing stopping it was a starting bell.

 

[Gands]

Thunderbird​

James maintained his position for the moment. Eyes on everything. He had considerably enhanced senses. He made thorough use of these now. He'd use his hearing to sort out anything unusual from the crowd noise. Then there was the young man breaking through the crowd to the desk. There was a more mature guy who had been running after him, who suddenly stopped & turned around, talking to himself. Very odd. Still, there were others behind that guy who weren't giving up so easily.

He suddenly remembered his last talk with Fury.

"Son, I called you in here today for a couple of reasons. First, to compliment your professional attitude. Second, when your grandfather told me about you, he told me you were special. It took me a while to realize… what exactly he meant by that. I think it would be a mistake for both of us to have you accidentally revealed to have powers while working for Shield. We are up to our asses in that damned Accord. That being said, the fact that you may or may not have powers will not ever leave this room. You will always have an ally in me Proudstar."

The old man slid an old-fashioned manila folder across the table. Inside were a few pages of documents about the SLU. There was a sticky note with a phone number. Seriously... real paper…real sticky note...It's 2027... Who uses this stuff!

His mind shifted back to the here and now.

Suddenly there was a young woman with the horns. Wow, complete with Satanist regalia. She had come with a small group of teenagers. She yelled at the crowd following the young man, and they stopped for a moment. She had a small crowd of teenagers who continued on to the table. This young woman had guts! Now there was AJ Collode. Just in time to stir up his side of the street. James positioned himself a bit closer, to one side and in front of the young horned girl... you know… just in case.

Sure enough, one of AJ's people, complete with some sort of bargain basement power armor started to come forward to *deal* with the horned girl. James readied himself. He'd have to rely on Martial arts and a bit of his quickness since strength would give him away. James Proudstar was on his toes about to react to armored guy, when something in blue jeans both pants and jacket, and a damned Red Sox Cap of all things, blurred into the space between him and armored guy. It was a woman, impressive, she held the power armor fist still mid blow. James could hear something whining in the armor as the man struggled to move his fist. Power armored guy, not giving up yet, then head butted against her head with terrible results for him. He practically knocked himself out doing so.

The woman then flew a bit up into the air and announced that everyone was to put down their weapons and disperse. His secure radio followed that up with orders to do just that. Behind his back he gave hand signals to the visible security staff to confirm that order. He himself moved forward, feeling his EMT training come to the fore. He kneeled to check the man. Just dazed … though certainly with the possibility of a concussion. First aid staff from the city moved forward to take over. He quietly gave them his opinion, stood back up & moved back in front of the table.

As he did so, he noticed the shifter he had seen earlier, now at the table. James went back to being on his toes, ready, hopefully, for anything.

 

[Ms.Ezra]

​

The NYU Rainbow Group, Andy included, were among the many actively and loudly booing AJ Collode when the man decided to make a speech tailored to make his side swoon, and theirs glare. At least Andy assumes the rest of her group is glaring, what with the masks in the way. It gets her more pumped up, and Verona is quite beside itself(figuratively speaking) with the amount its getting to eat today. At this rate, it would be full for a couple days at least.

This is even better than a night of swinging around fighting people.

Yeah but this is just as important. We need to stand for something, or we will fall for anything!

Yes we do. The nights out with Peter are much more exhilerating though.

That's for a different reason.

Oh yes, we know..heheheh.

The same moment this conversation happens within the shared mind of Andromeda and Verona, AJ mentions a related event.

No one will tell us the truth about how people came back to life, no one was there at the supposed battle at their headquarters… or should I say safehouse… or should I say recruitment center… or maybe it was the first Arcadia House!" Many of his group cheer at that.

No one was there? Is he serious? Peter was there. He fought, he killed, he watched his mentor die.

We can't let him demean what happened there to Peter.

"No..." Andy says so quietly in the uproar of the crowd that nobody hears her. Hands come down from the sign and clench into fists watching AJ go on..and on..and Verona undulates around her body; ready to shift into what she's come to call her Scarlet Spider mode. But then thinking of Peter brings another memory,

"Listen. It's really important, that you never tell people who I am, and that you never let just anyone know what's under the mask." Peter said to her, the mask of his suit coming over his face. "Never change in the middle of a crowd. Even if you think nobody is watching, Fury says that's when there is at least one person who will see you, and then this...us...it's over before you know it. You understand, right?"

"I do. I understand." Andy says and her anger subsides. Verona would sigh in disappointment, if it could.

Peter wouldn't want us just jumping in right now and doing something dumb.

That is when the situation with a supposed mutant running out from, of all places, the Pro-Accords side and the devil girl covers him. By brandishing her bone claws or whatever at them.

Something dumb, like that. She might mean well, but that's kinda dumb anyway.

The armored goon comes out, ready to wail on the girl at AJ's very blatant call.

Oh great! It gets worse! Thanks alot AJ.

Then a woman comes onto the scene, and tries to de-escalate the situation before Andy can make a move to intervene.

Wow, now she is fast. And huh...she seems familiar.

Peter told us about someone like her. Blonde hair, literally glowing, charged right through Thanos' army.

World is filled with more amazing people than ever, but that can't be a coincidence.

When a dog walks out to join the devil girl and the human star whose name escapes Andy at the moment, Andy worries about it getting hurt more than any since person being hurt, because she loves dogs. But then that dog shifts into a man about her own age, who stands with the two women like it's no big deal.

Goddarnit Peter, why do you make us stop doing dumb but cool stuff.....

If things get out of control, then we have no choice but to fight.

We're right. It'd be criminal not to do everything we can.

Yes. We'd be evil to not break a few bones to protect what's right. Ours, or theirs.