The Sins Of Our Fathers (DCEU)

[Mook-LandStrider]

Skylar

Another three hours passed and Mid-Day was coming closer. Avalia and I finally had gotten ourselves together enough to get out of the Pent house and begin to move about. Without a car I knew my ability to move about was highly limited... atleast untill it was brought over. I knew I had to keep a low profile considering what I had already done due to my own stupidity and horrible ignorance to the truth of life outside of a room. Finally out and getting ready for college was something terrifying that I had never felt before. I knew that I would have to make something of myself in school even though I would likely take employment in my fathers company.

This thought process was broken when I felt a pain like sting on my right shoulder. Turning I saw Avalia pulling her first back "I was talking to you.. you big cat." She said knowing well enough that it was get me fired up. "Im not a cat! Im.. just like you.. atleast I look like you! I just look perpetually tanned is all." I responded and crossed my arms as a blacked out car pulled up infront of us. "I honestly would like to travel on my own but my father insists that we do this for a short time." I continued on before Avalia nudged me "Then untill he brings your car or gets you one here we will do this as we should. Do not do anything rash or stupid you..." She trailed off before smirking. "Cat.".

The trip to the Queen estate was a much shorter trek that I could have imagined. I had no idea that my fathers own Pent house was located so close to the Queen estate. Driving around and pulling up infront of the main entrance I looked over at Avalia and groaned "I just want to be left alone you know? But then again that is one reason why I did so many stupid things.." I came around in my own head. "Ok! So, I wonder what Oliver Queen looks like." I continued on before Avalia pushed me "Be quiet will you!" she grumbled out making me snap shut like a mouse trap. "Fine you irritable girl." I responded as we got out of the car. The noise of us firing back and forth at each other could be heard untill the door opened.

My eyes shot directly up at Oliver Queen as he stood in the door way "So, you are the one Mr. Luthor sent? Your his daughter right?" He said looking at Avalia. Avalia smirked and pointed to me. Oliver turned his head "Oh, my apologies Miss Luthor." He said kindly making me slowly nod my head. Avalia caught my eyes staring and nudged me with a slight groan. I wanted to say something but I was caught up in his appearence to the point where I felt mesmorized for several seconds. Finally coming to my sense I took a deep breath "Yes, I am Skylar. Its nice to meet you Mr. Queen." I stammered out as I lowered my head to keep from blushing. My fiery personality seemed to almost vanish immediately and I felt a heat rise up in my chest.

Oliver just smiled "Well, your father asked me to keep a watch on your two considering the partnership that my parents and your father must have had in the passed. Knowing that my mother would have likely done the same thing if she had not passed three months ago I agreed." He explained as Avalia entered the house with me in tow. "Im sorry for your loss." Avalia said as I still tried to gather myself enough to actually speak I knew I would be getting at ear full from Avalia in a few hours but I couldn't help myself. To me he just looked amazing and I couldn't contain myself for much longer. Coming together enough to make a complete sentence I spoke up. "Well, I have to say that this is all very beautiful.. I wish I could have met your mother... My father must trust her.".

Oliver simply nodded before looking behind him to a girl coming down the steps "Who's here?" the girl asked Oliver. Oliver looked at the two of us "This is my sister Thea." he introduced her. I smiled and waved "Hello." I said now in control of my mouth. Avalia in the mean time seemed to be talking to Oliver about what was happening around. I felt out of place and socially awkward which in reality I half expected considering I never had much of an oppertunity to speak to people remotely close to my age. "Im Skylar Luthor. Its nice to meet you Thea." I said as she smiled "Like wise." She responded before Oliver turned "Alright, I am glad to see you both are here okay. Any issues don't be afraid to ask. We know our home very well. If you don't get me I am sure Thea will answer in time. Now, I must get moving I have things to attend to." He explained before we all parted ways.

Taking one last look at Oliver I felt something about him was ever so slightly off much like those individuals in H.I.V.E. He had something about him that spoke more than meets the eyes. Pushing the thought out of my head I looked to Avalia who glared at me "Put your eyes back in your head." she said to me. I simply giggled and shrugged innocently "I know nothing of what you speak of.". Not expecting Avalia's response I turned my back to her. She came up behind me as we got in the car and pushed me inside "Lets go you love struck twig." She continued on obviously abit upset about it all. I knew it and I felt bad enough to give her the distance she needed. Arriving back at the pent house she and I got out before making our way back upstairs.

"Well, I will get to ordering food in a few hours. Let me know if you need me." Avalia called out before leaving the living room for the bed room. Letting her vent her frustrations I hauled my large back pack out of a suit case and sit it on the ground. Put my hand on it a flash of aqua blue light erupted and the back pack began to expand out. The suit assembled itself on the ground but did not take a full shape due to not having a continuous power source. Taking this down time to make adjustments I pulled my personal tools out of another case and began to tinker with many of the servo joints. Having the luxury of not having to weld due to the immense heat my eyes produced I finished my tinkering in only two hours.

Sending another pulse through the suit it began to deconstruct itself once more into a compact shape. Picking it up and placing it back into the box I got it from I sprawled out on the floor and began to toss my large screw driver in the air. I continued this for nearly twenty minutes before Avalia's voice caused me to nearly jump out of my skin. "Im calling for dinner.. What do you want?" She asked me. I yawned out my answer which couldn't even begin to be understood "What did you say?" She asked once more. "Im not that hungry.. Ill get a berry salad." I finally called out once more making her disappear without another word.

 

[ch0sen1]

Star City, USA.


Sirens surround the dark streets of Star City as the SCPD zoom through the roads in distress of a crime somewhere in the city. A city that also had a watchful guardian as well as the law, one that embodied justice, but never ascended it. They all knew who he was, the Hooded Vigilante in Green that would swoop down from anywhere at a moments notice, and protect the city from the ones that attempt to harm it. To the ones that fail. They knew about The Arrow, and all that he's done in the past two years since he's surfaced. While he handled the battles, they were prepping for the ultimate war. The ultimate liberation. The streets of Starling were safe, but they would never be free. For they still lurked in the darkness. A dark figure emerges from an alleyway with a black hood over his face, picking up his phone and dialing a number waiting on a response. Sebastian Blood's voice picked up on the end.


Blood: "Hello."
Servant: "Head Brother."
Blood: "Ah yes, hello brother, what can I do for you?"
Servant: "Sir...the Star City branch has been....indefinitely closed."
Blood: "What?...how so?"
Servant: "Things became diluted in cause, sir....your son...he...he got in league with other people. Faithless people, more like mercenaries."
Blood: "Let me guess.....HIVE?"
Servant: "No sir. They were independent."
Blood: "They?"
Servant: "His name was Slade Wilson. All we know is that he was former Australian Intelligence. He and a woman named Isabel Rochev, whom you'd know as a CEO of Queen Consolidated and VP of Stellmoor Inc. They staged a framed coo using your son to apparently take over Queen Consolidated, making a mockery of our Church and regime in the process."
Blood: "Ah. Huh. Last time I seen Isabel she was an intern under Robert Queen...she's certainly moved up the ladder. And this Wilson guy, her muscle?"
Servant: "Not sure, either way she's nothing to him now. She's dead. Killed in a great street war over a drug called Mirakuru. Apparently there was a third party involved."
Blood: "And what of Junior?"
Servant: "........your son is dead sir. I'm sorry. He was killed by Rochev, as he had the cure to this Mirakuru serum. He gave it to The Arrow after realizing he was being used all along."
Blood: "I....so my son died a drug dealer of some super-serum?? His cover of being an Alderman probably was kept in tact...How could he let them do this!? How could he be so STUPID...ACGH! [breaks something] ...this is what happens when you think you know it all....even his mother seen that..."
Servant: "Sorry , Brother."
Blood: "My only regret is him dying without him knowing I was still alive, that he didn't in fact kill me like he thought. That I survived because I had a power that was above this world. A power he should have been revealed to a long time ago. [sigh]...at least he died with a code. With a belief. "
Servant: "What now Head Brother?"
Blood: "We pull our Star City resources. It's time to focus on the main stations. I thought he'd make it...I thought he would advance the regime, but sometimes...the sins of our fathers withold us. Thank you brother, but now it is time to rise. I have some business to attend to with some very special people. The Enlightenment is nigh."
Servant: "Until next time, brother."

The servant hangs up and fades back into the darkness of Star City, and on the wall of the alleyway from which the church member entered and vanished lie a plastering image on the brick wall. A cross, in the color of red, blood red. Freshly oozing down the surface as the unkempt words resonate from right under the image of the cross: CHURCH.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gotham City, June 1997.


"It's over....it's all over."

One of the black robed members looks upon a frantic group of other robed figures as they all seek refuge in the dark of the night in Gotham City. They tremble with fear of the sight that they witnessed upon returning to their private sect. Mangled bodies. Blood everywhere....so much blood. A dimmed candle in the darkness of the death-riddled air. The smell of burning flesh and corpses. Even for them, it was a true sight their spirits could not ward off.

Robed Man: "We...we can't do this anymore....he is unhappy with us....we failed! We....I...must go away! And pray he does not incur his wrath upon us! We must leave now!--"
"Wait!"

A voice stops the robed man and the others from running in morbid fear through the streets of Gotham like rampant chickens. Thunder and lightning attack the sky, as a heavy rain begins to form in the atmosphere, falling slowly and more heavy as the night goes. The voice steps forward and unrobes his hood, looking back towards the group of people with an exasperated look, but also one of slight hope.


Robed Man: "What are you doing, Brother Blood!?"
Blood: "Wait...! We may not be lost. Our sister...I don't know if she was in the fire...everyone had robes on, but she was the only one without a hood. I didn't see a body with no hood. Maybe the sacrifice has been done..."
Robed Man: "Did you not see! Everyone was SLAYED. The Devil is not pleased with us, and now he grants eternal despair..."
Blood: "Brothers, listen to me...Angela could still be alive. If she is, then maybe the ritual is done....maybe he is among us and has granted us mercy...my father spoke of this moment. In a time of great fear and duress, a choice will have to be made of retreat...or response."
Robed Man: "We have no time for your banterings of proverbs! Our souls are doomed!"
Blood: "No. Only if you chose to reject the light and hide in the shadows, as you suggest. [meditates].....the presence of darkness is upon you......can you sense it? [opens eyes] listen to the storms....listen to the rain...the light is being masked brothers, and we must free it. That's why he's set fire to them, because we were moving in darkness. There wasn't enough light. I see it now. "

A younger Blood walks boldly into the streets of Gotham, with the thunder and rain harder than it's ever been in a long time. He spreads his arms open and smiles as if he's recieved a revelation. He tilts his head back and soaks in the atmosphere. He looks back at the other robed members, a smirk on his face. He walks back towards them, the flashes of lightning showing the gleam in his eyes.

Blood: "This is now a time of hope. We are so close. Closer than we've ever been in our lifetime. In our Church's lifetime. Almost seven centuries and we're at the veil, the history changing event. We do not run from it, it is our destiny. It is inevitable. But we will remain secret. Until we can build enough light for our Master to return. So rest easy brothers...this is our anew. Our second chance. A beginning. And when the time comes, when we enlighten this world of the true face of spirit & universe...we will rise."

The robed members all remain silent, but no longer with a silence of fear and intimidation, but one of promise and resolve. Their postures straighten up as Blood puts his hood back on, his voice becoming suddenly and mysteriously grim and deep.

Blood: "We will find Angela, or we will start anew. I have a plan, one that will bring enlightenment to all the land. It will take time, but the harvest comes only after sowing the seeds. And this time....

The light will be with us."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"He's....Your Father."

I allow my mind to reflect on the words from Angela at hand from our prior conversation. It seems that the Azar wasn't lying on that part after all. This evil entity...The Terrible. He was the one who had lured my mother into damnation, using her lost spirit and sense of faith to his advantage. I could feel her pain, and her trauma behind the catastrophic event that led to my birth. I could start to understand why she would want to kill her mortal body and escape this plane. I was glad she did not. I head through the Temple towards the Hall of Knowledge, where all of the collective knowledge and works of the society had been gathered for centuries. Age old magics, events, spells, locations, realms, people, you name it. It was here I had spent most of my time under High Magistrate Coman and Councilor Tynan as a young child, reading away at the histories and mechanics of the universe. I had to read about the one called The Terrible, surely there had to be something here if he was as evil of a figure as everyone had speculated. I enter the vast hall of the most ancient and even liteary pieces collected from centuries ago until modern times. Years of being in here and I still remembered where all my favorite pieces where. The library was arranged in ascending alphabetical order. I close my eyes and warp over to the T section, looking for anything on The Terrible.


"Hmm, let's see....Two Roads.....Twelfth Night.....To Kill A Mockingbird....Themyscira...Time Machine..."

I look through the books as I skim my fingers along all the titles, but there's nothing. Nothing on an entity called The Terrible. He must have a name. I should've asked Angela about it, but at the time I could feel her despair and animosity. Pushing it further wouldn't resolve the feelings, so I decided not to pursue it. Instead I offered her feelings of peace, and feelings of clarity. Before I disconnected astral projection with her, I had to make sure she was ok. Even now I'm still concerned, but I must hone my emotions and not let them best me. My Chakra was the key. It was a central hub to mediate and channel all of my emotions and spiritual resonance. It was the root in which connected all astral and spiritual networks, and The Chakra was like my compass. Such a small gem of wonderful capabilities, Azar trusted me with it, because it was my own. Once ascended into this society, everyone had their own Chakra to manage. Mine however, was different. It was an extension of me and my spiritual abilities, some that no other person here could perform. So I had to be wary, and keep it close.

Flashback

A young me sat in the chair, in the Hall of Knowledge what seemed like ages ago. Azar, Coman, and Tynan all stood behine me as I read three books at the same time on spiritual practices and ways of astral balance. I skimmed and processed the information from all three books page by page, taking in the intel with a clear focus and conscience. One book was on ancient spells, runes, and symbols. Another was on the universe and its many constellations and planets, and the ones with beings on them and not. The last book was the one that Azar made me read almost everyday, The Ways of Eternal Peace, focused on the true essence of the spirit and its potential in the astral plane and the mortal plane. I was a prodigy then, a true gem in the eyes of Azarath and my people, only because the society was keeping hidden what I would expose a decade later. That I was something of an abomination. Even then I was contemplating the meaning of my existence, and these strange abilities that I had which Azar told me to never use. My black robes deaped against the floor as I levitated above the ground Indian style, the three guardians of mine pleased with my progress. Soft and radiant light glimmers off of the golden surfaces of the floor and the bookshelves, my face glowing with the reflection of the sun. More and more I read, and more and more I knew. My mind was forming into a hub of astral and universal knowledge.


"Hm. A spell to ward me from supernatural forces...."
Coman: "Why don't you give it a shot, little Metrion?"

I nod in affirmation as I rise from levitation and close my eyes and focus on the spell.

"From the forces of old, ETIAM PROTEGE ME!"

A silent whoosh can be heard, as Azar then reads my spirit. Her eyebrows raise when it seems that my spirit can't be read in depth, but rather weakly compared to how she usually reads it. Azar bows in respect and content as the spell worked. The first one I ever cast, right in this place. In this hall was where many of my mental and willful accomplishments had met me. Coman and Tynan all bow following Azar, and a sense of pride had filled me. Days I wish I could have back.

Coman: "Spendid, Metrion."
Tynan: "Great job child."
Azar: "My little bird..."

I returned silence and swept my head back down into the books as I continued to read more and more. I was always wanting to know about everything I could. It was just a part of me, Azar had told me back then it was something I'd gotten from my mother. I cross my legs again and resume into levitation with my mind delving back into the texts in front of me. So young, and so long ago. Azar had been in rule for 300 cycles, which was unfathomable to me. I was only 9 then, and she had existed and ruled Azarath for almost three centuries before my existence. That was a reason I seen her as more than just a mother figure. She was everything to me. A hero, a provider, guardian, unstoppable. If I'd only knew.

Coman: "She seems to be progressing fine."
Azar: "As long as she sticks to her practices and training, she will prosper."
Tynan: "What if she strays?"
Azar: "......I will keep her on the right path. I will always protect the integrity of the realms."
Tynan: "And what of her?"
Azar: "Of course she will have the care under me she needs, but she must not delve the dark path....ever. She has it in her...I can feel it. Even now it resonates..."

Tynan watches me for a moment while I was still reading, thinking of the darkness manifested inside of me. He slowly approaches me and kneels down to my level, locking eyes with me and placing a gentle arm on my shoulder. I looked at him without a word, and then returned to my studies. If only things were that simple now. This was before the realm came apart for me, before everything I knew was a false illusion.

Tynan: "How many days would it be that you were in here studying to hone yourself...?"


Tynan enters ironically into the hall, his voice echoing through the golden walls. I continued to look for any book that could lead me to The Terrible, not giving Tynan the attention of turning to him. I could feel it in his spirit, he was here at a cost. I remained silent and trimmed through book titles to attempt to find anything I could on the evil being that was my father. Tynan walks close and closer to me, as I levitate a few feet above the ground looking on the higher shelves for something useful. Still nothing. Tynan chuckles to himself, his thoughts dwelling on the past as mine were before.

Tynan: "Even now you're just as focused, I can only wonder what you seek now."
"Answers."
Tynan: "And what is the question?"
"Who is The Terrible...?"

I stop my search and turn back towards Tynan. Perhaps he could enlighten me on this malevolent entity. I hover above the ground, the bookshelves to my back. Tynan looks up towards me with a disgruntled face, I wondered if he knew something, and I would wait on his response first before I decided to delve into his mind.

Tynan: "Someone you need not know."
"He's my father."
Tynan: "No. He birthed you. Nothing more. He has no more fathered you than the Earth realm. Metrion, there is a reason we have kept you away from that side of yourself. It's a poison. Just knowing about him will cause you hunger...a hunger you displayed on Earth. I overheard Azar and Coman talking, and just like you displayed in the main hall in front of Juris and the youth. You say you have a grasp on your abilities, but now you seem to be showing them out."
"I do have them under control, that outburst was warranted."
Tynan: "Warranted!? Then it seems your emotions and clarity is out of sync. If you think that showing off your dark abilities is just then you are in fact already on your way down the path we've strayed you from. Do you see now why Azar was protecting you??"
"Decieving. She lied--"
Tynan: "She protected you as we ALL have. Remember your place, child! It is clear that you are stronger than we expected, but you are still young, and as an ascended member you will oblige to our ways now. Your youth is over, and you must understand outside your biased and emotional dispositions. Clear yourself."
"........."
Tynan: "One's actions does not reflect another's motives. You need to see that. You need to feel that. Be greater, Metrion, like I know you can. I do not know what Azar or Coman sees when they view you, but I know what I see... I see the same little bird that even when understanding all things, continued to push herself further in peace and tranquility. I see a message, a beacon. You can be a testament of profound justice, not damnation. You musn't forget everything you learned in spite of your emotions. That, is the way of the will."
"I see."

I reached inside his emotions myself to feel what he felt, it was heartfelt and genuine, he adored my resolve ever since I was young, but now he contained a bit of guilt and concern in his heart, and he was right to feel so. I understand now. I could see his viewpoint even without reading his emotions. I was now understanding the true meaning of Empathy. Not only to feel and sense the emotions of others, but to understand them outside your own interpretation. I descended from the higher shelves and landed softly on the sleek floor. Tynan approached me, as I also met him halfway. He unrobed my hood so that my face could show. He looked into my eyes with patronage.

Tynan: "The Council is in talks of your outburst in the main hall today... you will have a hearing approaching soon. I know Juris can be a bit...aggressive in his ways, but these are the things you've studied your entire life. You have discipline and practice. Your humility is being questioned and you must stand counsel..."
"Then I will make all of you see that Juris and these oppresive critiques of Azarath makes me feel burdened and like a cornered animal. If I wasn't exercising restraint more than just the floor would be cracked. I assure you."
Tynan: "What does that mean?"

I thought once more of my time honing my skills and abilities. Away from everyone else. Only Azar and Coman knew what I was truly capable of, the rest of Azarath had only seen bits and pieces of my spiritual prowess. Everyone here could levitate, and even communicate through the spirit if they were trained enough, but I was something more. I could do more, and if they were to find out what then I would only be judged more. The entire society knew what I was, but never took the time to figure out who I was. Now I see that that was a task suited for only myself. As my birthday draws nearer and nearer, I can only imagine what the Azar was planning for me. Was it to make up for cycles of deception? Or was it simply to stall my mind from its true focus. Every cycle was the same. A celebration in the Courtyard with a ceremonial bow from the entire society. Followed by sweetrolls made and harvested from the sweetest ferns in all the realms here. I wanted more. For the first time I wanted to become more than just this shell and fragment of this isolated utopia. I was tired of being the same Metrion, maybe I wanted to be the one Angela knew me as. Perhaps I wanted to be Rachel Roth. Just to be normal and leave all of this behind. I was starting to see that was another illusion that would probably never come true.

"What if....I return to Earth as a solution? To be with Angela."
Tynan: *scoffs* "You aren't serious? If your outbursts here are that powerful then they'll be fivefold on Earth! Besides, Azar told you not to use your abilities and you did, you almost gave in to your darker nature. That cannot happen again."
"I controlled it, Tynan...Councilor. I felt the emotions but I did not give in, my mind was clear and my inentions were as well. And now that I have The Chakra I--"
Tynan: "The Chakra is not used to induce dark power and force such as yours. It's used to BALANCE the spirit and the astral energies, not dampen them in such primal inhibitions. You will be notified soon of your counsel, prepare yourself accordingly.... *walks off, looks back* I'm sorry Metrion."

Tynan takes his leave, and I stare at him blankly until he exits. Not even in the commonwealth for a full time and I'm already faced with my first hearing. Juris and his little gang of imbeciles will probably slander me for sure. I look back at the bookshelves and contemplate searching further for information on The Terrible. For the first time I was at a loss of choice for pushing further. Would it be the right thing to do? I thought so. To know all about him and his dark power would help me understand more of just how malevolent he really was, and why he would use my mother out of all beings to have a seed. For what purpose? Even now the questions entice me to search deeper until I find the truth. But if this was all I've known since birth, would it be normal to just walk away? To rebel against my set standard of life and decide to reject the thirst for understanding? I felt the mixed and fluctuating emotions and balled up my fist, looking at it with inciminating eyes expecting something to happen, like earlier. Nothing. That made me even more flustered. I just wanted order, expectation. How things were going lately, I didn't know what to predict next in my life. Perhaps peace was the best solution. I stopped everything and remained still, crossing my legs and beginning to meditate. My bodt rises slowly as I kick in to the depth of my spirit and soul. The answers were somewhere, and here I would find the way.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A sleek, all white luxury sedan pulls into the driveway of the Luthor's private Star City estate. Approaching the gate, a hand reaches out from the driver's side window and presses the call button before going on speaker.

"Hey tan girl! Open up! You didn't think you could escape me that easy did you?"

The voice rolls the window down and looks at the camera overhead to see that it's someone that was also a wealthy figure in the world of the muti millionaires. One that he hoped Skylar would recognize after some time of hanging together in the past. With her being the daughter of the world's wealthiest man (almost), and with him being the son of the most popular, wealthiest, and effcient technology corporation CEO on the planet. His face lines up with the camera so that whoever was inside could see, with his pearly white teeth smiling back.

"Luke Fox at your service! I saw you were in town so I thought I'd stop by. Dad is having a meeting with Queen Consolidated after the whole incident with your dad and that Wayne thing...you don't have to talk about it...just thought you might need some company and a familiar face."

Luke Fox, son of Lucius Fox of Wayne Tech. At every rich formal get together he would always dwell around Skylar and some of the other 'privileged' kids, not because of her good looks, but because she was the only one that wouldn't talk about just money and material things. Luke loved to talk to Skylar about technology and their passion for science and engineering. How he'd loved to build a suit and be just like The Batman...silly thoughts like that. He had just graduated from MIT this past term a year early with two degrees in Electronics Engineering and Computer Science. He was the talk of the town on Forbes, The Insider, CNN, Daily Planet News, Gotham News, you name it. Everyone was speaking of Lucius Fox's Golden Child. He rested an arm on the outside of the door, awaiting for someone to respond.

"Going to keep me waiting all day, or should I just create a gate opening device?"

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

Skylar

Listening closely to what Avalia was saying I turned over and let out a groan of annoyance "Will you stop already.. Im sorry that I find Oliver Queen hot." I grumbled out annoyed with Avalia's reaction. "Its hard.." I whined out before falling back onto the couch. "Just talk to me! I cant stand the silence any long.. Don't make me fly out of the window.." I continued on making Avalia walk into the room and stare at me. "You are a peice of work you know that Skylar. You really need to get a grip. Im not mad just annoyed is all." She finished making me groan "Why do you torture me so." I replied back before sitting up. Turning towards her I just nodded "Im sorry I find guys attractive.." I mubled out making Avalia narrow her eyes "Well, I do to but I don't go around making goggley eyes at every hot guy in the world."

Before I could fire back a response the door bell rings and our food is brought in. I take my food and jog off to another side of the estate. Not wanting to be nearly Avalia at the moment I simply fell onto my bed nearly sending my salad everywhere. Burying my head in a pillow I let out a scream as my eyes began to glow their Aqua blue color. I turned over and began to lift off of the bed. Now floating in mid air I began to eat my salad. Half an hour later I finished the Salad and flew over to the door. A sudden ringing made me turn and freeze. Stilling floating I moved over to the video camera and floated up so I was lying upside down against the wall. Looking into the camera so my head was upside down and my hair flowing everywhere I waved "Hello Luke! Its nice to see you. Sorry, I am just hanging around and such... Don't ask how I am stuck to the wall upside down like this.. I am toying around with some stuff." I finished before yawning.

"Alright, The gate is opening. Don't take to long coming in here. Wait, actually take your time.. I think I have to talk to Avalia." I groaned before shutting off the feed. Now that it was safe to move I kicked off the wall and almost like zero gravity floated to the middle of the room spinning at will. Coming to a stop I floated silently into another room to find Avalia sleeping on the couch. Smirking I stopped floating and laid ontop of her "Wake up... Luke Fox is here. Not sure if you met him but hes an old friend.. Try to be nice alright.. No jealously." I continued on before Avalia groaned and opened her eyes "Get off me you cat.. I don't need you curling up on me.".

With that I just growled "Don't call me a cat.. You human." I shot back knowing that it was a horrble come back. With that I took off into the air again and floated above her "Also, he has no idea about anything about... This." I motioned to me hovering a foot above her so she could move. "So, in a second or two I am going to drop onto this couch if you are on it or not." I finished with a large smile. "Well, I have to say that landing ontop of you wont be to bad... Kinda squishy." Avalia stared at me before wrapping her arms around my chest "Help me up then." She said as I made myself move so I was upright. Avalia let go and stretched "I see you are getting better now." Avalia commented.

With that I settled on the ground infront of her and smirked "No need to be jealous.." I said before kissing Avalia quickly "Atleast no need yet." I said with a large smile. Turning and moving away before she could protest I went out the door and began downstairs to greet Luke. Getting into the elevator I went to the bottom floor of the estate and out towards the door. Opening it up I put my hands behind my back and rose up to my tip toes. Remaining like that for a second I settled back down onto my feet "Hello Luke! Its been awhile. Also, I have something to show you regarding that issue with Wayne. Kinda a stupid mistake to be honest... I feel bad about it and I wanted to make it right. Anyway.. Come on it."

 

[ch0sen1]

Star City





Luke: "Make it right? What do you mean? I thought Mr. Luthor was the one behind the spying fraud? Oh! By the way guess who got a job with ARGUS right out of MIT?? THIS GUY! They looked over my credentials, saw that I built my own reputation outside my father's popularity, and they called me first of the summer. I don't know why you don't just enroll in college early and then set up shop elsewhere, you know you're smart and savy enough to do it. In fact little sis, if you need a recommendation into MIT, I could hook you up. "

Luke sat down on the plush leather sofa, looking at both Skylar and her friend Availia. She looked familiar to him, but he didn't know her personally. Skylar was like a sister figure when it came to the world of the rich political and business figures' kids, because well.....she was one of the very few that actually was smart and skilled enough to take on ventures and talks of technology, business, and politics. He might have been 4 years older than her, but he always has shown her the same amount of maturity and respect.

Luke: "Queen come by yet? I know he had a meeting with my dad and some other firm members about some sort of corporate security conference coming up soon. Queen Consolidated and Wayne Ent will probably be the main focuses, seeing as how both have had some....'difficulty within their companies' security in the past year. Dad was actually cool for once that I didn't go to one of those boring things...call it a graduation gift hahah. So, other than the Lex Corp life...anything interesting in your life lately? Any new projects you've been working on?"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Azarath.



I lay in my quarters in silence. Thinking about the past few moments of my life. Me traveling to Earth, me meeting my mother and finding out our spirits are one in the same path, trying to hone my abilities and skills for the best of my preservation, the things I witnessed in the mortal plane of Earth...so much sin and dark thoughts, my place here on Azarath and if I'll truly ever be accepted with no judgement, and then I think about who I am. Who I really am on the inside. Tynan said it best, one's actions do not refelct another's motives. So what were my actions really proving? I started to think outside my own complex. I wanted to be normal, and to be seen with an equal amount of respect, but me going against the wise words of my people makes me appear careless. Yes, Azar and Coman lied about my mother, but I can understand the premise of wanting to keep me here. But now I had to show them who I was, and what I was willing to do.

Knock Knock.

The door opens and Galya peeks her head in, before sliding her body fully through the door. I turn to look at her with full eyes of a new level of understanding. I knew what I had to do. It was never about being normal, it was about standing out. Azarath was the same routine constantly, and now I had the power to offer something of a change upon the Temple. I was going to bring a new light.

Galya: "It's time, Metrion."
"...Very Well."

Zinthios caws as I leave my quarters, follwing Galya downstairs and into the main hall on the path towards the Temple Hall of Order, where the High Magistrate and his members of judgement await. I remained silent, walking upright and proud with an inner drive of my focus. My people had to know that I was more than a darkling waiting to explode and descend into chaos. I was also human, the side that mother wanted me to see and emphasize on. I walked down as the members of Azarath all stood looking in the hall, their emotions and thoughts moving on skepticism and concern. Just earlier they were all but uplifting me, funniy how things change in a moment's notice. So much for solidarity. I move through the crowd of my people and head to the Hall of Order. Back at the stairs to my chambers, Zinthios remains silent, but sneaks from my room to peek its head around the corner and downstairs. I could feel him tethered to me, as if its intuition knew something was stirring.

Galya: "Just remain calm and do not banter about your ways of enticement."
"Do not worry, I know what I will do."

The large doors open up into the Hall of Order, where the High Magistrate and the Council resided, including Tynan. He exchanged a look of deep sympathy for me, but we both knew he had to be non biased. Order had to be kept, so as of now I was no longer the girl who he'd help learn knowledge and wisdom from, nor was I the girl he still seen as powerful and pure, but now I was just another lawbreaker in the eyes of Azarath. And it was time for my judgement. I walk in with Galya by my side, as a ward and a protector of my incident. Juris and the many peer witnesses were already among them, all eyeing me with a scolding intensity. I could feel their malice, their rejection upon me. It was almost angering. I take my stand in front of the council, all of them seated with legs crossed upon the high banister. The trial was about to begin. Silence consumed the large void of space, nothing but moments pass and await for what's to come. I tensed myself on the inside. I was ready.



Coman: "Metrion, you are being judged on the actions of your acts of indirect violence. Your...darker inhibitions have allowed you to spiral into random outbursts of your abilities. This has resulted in damaging of the Great Hall, and endangering the lives of the youth. You may speak your trial."
"I have felt many things on my time in Azarath. Peace, understanding, isolation, rejection, love, ....despair....malice. *looks at Juris* all those feelings....and not once have I displayed any signs or display of my 'abilities'. Why? Because there was no connect. I had no means to be driven to embrace or feel such strong emotions. Until I found out the day that two very important people to me had been decieving me from the start of my life."
Galya: "*whispers* what are you doing, Metrion...?"
"This society knew about who and what I was from the start...even all of you councilors. Even then you never judged me from my dark nature, because you see the light. Now that I've ascended it seems that these outside influnces have been the things building up these abilities inside...like Earth, like the ascension and Grand Crucible. But I think it was all on timing. I think that 18 cycles of knowing in my intuition that there was something more to just being a shell. Keeping my abilities suppressed and dormant to never be controlled, it was a false reality. If I hadn't been training my abilities all this time then that outburst probably would have destryoed Azarath...."
Coman: "So you have been using your abilities..."
"Ever since I was a youngling. For about 10 cycles now. And all this time I thought I was the empty one being kept prisoner inside my own spirit. I was the one letting all of my people down...but I see now that it was the reverse. I was being puppeteered and decieved from the start. The Azar lied to me about the knowledge of my real mother, of Earth. When I found out, I was hurt and angry beyond the normal scenario...even then I refrained and honed my inner feelings for the sake of obligation. Azar told me my mother was gone, but she remains in the universe. That was the start of these dark machinations of direct actions and forces of others dear to my life that would lead to this outburst...."
Tynan: "What sort of machinations?"
Coman: "Let us...focus on the incident. Other matters will be tended later."
"Why? You ask about one thing and I give you the motivation behind it."
Juris: "No one ca--"
Coman: "Silence. Mind your place boy. She is still your elder."

Juris bites his tongue, but I could still read his thoughts. It wasn't hard to. In fact I'm sure the Council could as well, the talk of the mind was something that all members who had enought ascension and practice of spirit could acheive. But I was more than just the Azarathian skill of thought wandering and levitation, for I was much more than that, and even now I could feel Juris' fear. His anger. His insecurity. His emotions bear into my heart with force, but I resist the urge to act on those emotions. Tynan showed me that's it's more than just feeling the emotion, but understanding them.

"I've been honest with my deeds. Always have, always will. Deep down I always knew that I was different, and that one day something would come to call in question my true lineage, and my destiny. The people of Azarath knew about this...save the younglings. Even then, I retained my spirit and have never EVER went against the ways and words of Azarath. I've followed without a turn the words of Azar. Of my people that have seen me grow since a small girl. But it's been building inside of me...every second of every moment. And I fight it...I have fought it. Ever since I was 8, and I almost died..."

Past.

'Metrion...'

I could hear the voice. The sky was pale with a dark and oppressing overtone. Clouds and thunder dominated the sky. The Trees were almost beginning to be pulled from the roots among the grounds of Azarath. I was scared. I ball up into the fetal position and and close my eyes, trying not to ruin myself or the ways of the utopia of Azarath. I looked down at my hands, my skin starting to turn pale and my eyes glowing a faint violet. My veins protrude from my face as my hair turns a violet color as well. I could feel that fear taking me over...my emotions making me destroy the place I call home in an ironic motion of my preservation.

My eyes jerked forward to the sound of a screeching. The darkened trees shadow the impending threat that was approaching me. Lightning hit around the land now, making me jerk and jump at every flash and impact of the maelstrom. My young self curling up against a tree. The trees crackle against the fierce winds and storm all around. My eyes stayed locked on the dark gap in the trees, I could feel the energy of something in the burrow ahead.

SNAP!

A tree overhead snaps from the core as the force of the wind topples the massive log down onto my location. I look up and scream out, scurrying away from the timber just in the knick of time as it explodes against the ground feet from me. I trample back on my butt as a strike of lightning flashes and strikes feet from me, sending me into complete shock and fear, the debris of the ground flying up and the surge running through my body. I begin to cry, as the weather only worsened with my mood. Tornados were starting to form now, the black clouds releasing a drenching rain and a flurry of gusts that began to rip the grass apart. The ground started to tremble rigorously...becoming more and more violent. Another tree snaps from the branch behind me, my face looking up watching the log fall down towards my body. I raise my hands and close my eyes preparing for death....but the tree stopped falling, simply halted above my head. I gasped at the sight, and I started to feel a surge of energy and intense instinct as my eyes glow a bright violet hue. I could feel myself becoming...stronger. More confident, and almost full of pride like sense.

Voice: "No!"

My body is snatched backwards as Galya pulls me backwards and the log falls and breaks into splinters upon the impact. The shock rushed back into my heart as Galya looks around at the chaotic sky and the furious winds. Brushes of sharp and piercing rain scurries about the current, hitting Galya and I with brutal stings of force. I zoned out as I looked into the dark path ahead of me, Galya unassumed to the threat of what looms ahead. I can almost sense it....a beckoning. A dark longing. I faintly heard some sort of whisper, and a feeling of something....lost.

?: "Move."

Galya looks back and steps aside as another figure approached me from behind. My eyes were still ahead on the dark hollow in the woods. But a hand touched my shoulder as the darkness withered away and I looked back to see the Azar with a casual and deep face. Her emotions were simple and affectionate. She cups my chin and stares into my now amber eyes again, her all white eyes almost glowing a light inside them.

Azar: "Breathe. Remember who you are. Where you are. This is your home. Open yourself, but close your fears. They are only illusions created by you. You are in control. Now see Azarath as it is."

I breathed and closed my eyes, with my heart going back to a normal rate and my emotions starting to become secure with Galya and Azar out here with me. I opened my eyes as the rain subsided, and the wind started to falter among the plane and the clouds started to dissipate to reveal a crisp blue sky with radiating light shining through. Darkness slowly became repleaced with specs of light. I looked down at my hands, thinking of earlier. Azar communes mentally with me.

Azar: 'Metrion, you are more potent than you know. You must grip your spirit and hone yourself.'

Silence. I outstretched my hands towards the broken log and the surrounding destruction in an attempt to recreate earlier when I should have been dead, but somehow I managed to influence the log directly. Azar lowers my hand and grabs me by the face once more, this time more engaging and personal.

Azar: "Metrion...you must not let your fears and emotions compel you. You are the reason of this, remember what I have told you. Why are you out here?"
"........I heard the voices. So many. I had to escape them."
Azar: "You must channel yourself, the voices are those of your society. You have the power to hear their thoughts, as we all do. You are stronger Metrion, and you must keep these naggings at bay. You have the power to stop all of this."

The bright glow returned to Azarath, with the rain and wind obsolete. The fallen and battered woods remained as a wake of the former chaos. My eyes revert to their classic orange hue and Galya looks around at the collateral damage. I read Galya's thoughts, something I was just discovering and getting to utilize in Azar's revealing of what all I could do. I also felt something more...something...internal, a nagging at my spirit and emotions like a beckoning of a certain feel. Almost like it belonged to Galya, little did I know it did. I felt....doubt.

Galya: 'We must do something about this, or Metrion will destroy the realm....'

"But now I realize that it's not the intuition that makes me different, it's my consciousness. It wasn't originated from here, nor does it belong here. Every day I looked from my window and felt despair and longing, while never allowing my senses to consume me. I have honed every possible facet of myself for this society and realm, and they....you all still fear me. You all still doubt...and condemn."

I turn a face to Juris.

"So no, my outburst was not random, it was an extension of me. Just like my feelings, just like my spirit that you all praised as worthy of acension, so now are you not justifying your own judgements upon me? I have been betrayed by my people every day of my life, and my 'outburst' was nothing more than a balance of order, a stark reminder that nothing is too powerful to be overcome. To be controlled. You know my ways, and you know my wisdom. Now I ask that you search inside yourselves to feel....what I have felt all along..."

I close my eyes and stretch my spirit onto the others in the Hall. An unseen wave of emotions flood the room as I use my telempathy to project my feelings of isolation onto their souls. Galya tugs on my robes, until she too is affected by my projection. All citizens in the Hall of Order pause themselves and feel the emotions as if it were their own, even Juris and the youth witnesses freezing and mildly confused at the mix of emotions. I open my eyes and I can see the disorientation on their faces. I project onto them and then I lock eyes with Tynan, seeing his sympathy and despair in his eyes.

Coman: "Enough....Metrion..."

I lock eyes with Coman, his spirit stronger than the rest of the society. He absorbed the emotions rather willfully, leaving me and him at a standoff of wills as the rest of the court tries to focus through the faltering emotions that I have imbursed onto them.

Coman: "Stop this Metrion. Immediately."

I wait for a brief moment before I pull my power and relent the emotions from everyone else. The council recovers from my strong emotional testimony and Juris and the youth all mumble audibly in light panic from the occurrence. He looks at me and glares with a damning squint.



Juris: "Do you see! Sorcery, not spirit! Why would she intentionally enforce dark emotions on us!? She must be punished!"
"You asked the right question Juris...maybe the High Magistrate can elaborate..."

I knew I was in waters that were dangerous. I was jeopardizing my authority and status among Azarath, and I knew if Azar was here some sort of discussion would have happened about the power of the will. I focus on what Tynan told me earlier. I am in control of my own actions, and I knew why I was doing what I was doing. I could have told the court and the youth about the secrets that Coman and the Azar kept from me that made me on this path, heck the ascended society probably knew as well. I didn't bother to read their minds, because none of that mattered anymore. This was my voice, I finally had a chance to add balance, to make things right. There was a reason I was different, and I'm trained to prevent ways of darkness. Lies. Deception. Then I will be the beacon for that cause, and if Azarath would not accept it, then maybe I would find solitude in somewhere else. I was almost 18 cycles old after all, the age of prime adolescence.

"We as a society are not perfect, my trial is not that I exhibited dark machinations of my spirit, but that I did it in an entirely different way that deviates from your conventional means. How is it that members of Azarath can do it among the shadows, but critic me when I open my expression among all of my people? Was I not raised to balance? So that is what I'm doing. For the first time in all of my days I am speaking and standing for my own spirit, not some order in which has become bias. I've absorbed that for all my life, and now I will not settle for a puppet, an outcasted foul no longer."

NYAAAK!!!


I loud and impactful caw from Zinthios echoes through the hall, making the court members and occupants look around in speculation. It must've followed me to the Hall of Order, the only being who has been unconditional towards me since I've known it. A mere avian creature, but stood for so much more. I look over my shoulder at the unseen source of sound, my Zinthios, and turn back towards the court with a slight smirk.

"If I will not be accepted by Azarath, then perhaps........................*pauses* ........perhaps I should return to where I was created. I will seek my peace on Earth. Away from the criticism, away from the bias abuse of the spirit. Even in their dark realm and imperfections...there's freedom and liberation."
Galya: "Metrion...."

I dart my eyes to the side looking at Galya, feeling her conflicting emotions of longing and concern. The court went silent. There was nothing but the stillness of the air and the anticipation of the moment. Not even their thoughts resounded through the room. Everything was clear. And for me, I was seeing clearly as I had ever been. To stray away from the box this place and my own people have placed me in for so long, it was liberating. I was gaining the power I had been so desperately seeking for so long. And no, not my metahuman abilities, the power of truth, and the power of destiny. The power of purpose.

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

Once Luke had entered the house everything seemed to be returning to normal considering the atmosphere that was in the room earlier. Avalia smiled at Luke and nodded her head "Hey, im Avalia." She said before turning to look at me. "Skylar and I have known each other since we were really young. My father worked with hers for a short period of time before things fell apart." Avalia went on to say before I put my hands on my lap to listen to Luke. Knowing that he had just recently graduated. When he spoke of MIT I smiled and shrugged "To be honest I know I could fly through it but at the same time I don't think that I want it to be easy.".

With that I stood up when he asked about what I was doing. "Alright, well to be honest what I have been doing is nothing good... but I do have something that is likely unique right now." I went on to say before half skipping out of the room and returning with a large backpack. Setting it down infront of her she pointed to it." I bet you cant guess what is inside of this." I teased him before slinging it over my back and looking to Avalia. I knew what she was thinking and that was not to do what I was about to do. But, I trusted Luke enough with knowing that I had a suit of powered armor.

Stepping away from them into a open part of the room I closed my eyes so that flash of blue wouldn't be seen. The energy I generated passively shot into the backpack making it begin to unfold and slid around my body. Spinning Servo joints formed into place before the plates connected and almost solidified together. Within seconds my body was covered in the armored plate that was my powered armor. The helmet formed over my face allowing my to open my eyes causing the blue glow to begin to show. Lucky enough for me the helmet looked like it had lit visors instead of it actually being my eyes.

"So, this is what I have been working on Luke." I said as my voice came out clear as day. "It can do alot... Fly... kinda.. and I don't think I will show you what else. Not that I am worried about secrets but because it can be dangerous. Lets just say this thing can be used as a military weapon." I went on to explain before stopping. "But, I use it for protection. Luckily I haven't had the need to use it yet." I lied but lucky enough the helmet was covering my red face. Infact I was worried that I may have messed up. Atleast that was a small thought in my head before I realized I made a horrible mistake.

I wasn't dealing with an idiot or stupid individual anymore. This wasn't a group of mercenaries like H.I.V.E. This was one of the smartest people in the world. The bane of this entire performance was obvious to someone who knew technology. The power required to run the suit of armor was far more than could fit in a power pack or slot. That thought made me lower my head and sigh. The only thing I could say in this situation or even do in this situation was just to play it cool. I acted like that was all I had to show and had the suit disassemble around me back into the backpack form.

Moving over and sitting down next to Avalia again I knew that my face was almost as red as a beat. Even thought I had an orange tint to my skin it was still plain as day. I screwed up and I knew that Luke would pick out that massive abnormality and... him being as intelligent as he was... I kenw that I couldn't bullshit my way out of this by making up a story about how it is powered through some other means. "So... What have you been up to.." I asked him trying to get away from the display of my recent doings.

 

[ch0sen1]

Luke: "Uhhh.....yeah you may be smart, but MIT has genuis level IQ's as normal as a fast food place has cashiers, you'd fit right in, but I don't think you understand how bright they are."

Sky then proceeded to show Luke what it was she was working on, she went into another room and brought out a backpack that look rather odd and bulky. Right away he knew what was inside. He hid a grin behind his face and watched as she set the backpack down, only to move to an open area and activate the thing with a surge of remote energy, powering the suit into a large, klunky piece of armor. A solar visor was pretty cool though he thought, it was a bit of a stretch from what he was working on himself.

Luke: "Hmm....fly huh? And it's a very, VERY cool idea, solar powered energy substantiated in the central core? Nice. The visor would also gain way for thermal energy detection...but I think your project is safe. Think about it, military troops use it at night? They are good as detected and caught. Other than augmented strength and flight it has no intel or munitions caches. Plus energy output of that level can spike and combust at any time, judging by the joints and servo engine you didn't operate it digitally which means no contingency protocol. But it's still dope nonetheless."

Availia raises a brow and looks at the corporate mind's son with a newfound light of opinion. Luke Fox knew his stuff. Not only did he know it, he lived it now. Working with ARGUS had him placed as a highly valuable asset of US intelligence, with his expertise in tech as well as his financial and political ties, excluding even his physical capabilities. Luke Fox was the US government's version of Elvis.

Luke: "Trust me, I only know these things because...well I've been there. In fact..."

He walks over to Sky and Ava, showing them a picture on his phone.

Luke: "I AM there. It's a prototype really. The visor ranges from night, thermal, UV, infrared, sonic, and even REGULAR vision! The helmet is made from a titanium diamond composite with an inner layer of ceramic for heated situations....pun intended. That's not all....it's basically a compact super computer. It uses the same search engine algorithm and intel grabbing cookies as Google to basically analyze a person, place, or thing and gather as much information as possible....oh...and I also installed a VR version of Tetris in case I got bored haha. Of course I won't be wearing it, but you can see it's inspiration from The Batman, back before he died or went missing or whatever...I call it....'The Wing'. It'd be a good use for ARGUS' troops on the field ya know? I mean...it's no ATOM suit or STAR labs production, but I think it could do well. So that's what I've been working on :) "

Luke then delivered a huge smile to the two girls, relaxing and reclining back on the couch.

Luke: "So....what did you guys have planned for today's festivities?"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Azarath.

Last moments of the trial

"Do you see my case now? Do you see the hands of fate that would have any one of you at judgement as well as I am? Every step I have taken has strayed me to judgement, or criticism, or control. I cannot act for myself, because no matter how much you raised me, no matter how much wisdom that's been instilled in me, I could never act from my consciouss. From my will. I've been a shepard here only to be confined from anything else. The confinement, the deception, the judgement....this 'utopia' is looking more and more like a prison to me everyday. Everyday for almost 18 cycles. And the moment I find an experience that makes me feel free, you condemn me. Azarath has and will always be home, but maybe that doesn't also mean I belong here. My nother is on Earth, a place that's dark, and filled with sin, and lies, and treachery, but at least they are embracing the imperfections and not portraying and illusion. Even now my mother is trying to become a woman that would be proud, when I already admire her in ways none of you will ever understand. We have been through the same fates of isolation and emptiness, of distance in every aspect of the word for so long, her longer than even me. I connect to that, because she is my mother, and I am her daughter. I am not Metrion to her, to her I am Rachel Roth. A normal, but special child that she appreciates. And to me she is Angela, not 'Arella'....a woman who has endured so much suffering and pain that her scars show even when she smiles, but she carries it with will."

The courts remain silent. Even Juris, who was bremming with hate and malice towards me, it seems that his emotions became clouded with perspective and understanding, no matter how much he was rejecting it. Coman sticks his chest out while sitting upright, raising his head in contemplation to my words.

High Magistrate Coman: "Your intellect and wisdom have proved validation, Metrion."
Tynan: "...I agree. Perhaps our methods of bearance have been a bit too unorthodox even for someone such as yourself [smiles]"
"...[smirks]"


Lawsward Yanneh: "So you think we should....ignore your little outbursts? And of the ones you broke on Earth? Your warping? Your...empathy projection? How about your extreme outburst that damaged an entire Earth community with the same rips in the realms' grounds?"
"Until you all follow the same path you preach, how can you rightly judge me?"

More silence ensues as Councilor Haschel speaks.


Haschel: "We will have a meditation on the consequences of your deeds....as well as ourselves..."
"Thank you Councilor. Please consider my request to travel to Earth as well, I wish to be with my mother while she deals with The Church...."

It almost seemed like time stopped when I said that particular sentence. The entire council stopped in their thoughts and tracks, Coman rises and looks at me in my eyes. They were dark, piercing, almost menacing. Emotions of turmoil could be felt from the entire council and even the Laws wards. The youth all looked back and forth between me and the council. I was just as confused as they were. Juris raised a brow at me, and I returned him a casual stare.

Coman: "What did you just say?"
"The Church. The ones that my mother dealt with in the past. She says that they are beginning to appear again after nearly two decades. While Galya and I were on Earth we saw writings on their buildings...in blood. With the letter C....mother spoke about this Church as being behind these symbols, and they they were the only ones to display such things. She's frightened, and she is alone. I could help."
Coman: "No Metrion. We do not directly intervene in the affairs of Earth."
"So you will let the darkness further spread seed through that realm? And what of Angela? Will you just allow her to become a pawn of darkness like before? That is not the way..."
Tynan: "This cult is not a group of regular indiviudals Metrion, they are dark, and they are powerful."
"But WE are stronger! Our spirit of light can overturn them."


Councilor Rubrix: "What will you have us do sister? Fight them?"
"[sigh] no, but we can protect others from their harm, think of all of the others who may be subject to their whims, think of all who may share the same fate as my mother...if you're so afraid of the darkness why would you want that again?"
Lawsward Yanneh: "Because we are a private and enlightened society, Metrion, the tides of fate are not ours if they do not flow within this dimension. There is a reason we have kept peacefully to ourselves for so long, and that is because we stay aside from the other realms, no outside influence of others' darknesses."
"Not even if my mother, and innocent people need assistance greater than their own, when they are fighting forces greater than them?"
Yanneh: "No one on Earth is ever truly innocent."
"Seems like something it has in common with Azarath."
Coman: "Enough! We will deliberate on your trial Metrion. Requests of assistance and the exploration of realm nature lies with the Lawsward and her Law guild."

Yanneh carries inner emotions of gratification and satisfaction, hiding a grin behind her face. Her thoughts were loud, even if I didn't read them I knew that she wasn't going to let me travel to Earth, so I had to go straight to Azar like before, and I also knew she would not let me go. While the council deliberated, Juris smirks over at me, smug in his demeanor that he knew I wouldn't get what I wanted. Ironic the ways of this place. It exudes peace and understanding but rejects anything that would grant the spirit true peace and empathy. The council all talk to one another with eyes closed, telepathically rendering thoughts for my trial. Galya stands silent beside me, as Zinthios flies and perches on my shoulder, rubbing up against my cheek. Juris watches in angst as the council finishes and they all rise at the same time.

Coman: "Metrion, for your outbursts both here and on the mortal plane, your consequence is that you are to be barred from Earth for the discretion of the Council, as the plane has affected your state of self and influenced you to overstep the bounds of law here. Juris, and youthlings, Metrion is your ascendant now, and you will treat her as such, lest the punishments reflect upon you as well."
Haschel, Tynan, Rubrix: "We have agreed."
Yanneh: "The trial is now over."
Juris: "Yes Council, thank you."
Galya: "Come Metrion, let us return."
"Splendid, punish me for the revelation of truth. Confine me for enlightening the ways of order. [walks away] I wonder who you will deceive next..."

It was at that moment I knew I had to perform deception myself. Not towards the people of Azarath, but towards what Azarath embodies.

Comfort. Peace. Satisfaction. Also angst. These were the things that were eminating within me so very strongly at this moment. I meditated on my chamber bed, floating so peacefully above the surface with a heart of light weight. I took a deep breath and finally felt like I was able to relax for the moment in time. I knew that I probably frightened the Council, and maybe even had them judge me like I'm sure Juris and the others did, but for the first time I wasn't concerned about every little ripple that I had to make or not make, this was my life and it had been held from me for far too long. I don't know what Azar and Coman expect from me now that I have discovered their treachery. Deception lies within the heart, and the heart is the engine of the spirit. Yet when I decide to be direct and forthright, they cannot tolerate it? The hypocrisy eludes me. I hear the faint echo of a voice, one that brings me back from the realm of peace and tranquility. I open my eyes to a sudden barrage of verbal onslaught by Galya.


Galya: "And another thing! How could you directly undermine the authority of The High Magistrate like that? Aside the notions of his and Azar's workings Metrion you know better than to try and throw your status around...."

I close my eyes and breathe. I could hear Zinthios caw and felt his tiny feet on my shoulder.

Galya: "Are you....are you ignoring me!?"
"[sigh] how would one be able to do that...."

Suddenly I felt emotions of offense as Galya struts towards me and grabs my knee, pulling me from my levitation and landing me on the bed. My eyes go wide with mild surpsrise and I plop on the golden silk bed, my hair drabbing over my eyes as I give a slight blow to a strand so that I can lock eyes with a bewildered Galya. She was always being the quiet and reserved one, so the fact that she was now upon me like an upset overwatch made me feel a bit uneasy.

Galya: "This is getting out of hand. You do NOT need to lose who you've become all these cycles. Yes...you've faced a good share of turmoil, but that does not give you the right to lose a bit of discipline for the sake of your integrity and dignity. You do not play Azar around here. Know that. Azarath is a place of peace, and no matter what others may do or think, YOU must be liable for your actions, and be strong enough not to let the emotions cause you to stir a path you do not seek."
Azar: "Especially one that takes you opposite of where you intended."


Azar enters and Galya stops talking. I sit on my bed silent but look back and forth between the two. She closes my door and approaches me and Galya, placing a hand on her shoulder and then looking at me. Strange...her emotions, they're clear, yet a sign of purity and grace. It made me baffled a little bit.

Azar: "I'm sorry I wasn't there. The Temple needed my attention. The little crack you caused in the main halls are being tended to, and I have eased the society."
"....hmph."
Azar: "You need to understand your place, just because we deceived you does not give you the right to abuse your ascension, your power."
"......."
Azar: "...Coman told me of your demonstration. He said while it may have been out of term...your radical ways have shed some light to the Council. He also told me...that you knew....of them."
"The Church."
Azar: "They are no Church. They are evil, a dark and occult group of revolutionists that seek to bring their twisted theocracy into power among the mortals."
"You speak like they themselves are not mortal."
Azar: "That's because they are influenced by the dark. They worship the leigons of Hell and all of its spawn. The most evil of evil. It is this influence that powers the dark forces to contact into the mortal plane, affecting the spiritual and mindstate of the mortals. They're an eternal poison, capable of turning the most vulnerable hearts into beings of savagery and rebellion."
"And my father is their king?"
Azar: "......he uses them to increase his power among the mortal plane, granting all practitioners of him to access these dark and hellspawn spirits, appearing to give them extrasensory abilities."
"But, why? If he truly is The lord of the dark dimensions then why not use the army of demons at his disposal?"
Azar: "Because he's evil Metrion, and he wants it all. His darkness is viral, and his celestial prowess is uncanny, he truly is the single most powerful evil in the realms. He won't stop, because his heart cannot stop until he has consumed everything for his own."
"Then why create me?"
Galya: "You were meant....to be his prodigy, to be raised in darkness. He wanted to use you as a Cambion capable of traveling between dimensions and inciting chaos upon the realms in which he cannot travel to. And spread the darkness he couldn't."
"I see. So you operate out of fear of me reaching that destiny, that's why everyone is so paranoid around me. I understand, but the judgements don't align with the spiritual teachings of our people."
Azar: "I know...and for that, I am sorry. I've always seen you as that girl that could one day delve into despair and destruction, but I suppose in my spiritual perspective I never thought to consider truly that you are, and have been capable of stretching beyond our wildest speculations. I should have never kept from you, we may be pacifists, but we are not perfect. This place is not perfect. I ask for your empathy now, and your forgiveness. I still raised you. I still care for you, and I still love you Metrion."
"Then allow me to go to Earth. To be with Angela. She's alone. "
Azar: "And what will you do to help stop The Church? They are violent, they are occult, sinister."
"I will protect her. I'm not going to let her succumb to them, like you and the rest of Azarath are willing to do. I may not have known her for a long time, but we connected. I read her heart, her mind, I showed her mine, something I've never done, but she seen it, she seen the real me in that short of a time that still has to take you almost 18 cycles Azar, because she is my real mother, and as much as I am grateful to you, you aren't."

The words struck Azar emotionally, sadness filling the room. I felt the remorse instantly. I looked down at the ground and dared not to look at her nor Galya. I wasn't to apologize, I wasn't going to feel sorry for standing for what I believed in, and they both knew that. Zinthios flaps his wings, feeling the emotions too as he rested on my shoulder.

Galya: "You are spiraling out of control. You need to mind your words!"
Azar: "No...she's right. I've been treating her like a puppet for too long. If you wish to be treated like an ascendant, then so shall you. You are not to go to Earth until otherwise discretioned by your judgement makers. You will not try to throw your power nor will you display any abilities other than the ones of Azarath. You break those violations you indeed will feel confined Metrion. You wish to banter like you're bold you will be acted upon as such."

Azar walks to the door, and looks back one final time.

Azar: "All you have to do is pay attention. [leaves]"

I was teeming, just like that my benevolence was crushed yet again, like so many days and nights I wondered about my purpose. Just like that I was back to feeling like a puppet, but there was no feelings of longing and isolation. I felt more connected to my emotions than ever, and right now this....anger, this pride was settling in. My face was shaking as Galya watched me stare at the door where Azar left. My blood felt like lava, and my head started to rush. Zinthios caws and flies around the room frantically, it knew how I felt. I was ready to burst, like when Azar lied to me, like with my grandparents, like with Juris...

I clenched my fists tightly that nothing could unhinge them. I fought the emotions as Galya walks up to me and I step back, still staring at the door with a face full of fury. The contradiction of this place was setting me off. How could they tell me not to try to use my status to only reveal what needed to be seen, when they can use theirs for their own benefit of gratification? This place was no longer a paradise, it was a jail. And I was tired of playing prisoner. The air started to get dense and hot as if there was a fire, but there was only the fire of my fury inside. I had to leave. Galya was about to speak when I abruptly teleported away from her, from the Temple. I was outside in the plains, distances away from the Temple that I could see from far away. I was in the fields by the streams where I would go from time to time, near the border to the uncharted lands Theron and I explored before. Without wait I bellowed a loud scream of frustration as the swiss grass crumbles and cracks beneath me and a tree explodes into sawdust. I jerk by at the burst of emotional power and I collapse on my knees, breathing and staring into the cracked ground feeling intolerant and irate. My black robes drape across the grass like a gown, my feet crossed as I release the grip from my fists. The vibrant sky above starts to become bleak and cloudy. Winds form and sway the grass and leaves towards the temple. My eyes begin to water, my spirit becoming vulnerable and depleted. Small forms of rain begin to drop around me as I stared into the ground still. I could feel a presence nearing me from behind. concerned emotions, worried thoughts, only one person that could be. I decided not to say anything, and stare in the ground blankly.


Theron: "You can talk about it if you want....if not, I'll just....be here....for you."

Theron approaches and sits behind me with crossed legs. He sticks his hands out as the rain falls lightly, his face squinting as the specks of water falls on his face and skin.

Theron: "Azar says that when the sky goes pale and water comes from it that someone is sad...and lo and behold, it's you. You know, I finally get why you are a recluse. You're afraid. Afraid to open up to people because all they'd see is an outsider, a weirdo, a freak."
"......."
Theron: "People are afraid of what they do not comprehend. But you know what I see Metrion? I see an 8 cycle old girl, who saw my pain of losing my pet avian. Someone who without a second thought, wished it back to life and it arose, she gave me many many more moments and memories with that pet. Good ones. And I figured....maybe I could share those with her too. So I befriended you, because you were so magical to me. And I thought that....one day if she was ever in pain like I was, I could return the favor...."

A tear strip falls from my eyes. The rain begins to get just a bit heavier, with faint rumbles heard from the sky above. Back at the temple. Galya peers out of my chamber window at the dark sky, with the rain falling, and her eyes begin to water as well, as she wipes them away and stares down to see Zinthios cawwing loudly. Azar looks from her throne window, looking down at her hands and begins to feel remorse and sadness. She knew what the weather meant, and it was a day she hadn't seen in a decade. Juris and his posse look up at the sky in amazement, before they break attention and continue on with their carefree, happy existence. Theron scoots up to right at my back, right behind me. He raises his hand and places it in the middle of my back, moving it up and down to comfort me. I tense up and attempt to lunge away, but he continued anyways.

Theron: "You don't have to do that with me. You will never be an outsider to me. Never a freak. Only Magical.....Magical Metrion, haha :) I don't care if you're from Earth, I wouldn't care if you were from The Green....you're my friend Metrion, always."

I close my eyes and think back on the memories of when we were younger. I let this society, this place strip me of my innocnece as a child. Always in emotional and spiritual captivity and never having the chance to enjoy the fares of childhood like my peers, but there were a few times with Theron, running around in the pastures, with his pet avian flying above. Me wanting to show him my abilities, but I couldn't do so because of Azar's orders. I still remember...

You can't catch me!
Peek-a-Boo!
Don't worry Metrion, It'll get better....
Grab my hand I want to show you a place!

I let this place, this twisted bliss turn me away from the only chances I ever had at being close to normal. All because of my pride, and because of my isolation. Theron looks at what used to be a tree, his eyes trailing the cracks in the ground and the dust from the wood.

Theron: "Did...did you do this?"

In an attempt to bond with the only ally it seemed I had here, I reacted in the most natural way. I turned to face towards him, my legs crossed and my hands cupped with a timid nature.

"Theron....silence."

I just sat there staring into the ground still, but I was facing him this time, not saying anything else, just trying to be comfortable, just trying to open up.

Theron: "Whatever you say...Magical Girl :)"

The skies began to become clearer and clearer with every passing moment of time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Gotham

Gotham.

The dreary sky overhead in Gotham only seems to compliment the tone of the area in its citizens. People walk the streets with the same, cold, lifeless posture that has been accompanied by decades of complacency of the spirit. Ways of old hope and fragments of lost justice could be seen on most of the people's faces. It was a time of freedom, yet also a time of concern and worry. Crime was on the rise yet again. The signs of the red bloody cross among the alleyways only scared people back into their homes. The people at home would only be broken into and stolen from, beaten, or even....killed. Cops would come to a crime scene to which its culprits were already missing. Reports would be filed but no one bothered to find the culprits because somehow, someway they were either connected to seemingly higher and more powerful figures, or simply they would be replaced in this domain of criminal underbellies. Such as so upon the night, upon the darkness. Back at the stowaway streets of Gotham, the same man from before, King steps out from an umarked door out into an alleyway. His bodyguards right in tow. He stops in his tracks, sensing that someone else was there. He looked over his right shoulder into the darkness of the alley.

King: "Snooping isn't admirable, do you not agree?"

A man steps out from the shadows, a man in all black, with dark cargo pants and a leather jacket. His face was stern and disciplined, a man of Chinese domain. He stepped into King's presence and stared at him for a good long while, as if he was thinking of something. His bodyguards stepped up in caution, and after the moment of tension reaches its pinnacle, the man bows to King. He rises and hands King and envelope full of money.

Man: "Our exports were very profitable sir, not one kink in the road."
King: "Good. Then we're ready."
Man: "Sir?"
King: "For expansion. The Dragons have been far too distant for far too long. It's time to grow past Asia and Europe."
Man: "Nǐ xiǎng tā dài lái zhèlǐ?" [You wish to bring the goods here?]
King: "Indeed my friend, in fact...I believe its time for the Dragons to see more than just the eastern side of the world, maybe it's time they have their share in the land of opportunity. My cover has been well enough hidden here my friend, but now we get back in the saddle...
....it's time for the Snake to strike."


Something watches them from above, silent. Brooding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The same darkness fills Crime Alley as men with hockey masks scour the narrow passage of peril. They thrash through the garbage, dumpsters, doors, and even alleyway stairs above the alley searching for something, anything that could lead them to the desired package their men failed to deliver earlier to their boss. Or even....any sign of them, the two women the now deceased goons had encountered earlier in the alley way. One prominent figure arises from the small man crowd and breathes heavily behind a different looking mask. This mask was more solid, thicker, more menacing. It almost resembled a skull. In the night, the Reaper was on the prowl. Around his neck were vials of gold serum that he literally held close to his heart, but underneath the mask he exuded noting but pure menace.

Reaper: "Gotham is under a state of revolution, and it will be us that will rise to accept this occasion. For I have lived many many years, some call me immortal. Some call me a ghost. But I am already eternal...My body is only strained by the failures of the world around me. Which is why you all will be my miracles. Find the serums, and there will be gifts and rewards to you not even The Batman would stop...were he even around."

The masked men continue to look for any sort of secret stash that may be hidden within the alley. Drugs, alcohol, that was not the task, nor the mission. The resolve lied in the miracle of the serum, something that was a gift to The Reaper, but nothing but a curse upon the world. The skies faintly rumble as life continues among the dark city. The streets paved with damp dirt and lost opportunities of the past. The Reaper looks among the sky, and he holds a steady gaze under the mask of death.

Reaper: "The crime families aren't thinking big enough, it's time for a voice....
...time for reaping."


Something watches them from above, silent. Brooding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Something watches the streets and darkness of Gotham from above, silent, brooding. A menacing and hardened figure that stands among the tier buildings of the city with a prejudice of justice. The wind blows as a lone banner floats and scurries behind the figure attached to his helm. His breathing was steady, silent, and almost non-existent in his grace. The black outline and composition of his being lined with toned muscle and neoprene material. The moon was almost like an enemy to him, shining down on his person, this mysterious being that was dwelled in the shadows. A sky that was void of a light of hope for quite sometime. But he remained....it remained, what the figure represented. He'd seen it all. A man posing as a club manager and investor, speaking on the migration of exports and a gang to the USA. Masked men in Crime Alley, looking, thrashing the place for...something. He looked at the skull masked man with contempt, but silence. Judgement, but humility. The day would come. The masked Reaper would gaze up to see nothing there but the dark skies behind it. The figure was nothing but a cast shadow of lore and rumor, one that was now looking upon a house, with two elderly people on the heights of Gotham. They looked distant, isolated, like they'd seen a ghost. Their mailbox reads 'Roth'. He searched for the two strange women that were in town before. Their robes, their demeanor, their cantor was all peculiar, and he knew they were here for something. A unknown group in Gotham assailing corporations like Wayne Ent. and causing fights on the street. It's all connected, Luthor behind the espionage yet it was his daughter in town when it occurred. It's all connected.

He was going to find out. A name came to mind. A group.

?: "ARGUS..."

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

General Place Holder

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

Listening to what Luke had to say about his own productions I couldn't help but come up with more ideas about how to upgrade my owns suit. Moving closer I had it break down once more and sat down next to Avalia to think on it some more. But.. running a digital weapon can have some side effects the soldiers wouldn't like. Of course I knew that most people would have some form of counter measure. But then again, if a strong enough Energy pulse were to go off... most electronics would simply just be gone. I knew this for a fact and I wouldn't be harmed at all. Turning my head slightly i began to ponder on a possible Electro Magnetic Pulse weapon using my own powers. It wasn't to hard to think about but.. it was still hard to harness in a small portable form.

When Luke asked about what they were planning to do I just looked up suddenly causing my hair to fly about in a wild flurry of movement. "Huh?!" I nearly shouted as freaked out. When I realized what was going on I began to blush "I.. I don't know." I continued on horribley embarassed over my zone out and following freak out. Avalia just looked over at me and shook her head "You really have a hard time staying focused on one thing. Come on Sky." She said to me making me narrow my eyes at her "I have a hard time paying attention.."I began to mumble. Avalia sucked in air and shoved me "Don't mumble to me." She continued on.

I looked towards Luke and just feigned a smile "Uhm.. well I have no idea." Avalia leaned down onto me making me groan "Dont.." I whined making her stop. I sat up and fixed myself before refocusing on Luke. "What did you have in mind since you were asking up?" I leaned forward to ask him. When I did that it seemed to irritate Avalia slightly as if she thought I was flirting with him. Avalia nudged my leg making me glance at her with a smirk. I did have to tease her every chance I had. But, I knew she would dish it back twice as bad in the near future.

"Well, I honestly know nothing about this area.. I really want something good to eat and I knew that Avalia would be hungry." I said with a smirk towards her. Avalia blushed slightly and just shook her head "No, I ate earlier... Why are you hungry all the time?" She asked me. I stared at her like a deer in a set of headlights "Why? I have always been a eater. I eat everything I can try to eat no matter what it is.... actually that is not true. I will eat anything I have eaten before if an oppertunity presents itself." I responded to her as the two of us began to make a scene. Realizing this I looked to Luke once more "Hey, I apologize. Avalia and I have a very interesting realtionship. We like to get on each others nerves then cry when the others gets us back."

I didn't care if I was making a scene right infront of him but I knew Avalia would. Luke and I had a good enough relationship for me to act like a kid around without looking like an idiot. I was about to continue before Avalia cut me off from opening my mouth. "Yes, I will join you Sky. Its only the right thing to do isn't it?" She said as she glared at me. I knew what she meant and it wasn't going to be good in the future. I took a deep breath and stood up "So! Sorry about that.. we don't actually get mad at each other the way you think. But, your work sounds amazing. Sorry I zoned out like the ditz I am... you know how I am but it is still rude and I wanted to apologize for that." I continued on before walking towards the backpack sitting on the floor "I am going to get changed incase we do go out. But.. never weigh out the needs of a non-digital apparatus. Electromagnetic Pulse weapons will render digital units useless." I finished with a small prod into his thought process.

Once in my room I heard Avalia get up and follow behind me. I immediately made for the door and closed it on her with a chuckle. I heard her whine on the other end and opened it to greet her with a kiss. "Hey, I hope you seriously dont think I was prodding you.." I said to her. Avalia just smiled "Oh, I know that but I will still get you." she said to me before the two of us changed into something far more social and not pajamas. I opened the door back up and walked out to sit back down again. It wasn't anything flashing but it was still somthing that I liked. "So! Did you think of anything?" I asked as Avalia sat down next to me in a similar outfit to my own.

 

[ch0sen1]

"Come on Sky....you should know by now I never ever leave anything unfurled...."


Luke rises and straightens his clothes as he clears his throat.

"The Wing isn't digital. We've....I created a compact sub-interface that isn't linked whatsoever to any cloud or digital server hub on the planet. While the computer's caching and signal does come from a satellite, the actual proxy is pinged from a custom DNS from a inactive hub in which its locality won't be affected by any lapse in EMP as much as a Kansas would never be affected by a tsunami. The hub's hardware is framed by a glass-rubber solenoid that can only be deactivated by two people in the world heheh...."

Luke then shrugs off his nerdy cantor and replies to the obvious awkward situation that was going on between the three young intelligent minds. It seemed as if Avalia was jealous or extremely protective of Sky, whom was also acting a bit 'isolated' for her usual proactive attitude. Nevertheless, Luke waved her off with a casual face when she apologized. They were way past that, Skylar was a valued friend and no way that he'd ever judge her or criticize for her aloof ways. Luke could be the same too, especially when around his father. Luke waits down in the loft as the two scurry along to get dressed. Luke dwells around and studies the antiquity of the Queen home. He looks at the picture of Oliver Queen with his mother, father, and sister. He then sees a newspaper on the couch, the main page article being of course about The Arrow, and hos he's singlehandedly cleaned up the streets of Star City, stopping the outbreak of that vicious virus.The Queens must be a supporter group for The Arrow. Luke had met them before a while ago at a gala. They seemed like gentle people...well Oliver was a bit of a pretty boy that was definitely outgoing. But they seemed like a rich group that would sponsor unseen justice. That was before Robert and Oliver went missing...before Oliver came back with a different aura. The girls come back down in some leisure wear and Luke smiles.

Skylar: "So! Did you think of anything?"
Luke: "Matter of fact I did, I got just the thing :)"

Luke walks outside towards his black sedan and unlocks the car before turning up the ignition. He beeps in a musical rhythm in playful invitation for the girls to get in and join him on the adventure. He doesnt tell them where they're going, but he just plays some pop and enjoys the drive as they leave the estate.

Luke: "These are good times, The Arrow guy is keeping the streets safe, Wayne Ent's stocks are throught the roof, I'm with ARGUS now, you seem to be doing fine Skylar as well...I mean...the world is in our favor it seems!"

Moments pass and Luke pulls up to Palmer Industries, ran by Ray Palmer, an absolute genius mind on physics and astro theory. He's also a business rival for Queen Consolidated therefore hasn't made any friends in the corporate world thus far, even though his intentions are good. Palmer was affected by the tragedies in Star City, with the earthquake then the virus attacks. He sought to do some good, but his rivalry against the Queens make him a lone wolf in businiess, with everyone such as Wayne Ent, Kord Ent, even LexCorp having respect for the value of family business in Queen Consolidated. Luke parks in the garage and looks back at the two with a smile.

Luke: "Ready to be amazed?"

Luke steps out and walks into the building where he's greeted with a smile from the secretary.

Luke: "Meeting with Mr. Palmer, tell him Mr. Fox and Ms. Luthor is here."
Secretary: "Right away, one sec."

Luke looks back at the girls with a charming smile and turns back towards the secretary. Palmer had some of the worlds most unorthodox yet savy technology, it's a shame none of the other corporations won't conjunction with him, even though he seems to be perfectly fine with being on his own. No oversight, no supervision, and definitely no scandal. Luke respected that in a way. The secretary hangs up the phone and responds to Luke.

Secretary: "He'll be right with you :) "
Luke: "So ladies, what do you think? A surprise trip to one of the leading minds in advanced cybernetics, pretty cool huh?"

Avalia looks amazed, but also like she's trying to hide the fact that this was all pretty cool. Luke didn't read too much into the tension, instead he just moseys around the lobby with the crowd of people walking to their offices and the upper buildings. He walks around with his hands in his pockets, looking at the graphic 3D bulletin on the wall displaying Palmer Ind.

?: "Luke Fox..?"

Luke turns to see Mr. Ray Palmer himself, standing strong and upright with his slate grey suit and black tie. He then turns around to see Skylar standing there, his face a bit impressed but confused at the two appearances.


Ray: "Skylar Luthor? I must say I'm....shocked you guys are in my offices. But, of course you're welcome here."

Ray shakes hands with Luke and Sky, looking at Avalia and shaking her hand in generosity. He guides them towards the elevator to the penthouse levels and studies the three while in discussion.

Ray: "So...! What brings you by? Not on a message from parents are you? Haha"
Luke: Haha no sir, our parents are a bit focused on other things right now. We just thought we'd come by and check out some of your tech....I realize now how wrong that sounds. I was just wanting to take these two tech minds out into an equal environment where they can be blown away."
Ray: "Well, you've come to the right place.."

The doors open into a neon blue lit facility with different lab tables set up as well as cybernetic prototypes around the area. Various devices can be seen as Luke enters in and his eyes go wide and a grin appears. He forgets about the two girls and runs around like a little kid, Ray chuckles at the sight. All of the devices were prototypes, but for alpha stage they were incredibly impressive. Sonic scanners with the ability to absorb and release said sonic frequency, carbon-enhcanced fiber plating bulletproof vests for agility and protection, a DNS tranceiver that grabbed and detected any domain via location, which made Luke nervous upon seeing, and finally a small tube of a tiny light inside, with a scope focused on the light. Luke was stumped, but in love.

Ray: "White Dwarf matter. I've been studying and trying to harness its properties. Its atomic composition is that unlike any other. Mass that of the sun, but dense in the fact that the volume is rival to Earths. I've been creating artificial energy replicating the electron degenerates using and electrolyte based spark explosion."
Luke: "Dude....Adopt me."
Ray: "Haha. What I plan to do with this is create the first shifting matter that can actually directly influence volume. Mass.....density."
Luke: "Like, shifting size?"
Ray: "But keeping the same composition. Think about it, weight loss, height gain...all acheivable in one fair burst of energy. By taking the degenerates and re-converting into electrolytes-- "
Luke: " -- You could affect celluar shift through electron discharge as opposed to genetically....oh. MY. GOD."

It was obvious that everyone was more than impressed with Ray Palmer's mode of thinking in his research. Not even Lucius Fox or Alexander Luthor could dare to think THAT far outside the box. All Luke could think was that it was a real shame that Palmer couldn't partner his business elsewhere.

Luke: "Sucks you won't....well aren't allowed to be in conglomerate with the other heavies."
Ray: "Wouldn't have it any other way Luke. After everything that's happened here....the scandal behind the Glades, the recent viral attack..the city...the world doesn't need another corporate deal or finance shark...they need hope. Real hope. I'm going to give that to them.Queen consolidated has shown that they can't handle the responsibilities of their city nor can they manage it. So I'll be that voice of hope."

Ray's words silence the three, their obvious friendship with the Queen's showing.

Ray: "I get it guys, I really do. But what would you rather have? A family's peace in their company, or a city's safety in its depression? Just look out there and think about it."

Ray invites them to the penthouse window and gives them a skyline view of the city. The murky day, fog and wetlands all around, but the city still looked festive, alive. Even after everything the city of Starling has undergone, they're still standing. It made Luke think, hopefully made them all think....about what they wanted to be, who they wanted to become....

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Azarath.



Theron just sits with me in silence. I'd forgotten how long, we'd been out there for endless moments. Every now and then I would raise my head to look at him, and with his eye contact I would dart my eyes back into the ground. Theron would smile and act like he didn't know I was trying to be affectionate. I didn't know how. I was nothing but a shell my entire life, never really investing feeling in anything, because I was told not to do so. Ever since I was little...those incidents of my emotions getting out of hand and causing nothing but peril and chaos around me, it made me this way. Azar made me this way. I was afraid to have a heart, and encouraged to have a soul. It was an impossible feat, but I tried to harness it the best way I could. After saving Theron's bird when we were younger...it caused me to gain intrigue for my abilities, and why I was the way I was. It made me want to not be afraid of them, to learn to live with them instead of run from them. I see now that if that was the case then Azarath would probably be destroyed right now at the lapse of my emotional management. I reach my mind to Theron's, reading his thoughts like a breahcer of the soul. I started to wonder was that ability evil as well, to be able to penetrate someone's thoughts at will, to your will.

Theron: 'I wonder why she's acting so bashful...I wish she'd just open up...'

Again with the same issue of before. Me. My obstacle of expressing trust or feeling to another person, especially Theron. He's been nothing but keen since the moment I knew him, besides his anger at me for not telling him who...what I really am. It was justified, and it was the only time I had heard him in all these cycles. Saddening. I fiddled with my soft hands as I sat legs folded inwards. I could change things, right here and now. No matter what was going on with Azar and the society, Theron has been there. Now I can return the favor, maybe I can reach out, as a way to reconcile and clear my spirit. I reluctantly speak as I still looked into the grass.

"Do you wish to see it?....my alteration...."
Theron: "?....you want to show it to me?"
"......"
Theron: "You can trust me Metrion, I promise."

I didn't have to read him, but I did anyways. Obviously he was heartfelt, with emotions of tranquility and genuinity. He meant what he said, I just didn't know what he'd think after I showed him...I felt an emotion: nervousness.

"It's okay if you wish to stop seeing me after..."
Theron: "Nonsense. [stands] now show me."

I look up at him as he takes my hands, with the warmest and softest look in his eyes. He raises me up never taking his eyes away from mine. I could feel it, it was a feeling that made my heart flutter. A hard breeze pushing on my soul. His emotions were calmer, but just as direct. Affection. Attraction, however small it may be, it's there. I look down and take a step back as I gather my emotions and energy.

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

Theron looks on as I close my eyes and let my emotional side take over. The pain, the nervousness, the inner frustration, the pent up anger...I mix it all in a malleable focus of emotion as an unseen wind pushes through my hair. I start to slowly levitate as my head rears back towards the sky. My skin begins to pale out as my veins turn a cold bluish-purple. My skin turns greyish-violet as the grass around me swirls in a waving energy. A pitch black aura is formed around the silhouette of my body, however no darkening sky. No vicious wind to come like before. Because inside I was at peace with who I was, and what I was. That peace was balancing me out, though my primal emotions caused the transformation always in my experience. I straighten my head and open my eyes to Theron with the ultraviolet retinas and pitch black sclera focused on him. He contains a stricken look, as my empathy picks up on his mild shock. But yet he does something remarkable, he walks towards me. He takes a step and then drifts into levitation, meeting body level with mine. He stares in my eyes and pauses for a moment. I look into his with a dark focus, but his eyes tends to light me up inside, as he leans close making me uneasy and afraid, the wind still breezing. He whispers.

Theron: "I'm here. Metrion. Like always."

He leans closer, his and my forehead connecting as he looks at me. I start to refrain my feelings again, pushing him out and using my hand to push his chest away.

"You don't know what I am...."
Theron: "I do. Have for a long time. You're the one that's different. You're the one that's stronger. You're magic."

Theron places one hand on my shoulder, and another on my cheek. He caresses it softly as I begin to fade back into my human appearance. He smiles as his thoughts all point to one thing, that which he wanted. I knew what it was. I leaned in just a little, enough to make him believe. He started to lean in as well, and then I vanish from thin air. He stumbles forward in the air while recovering, looking around for me. I teleport a few yards away levitating above him, with his clear sadness that he didn't get to kiss me.

"I can do things that humans can't...not even the Azarathians."
Theron: "...clearly. I knew that the moment you healed my bird. I always knew you were different. What else can you do other than heal?....and teleport...."
"I haven't healed since that day, but whenever I did it I took in the bird's injuries as if they were mine. That's why I passed out I believe. And...well...I can read thoughts, emotions. Like Azarathians I can levitate, I can astral project, but mine is different. Even when I project, I can still use my retained abilities as if I were conscious. I can....also lift things remotely without touching them."
Theron: "Really??"

I shoot a hand out to a tree, with my wrist moving up in a precise motion. With that, a tree branch snaps from the higher altitude of the tree and falls softly to the ground. I look back at Theron who was amazed and slightly grinned.

"Yes. ;)"

Theron chuckled out of fascination and levitated towards me.

Theron: "What else?"
"....sometimes...I have these visions. Vivid concrete visions of things. And well...until recently I thought that's all they were. But...the visions...I think they're premonition. I saw my mother in a dream before I met her on Earth, and I also saw her running, as if she was in peril...."

The thought hit me that it could be happening to her right now, and I was here. Right here. Stuck. The Azar and Coman commanded me not to return to Earth for my mother, but she was my mother. I couldn't stand to leave her there exposed now, from what I didn't know, but if danger really lurked around the corner for her, I had to be there to protect her. I look at Theron with a face of realization. He looks back knowing that I produced an insane thought.

Theron: "No, don't."
"I must return to Earth...."
Theron: "They will punish you!"
"They have been doing that to me since I've been here, keeping me prisoner. I can't do this anymore."
Theron: "Please Metrion be patient, I'm sure they will come to their senses within reason time!"
"...and what if my mother is harmed by these dark foces she speaks of? What if this...'Church' takes her and makes her suffer? Or worse...our people are taught the pacifist way of peace, but yet they wish not to protect the people from the evil they practice against. Cowardice."

I come down from levitation and I walk up to Theron, meeting his body.

"Thank you Theron. You are...a true friend. Now go home."

Without reaction I teleport back to my chambers, leaving Theron alone and for him to walk back. I knew he'd be worried and a bit frazzled, so I had to move fast since he was probably making hasted movements towards the Temple. Zinthios caws around as I take a moment to think. The Great Door....was I really going to do this? Was I really going to escape Azarath? Away from my people without common recognition? I clutched the Chakra necklace around my neck, the deep red gem almost glowing at my touch. I clear my mind of any emotion and thought, becoming zen in balance as I think out my next move. I look over to the balcony end of my chambers to see my Earth clothes Galya and I purchased encased away in a glass trunk. I swirl my hand as the trunk opens and I teleport several feet to grab the clothes. I stop my motions as I can feel energy, more like a spirit nearby. I could hear no thoughts, so it must be someone using astral projection.

"Who's there?"

I focus and channel my energies as well to ascened into my astral mode, spotting the Azar dwelling within my room. We lock eyes for a moment and I tether back into my physical state and begin to speak as I continue on with my plan. I drop my robes to my skin synthetic mail underneath, beginning to take it off and replace it with the Earth clothes.

Azar: 'You musn't, Metrion'
"I have to, I can't leave my mother. She's in danger, and I will protect her."
Azar: 'Your abilities are not to be tampered with, you will start to become inhibited to the darker instinct.'
"You've told me that countless times now, I think we're past that."
Coman: "But are you so far gone as to discard human integrity?"

Coman walks in with his staff, looking at me as I appear as a stranger to him in the Earth clothing I've equipped. I stand from my bed and face him, all the while communicating with Azar via telepathy.

"You said I can return to Earth as your discretion, and I'm no dunce. I'm never leaving under your judgement, nor Azar's. So I will go myself. I'm done convincing. I'm done being a puppet. You still treat me like a prisoner, like a youngling even after my ascension. If you're afraid of my power now, how could you possibly deal with it if my mother were harmed or worse because we didn't do anything about it?"

Coman: "Metrion, cease."
"....no."
Azar: 'Metrion there are things that you have to realize-- '
"I realize them already, I'm grateful for your nurturing, but I'm done with the deceit."
Coman: "We're letting you go."

I stop in my tracks. I look at Coman as his face suggested nothing of a joke. His emotion was stern and direct, his face serious. His thoughts clear. He was genuine in his response. He was actually going to let me travel to Earth. My face hits with skepticism and curiosity. Zinthios even turns its head to the side in confusion. Galya walks in, already in her Earth clothes as well, and nods to me.

Coman: "This Church....they are old....almost as old as our society. They have existed and come from a mortal place where condemned souls only reap the darkness around them. They became a regime, an order. The worlds most dark and twisted spirits, not turned to the light, but harvested in darkness towards conviction that would give them cause, give them hope. Give them motive."
Galya: "And that motive was blood."

A quick flash of my former visions arose, with the pure red, the crimson red.

scene

Zandia, Year 1202

A through of blood seeps down an inlet in the middle of a large chapel like building, as knights in crimson red robes slayed the enemy crusaders in linen cloth, the blood spraying everywhere throughout the town. Inside the chapel, the blood flows like a river towards one end, where one figure stood out above the rest, a cloak around his robes and a mask to conceal his face. He stood at the end of the trough, his feet dipped in the blood as he stood still. Outside, his knights chopped down the crusaders with fury and malice. The crusaders of religion were struck down, as their leader, the Pope scurries away from the massacre trying to protect his life. However, in the night among Zandia, he runs into the red robed knights and is taken into the chapel where the 'high priest' stood in blood, his voice eerie and silenced, with an unknown wind behind it.


Priest: "Pope....are you ready to be baptized? Will you not join the Church now?"
Pope: "Never! You are all murderers!! You will all be banished to hell! The devil will come for you this night..."
Priest: "....good. He rebelled and conquered his own realm, while your God hides away and watches these slaughters and massacres happen....so how devoted to you is he really? If we were so evil, why are we not yet struck? Especially when I have this..."

The high priest shows the Pope the cloak, a red cloak that seemed to be woven in blood, but not just any blood.

Pope: "Oh my God.....The Sacred Cloak!? That's not....how!?"
Priest: "Now you will see...our greatest feat in history, for all time. You are a witness, you are the martyr."

Without notice a knight pierces the Pope's heart with a blade, as he falls lifeless into the trough, his holy blood filling the trough and the high priest walking in the blood towards the Pope. He dips his hands in the blood, rubbing his face underneath the mask as a bright flash of thunder strikes the chapel. The knights scurry in panic, but the high priest remains still. Focused. Through the mask a red glow can be seen, as he levitates in the air to the knights amazement. They all drop to their knees and worship the high priest, blood dripping from his feet down on the ground. The chapel falls apart from the fire caused by lightning, as the high priest ascends to the ceiling and touches the burning wood, the fire literally being absorbed into his hands as the chapel is extinguished.

Priest: "I am life now. I am the fire......I am Blood."

Azar walks into the room, now in her physical state.

Azar: "They're an order as old as man's crusade. But their power....draws from forces as old and evil as the darkness in the beginning. They seek blood, to gain blood. They are demons upon the Earth, and even among the realms. They take all that is holy, and twist it into the darkest inhibitions of the universe. They turn holy.....evil.
"And their deity....my father...he powers them?"
Azar: "No...it's his influence that powers them, he could care less about them or their lives. He just wants to plant seeds of evil across the realms, across the universe, and the only way he can do that is through the spirit, and the mind, and the hearts of all.
"If...he is as powerful as you say, why not just do it himself?"
Azar: "Because he's trapped. Stuck in a celestial prison. He was put there by The Three Divine, the most poweful celestial entities under The Presence himself. They devised a plan to diminish his evil that corrupted so many worlds, his evil being rooted from the corruption in his own soul. It is believed that he was created from celestial abomination, and naturally the corruption took over his soul, yet having nigh awareness and consciousness. The Divine created the Heart of Darkness, a collective of one hundred galaxies worth of evil, and used it to sap the darkness from his soul, or so they thought. Instead of it feasting on him, he feasted on it, absorbign all the evils into his corruption to grant his already celestial powers to beyond unimaginable. So he killed The Divine, all three of them, releasing a perpetual celestial energy that bounded him to his realm. It stripped the most of his direct power but he still transcends time and space, using that to garner influence to whomever he chooses. Once he has the influence and aknowledgement, he uses that to cross into the realm of the targeted souls. He is clever, he is strong, and he is dangerous."
"I will not end up like him, because I have the power of light inside me, and of mortality. My will overcomes that. I will protect my mother...I will protect us. It doesn't have to be violence, I know that. I will show the people of Earth that, my mother that. And if evil comes, then the light will win."

Azar smiles as does Galya, their pride growing strong for me at my rare inspirational words. I exhale a deep breath, standing bold and upright, my body tensed and controlled. I look at Coman who still had a thinking expression. His face solid as he bore into my eyes. He approaches me and places a steady hand on my shoulder, still looking into my eyes. He links with me mentally, and speaks to me via the mind.

Coman: 'I need you to understand something...about the deceit. It was never to trick, or lie. It was always to protect, and always has been to protect. Think about if everyone knew...about what you were...what you could do...you would have gotten more than just bad looks, you would've been a threat to everyone's state of peace, and that breeds chaos. I'm not trying to justify what we've done....but sometimes we do the wrong thing with the right thing in mind. For the greater good, the greater peace.'
"Now, you have my discretion to go and retrieve your mother, and bring her to the place where she begin her spiritual turning. Bring her here Metrion, that you may never have to be without her again. Bring her home."

My eyes lit up like the brightest sun in the universe. My heart mellowed at Coman's words. I had never thought to just simply bring her here, to retire her life of mortal darkness and seek the ways of peace. She was here all those cycles ago, while bearing me in her womb. Even then she was trained in the ways of the soul, harboring her twisted spirit slowly melding it back into the way of the light. But then the fear had hit her of what I was, and what I could do. She was young, and scared. She didn't have the apt nature I was raised in, so she hid herself away, internally and externally. I understood that. But she has been alone all those cycles. Hiding in plain sight, lonely, isolated. Now we can be together, and I don't care about what the people will think. She will be with me, and she will be safe. That's all that mattered.

Azar: "Galya will accompany you once more, and this time try not to use you abilities. The notion is to blend in, not stand out. We won't deceive any longer, you taught us that it is still a dark way despite preservation. But.....no one has to know about your affairs. After all....you are ascendant."

Azar smirks as her white eyes suggest an bit of pleasure from having not to be the protective and stern figure she's always been. Now she's more open, more of a free spirit...if she was like this before, there was no telling how much better or how much more control I could have become. But she's here, trying, along with Coman. I read their spirits to detect any ulterior motives or thoughts, but they were clear, a few emotions of preservation, but mostly compliance.

Azar: "Hold to your Chakra, Metrion...it will be the beacon to reach our souls here while you're on Earth. Avoid the dark ways of mortals, and follow the light."

I nod as Galya stands beside me and I teleport us to the Great Door. The towering marvel of structure standing vibrant, eminating with universal energy tying into this astral realm. I look up at it, as the energy waves through us, making out hair flow in the wind. I could feel the surge of power in my veins, I could feel the stream of the universe near and around me. Two preservers that guarded the Great Door approached me with caution, apprehension in their heart.


"The Azar gave us permission to leave, we have a task for Earth, to retrieve my mother."
Preserver: "Arella? We've heard nothing of this..."
"Take it up with the guild."

I grab Galya without notice and warp us into the direct middle of the pillar. The preservers jump at the sudden activation of The Great Door and rush to try to stop us, but we are already being streamed through the universal energies. They were too late. Besides, Azar would explain that we had permission. The white light shoots towards the sky as I close my eyes and focus, with Galya focusing as well.



Our beings mold into energy as we're shipped through the space and time fabric to the area known as Gotham. The light energy all around us darts us through the course of space until our surroundings become definite in shape. Buildings and sounds of automobiles invade our senses. I shake my head to recover from the disorientation of travel, but we were here now.

We were back.

"Okay, we need to find somewhere we can look for her. Seeing as how we've never been to her actual home, we need to go somewhere we've been with her."
Galya: "No abilities."
"We need to get there quickly, what if she's in peril? Just a warping, nothing more."
Galya: ".......[sigh] very well."

We resided near the entrance of an alleyway, watching as the people walked by with their casual and meager faces. The daylight overhead was dusty and bleak, nightfall must be arriving soon. We walked into the nearest building, some type of place dealing with computational devices used for data processing. We stepped in as the receptionist smiles and asks us our business.

"We.....[looks at Galya]"
Galya: "Need to....use a phone device. We must call someone and it's very urgent."
Receptionist: "Oh, is your cell phone dead or something?"

I read her mind to see what exactly a cell phone was, I had seen almost everyone with one, talking to people remotely, however I had no idea they could be used for remote communication. It was like our ways of telepathy....except in a technological based device.

"Don't have one."
Receptionist: "Oh...um well I guess you could use mine..."
"Thank you."

She hands over the phone as I walk a few feet away, with me telepathically telling Galya to distract her so that I could use my Chakra to root myself to channel my mother. The cell phone was just a witty distraction. An illusion. Galya starts to ask the receptionist about her job and what the place was to keep her distracted. I touch my Chakra and focus my mind on Angela. I hone my energies as I turn to face the wall in secrecy from my motives. I imagine her, I see her, I focus on her mind as I feel my spirit eminating and radiating energy. A ethreal adrenaline hits me as my soul becomes strong in focus.

'Angela...it's me....'
Angela: '...Rachel?? Are ...you okay? Sorry, still getting used to this mind link thing, it's hard to separate speaking in the mind from out of my mouth.'
'I understand, and I'm fine. I came as soon as I could...are you in danger?'
Angela: 'Danger? No, I'm fine sweetheart...is this about the other day? I was just paranoid...'
'Well it's okay now, I'm here to bring you back.'
Angela: 'What do you mean?'
'I've come back for you....I'm on Earth, and I am in Gotham.'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A shocked Angela stops in her tracks walking along a sidewalk, with a multitude of pedestrians flying by her in rush to their destinations. They give Angela weird and skeptical faces as she pauses with a look of astonishment. She slowly resumes walking and speaks telepathically.

Angela: 'You what?? ...Rachel...I'm not there...'
'Then where are you??'
Angela: 'I'm...in another city, near Gotham.'

Angela watches as she walks along the sidewalk she's been on for about the 10th time now, circling the block and returning over and over again. Her reasons unfold as she watches a crew across the street, using a power water pump to wash something off of an alleyway wall, a red cross...a cross made in blood. Ten times she's circled the block now, and ten times she has seen the same symbol in every alleyway surrounding the downtown area of the enormous city. She watches as the water washes the red into the concrete below.

'Well what is the name of it??'
Angela: 'Metropolis.'



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HIVE Operations Base
Classified.

Sebastian Blood walks along the halls of a well established facility with armed guards at every nook and cranny. Twister walks beside him, this time without her robes , only a crimson skin tight top with black fitted pants, with some heeled boots. Her eyes were dark and sinister, a look no one dared to challenge as she walked by. Blood and Twister walk into a control center, where various intel officers were hard at work with headsets looking at screens of satellite images. They head through the department with Jinx, Mammoth, and Shimmer in tow, having access to a research area where some scientists in white lab coats were studying and experimenting with various tech and weapons. Blood lays his eyes on one scientist in particular who wore a yellow and black striped lab coat, her hair in two buns as she released them into straight hair, directing the men on the operations.


Blood: "She looks festive."
Jinx: "That's HIVE's 'stylish' new vice doctor, Karen. She was recruited a year before we were found, she isn't special persay but her skillset is indeed valuable. She developed a device that reduces kinetic energy into potential energy, and then reflects said energy back at the sourrounding radius."
Mammoth: "A fancy way of saying she's fancy."
Shimmer: "She loves her colors, she's even campaigning for HIVE's colors to be black and yellow, so everyone start calling her Bumblebee."
?: "I think it's amazing, her unique nature and prowess. She's going to become a very important member for us one day. Well, she already is."

The group turns around to see a man in a well dressed suit and tie, his blond hair and crystal blue eyes piercing the veil of souls looking at him, even Twister raised her chin in observation at the kempt man before them. Blood looks on with a smile, hands in his pockets. Bumblebee approaches the group and stands beside the dressed man.


?: "Karen, these are our guests, Mr. Blood and ...name miss?"
Twister: "Theresa."
Blood: "You have me at a disadvantage good sir, who might you be?"
?: "I Mr. Blood, am the one who will oversee your operation, your 'joint task' in finding these....special beings. I, am Damien Darhk."

The two pause a moment before greeting each other with a handshake. An explosive unseen energy of tension could be felt around the room when they did, as if the forces of heaven and hell came to collide right in the room. They lock eyes with each other, both burning a passionate fuel of willpower behind them. An unsaid silent respect and fear was being exchanged between the two. They release and the room radiates silence.

Darhk: "Kane tells me you provided a list...and that the first person on the list does not qualitfy as 'special'.
Blood: "Kane...let me guess the charming lady I spoke to? And believe you me...he may not be powered but he is special...much like Bumblebee over here."
Darhk: "He's a gadget maker....we have tech people already if you can't so obviously see."
Blood: "But they can't do what he does....not even Karen here. Because you're operating within the fields of science, and technology. His mind, you see his mind surpasses that on a scale you can't imagine."
Darhk: "Don't be so sure Mr. Blood, I have a very big imagination..."
Blood: "You don't want him? Fine, more room for me [smirks]"

Blood walks away as Twister follows behind him, with the rest of the party left tense and confused.

Darhk: "And Where are you going?"
Blood: "To recruit. I have you the list, you have it. HIVE isn't interested in geniuses then I am. Let's go Theresa."
Twister: "With pleasure."

She wraps her arm around Blood as they leave the facilities. Darhk smiles and folds his arms at Blood and his second leaving. Jinx, Mammoth, Bee, and Shimmer all look and stare in tension and bewilderment at what took place. It was almost as if they knew each other or something. Or of each other.

Darhk: "A fiesty one."
Mammoth: "I don't like him, but it's Kane's order."
Darhk: "Oh don't worry Mr. Flinders....let him keep his pride, that's all they have against us anyways. We have what we wanted. Stay with him until we get them all, then let them go their way to worshippin in the pues or whatever it is they do."

Darhk hides a dark smile under his facial expression. He looks at the name and face of the listed VIP they were discussing, named Mikron O'Jenesus. Darhk reads his skillsets and then begins to think, looking at the next name on the list, one Mr. Arthur Light.

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

Following Luke down and out of the building I looked towards Avalia and just took a second to think. She glanced over at me and smiled making me give a slightly fake smile back. I felt so weird about everything all the sudden. As if everything recently was beginning to come together.... was it that I never faced it and just pushed it away? It was likely the case... as I never could come to terms with things quick. Why did it all have to come together now? Its like Karma was coming back and hitting me as hard as possible with a bat.... it was a feeling hoplessness considering what I got my father in and another mix of Anxiety over not knowing what is coming. But, the anxiety part was partially solving itself the more I thought about it in the seconds following my steps from the building.

My mind seemed to snap out of itself at the noise of Luke playfully toying with us. I glanced around and noticed Avalia already in the car. My cheeks lit up like a red christmas light and I hurried over and got into the car next to Avalia in the back. She looked over at me and I just shook my head. I knew the more I got worked up the more the chance of me having an outburst was and Avalia picked up on it as well. "Hey, sorry about that.... oddity. I dont know what happened.. I got caught up in my own head it seems." I said oddly out of my normal tone of voice. Avalia looked over once more and glanced at me. She leaned closer and whispered "Relax alright.. take a cat nap if you have to." She said making me lay my head in Avalia's lap. "I think I jumped around abit to fast earlier and gave myself a bad headache." I lied to try to make Luke feel alright about the situation.

The truth was that as I got more worked up my mind began to kick into overdrive. The feeling was almost like a pulseing energy from within my stomach and heart. The feeling was so odd but I knew what was coming especially.. if I didn't bring my mind under my concious control. After a minute I began to relax and the pain began to dissipate. The pulsing energy within seemed to surge up and suddenly disappear. I felt my body relax but Avalia just stared down at me. She smiled "Why dont you close your eyes Skylar?" She said and looked at me in a way that I could pick out my reflection in her eyes. My eyes were glowing partially and I instantly closed them and squeezed part of the back seat causing a slight groaning noise as I 'Gently' squeezed the seating cushion.

Avalia looked up at Luke as he began to speak. "Yeah, things are coming together for everyone.. it seems." She said and looked down at me. I sighed "Yeah, I guess everything is falling into place..."I said before turning over and looking at Avalia's stomach. Avalia put a hand on her head "Shes been having alot of bad headache recently. They normally pass quickly so hopefully by the time we get moving around again she will be feeling better." She said to Luke as they continued on. Shortly after they pulled into their destination making Avalia nudge the already sleeping Skylar. Her eyes flashed open suddenly and flashed for a second. The light filled the back of the car before it went out. Avalia blinked in suprise and gasped to save the situation "Skylar, can you grab my phone? The camera light flashed and I think I got a text.". Immediately I froze but tried to play along with what Avalia was saying.

I gave her the phone from its place facing down in her purse and handed it to her. I didn't skip beat suprisingly and got out of the car in almost record speed. The feeling of finally being freed from the constraint of my mind was great. I put my arms up in the air and stretched before looking down at Avalia who was pushing me out of the way gently. "You always do that.. don't you know that other people are in the car as well." She said before I just smiled "No, I enjoy crawling over people to get out of the car. I thought you knew that." I went on. Avalia just took a second to look at me before she looked over at Luke. She knew I was still gathering myself so she left me well enough alone for the moment.

"You know, shes more into the techy things than I am... which is a complete... lie..." Avalia said as I turned around suddenly. "Yeah, you tried to lie but failed... again..." I commented on her failure. Avalia just sighed "Yeah, shes more into the aspects of hands on building than theorizing.. most of what she makes is one of a kind.. I like producing things.. not making them and setting them down." Avalia went on to say making me nod. 'Yeah, so this may interest me abit more than her... But still." I finished and walked towards Avalia. She glanced over at me as we walked in and I just smiled to let her know I was good enough. With both of us now in a good enough condition we could actualy enjoy ourselves.

As Luke broke away from us and went off to the secretary I turned towards Avalia and hugged her "Hey, thanks for earlier.. I got caught up in my head and I felt like I was going to have an episode..." I whispered to her before I broke away and straightend myself out. With Luke coming back over I just smiled "Yeah, it is something.. but I wonder what all he will allow us to see considering that we are Rival children..." I said with a smirk before looking to Avalia "You basiclly grew up with me so you are to." I went on to say before looking at Luke once more.

The conversation ended abruptly at the voice of an unknown person. I had picked up the different footsteps a few seconds before he spoke but the voice suddenly speaking up startled me. There were to many people around to try and pick them out so I decided to stop trying and just listen normally again. I watched as Ray walked up as shook Luke's hand before moving on to my own. "Yeah, I apologize for looking like I am going out to a club. If Luke had told us.. I would have worn something abit... better. But, its not bad for something fast." I said with a smile. When he moved on to Avalia she seemed abit out of it. She just smiled and nodded before walking up to me.

"Sorry.. I just get abit nervous around powerful people I don't know or people... that you dont trust." Avalia whispered to me as Ray began to talk. "Well, I agree with Luke. Alot is happening so we are kinda out on our own." I partially lied. I just kept my mouth shut for the next few seconds... up untill the doors opened. When we all stepped out and Ray began to talk I found myself being drawn to his explanation of shifting matter. The thought implanted itself into my mind but dissipated as they continued on their conversation. Luckily enough I knew I would remember it in the future.. when I was back home in Metropolis. Anyway, that wasn't important right now.

My mind snapped back as Ray began to speak about the position of the city as well as his.. feelings on the matter... as well as what he said afterward. That one sentence as short as it was carried alot of power behind it. As we ended up by the window I leaned forward and gazed out. What he said was true... a city in a depression required security.. but what lengths would be viable before it became oppression. But, would oppression be required if things got bad enough? Would I join that? I don't know... the feelings arent.. out of the question but to think about it... what would be a viable way to keep people safe without limiting civil liberties. "I think a city needs protection.. especially one going through hell like Gotham.. but.. its so hard to think about as security means.. limitations and limitations cuase unrest." I said knowing that this was infact the issue with cracking down... it had to be done right.

 

[ch0sen1]

Luke leaves the Palmer Inc. offices happier than a kid in a candy and toy store hybrid. He looks back towards the top of the tower, and he just felt like Ray Palmer was watching. The session with him was very enriching, it placed in Luke's mind where he wanted to go in life, and what he wanted to do. He didn't want to just change the game anymore, he wanted to make an all new one. Luke starts to murmur to himself as Skylar and Avalia walked behind him.


Luke: "I have to recalibrate the sensors, I have to encrypt my hard server, I have to ask dad for a grant..."

Luke walks and talks like a crazy person for a moment, before turning back to the two girls who seemed a bit surprised.

Luke: "He's right...Mr. Palmer was right. This city, the world needs protection, but not with militaries and arms and munitions, with advancement. Tech that would render violence useless. Like your Solar suit Skylar, it's powered by solar energy but for the wrong purposes, augmented armor and strength makes the suit a super soldier suit, that's been done before. What we need.....is not to ADD to the fire, but extinguish it. We need to work on a project. The three of us...think about it!! It would kick ALL ass! Avalia do the programming, Skylar does the mechanical sync, and I'll handle hardware and firmware....how can you compete with that combo!? I'm thinking a suit...no weapons, no fancy tricks. We do this the right way, the old fashioned way. What do you say?"

Luke's phone rings as his excitement stopped and his face went blank. It was his dad, Lucius. He knew what the call meant. He picked up and walked away to talk for a second, leaving Skylar and Avalia to their thoughts. Many business people walked in and out the building as the three sttod in front of the front plaza. From across the street, a cleaning crew can be seen washing something red off a wall in an alleyway. A red cross to be exact, looked painted or even like blood. Just like the reports. But instead of the alleged word CHURCH under the cross...there was another word. CONDEMNED. It washes away as Luke comes back and talks to Sky and Avalia.

Luke: "Pops and the others are done with the meeting. Which is my queue to take you back to Queen's and then prepare to head back to my super secret job. But really, if you guys are down, you should hit me up."

Luke then signals the valet around the corner to bring his car. Several moments pass and the sleek black sedan approaches as Luke holds the door for the girls to get in. He then walks around to the driver's side, hopping in and turning the ignition, as the trio head back to Queen's mansion.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The name Metropolis sounds familiar to Galya as she stops and looks over at me. Angela was in a place called Metropolis...but why?

Galya: "I've heard of that place before. A mortal mecca constructed at the eve of man's technology boom. The place is well kempt for its commerce."
"How do we get there?"

Angela: 'Do you have money with you?'
'Yes...we brought our Earth currency and even put on mortal apparel.'
Angela: 'Have a taxi take you downtown, several blocks south of The Daily Planet, to Metro Square. I'll be waiting for you when you get here.'
'Okay, I'll see you--'

My mental tether is cut momentarily at the sudden motion of someone approaching Galya from behind, touching her shoulder. My first instinct was to protect her and begin to consider escaping to a desolate locale, but once we both realized who it was, we quelled our primal thoughts. It was the man that we had seen before, the one that provided transport to the law building of Gotham. Adrian Chase. The man who was proficient in combat, and hid a darker side. Although I now see that it's for justice, shouldn't the law here handle such things?


Adrian: "Well, what a coincidence....Galya right? And...Met...tree....on?"
"Rachel."
Adrian: "Rachel? I could've sworn--"
Galya: "Hello, Adrian Chase. I remembered you :) funny the tides of fate would bring you here upon us."
Adrian: "Exactly my thoughts! So, how are you girls liking Gotham so far? What do you have planned? Oh...by the way...Rachel I heard you found your mother, congratulations. How was that?"
"It was a very pleasing experience."
Galya: "We were actually on our way to meet with her now, she's in Metropolis."
Adrian: "Wow, that's across the bay....annnnd let me guess, you're taking a taxi?"

I knew what this meant. Didn't have to read his mind. He was an intellectual and clever human being. I knew that despite running into us was entirely coincidental, once he knew it was us, his cogs begin to turn in notion towards some sort of gain...maybe personal, maybe mutual. His emotions begin to emit intrigue as he further talked to Galya, this second meeting now completely piqued his interest. Which was bad news for us. We were here to lay low and retrieve my mother, and now this Adrian Chase could complicate things.

Galya: "Let ME guess....you're going to offer us a ride? You couldn't possibly do that for us it's at least a 40 minute drive!"
Adrian: "Ahh, I had nothing to do anyways, a case I'm working on had some dead end leads so I'm stuck until something comes up."

I begin to get curious myself at the mention of this 'case' ....what if he was referring to the case of looking for Angela? Maybe the case of us running from those men at that lude crowded entertainment venue...I was starting to get paranoid. I scanned his mind to see what he was talking about. My mind became filled with information regarding some sort of serum smuggled illegally by a very covert gang in Gotham. There was an incident involving a masked man searching the place called Crime Alley for hidden drugs belived to be stashed by his own men he thought wanted to use them for themselves. I could see the masked man in my mind as he did...wait...he was on a rooftop, in clad armor and a mask on himself. But why? There was another memory in his case, this time involving a man known as King Snake...my heart flutters when the image of Snake appears in my head, it was the same man who had attempted to court my mother and myself when she took me out to that night gathering. He was discussing moving armaments and followers over to Gotham from a place called Hong Kong. He was also operating underneath the legal system, and I couldn't help but feel alarmed that Adrian was investigating this man, who I had encountered before. A last thought appeard...ARGUS....some sort of government mortal organization that was known to be secretive while operating the darker side of the law....but does law really have a dark side? As Galya and Adrian talked, he offered us yet another ride in his automobile, to which I refused.

"No. We cannot."
Galya: "What, Metrion what are you doing?"
Adrian: "Metrion, that was it! It must be your middle name?"
'Galya...we can't. I read his mind...he's more than what he appears to be...something is off.'

Galya reads him while he shared the same looks as the last time, when we had reached the law domain in Gotham, one of curiosity.

Adrian: "Skeptical still? Listen, I just want to help, and if I can take you guys without you paying for a cab then I'll consider it a service. Wherever you guys are from, Gotham may be a...strained place but not everyone has bad intentions, and you have ran into one of the very very few. VERY few. I can't make you go with me, but it's really no problem."

By this time Galya was finished reading him, and she onced over at me before looking back and smiling at Adrian, to my surprise. She grabs my hand and brings me close to her, while emitting emotions of ease and comfort in this man. I picked up on the feelings as well, which in turn brought me inner curiosity. Why was she still so comfortable around him?

Galya: "Yes, we would love to take your offer, forgive my charge...she's rather protective of me ironically."
Adrian: "That's not a bad thing, don't worry Rachel, I'm a friend. In fact why don't I take you two out to eat? Maybe grab something if you guys aren't too busy in Metropolis?"
"My mother is already waiting."
Galya: "It's a sweet thought, but we really must be moving to meet her."
Adrian: "But of course! Right this way ladies."

Adrian guides his arms towards the opposite direction of the pavement as we begin to walk with him behind us, as he told us the location of his vehicle. Galya still holding my hand, begins to transmit mental communication with me, while Adrian begin to talk out loud about the city of Gotham. It was strange how we could listen to both conversations. The mental in our minds, and the physical with our ears, processing both fluently. It was like we were using a telephone with two separate connections, yet hearing the same call.

'Why are you accepting his offer?'
Adrian: "Gotham is a crazy place indeed, a lot of criminals are notriously known to make their rep here, clowns and enigmatic men..."
Galya: 'Metrion...he is obviously some sort of reclusive soul, but his violence is just in his mind. We may not believe in the ideals of violence, but this world is dark and feigned, In it are many mortal miscreants and even in the shadows there lurks beings like us, except they seek to destroy. He fights against them. You must open your mind beyond our laws, and adapt to understand theirs.'
Adrian: "....job to investigate the more 'shadowed' cases people tend to ignore, my assistant Theresa tells me...."
'But...how? How can a judicial affiliate in this mortal system possibly fight with all of this realm's dangers? Is he not supposed to operate within the confines of his position to stop them in the legal order of this world?'
Adrian: "...don't come out of district but this was one was peculiar, seems to be a leak of crime for Metropolis where I'm actually based to here in the city...."
Galya: 'Yes, but that's not the position I was referring to. Metrion, he bounds along the lines of this world's justice system to satisfy the law that can't be taken in measure otherwise. It's a hard idea to grasp, but he does it in benevolence...'
Adrian: ".....a crew pushing some type of special drug serum, but they're possibly at war with another stronger gang, maybe military trained. That plus those red crosses everywhere--"

Galya and I stopped cold in our trek, as we turned around and eyed Adrian with that of a hawk. That in turn makes him stop too, looking alert but curious.

"Red crosses?"
Adrian: "Uh, yeah...? Those mean anything to you?"
Galya: "You said that they're everywhere, we've noticed them all over the city as well. You've been investigating them?"
Adrian: "Just starting to. At first it was to look into what's fueling this underground gang war over an alleged engineered chemical that enhances a being's state, but as I started to see the crosses....here and in Metropolis...I had to figure it out."
"The crosses, they are in Metropolis as well??"

A brief mental flash of a dark night, with a dark figure in armor again, an infared helmet on watching among the darkness of Gotham. He stood bold and hardened. There were also two females standing, nearing danger...they resembled Galya and I.

Adrian: "Yes, why do you know something about those crosses...?"

Galya and I contemplated our next words of choice. We remained silent, but thinking. It seems as if we were not the only ones aware of this impending darkness coming. Many are still ignorant to the ways of what lurks in the shadows of realms, but this man seems sharpened to it. A mortal who protects the mortal plane by any perception.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elsewhere.

Blood

A man sits alone in his sealed garage with an enormous amount of technological treasure dating back to the era of World War I, to present day and even experimental and exclusive technology. Of course he didn't care about any of this. His real prize was in the work. His work. The garage is filled with loads of microscopic writing only he can read, yet every crevice of the wall is filled to the brim with calculus, physics, trigonometry, quantum theory, and algebraic formulas and equations. Even the paperwork along with the tech had more formulas on them. In the middle of the garage stood a relay in the shape of a spire. The man circled it cautiously and tweaked and harnessed it the best he could.


Man: "Audio log #1981 .....updated and recalibrated the mesh relay coil to charge photonic energy while streaming the nuclear combustion..."

The man steps back, with his banded dark goggles wrapped over his eyes. He heads to a nearby terminal and activates the relay ignition, as the vibration of the machine turns into a stirring noise and electricity sparks from the relay, shooting into the outside coils and capacitors. A funnel underneath the relay composed of a very miniscule amount of plutonium begins to heat up as small amps of electricity shoots at the funnel. Once the contact is made, the funnel expodes a burst of nuclear energy that streams upwards in tandem with the electricity and photonic discharge. It sweeps a large chaotic storm across the unknown city as the skies fill up with lightning. The stream charges and charges, before flashing a bright light and stopping. The man seems disappointed and sighs.

"Incredible...."

A grisly voice rumbles from the garage other than the man who occupied it. In the dark corner of the garage, the smoky still of the cold area, Blood emerges and appears to the man that was startled to see him, Sister Theresa appearing behind Sebastian as well. The man backs up and starts to look for some sort of weapon.


Blood: "I assure you Dr. Jones...we mean you no harm."
Dr. Jones: "How did you get in here!?"
Blood: "Destiny. I'm special, like you're special. I've followed your work for a very long time doctor. Just can't seem to get that last finishing touch on your causality experiment...nevertheless...it's a beautiful thing to even behold. You truly are an Einstein."
Dr. Jones: "Who are you? And what are you doing breaking in here?"
Blood: "My name...is Sebastian Blood. And I'm here because you are indeed unique, your mind is that of years ahead of our time. I'm a fan, a fan that is also a fanatic. A sense of belonging, and purpose. You doctor, have that same light inside of you. I've only come to bring peace in your work, and to offer you a lifetime deal, one that you could work on everything you wanted to, with backing. With conviction. I know how it seems, but you're a smart man, look at me and tell me do you think I'm screwing around here with some ulterior purpose for you. My request is genuine, heck there are other organizations that know about your work but refuse to consider your genuis. Not me."
Dr. Jones: "Blood.....that name....sounds familiar. What exactly are you offering, Mr. Blood?"
Blood: "I have a group. Not an organization. A band of brothers...more of a fraternity. Men and women like us, who are special, who have a greater purpose, but some may have not found their unique gift as we have. Nevertheless, it is a place to belong, for all of us. The group I'm talking about is as old as religion itself, and I do mean literally. My ancestors formed it...formed from Knights of the Pope who saw that the world can't just be judged upon while laying cozy in your righteous ideals. The world needs action. Enlightenment. Radicals to the modern world, family to us. Dr. Jones I want you to be a part of that family. Resources, funding, the works."
Dr. Jones: "This group...what are they called?"
Blood: "We are simply known as The Church. All creeds, all backgrounds, all special. As long as you believe in each other and bring light and enlightenment to the world, then the spirit will forever remain pure. It's spiritual, but it is also evolution. Darwinism meets Divinism."
Theresa: "You belong with us doctor. No more lonely nights. No more having to hide who you are."
Blood: "We've come a long way since the times of our ancestors, but with you...we can literally reach new dimensions. I don't just want you...I sort of need you."

Dr. Simon Jones looks at the two, feeling their aura of compassion and sense of longing. He forgets completely about the fact they appeared from nowhere, and starts to think on those long nights of working so hard, so alone, only to come up with nothing. To return to more darkness. The light sounded good to him, almost in a place of redemtion for himself closed away from the world. A physicist in his prime back in the past, but now...now he was just a forgotten radical. But not anymore. He looked at Blood and Theresa with eyes of will.

Dr. Jones: "You said you're special...how is that, Mr. Blood?"

Sebastian smiles at Jones, before engaging in his eyes with a warm look.

Blood: "Let's just say that my name represents what I stand for, but along the lines of preservation of, not tarnishment."

Darhk

Damien Darhk walks into a isolated house in the middle of the woods somewhere in the middle of nowhere. A couple of HIVE soldiers walk in tow with Darhk as he approaces the house. He suddenly stops however, halting his men to stop as well. He smiles and squats down and catches sight of a tripwire, that loops around the entire perimeter of the house. Darhk was more than just a run of the mill highly trained man of the HIVE syndicate, he was much, much more. Something that very few men would even comprehend in this world. From his perception he saw that the wire actually surrounded the entire perimeter of the house. Dahrk smiles and holds the men to wait while he continues alone. He spots the glass ashtrays focused with a phone camera lens on various points around the outside house. He simply walks past them, and proceeds to the door, where the big WELCOME mat was all too obvious. Darhk chuckles again and moves the mat to see a conductor plate underneath with a circuit board of capacitors and makeshift tasers. Darhk steps to the side and knocks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the lone shack amongst a deep and never ending barrage of woods and trees, a midget man sits in a chair, immensely focused on a gadget of his. It seemed to had been a vacuum cleaner of some sort, but the short man has completely ripped it apart and started to retrofit new components while shifting the old ones around. He sits an oil tank in the middle as he attaches the vacuum hoses on each side, reinforcing them with titanium ceramic joints. He snickers under his breath at the excitement of his invention. He connects the wires and fuel lines, and adds one final fuse under the center compartment. He turns on the vacuum cleaner switch to see two very large bursts of flame thrust from the hoses, as the clamp hold the machine down from boosting all over the room. The man laughs maniacally as the custom made jetpack seems to work just fine.

And then a knock.

Startled and swift, the small man turns around and presses a button under his desk, as the titanium silo door slides open and there stands Darhk smiling, but immediately loses his smirk as two small robotic machines made from RC cars rolled up and aimed 5.56mm mini turrets at him, dozens of small lasers begin to stack the doorframe to block entry, and from behind Darhk a tree stump opens to reveal a wood splinter shooting device, all triggered by the short man, who was now smirking as Darhk was moments before.


Darhk: "Wow...just....wow. Now THAT is impressive, and trust me when I tell you....I very rarely am impressed."
Small Man: "Why thank you, designed them myself ;) too bad you won't be alive to witness anymore of my masterpieces."
Darhk: "Oh Mr. O'Jenesus....the last thing I wish to do is harm you or any of the work you've done here, in fact I admired your ingenuity. It's unparallelled like no other. My name is Damien Darhk. I represent a very clandestine but very international organization. HIVE. We've taken notice of your amazing skills, so much so that an organization that doesn't belive in recruiting normal people, want to recruit you."
O'Jenesus: "Hahah! And what possibly could they have that I want?"
Darhk: "That's the thing, it's whatever you want. Money, resources, your own office complete with the name plaque and assistant...you're special Mr. Mikron, and we want to utilize your gifts. Not only just your inventions, but also your expertise. In fact, you wouldn't even have to leave this place if you didn't want to, AND I could even throw in your very owl detail security to guard and obey your order. How's that sound?"
Mikron O'Jenesus: "Seems a bit too sweet...what's in it for you? And how did you even find me!?"
Darhk: "I already told you, you can offer us improvement. I don't care about your impressive tech, nor your extensive knowledge. You would make HIVE better, stronger. You see Mikron...I'm a man of precision. Nothing more, nothing less. As far as locating you, there are always people watching individuals with very 'focused' skills. If it weren't HIVE, I'm sure there'd be others. But I'm the first here it seems, plus an opportunity to do the EXACT same thing you've been doing with more manpower, funding, and resources....how can you pass that up?"
Mikron: "And you really came alone...?? What are you, one of those gifted freaks!?"
Darhk: "Hahaha no....I'm sure you're referring to Meta's...I'm not one of them, I'm something more....old-fashioned."

Mikron and Darhk stand at odds as they stare at each other, but they also stand at a mutual respect. Darhk crosses his arms as he gives O'Jenesus time to think. After some moments, Mikron presses a button that disarms all systems aimed against Darhk. They both share a half smirk.


Mikron: "So....where do I sign?"
Darhk: "That's the spirit Mikron! You're a valued asset indeed, I'll give you time to collect what you need....then we're off to meet your new compatriots! I must say in all my days...I haven't been this thrilled in a while. I look forward to working with you and your...

....Gizmo's"

HIVE

Back at the undisclosed HIVE HQ, the specials all convene in a room separate from the regular and infantry detail. Shimmer, Mammoth, Jinx, Bumblebee, and an unknown man with a red monocle over his eye all sit within a breif room in the facility. They review the list provided by Blood and Theresa as an offering to partner with HIVE, making sure the names and information is legit with the help from the man. He slouches back in his chair, feet up and relaxed.

Bumblebee: "So far Simon Jones and Mikron O'Jenesus have been sought, one by Blood and one by us. Which I don't get why recruit separately if we're all together now?"
Mammoth: "Don't be so sure....I still don't trust that Blood, or that red bitch of his."
Bumblebee: "Language"
Man: "So you really pulled me out of the field, to come sit in a room with the likes of you guys and debate over a freaking list of potential persons of interest? I swear days like this makes me miss Waller...."
Shimmer: "You're employed by us mate, so you'd do well to serve your money worth. Right now, you're one of us like it or not."
Man: "...For now..."
Jinx: "Enough of the bravado, we have a situation. With all of this recruitment going on and the rise of these special individuals, some like us some aren't, we have one player that we need to handle on the chess board....but there's a catch."

Jinx throws down a folder with a picture of Skylar Luthor, following some surveillance photos from her nearing the Wayne Ent. building, and some of her during her training fights with HIVE men. Pictures among pictures of her in her backpacked armor suit, and then reports of her field work in hacking and infiltration, along with the incident in the alley way blocks near the Gotham Hotel. How they were all combusted....and how she saved her face by owning up to Bruce Wayne in Lex's name. The man scanned the reports with his eye patch.


Man: "Skylar Luthor? She was with HIVE?"
Jinx: "For a spell. Then she committed insubordination, such a naive lass. She also kept Wayne's information, but we're sure he tracked her down which was why she issued a statement. We could just as easy leak these photos through the media, and reveal her corruption and end Lex Corps' business for all time, BUT seeing as how their tech and services have helped us in the past, we won't do that. Instead we want you to gather intel on her. Track her down, bring her back. She knows too much, and we need to make sure she gets the situation she's in. Darhk is currently placing his matters elsewhere, so we need you."
Man: "And I'm guessing I don't engage the target right?"
Bumblebee: "Nope, this came from the top, intel and recon."
Mammoth: "Seeing as how the captain that led the Gotham city operation is....no longer with us, this is being monitored by us, we have to right the wrongs made since we brought her in. "
Man: "Her combat reports says she's pretty powerful with this solar suit on, but without it?"
Jinx: "Tall, lanky. Orange skinned. fast and agile, but very naive and reluctant. Her mental acuity isn't the best. She'll have no choice but to cooperate."
Bumblebee: "We suspect she got her tech from Lex Corp, maybe designed it herself she's a known programmer and engineer at the company, she works as a secretary under her father, and her combat is very focused on exploiting weak points, so she probably learned a martial arts from Lex Luthor's bodyguard, Mercy Graves. She may be young and naive, but she is not a pushover."
Man: "Please....if I can deal with organized militant groups I can deal with a bratty kid, but seeing that she's a Luthor...I'll stay alert."

The man gets up and starts to walk out, keeping the folder close to him as the HIVE troops move out of the way and open the door for him. He leaves as the rest of the four convene at the metallic table in the middle of the secure facility.

Shimmer: "I sort of feel sorry for the lass...if she didn't have problems before she will now..."
Mammoth: "And I thought I was dumb..."
Jinx: "We'll let Laughton take care of that....for now we need to focus on our next list member...."

The members all huddle around the folder as Jinx opens it up and sees that it's another scientist, but this one works for STAR Labs. They all remember his face and read his credentials. At the same time they all look at each other when they read his skillsets. It was no wonder HIVE wanted him, it was no wonder why he worked for STAR Labs. The name on the report was a Dr. Arthur Light.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The car ride to Metropolis was rather uncomfortable. More emotionally than anything. We hadn't told Adrian anything, but we knew it was on his mind. He constantly thought about saying something to us about it, but he was worried of making us recluse from him, which he was right to think so. These ripples in the universe were just too big. Earthlings called them coincidences, but Galya and I knew better. He knew things, he was more than what he appeared to be. We knew things, and we were more than we appeared to be, and that meant something. Adrian succumbs to his thoughts and begins to out his thoughts.

Adrian: "You know...if you guys know anything that can help me with those crosses and who's putting them-- "
Galya: "We don't know for sure, we were just startled because we heard the reports."
Adrian: "Believe me when I say, I want to help people, and if some person is terrorizing the streets then I have to know who. The person or people responsible has been starting to incite chaos around many populations around the nation. At first we thought it was local, Gotham, Metropolis....but now it's starting to spread everywhere...the same crosses were spotted in Fawcett City, National City, Coast City, even Dos Rios....all in different regions of the USA. This could be some sort of terrorist organization....a group of radicals...or maybe just paranoid extremists...but if you know anything...you could save a lot of time...and a lot of lives...."

And he was right. As we head on the freeway with Gotham City in our rear sights, we can see just over the bridge the horizon of Metropolis, the orange sky starting to show among the azure blue overhead. I peer my head out of the window at the sight of the very large city. Gotham was dark and gritty in it's abnormal size but Metropolis had even more mass than Gotham. And the feel....I got the vibes of something more....something greater. Not so dark, more of spiking life and zest. I could feel the emotions and thoughts of people in the neighboring cars around us as we moved smoothly towards the adjacent city. A lot of complacency and tranquility, with thoughts of hunger, and desire. Common mortal things. Galya's vibe then drew to me, as I could feel her on the brink of compliance with Adrian. Even though he was right, we couldn't risk revealing our true selves to the mortal plane. She knew it, I knew it. Yet Galya was thinking about justice and peace for these mortals right now, she was being selfless. Something I'd always envied her for, but right now....I was more abrasive in instincts.

'Galya don't!'
Galya: "We...I believe that they are of an old order. Religious in belief. But do not serve any patron concerning god. They are of the devil, they breed and represent pure malice and evil, disguised as clever politics and supple words of faith. They've been around for a very long time, and if this is indeed them then they will not seek to conquer cities or strongholds as common terrorists do....no, they seek to capture from the shadows, from the inside out. They are private, and they are powerful."
Adrian: "But what's the endgame? I mean why now?"
Galya: "If it's truly them, then it would be to bring forth their founder and creator. They believe that he would come to bring prophecy to the world. Demons and devils in the form of men among the earth. A possession of the mind and spirit. Enlightenment with their dark agendas."

Their founder and creator....the being of eternal darkness, yet with the power of the divine. A monster and a god in his own right, and he....he was my father. The Terrible.

Adrian: "What are they called?"
Galya: "...The Church."
Adrian: "Hmm, so religious freaks bent on using faith to instill influence in their masses, that's how they appeal, and in turn use that to gain power...and it would explain the secrecy and reclusiveness...they're waiting until the right moment. Galya...how do you know all of this? Does it have anything to do with where you two come from?"
Galya: "Indirectly, yes. But that's all I will say."
Adrian: "Have you come in contact with them before?"

Galya remains quiet. Adrian looks in the rear view at me, his eyes dark and piercing. I lock with his as I instantly pick up a thought, an image...I seen it as if he seen it. We both shared the same thought at the same time. A dark night, the assailants that tried to attack Angela and I on the way back to that hotel....but there was someone that stopped them. The dark armor....the infared helmet....all the while looking at us...at me....like Adrian is now. It all made sense. Adrian was the dark warrior who fought the assailants, and he knew my face.



He knew I was connected somehow, but he didn't know that I now know. The tides of fate were waving once again. And now he was taking me to Angela, the other woman he'd saved...almost as if he knew something. My spirit begin to stir.

And just like that, a seeming stranger would now become a bigger ripple in this constant of events. He drove so unaware and calming towards the destination, with those thoughts in his head of recognizing who I was, and my mother also. The irony is that Galya may not have gave away our true identities, but I may just have. The vehicle crosses over into Metropolis as the city devours the sky view and replaced them with large structures of commerce.

Adrian: "Where will she be?"
"Metro Square."

In moments the car pulls up nearing Metro Square, as I begin to link telepathically with my mother. I close my eyes and focus on her energies and state, centering my spirit in my chakra gem.

'We are here Angela, we arrived in a black four door sedan.'
Angela: 'Okay....I....I think I see you.'

The car pulls up to the square, as I instantly get out without the car coming to a full stop. I look up and around, but even if I was blind I could tell my mother. I felt her energy as it led me to look right at her. Her crystal blues locking with my deep orange eyes. She smiled at me, but I returned her a look of concern and contemplation. Her smile faded.

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

Two Days Later--- Location... Unknown. (Elevation -200Ft)

It had been two days since I departed from Star City. Sure, I left without letting the Queens know I was leaving but.. I made sure to clean up and bid my farewells to them once I had left. The trip to Palmer industries had left me thinking about many of the things that I had come to accept. It wasn't in my nature to simply accept things for the way that they were. I knew unlike most individuals on Earth that we werent alone in the universe and that alone made me snap my mind out of its.. simple state. Sadly, Avalia didn't share my thoughts on it and decided to stay behind and take her own flight back home. I didn't want to think about it at all.. but Lukes proposal to the both of us kept bringing my mind back to it.

I snapped myself out of it and looked down at a pair of pistols and a set of wireless earbuds. Taking the headphones in each hand I put them into my ears and placed my phone on the table. Moving my hands over I closed my eyes and ran my hand over the table before picking up the two magazines. Opening my eyes again I grabbed each of the pistols and loaded the magazine into them before chambering a round into both. Turning my head I looked over to Mercy "Hit the switch and get ready. You have Sixteen targets you need to eliminate in under four minutes. Dont miss." She finished before turning and walking up a ramp into a raised observation box.

Taking a deep breath I moved my thumbs to turn off the safety as the course began to form using lasers to create a new landscape. Holographic images projected from the ground began to rise from the ground to give life to the large empty space. Althrough primitive the scene still gave the course more life than a wooden one would. With the course set Mercy hit a button causing a light to flash. Immediately I broke off and began to move straight towards the first 'Corridor' I couldn't see through the projections so I had no idea where the 'Enemies' would be located. Although the projections weren't alive they used the technology much akin to the recent production of 'Michael Jackson' on stage as a holographic image. Their movement wasn't limited in this space and could walk behind me at any point.

This fact drove me to move with a purpose and focus that I normally wouldn't have. The recent fight with Avalia left me reeling and my mind broken in parts that I couldn't afford to lose. To say the least, this would help me figure things out better than if I was on my own. Mercy didn't need to train me after all. Her job was to protect my father and to do this put him in harms way. Then again.. who would dare assasinate one of the worlds most powerful men.. they would be crazy. Not only would Skylar take control of the situation but would likely brutually incarcate the person through a wall and into a prison. The thoughts continued to break into my mind as I tried to concentrate. It was obvious I had little training in staying focused and.. I knew that would be my downfall no matter what.

Continuing on into the course I looked around a corner to see several projections walking into the room. Not hesitating to give them a chance to get to better positions I immediately turned the corner and passed the threshhold. Raising both pistols I began to target two of them at a time. My reflex's immediately took over as I began to pull the trigger. The first two images were struck before I reaimed my guns to the other two in the room. By this point they knew I was in the room and were turning and raising their 'Guns' towards me. Although Non-Leathal in nature they caused an elecectric pulse to rise from the floor strong enough to give me a shock.

I didn't let the two projections even turn around entirely. The grips of the pistols were tailor made to fit snugly in my hands to the point where they simply pointed in the direction that my hand was facing instead of unnaturally having to adjust my wrist. Their action smooth as the next rounds were chambered into the gun. Within a mili-second the rounds were fired once more strikeing the two projections making them flicker and disappear. The course continued for another three minutes before I emerged through the other side to see Mercy walking down the other side of the ramp "You were slow! Do it again. This time you have one less bullet! Again!" She shouted before reutrning to the observational area. With that I grumbled and began to walk back to the start point....

---- Five days later-Lex Corp, Metropolis

Entering a dimly lit room I simply walked inside and began to look around. I knew immediately I was alone and didn't waste time lighting up the room. First I held my hand out causing a glow to begin to eminate as a contorlled starbolt formed in my hand. The room was slightly dusty "It has been awhile.." I said before moving over to a odd looking cube sitting on a table. Dozens of wires were connected to it making it seem like a conduit of some sort. Not skipping a beat I placed the hand with the glowing starbolt onto it. The cube immediately began to light up as the energy pulsed into the cube and began to charge it. The charge took less than a second before I withdrew my hand and watched the light show.

Up and down the decently sized room the lights began to turn on. Lines of coding and streams of data began to flash across all the screens. After a few moments a large Lex Corp symbol appeared and below it my full name appeared. 'Skylar Aer Luthor' appeared on the screen making me move up to the screen and begin to type. Within seconds dozens of design programs began to show up across the screens. Without taking a second to even look at them all I sat down and took a flashdrive out of my pocket. The flash drive was alittle older in its design showing that it hadn't been used for a considerable ammount of time. From the flashdrive came the schematics of her newest creation.

The design plans laid out to the very last detail the intricacy of the suit. It wasn't overly armor... she just didn't have the material she dreamed of in order to make the armor to its fullest extent. Unlike when she was younger she had the power supply.. only the last part of it was needed.. she needed the metal required to shape the armor plates. It had to be strong... and it had to be able to shift to provide maximum protection. It didn't matter anylonger. The weapon systems on the rid were outdated and used conventional weapons and in todays warfare it didn't match up. Not wanting to fall behind I began to completely restructure the right weapon system to include a photonic accelerator.

As the hours passed I found myself drifting asleep as I continued to make small adjustments to the weapons systems. To say the least it would concentrate my starbolt energy... in theory to increase its combat capabilities nearly six hundred percent. But, it was late and I needed to get to home. Standing up I looked back at the computer system before beginning its encryption process. The process took another hour to fully encrypt the computer before I made my way back to the elevator. The last security measure was the cube itself. The energy within suddenly purged with the encryption ending causing the entire room to go ink black. With everything shut down I closed the door to the room and locked it before manually closing the elevator doors.

With the room secure the elevator began to rise. Genetic scanners scanned me on the way up before the doors opened to another black room. Walking out I had no trouble navigating through it. It was a trip I made many times before coming to a lit room and making my way out of the building. Outside the noise of the city hit me like a wall. Sure, I missed metropolis but it was still... alittle to busy for my taste. Sure, I liked to get moving just as much as the next girl but living in a city was.. alittle much. It didn't matter as I still had to drive through it all to get home. With a grumble I made my way into the garage to get my car and drive home.

Six Days Later-- Luthor Residence, Metropolis

Standing straight and looking into the mirror I didn't know what I was looking at. I was in business clothes and I looked like an animal.... atleast that is what I thought. It was also really early... it was like eight in the morning and the sun was barely up. I thought about what I was about to do.. it made me feel alittle sick to my stomach as my anxiety was starting to get moving.. but I knew it was the best thing I could do. I owed my father alot and to be here for the serious business meetings definitely helped him. After all, I know I will learn a few things out of this. I already was.. I felt like my body was strained because Mercy Graves constantly kept me on the move. I knew why... dad was worried about more than just my mental well being. The events that led me to Star City to begin with were enough of a cause for Mercy's Alien Hybrid bootcamp. As agonizing as it was.. I think I lost a few pounds again. Not that I was heavy to begin with.

Taking a few more seconds to make sure everything was right I turned around to see my entire figure. The clothes were alittle loose but in a comfortable way that did limit me being able to move to much. I snapped out of it as the noise of my door opening got my attention. Turning my head I watched as my father entered my room "Almost time to leave." He said before looking at me "You look great. How long have you been infront of the mirror?" He asked making he smirk "About an hour... I just dont think it looks right." I responded making Lex smile "It looks great. Not only that but the fact that you decided to do this against your wishes before is something notable. Mercy says that not only have you been excelling with what she is teaching you but that you haven't had an out burst in a few days." He finished making me feel bad.

"Yeah.. I haven't burned everything in the house yet so thats a good thing." I said with a sigh before walking away from the mirror "I don't know what it is that we are doing.. but.. I know I belong here instead of running around like a rebellious teenager." I said taking some effort to get out. I knew my father wanted this for me more than risking me getting hurt. It was just the monotony of it all. It was the same thing day in and day out.. the business world was so boring.. atleast that is what it seemed like. "Alright.. Im ready." I said before taking one more looking in the mirror. I took a second to reflect in what I saw.

That second seemed to stretch out for ten minutes. My eyes stuck out more than anything else among my hair color. I didn't even know what to think about what I was wearing.. it fit my eyes beautifully but it feels like I am losing a part of myself by doning this attire. Looking deeper I saw the reflection of my father and once more came back to the entire reason I am doing this. It isn't so much for myself as it is for him. I haven't been a good daughter and its about time I began to make it up. I hated Business and just wanted to be left to my own devices... but without proper management and responsisbility things can be created that should never exist.

"Come Skylar." I heard before turning and hurrying over to the door. I glanced over at the backpack that I carried almot everywhere with me. It had been sitting in the corner for almost two weeks at this point. I didn't need it anymore while I was close to my father. I wasn't afraid for once of what could happen to me outside of the family. The only thing I worried about was what if I had an outburst in the middle of the meeting? Would I kill the person we were to be talking to? Would he run and scream about a glowing laser shooting girl or would he just sit dumbstruck? I guess it didn't matter as my father had faith in my control after Mercy's constant training. Sure.. she didn't know how to deal with an Alien but her constant training kept my mind focused and away from swimming harmful thoughts.

My door closed behind me before Mercy walked up and handed me my jacket. I smiled and thanked her before she smiled in return "I have a surprise lesson for you tonight." Mercy said with a smirk that drove the fear of every deity imaginable into my very being. "Sounds.. horrifying." I mumbled out making her nod "Only if you haven't learned anything." Mercy finished before the three of us made out way out of the Luthor Residence and to the waiting car.

 

[ch0sen1]

Rising

Six Days Ago. Star City.
Star City Police Department.

Among the cold and stone slabs of concrete that surround the construct of the police department, a single Asian man sits alone in his cell, silent, patient. He never spoke. Never moved, he simply remained still. Trays of food came over the span of time he served in jail, and not once did he flinch to eat. Yet somehow....he remained sustained. He stayed by night after night and stared dead ahead, mkaing eye contact with any officer who came by. The man was placed in there by the green vigilante, the renown archer of the city that everyone both respects and loves. But the man wasn't worried. A month in the pen and he was ready to get out, but due to his acts, he would be in for a long time. Or so they thought. Captain Lance approaches the cell and studies the man yet again. Night after night, Lance is surprised with the man's solitude.

Lance: "Still not talking eh? Arrow got your tongue?"
Man: *smirks*
Lance: "Mr. Tolibao you can act smug all you want...you're rotting away for a long time."

Captain Lance begins to walk away as Tolibao speaks for the first time in a month.


Tolibao: "Captain....do you remember what I said when I got arrested? That I don't need an attorney because god would sustain me?.....you're about to meet his wrath....hehehehee"
Lance: "You're crazy you know that?"

------------------------------------------------------------

Outside the Star PD, the trampling of many patters of feet can be heard as a small group approach the precint. They wore red robes with metallic masks with insignias on them as they all stood unarmed a couple hundred yards from the station. From the back of the station another group emerges and walks towards the station. They reach the building first and surround the backside of the area, silently waiting, with the oppressive breathing under their masks. Meters away, one masked member sits in a tinted sedan looking at a computer connected to the police power grid. With one press of a key, the grid shuts down and the lights can be seen going off over the entire building. Police murmurs and chatter can be heard shouted through the building as the emergency power activates inside, as the once threatening forces outside in the front were missing, simply vanished. But their wherabouts were about to be revealed very soon.

Captain Lance organizes as the emergency lights pop back on, and his heart drops as well as the other officers did too at the sight of spontaneously appeared red robed figures in metallic masks. One punches Lance square in the nose as he drops and the other members charge at officers as they reach for their guns and attempt to subdue the members. They swiftly delivered chops to the officers wrists and then sternums, crippling them where they stood. The front door bursts open like that of an explosion, as one figure not dressed like the others ominously walks through. His robes were not red, they were black, and his mask was different from the disciples. His was metal and grifted with ancient markings. It was also in the shape and model of a skull. He walks through slowly, briskly, and silent. He watches as the law takes on the disciples as they all entangle in a fight for their lives, but the cops were losing. One cop manages to crawl to his sidearm and quickly fire off three shots into the leader's mask. Three loud dings can be heard as the bullets bounce off the figures mask with ease. He stops and turns, looking at the cop who now had fear in his eyes. The leader's voice was dark and foreboding, with a grunt like whisper behind his thunderous voice.


Leader: "Confess your sin......say you're sorry."
Cop: "Surrender now!"
Leader: "Wrong answer. Delens"

The leader stretches and arm towards the cop, and with one sweep of motion he shoots the cop with a very small chemical pin and the officer blacks out and falls into a deep subconscious vegetable state. Multitudes of other cops come from the surrounding offices of the precint with guns from the armory, aiming them all at the robed menaces as they stop their battle with the defeated cops. They were surrounded, they were outgunned, and out manned. That didn't matter.

Cops: "GET ON THE GROUND NOW!!!"

The robed figures all sprint towards the cops and tackle them as they fire bullets into their metal masks and torsos with chain mail underneath, as the gunfire repels from the hardened custom alloy and the disciples all stagger and deliver subduing blows to the cops. Captain Lance stays down and plays unconscious the whole time while sneaking to use his phone to dial a very special friend, to call for unprecedented backup, he needed it right now. He needed The Arrow. He didn't get him. The leader came as the call was connecting and smashed the phone with his foot.

Leader: "Confess your sin....say you're sorry...."
Lance: "Sorry...heheh..."

The leader approaches Tolibao's cell, as his smile widens at the sight of his great chief. Tolibao rises and walks to the cell, as another disciple comes and unlocks the cell. Other criminals approach and bang on the bars to let them out. The faction ignores them and releases their compatriot. In the surveillance room, another disciple slides into the camera feed and erases all footage from the transpiring event. A cop managed to sneak out of the back emergency exit into the night of Star City to call for external help, but is met by the group covering the back all silent and unmoved, just masks locked on him. He made of face of disbelief and was suddenly uppercut in the face, knocking him out cold. One member drug his body inside with the rest of the downed cops. Once the job is done, the leader steps forth and and stands bold in the middle of the chaos. Tolibao looks at Lance with a vengeful smirk, then winks.

Leader: "Thank you for your service. You have been redeemed. Now....Delens."

The leader sweeps his arm across the room, dropping a small smoke bomb that released a nerve agent into the room, erasing the memory of every cop and officer in the precinct as they fall unconscious. The disciples file out and pour out the back of the station and they start to walk in the night in full flock. The sedan with the computer hacker drives off as they robed figures walk and walk....until they are one with the night. Until there's nothing there anymore. Among the brick wall in Star City that once had the red tainted cross on it, with the word CONDEMNED.....was now yet another mysterious one that replaced it. No one seen it appear, no one seen it created....but it did have a new word underneath the leaky red cross....

REDEEMED.


Reporter: Tonight we are reporting a very tragic incident at the Star PD police station...it seems that a group of men broke into the police precinct and organized a breakout of a jailmate there. Police were taken by surprise and subdued by the unknown imposers as they managed to coordinate and properly handle themselves against police tactics, the man that was broke out in question is Hoshaw Tolibao, who was arrested for taking a man hostage atop Winick Tower, but was thwarted by The Arrow vigilante and arrested by police. Tolibao was known to have mental illness and an infactuation with the concept of religion and god. Some even report that it was his love for god that drove his ill mind to do the things he does, and isn't really a criminal at heart. The people that broke him out are still at large, and the Star PD has NO evidence or recollection of the incident at all, but traces of nerve gas were seen on site that probably created short term memory loss, we even have one officer reported unresponsive in a coma, and the video feeds were all removed in that time slot. Captian Lance suggests that these men are military trained and very organized, and should call police should anyone recieves any info.....

_____________________________________________________________________

Four Days ago.
Central City.

A crowd of protestors all gather in front of the Central City Hall with signs and rants louder than most activist groups known in th emodern day and age. Their rage was full and their concern was dire. They were famous for going city to city and protesting and voicing their ideas on the liberation of trapped and captive animals. Their name caused nothing but concern to any city that knew they were there at the time. Central City PD arrives on the scene to monitor and line in front of the City Hall, giving them their freedom of speech.

Crowd: "Freedom for the creatures! Freedom for the creatures!!!"

One man stood out from the rest of the crowd. He was silent. Simply watching and analyzing. He stood with a buff and ripped frame, but more of a simple and relaxed posture among the crowd. He wasn't chanting...only looking at the cops and city officials. He wasn't expecting that....'flash' to come by anytime soon for something like this, so now was his time. It was then he received a text message from an unknown number.


Text: The plan is back on, Master is back...and he has a job for you

The man first is shocked at the text, wondering how it could be true, yet then he started to smile, transitioning into a deep grin as he backed out of the crowd and repied the text with a + sign...closest symbol to that of a cross. He walks away from the protest and heads down the block away from citizens. The number dials him as he picks up and looks up to the sky, smiling.

Man: "I'm listening...."
Woman: "The hourglass is seeping low brother. The Rising is at hand. Begin your operations, and progress the results. Everything is coming together."
Man: "The Master....how is he back?"
Woman: "Faith, brother."

The woman hangs up, as the man walks blocks away from downtown Central City to the more secluded location of the area. He passes an alley in the cold of day to see a cross, freshly painted in a leaky red....with the word CHURCH underneath, making him smile internally. He walks to an abandoned building with broken windows and poor structure, yet the place was silent upon entering. It wasn't until he marched down a hidden path to a secret basement area that sounds of different animals could be heard. Horses, cows, birds, dogs, cats, and even snakes. There was a group of people dressed like the protestors downtown, but they were carrying in test tubes, syringes, and cylinders as some already had animal blood contained in them from the different species. The man looks along the disciples as they place animal blood in test tubes, even mixing the bloods together. The man walks in the middle of the room where everyone gets quiet and stops what they're doing.

Man: "The time is arriving...The Rising is still at hand...Master has returned...through faith and miracles....now we must move stronger than ever, we WILL be complete in his eyes....and we will be granted The Red for all time."

The whispers and murmurs turn into shouts of joy as they all cheer. Back downtown, the other protestors continue to chant about liberation and peace....little do the other citizens know what they truly mean. The enlightenment is nigh, and when it comes all that have been so blind will see clearer than ever.

Reporter: It seems like a nationally renown animal activist group known as The Splinterfolk have hit Central City today in response to a number of animal abuductions and mutilations that have been happening all over the city. The activists protested in front of the steps of City Hall today, drawing national attention for their continued works in society. Central PD were on the scene providing support for their freedom of speech, as the animal abductions have not been solved nor even seriously investigated, seems like these patrons are the only one willing to do something about it, to bring liberation and peace....and they're strongly voicing themselves. A string of horses, cats, dogs, and other animals have been reported missing from homes and properties, and they wish to see their furry friends again, as much as The Splinterfolk does...

______________________________________________________________________

Three Days Ago.
Coast City.

A newly released Hoshaw Tolibao walks along the beaches of Coast City with decdence and a warm spirit. He walks past joggers and happy families, returning them a wave and a smile as he struts along the hot sandy beaches of the Coast City tranquility. The rays from the sun provide a luminesence of auras that shine down from above. He walks along the beach until he reaches the more deserted parts of the beach miles down from where he started. The beautiful palm trees and lush beach life turned into jagged rocks and a distant shore as the waves clash with the boulders submerged in the ocean. He was the first to arrive, climbing the rocks and jagged cliff as he reaches the top, looking into the sun with eyes of passion and conviction. He was free, not just from a jail cell, in spirit and in truth. He closes his eyes and meditates, for what seemed like a peaceful and relaxing amount of time. Focusing on what's to come....for the world, for him.

He opened his eyes and smiled like a kid getting a toy for the first time, turning around atop the cliff, and looking at a mysteriously crowded cliff, with dozens of follwers all looking back and smiling at him. They were just like him, regular pedestrians in regular clothing. Joggin outfits and causal attire. He places a leg on top of a rock, his posture strong and brilliant.


Hoshaw Tolibao: "I have been freed....from our chief, from the world. As we all have! We are this world's revolution, its saviors....we've come so far in time and in spirit...some of us were nobody, some of us just wanted to feel.....some just wanted to belong......and now look at us...to your left and right....we are a family. A brotherhood. Our faith has been tested time and time again, yet here we stand! Here we thrive! Here we look to a physical world and see supernatural truths!!! And when we rise.....we will be free from the contraints of the world forever more."

The crowd cheers as Tolibao stretches his arms and closes his eyes, leaning back off the cliff and falling below. The crowd all rushed to see, and he emerged from the water with a smile.

Tolibao: "WE WILL BE CLEANSED!!"

The crowd of disciples, men and women all shout in joy and praise as they jump into the waters below fully clothed as well. Distant shouts and screams can be heard from thier location spreading through the beach, though no one was around to know their celebration. They knew something the world did not. They were heavy, and they were free. They splash and play away at each others' joy and happiness. As Tolibao climbs out of the water and cuts his hand on a rock. He smiles at the cut as the crowd cheers him on. Tolibao smears his blood on the jagged cliffs wide enough to make a large symbol. A cross. Meanwhile, in the middle of the city, in an alleyway, a fresh leaky red cross can be seen, and under the cross....the word CHURCH.

Reporter: More news today revolving around the mysterious group responsible for the painting of red crosses in different cities around the nation, as the latest scoop comes from Coast City, where yet another cross was seen in the alleyway in the middle of downtown Coast City. The red cross was reported to have been just like the ones seen in Star City, Gotham, and Central City with the red dripping paint of some sort with the word CHURCH underneath it. Many law enforcement and citizens are just waving it off as religious fanatics trying to get people to go to church or seek religion, but the controversy comes in with what this group uses to paint the crosses. In all cases, the red crosses have been painted from actual blood, either animal....and in some cases...human. Perhaps this radical group is using their own blood or sacrificial blood to use as a testament to how serious they are and how they view religion. We can only wonder who this group is, and how many more crosses are coming across the nation.....

_________________________________________________________________

Two Days Ago.
Dos Rios, Texas.

Deep in the south near the borders of Mexico, the city of Dos Rios stands tall and proud around the twin rivers it was named after. Graffiti and various art tags litter streets and buildings suggesting the poverty and more urbanized side of the city. Signs and murals everywhere with a devil mask with red and black face paint cover the city's walls, with the saying 'Ten cuidado con El Diablo". Many Hispanic Americans populated the city streets, with minorities heavily dominant. The city was known for rival gangs and street wars, smuggling, and extortion. But today, the hot and dry city was at the helm of something entirely different. In a villa on the shore, red robed men knock on the door of a very luxurious and elegant flat. The clicking of guns can be heard as armed men peek through the glass at the robed men. They aimed their MP5 weapons at the robes, as a large Mexican opens the door. The red robed men all split and make a path down the middle, to which a black robed, metal skull masked man approaches slowly, arms behind his back.


Mexican man: "What the fuck!? Que pasa? What you some kinda cult or somethin? We don't do Christmas carols....."
Metal Skull: "No...."

His dark and grisly voice sent a wave of chills through the Hispanic men, making them grip their weapons more as the guard approaches the masked leader.

Mexican man: "Then what da fuck you here for, vato?"
Leader: "...The Devil."

The robed figures remained silent and unbudged, yet in a dark solitude. Waiting.

Guard: "Sorry, got the wrong location....go to Hell for that."
Leader: "Humor. I like humor. What's funny is that you're already in hell...I wish to free you all..."

The Latinos all look at each other and laugh hysterically at the crazy masked man at their doorstep. Hard laughs and knee slaps fill the villa, but the robed ones remain silent. The masked leader never takes his gaze off of the guard in the front, while the other armed men were still behind the glass inside the villa.

Guard: "Look here loco....you either turn around and take your posse off this property...or me and my amigos here gonna fill you with enough heat to make you think you're in hell...."

The guard pulls out a Desert Eagle and takes the safety off as the robed men stood still, not even remotely intimidated by the guns and threats. The leader remained silent for a while, thinking. Calculating, and then responded one last time.

Leader: "Confess your sin, and invite me inside."
Guard: "You're hard of hearing huh? Okay, check this out."

The guard pulls his magnum and aims it at the leader's temple. The robed figures still remain unbudged. The leader could see the man himself, The Devil. El Diablo from a distance in the back of the villa. Staring into the man's mask. They exchanged looks for a moment.

Leader: "Mr. Santana....I believe you and I have a common goal, and if you want to thrive, it's be wise to invite me in."

El Diablo walks up to the door, guarded by about five men. He studies how the robed men still haven't even flinched this entire time, then looks back at the leader. He pulls a pump action shotgun from behind him, shirtless and marked with tribal and strange black tattoos all over his torso.

El Diablo: "They're pretty loyal to not have moved. Those your bitches?"
Leader: "No...they are my brothers."
El Diablo: "And what brings you and your brothers to this beautiful villa, on my doorstep?"
Leader: "We are here to seek others that may believe in our cause...for those who wish to feel belonged, to have a greater purpose and destiny than just...this. The streets are only as powerful as the society that runs them. But we come from a group that believes in expansion, and we want to expand here. This is the place of The Devil, and we want you to join us, to stop running the streets of Dos Rios, and start running the streets of the nation, and then the world.
El Diablo: "Hahahah! You lunatics and your cults, always trying to get influence through the underworld...why would I do that? And how did you even find me....you with the cops? *aims shotgun at leader's face*"
Leader: "Not even days ago I broke into a police department to break one of my brothers out. That's what we can offer you. You were meant for glory, and freedom. Our enlightenment can bring about your destiny, you just don't know it yet. All you have to do is come with us, take a step of faith and you and your men will see the true face of the world and its shadows for what they really are...."
El Diablo: "You want me....and my men to come with you? A vato in a skull mask, with robed men to a place you haven't even told us about? Haha how about I give you ten seconds to leave before I take your mask, hang it up, and blast you to kingdom come."
Leader: "What is your greatest sin?"
El Diablo: "Are you....are you serious right now!? Ay dios mio....get them off my property."
Leader: "You will face regret...and you will confess..."

The guard shoves the leader and the robed men all turn and gaze at the guard in one uniform motion. It was creepy how they all moved as one body. The leader simply stares at the men, before turning and walking away, the robed men in tow. Teh armed men walke outside the villa to make sure the robed group was all gone and clear from the property, their guns aimed on the group with prejudice. Once the disciples were clear, the leader awaits as a rusty old van comes and picks up the small details of mysterious figures. Police drive in waves as the heavy number of enforcement arrive to a villa on the outskirts of the city near the bay. The cops gets out and surround the villa, as the masked man with a metallic skull helmet watches from a distance. Hooded and robed members remain behind him, silent and watching. Shouts and screams from the cops and Hispanic criminals both surrounded the area, as gunshots begin to ensue....slowly but surely, the gunshots became less noisy, and the screams became more and more faint.

Skulled Leader: "Even the Devil cannot run forever...."

The van drives away and into the thick of the city, as it passes an alleyway with a fresh, red cross in leaky blood. Underneath the cross, was the same old word. One that was becoming more and more influential, and more powerful. More deadly. CHURCH.

Reporter: The report today comes pertaining to Dos Rios, Texas, where the infamous El Diablo after being hidden and chased by the FBI and law enforcement was captured in a villa in the south district of the city. Police received an anonymous tip on the wherabouts of the known El Diablo gang ran by a man only known as El Diablo, but we are here today to tell you he has been identified as Chato Santana, a native of Dos Rios and a criminal with various offenses and charges. He had armed men at the villa which encountered police, and Santana was shot himself and is now under watch in the hospital in critical condition. Now the groundbreaking controversy comes from what was also found on the property....a red cross. There was a blood red cross on the side of the villa, and no one in the gang claims to know how it's gotten there, as even another one was spotted downtown Dos Rios with that same common word: CHURCH. However the one on the villa had no words at all, just the cross. The FBI is here and police are investigating the widespread case of this unknown group, and how they could be tied with the Diablo gang. It seems like a correlation of places they've tagged have been subject to tragedies and public dangers to people. Could it be that this group is actually marking places to alert the common people of danger, or a warning? Maybe this group although radical in their blood markings, are leaving messages of faith for the world to see? In many religions blood sacrifices and showings are a positive symbol...which leaves us to ask....who are they? And what are they doing behind the shadows? Could it be that they mean to protect us? Or better yet....free us?

________________________________________________________________________

One Day Ago.
Fawcett City.

Reporter: I'm here now in Fawcett City, leaving my usual Channel 52 station back home to be a guest on a talk show today on WHIZ Radio, but on my way to the talk show, I was shocked and taken to see something that made me want to do a report right here and right now, with the camera rolling I want to take you to this alleyway in midtown Fawcett where we see something that I've been reporting on as have the nation for the past month: A red cross. You getting this? Okay, I'm about a few blocks down from Sivana Industries, I'm moving up close where you can see how fresh the red is on the wall...I'm assuming it's blood like the others not sure about human or animal. Fawcett PD has been called and crews will come soon to clean it up, but here we also see that same word....CHURCH. This is the SIXTH city around the nation that has had these crosses, meaning the group we're dealing with is either a secret cell group, or some sort of cult, though there haven't been any deaths reported surrounding these....only tragic events that have happened in the cities that have been tagged. We know that Fawcett has an unprecedented and unexpected financial crisis recently, that led to a lot of the city's money being recessed and companies going bankrupt including Sivana Industries. Now here's the same symbol of hope and redemtion again, but what does it mean to the group behind them? Hopefully we will get a message soon, and hopefully they will reveal themselves to us in truth and service. I'm Bethany Snow, Channel 52 News with a first story exclusive.

----------------------------

Nightfall strikes Fawcett City hours after Snow's initial report. The red cross has been wahsed away by city crews as police have evidenced the picture for reference. The old city of Fawcett is coveted with silence and a feel of longing and hopelessness. The once festive and busy city was now muted to the ways of society and the world. Seldom cars drive by in the city's low activity, as in the alleyway from before, faint clicking can be heard against the pavement. The clicking gets louder and more frequent, the sound of heels impacting the ground as the female figure walks with a distinct movement towards the wall, exactly where the cross was earlier. She lowers her purse, and pulls out a dagger as she removes her button up blazer, then she slices the bottom of her forearm, as blood seeps and streams down her arm. She rubs her hand in the blood, and begins to make a new cross, slathering the blood on the smooth brick wall as she smiles in her enjoyment. She then writes the word CHURCH under the cross after a few moments, taking some bandages out of her purse and cleaning the wound before wrapping her arm. She sighs in pleasure, looking up at the wall and feeling satisfied. Bethany Snow, the reporter who'd been reporting all week about these events picks up her purse and walks away with a smirk. No one saw her, no one knew she was there. She was guided by the greater forces as her heels faded into the darkness once more.


Bethany Snow: "For Blood....."

Present Day.
Metropolis.



Theresa: "The moment is at hand darling....The Rising is looking more promising than ever. The Confessor has released our brother Hoshaw and now is moving on Dos Rios. Hoshaw has proceeded to Coast City, brother Hogue has returned to the cause yet again in Central City at the news of your emergence over your son's, and as for sister Snow....she's placing all the puzzle pieces together for us...the hourglass dwindles-- "
Blood: "For the new sands of time to start again. Ahhhh what a time to be alive and free....years of waiting and gathering in the shadows...now we are able to fulfill what we promised Him....now we will provide light. We are close Theresa...we must finish. We were on the brink of being lost forever....long dark nights of faith without results...I thought I'd lost it all....But He gave us hope, he gave us the light....and now we must pass that to the world. That they may seem and that they may come to know Him in all his power.
Theresa: "Please....let me be The Vessel....I have prepared for it all my life...."
Blood: "We will talk about that when the time is right, for now we keep to the agenda. Business and blood are always the same at the end of the day. If you don't get enough of it, you die, so you create that which will enrich your state of being. Let's see if Mr. Luthor agrees."

Sebastian Blood looks up at the towering building of LexCorp HQ in downtown Metropolis, as the golden sun shines down on his face with a bright aura. Theresa fixes his tie and mats his hair down soft and smooth, before looking him in the eyes with her deep dark retinas. Blood returns a gaze, before kissing her softly and gently. He pulls back and hops out of the red sedan and winks at her.

Blood: "Wait for me until I return."
Theresa: "Always my king."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blood raises his blood red tie to his chest as he walks into LexCorp HQ and smiles at the passing corporate employees. He waves and walks as confidently as the President. He bypasses the Secretary and approaches the security gates where the guards in suits all eyed Blood and started to walk up to him. He smiles at the gentlemen and bows his head in a nod of respectable greeting.

Blood: "Sebastian Blood, seems I'm the first one here....I'm here to attend the Luthor Corporate meeting."
Guard: "Wait here."

The guard moves towards his earpiece to speak to the director of security, Mercy Graves. Chatter can be heard on the earpiece as Blood waits patiently. He fixes his cuff links and cracks his neck as the guard all awaits to hear news of progression. Blood begins to hum a deep and grumbling tone, as his pupils begin to vibrate and shift in size, and his retinas turn red for a very brief moment. One of the guards seizes up and begins to move in a strained like motion, before walking normally and walking to open the gate for Blood. He smiles and nods, before continuing up to the penthouse floor to where Lex's main offices were. Once there, he saw the various numbers of business staff and corporate liaisons all chatting before the meeting. He grasped eyes on a rather fit and petite woman, who he'd recongnized as Mercy Graves. Beside her was another secretary....one he'd seen before. He knew her, but she didn't know him. Skylar Luthor, daughter of the whimsical Lex Jr. and insubordinate of HIVE....but she was more than she appeared. He knew that much. Even without her suit, he could feel a different aura about her. Blood just stood with his hands in his pockets, smiling. Waiting. Alone. Watching the regular businessmen converse about their silly stocks and bonds, and plans for the company. Blood felt they needed to be exposed to the world that truly was around them. But he would not do it the usual way that he used talking to the common folk. What he had in mind was much more....innovative.

As the people began to pour into the offices of the penthouse, Blood strided in confidence as he walked to the doorway, bumping into Alexander Luthor Jr himself, his guard Mercy and daughter Skylar right beside him. Blood gazes then grins and Skylar, then at Mercy, before shaking Lex's hand.

Lex: "How are you? Have we met?"
Blood: "Not formally, no. My name is Sebastian Blood. I have some stock in your corporation and I'm also at the helm of my own buildup. Seeing what LexCorp has done for the world is really inspiring, thus giving me the zest to want to get involved and be a part of that. I can't wait to hear what you have in store."
Lex: "Much appreciated! I say you're a man with good confidencem I like that! This is my bodyguard Mercy and daughter Skylar. Don't underestimate Mercy here.....she's very...capable."
Blood: "Oh I'm sure of it! I never look at a book by it's texture, only it's terms....and Skylar. I've heard good things about you. First in your class, great technical skills, and somewhat of an icon to the youth demographic. I heard about that fiasco in Gotham....I'm sorry about that. You never know what sort of people are out there...luckily you got away unharmed. Anyways! Pleasure!"

Blood takes a seat in one of the chairs around the large oak table, looking at the other business officials and affiliates in the place. He scoots his chair up and nods at the lot of them and looks out of the large glass window into the cityscape of Metropolis. He takes a deep breath and meditates on the view. He opens his eyes and they seem more...dark. Not in color, but in their look. Lex finishes shaking hands and greeting the various individuals of LexCorp and affiliates as he claps his hands in joy and smiles at everyone.

Lex: "Thank you all for coming!! This meeting today is to focus on expansion, expansion of the company, of the people, of commerce, and more importantly, of ourselves. I'm aware that you all by now know about the incident involving Wayne Enterprises....but that has been resolved and all measures have been taken to rectify the situation so that it doesn't happen again. Now I spoke in the phone to Mr. Wayne directly afterwards to offer a solution towards the future and he obliged, and a mutual sponsorship has been established. That got me thinking....imagine what we could do if we got that same mutual interaction on the corporate level to the people, out there on the streets. A social hub for the corporate appeal of business that would make the people of our great nation savvy and 'hip' to what we stand for. Imagine the production, the results we could acheive if we brought the street level awareness to the business level through a means that would relate to the street level. Guys....I'm talking about the future. Everything is technology. Everything. I'm proposing an operating system.......unlike any other. Secure, private. One that will include an automatic app that features all of LexCorps stocks, bonds, profits, departments, and how people can get involved. It can sync with people's phones, TV's, game consoles, heck even watches...with Lex sponsored weather updates, news, personal AI, and more....I bring you.... LexOS."

Applause spread throughout the room, even from Blood who was genuinely impressed. The presentation was quite nice, and Lex skimps around with a zest that only a Luthor could portray. Blood watches Skylar from his seat as she's looking at her father. He hides a deep dark motive behind his eyes, but he looks at Mercy when she begins to eye him from beside Lex's position. Blood reclines in his chair and grins at Mercy, who just returns a cold stare.

Lex: "Our best developers will be working on the system, and I may have my little girl here even run the encryption and diagnostics. She's a bright one indeed."

Lex winks at Skylar as the business people chucke at his comment on the tall tanned girl. Lex then contiunues to talk logistics as Blood listens in, all the while thinking of his very own pitch in his head. Blood glances out of the glass window and starts to feel his gut nagging at him, but he shrugs it off. From afar, several blocks and some miles away, a man lies atop a building roof in the large city of Metropolis. He aims his scope on a M-150 sniper rifle with an enhanced infared 24x zoom thermal scope on it. Not like he needed it. He adjusted his eyepatch and zoomed in on the meeting at LexCorp, with every last person in the room in his sights. All he would have to do was pull the trigger, he could end any one of them without them knowing. But that wasn't the mission. The scope focuses on Skylar Luthor.

Man: "Hmm...seems like daddy's girl has settled back in....she's taken her secretary position back at LexCorp...this will be easy. What's the approach, confidence and blackmail?"

The eyed man talks on a wireless communicator as the voice on the other end delivers instructions.


Man: "Got it....wait....that Blood guy is there, he's in the room too....did you know about this? Maybe he's making a play.......roger that, I'll stay on it then...."

The man continues to recon and gather intel from afar while the unassuming people all marvel at Lex's new idea. Sebastian Blood looks around and waits until an ample moment of silence, and then he adjusts his red tie, before turning his chair away from the table and speaking up with that same, confident grin.

Blood: "Brilliant. Mr. Luthor I have to say I am impressed, and I don't impress easy, but then again you are a Luthor....you never disappoint. It seems...well....perfect, but what about the personality? Yes you're right. We need to connect with the people, now more than ever, make them aware of....all the world has to offer. But where's the personal appeal? You've established the public and innovation to draw them in commercially, but we want them to feel special do we not? Like each and everyone is a VIP on the ground floor of a revolutionary transition. How about a street team? A group of people literally spreading word on the street for your cause. People crave to be craved, it's human nature. To thrive and survive. Appeal both by giving them something that show's it'll make their lives easier, but that they need to do this. As I told you I believe in the potential this company can produce, and what they have done. That's why I invested. Now I'm offering....heck I WANT to get involved, I have a non-profit organization; we're a startup. But we're looking to get involved. Do anything we can to spread word to the masses for our campaign of enlightenment, what better way to do that than to assist the world's leading corporation in umbrella marketing? Anything we can do to get on board with your campaign, I can speak for them when I say we're in. No pay, no catch, just a chance for us to gain notoriety and cause. That is....if you'll partner with us. A chance to do excatly what you 'preach' ....help the people, both us and them. And then us to them."

Lex remained smiling through Blood's very sensible and great speech. Blood goes back to his classic smile and startes at Lex waiting for his answer. Mercy Graves stands silent and sharp in the corner of the room. As everyone else looks at Blood like he was some sort of salesman, but a very good one. More like a vice president or high official. Blood could see it in their eyes, he could feel it....they wished they had a chance to speak up first, but they were bounded by the ways of the world, following procedure and social protocol. But Blood walked in something entirely different. He fixes his tie yet again and smiles at everyone around the table, his happy spirit almost becoming like a contagion around the penthouse.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Metro Square, Metropolis.

Young Angela

1998.


She saw it all in black and white. She looked at her trembling hands, her hospital gown covering the rest of her shaking body. She was petrified. She recovers from short naps and hard nightmares in everyone of them. She can see demonic faces everywhere, she could feel darkness all around her. She was on the floor, it was cold and sleek against her underside as she curls up and begins to cry in a searing internal pain. She looks at the creaked door to her bathroom, the darkness behind it taunting her. She darts her eyes to the hospital door....she had to make her move. Her reddened and tearful eyes clouded her vision, as she rose and walked to the glass window overlooking the night of Gotham and looked down at the ground stories below. She breathes rapid and heavy, her fear consuming her as she bawls until her sternum tenses and contricts her airways. A whisper can be heard....in her head or in the hospital she didn't know. She couldn't tell anymore. She pressed her hands on the glass as the heavy rain drenches the outside. Another whisper, and then a growl surrounds the firghtened young Angela as she looks around and grunts in hopelessness. She takes a few steps away from the window and her adrenaline kicks into overload, her senses almost unhuman levels as her focus becomes crystal clear. She can hear the voices outside in the hall talking, but it was about to end....she was about to end it all....she looked at the sky filled with dark clouds, and then down at her belly, smears of red cover her skin. With one motionless tought she charged the window and tackles the glass and it breaks, with Angela falling through as the rain falls all around her, her stomach curls and the gravity pulls her closer to her certain death. She closes her eyes as the ground approaches.

And then nothing. She opens her eyes to see the ground in her face, inches from falling. Her cries stop as she wipes her matted wet hair out of the way to see that she is floating above the ground, where the fear and shock set in. She wasn't dead. In fact...there was something in her spirit, her soul....something else. A force....it was alive. And it wanted to stay that way. Angela then felt a small pull in her belly.

Time was slow. Angela's smile fades as she sees my facial expression as Galya gets out of the car, along with the man known as Adrian Chase. I look at her as she looks at me, instantly knowing something was off. Adrian gets out with a smile. A swarm of pedestrians fill the Metropolis square, as Angela rushed to our location, and embraced me in a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around her as well, as Galya thanks Adrian for yet another assisstance. He obliges by nodding his head in respect, but also sticking around to find out more about what we knew. Galya telling him that information was a bad idea. Angela smiles as she looks in my eyes and I mentally commune with my mother.


'That man has gave us a transport, we've seen him twice now...he's a strange man that takes justice into his own hands, he knows about The Church...Galya told him our true purpose here'

Angela's face goes awry as she looks over at Adrian Chase talking to Galya. Angela forgets the mental talk and decided to engage me out loud. She cuts her volume and gets close to me so that the surrounding people won't hear our conversation.

Angela: "Which is..?"
"To help you. To make sure The Church is not a threat....and then take you back to Azarath with us. But that man...Adrian, he's said that your informational means of this world has reported that there have been over numerous cities marked with a red cross....the same one that we seen on the way back to Azar in the hotel...and as for that....warrior who fought those violent menaces the other night....it's him. It was Adrian. He doesn't know that I know."
Angela: "What...you mean you're being followed? Is he tracking you two??"
"I....don't think so. He is the one that assisted us in finding you, but as soon as we were warped here he was just walking along. Maybe it was fate..."
Angela: "...fate is a one sided mirror."

Angela then breaks conversation and heads over to Adrian Chase. I could sense her emotions of apprehension and protection, like that of a lion when its cub in being threatened. I follow along behind her in my dark outfit. I make sure I stay close in case something goes wrong. I didn't have all of Adrian Chase figured out, but I was ready in case he tried to something that we wouldn't expect. She extends her hand to shake Adrian's, however the glare behind her crystal blue eyes made her seem like she was seeking prey, and Adrian was her kill. I had to admit the feeling from what I sensed made me feel good. The pride was somewhat of a motivation for me.


Angela: "Hello, Angela. My daughter tells me you were the one that helped her and her ward find me when they first arrived to Gotham, for that I thank you."
Adrian: "Adrian Chase, and it's really not a problem. I was doing some legal work in Gotham and came across them appearing a bit lost...much like today aha."
Angela: "Week and a half later, and you run into them again. Small world, but in any event. I appreciate your hospitality. I don't have a car yet so I had no way of picking them up."
Adrian: "It's no problem really. My offcies are here in Metropolis so I figured I could help them out as well...again haha. You have quite the daughter here, Metrion is a unique name indeed."
Angela: "Rachel."
"Rachel" *same time as Angela*
Adrian: "Right. In any event they were really interesting. When I first met them they had on these black robes with them and strange gems. I asked where they were from and they just said a distant ways, I'm guessing overseas. I also remember looking you up as well while trying to help them. 19 years with no more reports or accounts of you even being around after 1998. You were admitted into Gotham--"
Angela: "Yeahhh, that's my past, and I prefer to leave it that way."
Adrian: "My apologies. Just found it amazing you've still been around...most people would just think you'd been missing all those years...or worse. Thank God that's not the case. If I can bring joy by helping reuinite a daughter and mother....well it's my civil duty :) "
Angela: "What are you a private investigator?"
Adrian: "Worse....a district attorney haha. No privacy and arguably less pay, but my team is pretty good. We do alright."
Angela: "I'm sure. Well, we won't hold you we actually have to get going."
Adrian: "Maybe I'll see you guys around! Again."
Angela: "Who knows. Well, see you Mr. Adrian."

With that, Angela walks away with her arm around my shoulder. Galya walks along as she passes by Adrian who was watching us leave. Galya pauses and smiles at Adrian once more before shaking his hand and bowing.


Galya: "Thank you once again Adrian Chase. I have been appreciative of your keen spirit :) "
Adrian: "It's not a problem...you know if you ever find out anything about that group you were telling me about you should call me. Here's my card, use it anytime you need me, for whatever the reason. I'm here :)"

Galya didn't bother reading his mind. She seen it in his eyes that it was heartfelt and genuine. That was the thing with Galya sometimes, even though Azarathians are taught the ways of peace, Galya can be the one that is a bit too compassionate at times. Even back on Azarath, she was always the one following the kindred, but never really bothering to form a difference of spirit with any affair. She dwelled along like the winds that breezed through the air. Angela and I stood waiting as I beckoned to her via the mind. Galya takes Adrian's card and places it in one of her pockets. She even blushes a bit as she walks away and nods once more before joining us.

"Oh brother."
Galya: "Silence. I was simply being nice."
"Clearly."
Angela: "So...The Azar has requested me...to come to Azarath?"
Galya: "Actually, it was Metrion who wished to find you. She felt you were in danger."
"Those visions....they're happening again, and I just felt I had to do something. I seen red...like robes of red....then you...I heard your screams."
Angela: "Nightmares Rach....I'm fine. See?"
"Why are you here then? I'd think you're retreating."
Angela: "Actually....just the opposite, which is why you need to be as far away from here as possible. The crosses, they're starting to show up along city walls. I've seen it before....it's called The Rising."
"The Rising?"
Galya: "Did they do this before?"
Angela: "Yes...in Gotham. When I...joined. They said that Gotham was chosen, that I was the key. I don't know why. That was when The Rising started. There were red crosses that they'd paint all over the city....in blood."
Galya: "Why?"
Angela: "It was a warning, for the imminent connection of another dimesnsion, a hub for The Church to garner their influence. Then the members would come from the shadows to recruit, while also preparing for a ceremony."
"Another dimension...like Azarath? And what ceremony?"
Angela: *stops walking* "Not like Azarath, but a very powerful and pure dimension. I didn't believe in any of it. At all. I just wanted a place to belong, to fit in. They made me feel needed and important. But the ceremony....it showed me. They showed me the truth."
"What truth is that...?"
Angela: "That.....we're not alone. Earth is one of many places of many dimensions that contains more. The Rising...it was to bring us in contact with these other forces, and summon them for power through worship. I see now they only wanted one force, a particular power, so they had me be the vessel, a flesh bond to channel the force to this world."
Galya: "Him...."
"My father..."
Angela: "He is not your father.....he is....EVIL. *tears up* "

I can feel my mother inner despair and rage begin to build inside of her, it was strong. Very strong. The emotions begin to resonate like an energy field from her, even making me feel a bit of rage myself. I channel myself and use my concern and peace to project into her spirit, calming her down. What she had to go through...all because she was a pawn. Resulting in me, a Cambion. She didn't deserve any of this, she deserved a normal life, without the haunting memory of the dark. We had to get away from the public view, to somewhere private. Perhaps another hotel.

"Calm down, Angela. We have to go somewhere more secluded."
Galya: "Did you have a place of confinement here Angela?"
Angela: "I....*recovers* yes. I know a place we can go."

Angela walks along the sidewalks of the golden city Metropolis as Galya and I sense an aura from Angela we've never felt before from her. It was resonating purely, but we could not read it properly. It was shifting, but it was there. I study her for a moment as we walk behind her, and I exchange a look of confusion with Galya. Angela was giving off emotional and spiritual readings that I haven't seen on any other human in my time here, and judging by Galya's response, even in her countless trips to Earth for years, neither has she. Unknowing to us, my chakra ruby began to glow a very very faint, but sharp glow as we walked into the fray of a new city. For me at least.

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

---Three days Later---

Sitting up in my bed I put my hands out before simply falling backwards back and onto the bed. I rolled over exhausted and pushed a button that began to open the windows. The light began to pour into the room turning the entire room into an almost greenhouse like effect. Once I had pressed the button I rolled back over and finally managed to get up and out of the bed. Looking over I walked to my closet and swung the door open and stepped inside disappearing for several minutes before coming out and putting clothes down before disappearing into the same doorway once more. My mind for once wasn't focused on bending numbers, training with Mercy or working with my father.. today and tonight are my days off. Luckily I wasn't planning on some stupid massive party like an over spoiled brat... I just wanted to go out with friends and enjoy the day instead of throwing precious resources around because it suits my ego.

The grizzling thought gave me a shiver as I escaped the room one last time and closed the large closet. Moving over I left the sun lit room and walked back into another room connecting to the main room of my wing of the house. Now that she was within the house and contained inside and alone she began to brush herself off. The room was big but wasn't massive. Only the sky light let any light in and that seemed to be reflected off some large polished metal bowl held underneath in a unique art style that I had just gotten normalized to over the years. When I was finally about ready to just fly around for once something in my mind began to push at me. I didn't know what it was but it made me turn around and begin to run back into my actual room.

I skidded around a corned and to the eye it seemed like I shifted but in reality I was barely touching the ground and had changed directions in the air. Not taking any time I rummaged through a small pile of things from the night before I hadn't taken care of yet this morning. I took out a pair of wireless earbuds and put them into my ears. Taking out my phone I selected my favorite exercise playlist and made my way back into the large room and closed the doors. Taking my phone I put it on a chair inside of the room before slowly rising off the ground. The releasing feeling of weightlessness was a indulgence I could only give myself every so often. It had to be contained as it was easy to explain lasers... for me but to explain flight when inside anything other than my suits was hard... especially if you weren't in one at all.

It didn't matter for me right now. It was my Eighteenth birthday and I was happy that I could turn the page on another year of life allowing me to hope for a new horizon. It wasn't the best year for me but I think in the end that I had arrived at where I was supposed to be the entire home. I just wish I wasn't just a daddy's girl... The only thing he gave me ever was a car... I had to work for the rest of it. Does that make me a spoiled brat..? I began to focus on as I slammed into one of the walls of the room. The noise echoed like a brick falling down a well and resonated several times in the large room. Me hitting the wall was enough force to momentarily daze myself but I quickly got my barrings and floated into the center under the giant drum.

I had far to much on my mind to even attempt to fly right now. If I couldn't just fly on a clear mind I had no business flying on a pained mind. I concluded before groaning loudly and shuffling back into my room defeated. I had been wanting to fly and thought that my birthday would be a great day to let myself go. But, I should have known better. Either way I had to prepare getting ready. I still needed to talk to my father about what happened with our meeting a few days before. Because of my training and development projects I hadn't been able to speak to my father. It seemed like a good place to start as I moved into the shower with my headphones still in. I stayed in the shower for nearly forty five minutes before emerging and getting dressed.

Bursting out of my room's doors I sprinted through the building, grabbed my phone and arrived in the main atrium. I stopped there and looked around for the correct door. I ran jogged and opened the door only to step inside to find it was one of my fathers many studies. I looked around inside before turning around and going across the hall to the direct opposite door. I opened the door and walked into the kitchen. Although it was fully staffed and could ask for food at just about any time I didn't find the need to and I knew it made their lives easier. We've had the same chef since I was a kid and although he knew how I loved food he was busy with my lunch. So, I knew I would have to find my way back here before I went out for the day and found my dad.

After leaving my kitchen I began to think. There was only one other place that my father could be at. I didn't have the time to drive all the way through and to there in traffic so I took my phone out and began to dial my dad up. I sent him a text first and he responded signalling he wasn't busy with anything. I waited and eventually he picked up "Happy Birthday!" He said making me groan "Yeah.. I know but its not the same.." I said with a sigh but quickly changed my tone around. "I will be out with a few old friends tonight. I also wanted to talk about Sebastian Bloods proposal. What did you end up decided?" I asked him at the end as I began to hurry back to my room after checking my phone for the time.

 

[ch0sen1]

Darhk/HIVE

S.T.A.R. Labs, Metropolis.

In the faltering day as the sun begins to descend upon the horizon, a black limo sits in the parking lot. A very stark man gets out, matched with bleached hair and searing blue eyes. His all black dark suit is neatly pressed and formed to the cusp. He awaits outside of the limo, staring at the large and fascinating building. His gaze was deep, and his aura was absolute. Damien Darhk awaited his person of interest to emerge from the offices of S.T.A.R. Labs, and once he did, then he would begin on yet another quest in which would bring HIVE that much closer to what they mean to accomplish. Darhk didn't care about the time, nor did he care about the wait. He had a job to do, and that's exactly what he intended. The skies were orange and falling into the night soon, but still, Darhk waited, and he rarely ever waited for anything.

A scientist walks out of the building with a number of personnel. Dr. Arthur Light waves at his compatriots before moving right along to the STAR Labs parking lot. Light spots the limo along with Damien Darhk smiling at him, making him pique in curiosity as he used his keys to unlock his BMW.


Light: "How may I help you?"


Darhk: "Dr. Arthur Light....the leading mind on photonic research and quantum studies. I am Damien Darhk. I represent an agency--"
Light: "I'm going to stop you right there Mr. Darhk, I've already been approached by ARGUS and what we've discussed is entirely confidential--"
Darhk: "Oh no! I don't mean to intrude, I simply mean to recruit you myself. You see the company I represent has an international network I believe you would excel in. We could use a man of your expertise. I mean your applications and theories alone on hard light would propel mankind decades above the fold. But I know that STAR Labs here probably doesn't give you the freedom you desire right? They keep you on a tight leash, lack of creative freedom. I'm promising, that IF you were to join us...you would have total freedom, unlimited resources for WHATEVER you needed, assets, the works. Now....before you say anything I know how it sounds, to good to be true right? Well the only drawback is you have to declare total secrecy, and whatever you develop can be used by our organization...under your supervision of course."
Light: "I'm sure that all seems intriguing but I'm under contract with STAR Labs even if I wanted to join you've told me nothing of this alleged organization, I'm guessing you're another military sector like ARGUS correct? Well I'm sorry son, no can do. Nice presentation though."
Darhk: "I understand, well, if you ever change your mind or have questions at all about us here's my card. Don't hesistate to call. I'm sure you'd like to see the....more inquisitive side of things this universe has to offer."

Without warning Damien flicks his hand as the calling card shoots into Dr. Light's coat pocket, as he jumps in awe and looks as Darhk smiles and gets into his limo, with the driver tuning up the ignition and revving the German made engine as its sound smooths through the air waves. Dr. Light watches as the limo pulls from the secure parking lot of the advanced science facility and drives off into the crimson orange coat blanketing the city of Metropolis.

Darhk: "I didn't expect Dr. Arthur to just be privvy to joining right away, no no....the seeds must be planted first....I'll have close monitoring on him to track his progress. When the time comes and STAR Labs become more bark than bite....then we will clench our teeths into their necks. The Hierarchy will be pleased with his addition. Until then, we carry on like the wayward son."

The limo drives in the direction of the setting yellow-orange sun. The heatwaves emitting throughout the distance.

In Gotham

Mr. Bruce Wayne sits at his desk, in an undisclosed quarter of his old home in the outskirts of Gotham. The screen displays evidence and case files involving the mysterious shadow group that were patrolling the docks with the shipment of arms and munitions. The group that was taken down all too silently and quickly. He pulls up the evidence and finds that there are dozens of international sanctioned rifles, flak jackets, and anti-personnel ordinance that would be used to subdue opponents. They all traced to various locations overseas, but they were all packaged and convened at export posts on the coasts of Africa and Europe. He was going to find out just who these guys were....and more importantly....who that was in the solar suit. The one who sought their own mission against whomever they were. Perhaps he should start there. Follow the trail of the sun. Whoever was under that suit probably knew all there was that was needed to determine who this splinter group was. Bruce would find them, and if not Bruce, then......


Alfred the butler walks in, with a fresh pressed business suit for Mr. Wayne. He places it at Bruce's side to bring attention that it was ready to wear at his discretion.


Alfred: "Master Bruce, Mr. Luthor called for you, wanting to discuss the liquidation of the assets transferred over in the deal you exchanged, says he wants the opportunity for you to possibly invest in some shares of his latest campaign, called LexOS. He's even brokered a deal with a street team with a personal platform of adhering to the people, he figures you would desire the benefit and the publicity."
Bruce: "If it's anything Lex is offering up then it's best believed to be a knife on the other end of that deal. He just wants his money back from the exchange......street team huh? That's a different spin."
Alfred: "What're you digging into?"
Bruce: "Looking up the group that hit Gotham a few weeks ago. The ones that Skylar Luthor was affiliated with, and the ones I'm pretty sure partnered with her to try and breach our data servers. We need to have an extensive meeting with her, and find out just who these guys really are."
Alfred: "And then??"

Bruce says nothing after that. He just looks at Alfred with a look of internal absolution and cause. Then he looks on the upper platform towards a multitude of encased items. Suits of custom fiber, and some small gadgets that he 'acquired' over time. A small smirk crossed his face as he did so.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Reaper stands in a dark building in midtown Gotham with his goons all around, organizing and shipping various chemicals and arms inside the building as The Reaper watches. Under his mask, a dark and brooding mood can be felt eminating from his face, with his fists balled up and remaining bold and still as his henchmen shipped the new goods into the unknown place.


Reaper: "We will have unlimited power. This is the start of our regime. Soon we will mass produce this miracle virus, and then we will have the strongest army in all of Gotham. Once we achieve our result, then we will reach divine status. I know, I too have been on the back end of despair and weakness. Of mortality. Now we have a chance to start anew. Here we will mass produce this virus for our cause, and only then will we take over the streets of Gotham's underworld.

The henchmen placed down cases upon cases of synthetic chemicals, followed by a few illegal firearms, and then various chemistry equipment to properly synthesize the golden formula that The Reaper contained in his case. The case opens as a white gas-vapor crawls from the case into the room, the pressurized contents seeping into the area around the men. Reaper picks a vial from the selection and personally delivers it carefully towards a chemistry station and places it a test tube clamp. The henchmen begin prepping the necessary materials and items needed to reproduce the most valuable and rare formula on the planet.

Reaper returns to his plush red leather chair, like a throne. He sits and never takes his eyes from the formula that was about to be tested, with the case of the other viruses right beside him. He clenches his fists until they were tighter than a slipknot rope, and his dark eyes behind the skull mask gazed on into the work of his future revolution. Change was coming, and it was imminent.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Snake closes his eyes and smiles as the wind breezes through his hair. He stands at one of the loading docks at the Gotham harbor. A Chinese freighter pulls in with markings of the Chinese language along with a large logo, that was the appearance of a dragon. A Chinese dragon to be exact. A large group of men in all black emerged from the freighter, with bags and cases being transported off the ship. King Snake goes to greet them as they are welcomed into the most crime ridden city in the USA.


Goon: "Hello Shé, we have all of the customs ready for your approval. Express from Hong Kong. The drugs, the weapons....some to your liking. The Dragons have awaited this day for a very long time. We are glad to be in your presence once again Sifu."
King Snake: "The time has come brothers....Gotham will be ours for the taking. And more. A Chinese dynasty based house has rarely been seen in this city, but with our power and skill, we will triumph. Did you bring the Dúyè?"
Goon: "Yes....we have concocted and salvaged 1.34 quarts of Dúyè for you....enough to provide the strength of ten men. But we are not sure about its stability yet. We have faith in your will, nevertheless, it's best you take caution Sifu."

King Snake removes the small box with a neon green liquid inside of a small vial. He smiles as he tightens up his tie around his suit and brushes his hair back with his hands, the long mane falling to the middle of his back. He breathes outwards as the eccentric night air smokes from his breath, not due to cold, but from grit. He closes the box back up and walks himself towards his black SUV where his fellow dragons follow suit, with a cargo hold of a couple dozen motorcycles being unlocked and each becoming occupied by a Chinese gang member. The sound of revving and loud buzzing can be heard as the bikes pull out into the yard of the docks, ready to escort the SUV back towards their base of operations in central Gotham. King Snake rubs the box as if it were his own child, as he rears his head up into the faltering sky.




________________________________________________________________________

Angela unlocks the door to a very nice loft on the outskirts of Metropolis. The quaint interior surprised even Galya and I as we looked at each other. It was more impressive than the place she had in Gotham, which wasn't too elegant, but considering her history and past it was admirable. This was something more however. This was cordial. She locks the door behind us and offers us something to drink or eat. We were still looking around the place as if it were our first time seeing an Earth residence. I could feel my mother's anger waning, which was good. I wanted her to be calm as possible while we discussed what was going on in our perspective worlds. Hers was about to apparently get a taste of the supernatural side of darkness, maybe even trying to summon my father, while my world was actually starting to become more human, embracing the emotional side of things and not just spiritual.


Galya: "On a wage such as your occupation you shouldn't be able to afford this....!"
Angela: "Well, it's not a permanent residence, I rented it out. Me being a single woman living in complete secrecy with no one to talk to nor a reason to keep up on current technology and fads tends to keep my costs of living fairly condensed..."

I could feel the isolation in her. It was the same that was in me, that was why I understood. I gazed at her as she completed her sentence, a kind look in my eyes. She was balancing me out. Not like Azarath, where there was constant turmoil one way or another. All I really had was Theron and Zinthios, they were my two positive tethers that really held me together, had it not been for them I probably would've cracked by now, Azarath cracking with me. Angela would love Zinthios, but I wasn't sure about the rest of the realm. She was there before while carrying me in her womb, but why didn't she stay? That was something I needed to know, and also....did she even want to return to Azarath? She would be with me yes, but would she want to change her lifestyle again? Make that sacrifice to delve into a world she wouldn't know? Especially spiritually. She looks at me standing awkwardly in the living room, smiling as she patted the couch where she dropped.

Angela: "C'mon, sit down."

I slow walked over to her command, sitting down cautiously and leaning towards her with my weight while she lifted her legs on the couch and turned in towards me. Galya seeing the bonding moment sparking she happily smiled and sat in the chair beside the couch. Angela simply stared into my eyes for a moment, and me into hers. Her smile was too warm, it sent waves through my entire being...I had never felt such pure joy and tenderness from another being before. Not even Theron. Not even Zinthios. I knew one of us had to break this, otherwise we'd spend all eternity staring at each other, albeit happy.

"So....this...Rising...you think it has something to do with The Terrible?"
Angela: "I know it does, or at least I strongly feel like it does. The crosses were the same thing we did before The Rising, now we're seeing them all over the nation. That's never happened before. It's never been on such a scale in the history of The Church...."
Galya: "How do you know that?
Angela: "When I joined The Church....I studied everything there was to know about them. I just wanted to belong. So I learned about their history. They stared as a splinter group from The Pope's sect. They believed that The Pope's crusade was pointless and would only accomplish man level victory, where they sought eternal absolution. There was a High Priest, who led the rebellion against the Pope, refusing to side with him and taking refuge in a church. It was that church where this priest would find the Cloak of Christ himself, using it as an artifact of supreme spiritual influence. But, when the priest murdered in the name of Christ he corrupted the Cloak, and it began to draw and attach evil spirits to it. It was these spirits that provided the Cloak's power now, instead of having miracle and healing powers of Christ, the Cloak was now tarnished with darkness and malevolent power. A lust for blood and life."
Galya: "This priest....he was the first. The founder of The Church?"
Angela: "Yes. After slaughtering The Pope, he used the blood as a sacrifice to gain more power and divinity, even joining with the blood to absorb The Pope's essence of life. This was the birth of Brother Blood, The First. Over time the purity of their spirit became infested with sin. And now that thrive off of that same belief system today."
"How then did The Terrible come into play?"
Angela: [sigh] "It is said that The Terrible was a celestial divine being of unspeakable power, so much so that the divine believed he could harness all evil and darkness in the realms if left unchecked. So the Divine collected the all consuming darkness to absorb the darkness from The Terrible, but the opposite happened."
"He took all the darkness for himself. How?"
Angela: "No one knows. But he did...he took the darkness of endless realms and it corrupted him beyond redemption. He destroyed The Divine, his celestial family, and a number of worlds in his wake. However, The Divine used The Heart of Darkness that The Terrible absorbed as a hub to contain the evil he absorbed to the celestial domain in which he dwelled."
Galya: "Meaning he couldn't ever leave that dimension, they bounded him as a failsafe!"
"Smart."
Angela: "But it still doesn't stop his power. His divine essence along with his evil seeps to otherwordly realms, giving way to demons, more darkness, and who knows what else...The Church told me he was an angel. One that had fallen like Lucifer....but he was the true lightbearer, one that would promise an eternity of absolution. They weren't wrong. They knew the mortal realm was the only plane where power and spiritual energy of that nature could be untapped to have unlimited and omnipotent application. No one was trying to harness it, but they could....through The Terrible."
"So, they made a deal?"
Angela: "More like accepted The Terrible as their deity in exchange for a tap into these very sources of unlimited power and darkness. They feared him as their God, and he was to lead them to the promised land."
Galya: "So what went wrong?"
Angela: "Nothing. It was always his plan....he knew he needed a mortal host to breach into the mortal plane, to become a god among us all....and with the barrier up, he couldn't do it alone. He used us...he used me."

And just like that it made sense to me. It all connected together. The Terrible used my mother as a host to spawn a seed in which his darkness and power could still influence the realm of mortality despite him not being able to breach. It was a clever tactic, but I'm sure no one ever counted on my mother getting away from it all...and me finding a place that would raise me to not become a minion of evil. I was taught spirit of purity, of peace, and a heart of mortality. Something The Terrible would and could never have. I touched Angela's hand with mine as she spoke, showing her I felt what she felt, I understood what she did. We were in sync, of the same blood.

Galya: "The Terrible wanted Metrion as his instrument of chaos....it all starts to make sense."
"But it didn't happen. Because we write our own fates. We swim our own tides of destiny. And he will have no power over us. You beat him, and so did I. Together we accomplished it. But now The Church must be stopped....does that mean they seek to use another woman??"
Angela: "Could be, that's what I seek to find out."
"No....there was no way you were doing this alone....you risk exposure of yourself to them once more, that and you have no idea where they are. Last time it was Gotham, and now it's all over. You're outnumbered. It's too dangerous for you."
Galya: "Your daughter is right Arella...you must return with us for now, we will convene a plan to stop this from happening. I see now firsthand the threat this poses."
"Arella....your Azarath name?"
Angela: "Yes. And I know as much about them as anyone of their members. I can't leave, not yet. It doesn't matter how many we stop....it's who we stop. And I know who."

Galya and I look at one another as Angela stands up and goes to her purse to take out an old fashioned book, she slams it on the table in front of us as dust explodes from the pages. I felt a certain resonance with this book....it was the same one she used to make contact with me....and with Azar. It was called 'Religion: Concept or Practice?'

Angela: "His name is Sebastian Blood, and he's the current Brother Blood of our time. He's the ringmaster of everything. The Church, The Rising, the crosses....and I think I have an idea of who the next Vessel could be...."
Galya: "Vessel? As in the host for The Terrible?"
Angela: "Yes.....her name is Theresa. She was a sister when I was in The Church. She was strong in her faith, and strong in willpower. She wasn't chosen because she was very....unstable at the time. I'm sure she'd be the one, her and Blood were close back then, and she hated it when I was selected."
"And how sure are you about this?"
Angela: "....as much as they have done to me and put me through, I know their cause, and I know what they're capable of. I can't let them do this again. I almost lost you forever. I-- I got so lucky in finding you again....I've been so dormant....and so lifeless for so long....I've let them scare 18 years of my life away, I've wasted almost two decades...and I-- I just c-- can't"

Angela's voice trembles as her body starts to shake with built up pain from the past again. I could relate, when I vented I almost took down Azarath with me. Her eyes well up and her face turns red, with a few veins popping out in her despair. Her emotions were loud and clear: regret, frustration. Her tension built as she talked about the spears of her past, culminating to an apex I couldn't let her finish, but right before I intervene the TV bursts on without influence as a news report begins to speak. All three of us share similar shocked looks on our faces at the random occurrence. We face the TV in silence as Angela calms down in fear of what may have just happened.....and happened because of her. She looks down at her hands, unclenching them as she starts to contemplate.

TV: Well all geeks, nerds, tech junkies, businessmen, and professional goers get ready to pull out all the electronics you own! Today Alexander Luthor Jr. announced a groundbreaking new Operating System that would for the first time be shared across ALL electronic platforms, connecting your phone, computer, bluetooth, consoles, and other devices into one personalized integrated system. LexCorp announced it as the LexOS and that it would be coming soon to retailers near you and around the nation. For now the LexOS is only in Beta and won't release until early next year, but rest assured consumers and corporations alike will be all over this revolutionary technology.

In other news, the infamous criminal known as El Diablo can add arson to his list of felonies and misdemeanors, as his impressive list of charges get even bigger. Chato Santana aka El Diablo was shot after a standoff with police and the US Marshall, after he was seen appearing to shoot fire from his hands, setting the entire ICU wing of the Dos Rios hospital on fire! Santana is now back under medical care, now reported in a coma, but has been transferred to an offsite location where his injuries will be tended to in a safe and controlled enviromnent. We will get more information on that and the whereabouts when we can. Authorities are still trying to figure out how he was able to light the place on fire so quickly and secretly.

And then, like an unseen force, something came to Angela.

Angela: "We can stop them, I think I know how."

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The night had begun to wind down as I found myself sitting in the driver's seat of my car. Sitting with my head against the steering wheel I let out a groan. Letting me body sit back I stared at the light staying red in front of me. It was nearly ten at night and I felt like I was going to end up passing out. Closing my eyes I began to drift off before I sat up suddenly and began to look around. The light was green and I crossed through the intersection. Knowing that I was slowly losing the ability to drive I made my way out of the city and back to my house. Pulling into the driveway I pulled into our garage and just sat there. Turning the car off I put my arms out and laid my head in between them. "Mmhmm…." I grumbled before beginning to slide down to the side. Letting out a tiny groan I found myself suddenly on my side across the shifter. Putting my arms out I turned over and began to float in my car. The feeling of weightlessness washed over my body making me shudder in relief. "Ahhhh…" I moaned out before opening the car door. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Coming out of the car I set my feet on the ground and stood up straight. Looking up at the sky I felt my eyes stretching out as I focused on the stars I could see. "So much light pollution… I wish…" was all I could say before beginning to smirk. I could fly up there and I knew I would be able to get away with it. Better yet I knew I could get somewhere… darker so I could see the stars. Looking over at my car then over and up at my house I turned and scanned the area. Unable to contain myself I began to sprint towards the edge of our massive property. Out of view of the house I took my phone out and sent a text to my dad "Going for a flight, promise I won't get in trouble I want to see the stars." was all I said before putting my phone in my jacket pocket. Closing my eyes tight I lifted slightly off the ground before spinning around like a gyroscope. Getting my bearings I finally leveled myself out and burst out into the sky. Being sure that I kept to the shadows I pulled my hood up to hide my appearance. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Turning over the wind whipped past my body making my clothes shudder. Letting out a gasp I grabbed my pants and pulled them up to keep them from flying off. "Shit!" I cried out as I tried to get my belt tighter. Spinning around like a corkscrew I finally managed to tighten my belt and save my pants as I left the city limits of Metropolis. Breaking right I began to fly close over the treetops of the nearby forest to make sure I couldn't be seen. Stopping after traveling for several minutes I found myself a good distance from the city. Although the light pollution was still… undesirable it was decent enough for me to enjoy the night. Coming to a stop I lowered myself down into a small clearing. The tree line broke away into a small gentle slope before ending in a nice sized pond. Looking around I tried to see if there was anyone around. There wasn't a single person in sight… and I wasn't that surprised. Flying over the woods I didn't see a single light for many miles. I needed to remember this place, it was stunning.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Undoing my jacket I laid it down on the ground before running a hand through my hair. Letting out a breath I laid back on my jacket and put my arms out above my head. Laying there I began to think back on what I could remember of my last eighteen years of life. What have I learned and what have I done that… I cant fix. There was alot that I learned… so much so that its amazing that I haven't lost my mind. But, I had a feeling I knew why. I was different and there was no getting around it. I was a girl that could do things that no one else…. well that wasn't true. Closing my eyes I thought back to the black haired girl with purple eyes. She… she was like me. Perhaps I wasn't entirely alone… maybe my father was hiding a sister. Then again, it was unlikely. Shaking my head I opened my eyes again to watch a shooting star streak across the sky.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Watching the star move across the sky I thought of the largest truth I ever learned. Despite what many believed… we werent alone in the universe and that I was living proof of that. Things weren't the same… the day my father told me I was an experiment changed everything. My father hid what I was from me. Made me believe that I was just a gifted human! Lied… I killed people because I could control what I was! Because of him… I am hunted. I know they are out there looking for me. Shaking my head I took a deep breath and squeezed my eyes shut. I was working myself up again. Opening my eyes slowly I took in the scene before me. Focusing in I could see farther than I ever did before. It was like gazing into a telescope but… with the unbelieveable depth that no lens could ever capture. Reflecting on the beauty of what I was watching I decided to simply let go of what was bothering me. It was my birthday and I am finally considered an adult. I needed to let go of what trouble me…. this was exactly what I needed. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Taking my phone out I set my alarm to wake me at midnight before letting it drop onto my chest. Flopping my arms to my side I closed my eyes and let out a breath. Feeling a cooling sensation flush through my body I began to drift to sleep. An hour passed before a ringing pulled me out of sleep. Rolling over I felt the cool earth on my skin making me open my eyes. With a mouth full of grass I sat up and cough. Spitting out blades of grass I groaned and sat up. Rubbing my eyes I looked up and met my eyes with a large furry body. Blinking I froze solid before I felt a breath against my neck. Going onto my knees I got the full image of the bear standing a meter away from me. Unable to bring myself to move I just stared at it as it stared back. The bear snorted makeing me scream. As if it was shot the bear jolted itself back so fast it rolled over and onto its back. Almost like a cat running from a dropped book the bear got onto its feet and sprinted full speed into the woods. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Dropping onto my side I let out another scream as everything hit me. Rolling over onto my stomach I began to laugh loudly "Scaredy bear! You are so adorable!" I called out into the woods before standing and putting my coat back on. Although it didn't begin so good the day ended up turning out great. Feeling like alot of my stresses were washing away I kicked off the ground and took off into the air. The cool breeze of the midnight air made me feel more alive than the trip here did. Spinning around I pushed myself faster as I reeled myself back from almost breaking the sound barrier. The feeling of moving as fast as I was began to overwhelm me. Feeling a pit in my stomach I began to get queezy. Slowing down I began to level myself out to a constant speed. I needed to get myself normalized to flying so fast.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Lowering myself down I pushed myself along the tree line once more. Lowering my hand I tried to reach down and touch the trees but realized that it wasn't the most intelligent of ideas. Pulling my hand back at the last second I pulled up and stopped in mid air. Looking back and forth I narrowed my eyes out in the distance. Focusing on an object moving I couldn't figure out what it was. Hesitating for a second I thought about just going home but just smiled. I couldn't pass up the chance to see something out of this world. Deciding to keep low to the ground I moved low over the trees once more as I passed into the Metropolis city limits. [/BCOLOR]​

 

[ch0sen1]

Wing it

Gotham City.


"Alright, calibrate now. It uh...it should work."
"Kay, hold on."

Avalia pushes her feet in her rolling chair, shifting to a computer screen running beta diagnostics with program code. She pushes a button as the whirring sound coming form the wired turbine behind her starts up. A helmet figure stands in front of Avalia, his frame and body ripped and toned as his chocolate skin shined in the spotlight. The helmet was a titanium colored helmet, with a neon lit visor retracted above his eyes. The turbine charges a same colored suit without a logo or any distinctive features, but as the figure activates the helmet, the visor turns light neon blue and falls over his eyes, as his vision becomes acute and an interface detailing the environment appears. He eyes the suit and thinks about syncing with the suit. The neural interface recognizes his thought as the suit starts to glow from the center from across the room. A joyous Luke fist pumps in the air as the sync was successful.



Luke: "WHOOO!!! Nice!!! The neural recognition algorithm worked, nice job Avalia, too bad Sky isn't here for this."
Avalia: "Yeah...she's just been trying to relax and unwind. She's been through a lot...."
Luke: "I bet, being attacked in Gotham then escaping with some unknown group could make anyone nervous, and the stuff with her dad I mean....it sucks. You know I called to see if she was doing anything for her birthday, but no reply. I text her and left a voicemail to let her know I didn't forget. I even called Thea Queen but she hadn't heard anything."
Avalia: "Thing about Skylar is....she's both distant and needy. You just have to figure out which one she needs the most at the time."

BEEEEP!!!!

An alert pops up on the computer terminal as Luke in active helmet walks over and checks on the alert, a ping by the Wayne satellites indicating that an anomalous energy has been surged near Metropolis. Luke types in a command to bring up the logistics of the energy surge, as his helmet simultaneously scans the images on the screen trying to cross reference with any known reports of such energy. The details the computer show retain characteristics of solar energy, but there are also spiking properties that are familiar in nuclear energy or radiation. Strange.

Luke: "The hell....? You seeing this Ava?"

Avalia took one look at the readings and her heart dropped. She knew what the source was, but Luke didn't.

Avalia: "Uhhh....could be military testing."
Luke: "You kidding?? Near a high density populace like Metro? Near civilians? Something's up...no one seems to be reporting any disturbances or occurrences...."

Luke checks frequencies and news for any reports about energy readings, sightings, radiation, anything. There was nothing. Just another normal night to the world. That's how Luke knew something was out of place. He pauses for a moment, before looking at his suit. Avalia catches his idea and gives him a look of sheer animosity.

Avalia: "NO."
Luke: "No one is responding. No one knows about this thing. Even if anyone at Wayne Tech like my dad is paying attention they'll pass it off as a solar storm or something."
Avalia: "Maybe that's all it is!"
Luke: "With traces of nuclear energy? Don't think so."
Avalia: "You could get hurt, or worse!"
Luke: "Relax! I'll play it cool. I'll keep my distance. I'm the combat trained one here, not you okay? Stay here and have my back on the comms and data side. I'll be back soon."

Luke grabs his phone, his padded sparring gloves, and his keys as he heads out of the studio apartment in the lavish area of Gotham City. Avalia waits until Luke walks out and darts to her phone quickly. She speed dials Sky and paces back and forth waiting for her to pick up. She never picks up and she sends Skylar a text as well.

To Sky => 'Oh hey nice to know you're relaxing and not picking up my calls. Oh, by the way, LUKE IS COMING TO YOU RIGHT NOW! YOU'RE LEAVING TRACES OF ENERGY THROUGH THE AREA. STOP USING YOUR SOLARNESS!'

Avalia sends the message frustrated that her best friend has been absent for two weeks now, hoping that she'll get the message. She could only pray. As Luke drove like a secret agent maniac towards the rural point of the source of energy, he checked his feed to make sure the surging energy was still there, as it was. He thought about calling it in to his ARGUS colleagues, but after further realization he decided if it was nothing then resources would be wasted. Luke reaches a point about half a mile away from the source. He equips his Wing helmet beta version and places it over his skull and puts on a thick flak jacket. He leaves the car and begins to jog on foot into the woods closer to the freeway leading into Metropolis. As he jogged into the woods, something caught his attention in the direction of the energy. A shooting star....but it was way closer to the ground than it should've been. Luke tilted his head and used the Wing to zoom in and get a view.....of what looked to be a very large bird, or something...a drone....maybe a satellite. It was flying. He took a few pictures not high resolution, but could digitize them later. He jogs further into the woods as he gets closer to the flying object, and this time what he thinks he sees makes his heart drop. He presses a button to make his helmet retract on his head, looking with his own two eyes at what seemed to be something darting through the sky...changing direction. Was it The Batman? Was it...a creature?

Luke: Avalia....you seeing this?"
Ava: "Luke....let it go you're alone and you could get in trouble or danger!!!"
Luke: "It's...it looks like...."
Ava: "Luke!! Listen to me PLEASE come back."

Luke would then do something he never thought he'd do. He didn't know it it was adventure, or instinct, or what. But Luke spotted the thing flying towards Metropolis and did the unthinkable. He screamed to the top of his lungs at it.

Luke: "HEY!!!!!!!! YOU!!!!"

What happened next would change his perspective forever.

Rise

Star City, USA.


The thick of the night coated the dark and barren scenery of a dreary graveyard somewhere amongst the city. Crickets chriped all around as the sound of nothing else complimented the noise. The greyed stones etched in the ground all around the grounds. A dark and ominous feel started to oppress the scene, as if the weight of all the dead were still lingering among the realm of the living. But there was silence. And then, Sebastian Blood Sr, looking into the gravestone of his son, begin to speak.


Blood: "I'm going to tell you a story. A story about fate, heritage, and purpose."

He crouches down, looking at the dirt covering his son's casket and body. He plants his hands in the dirt, feeling the ground and picking up a chunk as he wiggles his fingers in it, he then drops the dirt back down and wipes his hands.

Blood: "Our family is blessed....and our family is cursed. Son...we have been, since the dawn of America, entitled and given a birthright that is not only a burden, but a responsibility. A privilege. That privilege has lived in the blood of every last one of our descendants. It's in us....in me....in you."

Blood looks down in mild remorse. He looks back up at the gravestone and sighs.

Blood: "Your mother, rest her soul, she didn't fully and truly understand what that responsibility was. But she was faithful, your mother. Perhaps even more to you than me. Her heart was so strong, but she always managed to prevent herself from seeing the larger scope of things, and I think that rubbed off on you. Growing up, you didn't have the responsibility that I did, and that was where I messed up. I'm not talking about chores and dishes no no...you know what I mean. The rite; the power of destiny and what's in your blood. You started to see that didn't you? You started to figure it out....which is why you killed her. You killed your mother because you knew deep down you were always going to go down this path, that you were always going to become what was in your blood. To become me. You didn't see it before, back then...that's why you shot me. That's why you wanted to kill me. But you thought you did. You failed. Because I had the power of our birthright in me, and fully embraced my destiny for who and what I was to this world. I survived, through blood, by blood. Literally. You see son...."

Blood opens his palms, as a glowing red mist looking energy seeps from them. His retina turn red in color also, a piercing reflection of red light behind his crystal blue eyes.

Blood: "I had the power of our people on my side, the power of our ancestors. You chose to reject that, so after that I chose to reject you. And for that I'm sorry. I should've known the birthright would bring you back to your destiny, set you on your path you were supposed to go down. I even sought to replace you....as if I could. I made one of my most loyal followers, Abel second in command. I tried to make him like you...cunning, smart, willful...which to some degree he was, but he was never you. I tried to make him my son. Imagine my surprise when he informs me that YOU had started your own church, honoring our religion and the religion of our forefathers. The pride....the joy inside my heart.....to know you started your own branch of the family business made me joyful. But you lost your way. You became blinded with greed and power and decided to do business with people who had no belief, no conviction, no faith. You banded with mercenaries and thieves to further your own agenda, instead of adhering to the Blood way. The way of The Red."

Blood Sr closes his palms and closes his eyes as the red energy dissipates.

Blood: "And it got you destroyed. It got Abel killed, and everyone else using that gold serum to boost their strength. Had you been raised in belief from the start, you would've known that real strength comes from the will, and the spirit, not the body. Not the flesh. But luckily son....you get a second chance. You see, with our destiny...our birthright, comes a price. That price is one of rite, of custom. 'The lineage of the fathers of blood, will fall to the seed in which they spawn'. Through The Red son....I cannot perish by natural means. Through our lord's grace, I....we have been given immense and unthinkable powers that transcend that of anything considered natural. But it will come to an end for me, because they only way I fall, is by the seed in which I spawn....that'd be you Junior."

Blood rises from his crouched position, his clever and political talk now replaced with pure pride and a dark, menacing demeanor. His eyes glow red again as he stares into the dirt covering his son.

Blood: "You will be the one to best me. You will be the one to destroy me, and by that rite....by that blessing and curse Junior....YOU, are not dead. Just dormant. Absent. Now the time has come....for you to take a second chance into the world you were meant to reign over from the beginning! NOW.....will you understand and be reborn into the will of our lord and the destiny that was paved for you in your right of blood!!!"

Blood Sr. releases his hands as they point towards the grave. The red mist energy surges from his hands in full force and darts and digs through the dirt, seeping through the coffin to a well preserved Sebastian Blood Jr. The red energy latched onto his cold body, as it starts to get warmer.

Blood: "Rise my son....it's time to take your path to absolution."

The red energy infuses into Sebastian Blood Jr's body, as his eyes open from within the coffin, a deep, dark, red color to his eyes....the same color as blood.

Angela runs to retrieve the book that she checked out from Gotham Library, and she dropped the book on the small table in front of us. She opened it up and pointed to a symbol that we all knew. It was the chakra root sigil, one that Azarath abided by and practiced by law and by spirit. It was the root energy that Azar and all of her followers tapped into for enlightenment and wisdom, that allowed the Azarathians to ascend to the astral world in the beginning.


"The root chakra."
Angela: "Yes. This is what led me to you Rachel. I remember seeing this sigil on the robes of the Azarathians when they first appeared to me."
Galya: "I still remember that day, you were so young Angela, looked like Metrion even."

Angela smiled under her breath, I simply turned and looked at Galya's reflective expression. Angela's smile transformed into a haughty grimace. She was thinking about the despair and pain she had to go through again. Those battered scars still inside of her, and they were never going away. To be controlled by a demon....a very powerful and divine devil....only to join a lost cause. It made me just as pained inside.

Angela: "This symbol....the Chakra, it means power and unification of the soul: mind, body, and spirit. But there is another symbol....one that is the direct opposite of the chakra sigil...it's called The Seal of Scath. Where The Chakra represents power through ascension of the soul, The Seal of Scath embodies the complete control over the experiences and power of the soul itself. It chooses to empower the self for personal dominion as opposed to ascending to a level of a more vast, selfless understanding. I know because...this symbol was placed on me. It's a callsign for The Bride of Blood."



"What is The Bride of Blood?"
Galya: "The Bride...I think I remember the tales, one of dark essence bred from purity, used as a beacon for the corruption of the soul for power."
Angela: "Yes. The Bride of Blood is the most important figure during The Rising, more so than Brother Blood. Because it's her and her alone that must bring The Terrible over from his bounded plane of existence into these realms. The Seal of Scath marks the woman as the vessel for which he can enter into....I realized now what that means. But also...how the chakra sigil grants one spiritual enlightenment and astral awareness.....the Seal of Scath gives you a power of spiritual solitude. The Church of Blood uses it as access to The Red."
"...The Red? I've heard that before in my studies...a living essence that flows through all existence."
Galya: "An essence that connects all living things of flesh and blood, an energy that sustains all life of bloodkind. How can this be? Not even we are able to access an ethreal source of power such as The Red."
Angela: "The Seal of Scath gives them that power. The power to tap into the source of limitless power and energy tethered to all bloodlife. The Seal of Scath comes from The Terrible, it's his mark, his sigil. Created by him to use as a hub to bring his celestience to bloodkind when he couldn't acheive so otherwise."
Galya: "And The Bride of Blood....she will have this seal marked upon her?"
Angela: "Yes. For The Rising."
"How would one know which woman would be selected? What are the prerequisites for gaining the dark title?"
Angela: "Well the most important comes from the Bride of Blood...she has to be a virgin. Her purity and untarnished soul gives way for darkness to fill in, and attract sin. This is where the Seal of Scath takes power. It also has to be done in a place of religious or spiritual sacriment, like a church or a monastery, so the woman would have to have faith of the Church of Blood to a great degree to exercise her spirituality. And lastly, she has to be an only child. That way the pure blood severs and the seed is embraced in darkness and The Red for all time."

Suddenly the TV flashes in and out of static yet again. Galya and I both look at Angela, to her surprise. She shrugs as she has no idea what caused the rift in the TV this time, unlike her projected outburst last time. It just showed that she also exhibited some spiritual and supernatural potency, it made me wonder how much if that were the case. I could feel a tugging on my spirit. Galya could feel it too. Angela looked at the two of us as the concern on our faces showed our confusion. It was soon cleared up as we felt a presence among us, yet no one was here. There was a whisper, but no voice sounded through the room. Someone was reaching out to us, presumably Azar. We were wrong.


High Magistrate Coman: 'Metrion.....Galya....'
Galya: 'High Magistrate!'
Coman: 'It seems in your haste to Earth to find Angela, I too felt the urgency to dig through the archives of wisdom, both of my mind, and of our resources. I can only assume that you've found Arella by now?'
'Yes, we're with her now.'
Coman: 'Very well. If....what you suspect is true, then you must return to Azarath immediately, along with Arella. This cult...they are from a very dark place of a very dark corner of Earth's plane.'
'We know. Angela has already told us everything about them. The Bride of Blood, The leader, The Rising, and their history.'
Coman: 'And the seals?'

Galya and I looked at each other, then to Angela, who had no idea what was going on. Her befuddled face said it all as she watched us talk to our spiritual authority from another realm via telepathy.

"What are the seals?"

I ask to Angela, but Coman interjected and explained regardless. They both begin to talk; Angela out loud and in person, Coman in my mind and through projection. The clutter of noise hit both Galya and I as we squinted in trying to understand the two. I lift up my hands and gesture a motion to stop as I gazed into the floor.

"Halt...two voices together is not ideal."
Galya: "Agreed."
Coman: 'The 7 Seals....the acts of the ultimate degredation of the mortal spirit and soul. Seven acts orchestrated by the Cult of Blood, each one representing one of the seven deadly sins. Gluttony, Wrath, Pride, Envy, Sloth, Lust, and Greed. The cult must commit a great feat displaying these sins, Lust being the last and final step upon using The Bride of Blood to bring The Terrible to the mortal realm.'

I reiterated Coman's information back to Angela, as Angela raises her brow, her emotions being read as impressed. She was surprised that Coman had come up with the information that he had. Truth is, Azarath had the most vast and extensive library of wisdom on the supernatural among the dimensions. She confirmed the information before adding in her own little addition to the Seven Seals.

Angela: "Yeah, that about sums it up...when I was with them, they dedicated the week before The Rising to do all of The Seals, empowering and activating the Seal of Scath afterwards. I see now that it was all a lie they told me, the whole enlightenment....the vision of a divine angel....all of it."
"Then we can't leave. We can't go back."
Galya: "Metrion-- "
"No. This cult could very well be imminent to fulfilling the seals! That means this realm is in danger, lives are in danger, and if I have the ability, will and strength to stop what Angela and I had to go through....then it must be done."
Angela: "Rachel...."
"I'm not leaving you."
Galya: "Then we must go back."
"Then what if The Terrible comes back? The sheer chaos and oblivion from his influence alone has led to this....and you'd have them to resume their dark sacriments?? This isn't just Angela or a city....it's happening ALL over this place now!"
Galya: "Calm down."

A gush of wind generated in the room. I quell my uprising of emotion and breathe, with Coman breaching for input.

Coman: 'Metrion...you musn't. There's more....if The Bride of Blood succeeds in The Rising and uses The Seal of Scath to bring The Terrible to this realm and infuse the vessel with his darkness as he did Angela....then that seed would take on the mantle for his possession....that means...'
'Means what....?'
Coman: 'That means that you'll be replaced, and your essesnce, soul, everything that you are....could be erased from all existence."

Time stopped. Galya gasps at the information Coman just said, with Angela curious, ready to hear the information of damnation herself. I couldn't even speak....now I knew I had to stop the Church of Blood. I worked so hard against my instincts...to fit in and be normal as impossible drove me to want to prove my strength. To not just be a shell, a dark remnant of a chaotic past. Now that was all in question, and for the first time in probably my entire life....I felt something that I thought I'd felt before but clearly I was wrong. I felt a consuming darkness that paralyzed me to my very soul and spirit. The TV set fades in and out again, as well as the radio, wind, and electronics of the house. This time caused by me. I was experiencing a oppression of control over my emotions. My heart started to race as my mind as well. I was experiencing real fear. Fear of not only being no one and nothing, but literally becoming nothing at all. Well damn.

 

[Mook-LandStrider]

Turning back at a voice my heart froze. It may have been dark but I could see everything. A figure was below me and not knowing what to do I hesitated for a second. Glow eyes and everything... I looked like a firefly. Not waiting any longer I held my hands out and flashed a bright blue light almost like a flash bang or flare. The sudden light would be enough to flash blind anyone for several seconds. Taking this precious moment I took off into the sky but quickly dipped down low so radar wouldn't be able to detect me once more. Luckily, flying wasnt that hard any longer. It felt like driving a car... nerve wracking at first but amazing after a short period of time.

Flying low I eventually began to level myself off as I touched down on my large property. Collpasing onto my knees I put my head down and touched it to the grass. That was far to close. At this point I almost blew my cover. I was an idiot of think that I wouldn't get notice. Taking my phone out I looked at the texts and blink "Fuck." Was all I could say and texted Avalia "I flashed him. Omg... That was luke? :( Sorry!" was all I could say back. Feeling terrible I rolled onto my back and looked up into the sky "Ughhhhhh! Every time I get happy I feel like a fucking peice of shit.". Sighing I got back up to my feet and made my way inside of the house. Opening the door I walked in and made my way up and into my room. Flopping back on my bed I grabbed a pillow and put it over my face. Groaning loudly into the pillow I spazzed out slightly as I just let out my anger and hit my bed.

Stopping I just lay there. I wanted to call Avalia but could bring myself to do it yet. Putting my head back and squirming around to get comfortable i didn't even bother to change. Curling up I tossed my phone away and into a small basket of clothes before closing my eyes. I wanted the day to end. I didn't want to be bothered anymore for the night. Happy birthday Skylar... its been hell already.

The next day I opened my eyes and rolled over onto my side. Blinking several times I smelled food nearby and sat up. A plate of food was sitting not far from me likely from one of my fathers cooks. Sitting up all the way I looked over the plate with a smile. Picking up my phone I dialed up the Kitchen and thanked them all for the nice meal. Putting the phone down I began to eat my breakfast before finally taking a shower and getting dressed. I didn't have much on the agenda for the day and was thinking about a nice day out somewhere was better than going no where at all. After all. going somewhere was far better than laying around all day. Perhaps Mercy would have something for me to do.

Walking out of my room I kicked off from the floor and floated across the empty hallway. Touching down at the next door I opened it and looked around the main room of the large house. My father wasn't home and it was likely near nine. Taking my phone out I shot a text to Avalia once more "How is he? Is he okay?" I asked before putting my phone away. Pulling my purse up I shrugged and made my way out and into the garage. For today.. it was for me and today was all about me instead of my birthday being about everyone else. Post birthday party here I come.

 

[ch0sen1]

Luke Fox

Luke watched in sheer astonishment as the source of the energy showed him something he never seen coming. It wasn't a drone, nor some sort of experimental robot. He watched the presence of a body...an actual human body looking back at him with bright blue eyes. It turned its body towards him, as he braced himself for anything that was to come offensively. He swayed his body in adrenaline and preparation, the dust kicking up under his boots in the night of outside Metropolis. The figure extended its hands and then.....nothing but flashes of blue. Luke's Wing helmet visor breaks from the energy surge, and he screams in agony as his eyes start to hurt from over exposure of light.

The Next Day.

Luke gets a buzz from his cell phone, his eyes still sensitive and diluted from the events of the night prior. A black circle surrounds his eyes from nerve sensitivity. He aimlessly moves his hands to search and find the phone as his topless body shows a chisled and toned body, but that couldn't help him last night. He leans up, vision all wiry and unruly as he picks up the phone.



Luke: "Yeah?"
Avalia: How you holding up Ray Charles?
Luke: "Real funny. My vision is coming back but I'm still a bit sore."
Avalia: I can't believe you drove back....blinded, while incapacitated."
Luke: "Perks of my training I guess."
Avalia: No. That's God given. It was amazing. Well maybe I can help somehow?"
Luke: "Yeah....start by tracing that energy signal, and getting the image feed on that person...they had to be using some sort of solar or infrared technology. I wonder who they're working with? LexCorp? PalmerTech.....WayneTech??"
Avalia: Hey. You JUST almost lost your vision, we'll worry about that later, for now rest. I'll be working on repairs on the helmet and replacing the fried circuits. I'll keep you posted.
Luke: "Alright..."

Luke hangs up and gets an alert on his phone about Skylar's birthday. He sends her a textwith a smiley and wishes her a happy birthday. Avalia hangs up and looks at the phone, sighing in relief. She then sees Skylar's text and responds to her

=> 'You almost blinded him Skylar...but he's fine. Funny how he's your friend but I'm the one taking care of him. Seems like he's the only friend I have since you decided to leave...but, happy birthday. I'm sure you're going to do something fun so just let me know if "us mortals" have a place by your side tonight.'

She hit send and started to bring up some programs to hard shoot the helmets' diagnostics. She lifts her eyes up to the TV, a report on the spreading of an unknown terror group who have been deemed as The Church. Ava sees the red crosses of blood showing up in various cities across the nation. From home, an impaired Luke turns on his HDTV to see the same news report. He slides up in pain on his bed and looks at the news cast with as much vision as he can. Both Ava and Luke from where they are begin to raise eyebrows at the sight of the message of the widespread symbols being etched in blood. And another sight...one that was new to the reports.

Another symbol, also in blood, with the message: "We Are Brought Forth."

Out of the Hive

Gotham City.



Damien Darhk paces about with his hands behind his back. He looks at an entire task force team of HIVE operatives, about a dozen or so soldiers in uniforms. Among them, he stood and smiled at the special team he had led to assemble. Bumblebee, Jinx, Shimmer, Mammoth, O'Jenesus. The uniformed soldiers bring in a case that was composed of solid steel. They set it on a table before the team and Darhk, before leaving it in Darhk's hands. He approaches the case, snapping it open with that signature smirk on his face, as the case reveals vials of golden formulas.

Darhk: "Things are finally bouncing back. Other than out little mishap in Gotham, things are finally smoothing out."

He says this while eyeing Jinx, Mammoth, and Shimmer for their past indiscretion. They all look in anxiety as Darhk continues to speak.

Darhk: "We got intel on an underground criminal organization acquiring a serum, that once ingested provides you with superhuman levels of strength. It's called The Miracle...at least that's the translation of it. An experimental drug that was brought from the emptiest corners of this beautiful planet of ours. Our...MY men sacked the place and took the vials when no one was home, it belonged to a man known as The Reaper. Mammoth here is familiar with the drug already no? Somehow your cells they...they built an intolerance to the harmful effects of the drug. Making you the strongest man on the planet. If we can somehow use that same effect, and apply them to everyone...we could be an army. Build an army. The Hierarchy also has an interest in altering the formula to develop a mind altering intoxicant as well....that's where you come in Bumblebee."

Mammoth and Bumblebee look at each other apprehensively. Mammoth grumbles under his breath and Bee simply remains calm. O'Jenesus lurches up in his seat, his midget frame almost underwhelming to the chair's support.

Darhk: "We have a mutual friend in the field right now working to ascertain lady Luthor as we speak. Soon the pawns will be in place and she'll be in our pocket as well....IF she's as smart as you all have suggested. With a little direction, she can be the key we need to get back into the flow that was intended. If she refuses...then she's dead either way, even if she's not literally dead. Fact is, we have to be ready. And this time....there will be nothing to stop us. Mr. O'Jenesus here will be providing technological expertise and will also craft some devices for us to use in the field, something of which I'm very excited and looking forward to."

Mikron O'Jenesus nods and smirks while remaining silent. He hops out of the chair and proceeds to walk to the front with Darhk, before looking back at all of his team. He pulls out a small button sized orb with a red eye on one end, and he places it in Darhk's hand.


Mikron: "I already have something. It's an infrared based freqency modulator. It converts all wavelengths and frequencies to others by emitting an infrared burst to dampen the signal and replace them with the appropriate waves due to a word based query. It's not only good for intercepting and encrypting all signals, but can also be used to broadcast and recieve audio and sonotic feeds as well. It's basically God's Ear."
Darhk: "God's Ear huh...? Do you guys see this?? This is the genius I'm talking about!! Blood's reference is surely credential I'll give him that."
Mikron: "Blood?"
Darhk: "Sebastian Blood? He's the one who had the intel on you."
Mikron: "The city councilman? Why would he be interested in me?"
Darhk: "It seems we have a lot that we don't know Mr. O' Jenesus. You'll meet the benefactor soon enough. For now, we organize and begin to operate the plan....Phase One is now underway."

The silence broods across the room of the condo apartment in the middle of the mecca of Metropolis. The air was still as my heart still reeled from Coman's sudden and unexpected news of effect. There was a chance I could be no more. Nothing. Not even existing. All that I am, all that I've become, could be potentially wiped from the tethers of existence for all time, and no one would or could do anything about it. I rise from the plush seating and look around in a mild disorientation. I look at my hands, that were very real, and very here right now. The thought of them not being here along with my entire being made my heart flutter. Galya and Angela rises with me, their hands on each of my shoulders. A slight wind generates as a small ringing in my ears comes about, I think I was starting to release control. My skin slightly starts to turn a dry gray as Angela grabs my hands and looks into my eyes.

Angela: "Breathe...breathe..."

I focus on her voice, her sound soothing my spirit. The ringing stops and my skin returns to its golden bronze color.

Angela: "We'll get through this."
"We....we cannot allow this Rising to occur."
Coman: 'I see now that this is something that cannot be ignored. Galya, Metrion...bring Angela to Azarath. We will begin to effectively plan and develop a way to thwart this cult from taking regime over the mortal plane.'
"We have to act fast there's no--"
Coman: 'Metrion. Cease. IF you want to stop them, you cannot do it alone, and you cannot give in to your primal inhibitions. We will assist you. You have a people behind you. Azarath has dwelled in the affairs of Earth once before, but now more than ever we must assililate the threat by union, wisdom, and cunning of our enlightenment.'

I contemplate the High Magistrate's words. I look to Angela and Galya who were looking back at me. Angela rubs my back and smiles, before going to grab her book on the occult and keeping it with her. I could read her mind; she was getting ready to come with us to Azarath. It's not like she hasn't been before. 18 years ago, when she gave birth to me. But now it was different, and I couldn't help but wonder about how Azarath would view her. They gave me nothing but feelings of scrutiny or uneasiness...but seeing as how Angela is an entire mortal would they welcome her back? Angela's emotions read as cautious, but she was ready. She knew that The Church of Blood had to be stopped, as I knew that now. How would we fight them? Azarath practices the ways of spirit and peace, but this cult....they are dark. They are oppressive, cunning, and spectral. The things Angela has told suggests that they will stop at nothing to complete their goal. They operate from the shadows, only to bring the darkness into light. We can stop it. I can. I am a product of such nature, but I am also the product of mortality, of humanity. I have to find the balance, I understand that will be the key.

"Okay. Let's return."
Galya: "Prepare your chakra. We must align our energies."
Angela: "Okay, let me call my work, not going to exactly tell him I'm taking time off to head to an otherwordly plane of existence to prepare to stop a dark supernatural cult from summoning literal darkness into Earth...."

I chuckle at her remark as she smiles and grabs her cell phone, and steps outside the door to call her boss at the diner she works at in Gotham City. Galya and I begin to channel our energies, with me grasping the chakra around my neck. It begins to glow a deep red as we close our eyes and the room starts to make a pulsing sound.

Outside, Angela connects to her boss, and starts to speak when she notices his voice was going in and out. She looks to see that her signal isn't as good in the studio apartments, so she begins to speak and hold her phone up as she walks down the stairs to step outside of the building. The sun turns orange over the horizon of Metropolis, the skies showing an azure blue and neon hue complimenting the sunset. The gleam and glow of the sun shines off of Angela as she shields her eyes from the glare.

Angela: "Hello? Bowie? Yeah-- I...I'm going to be gone for a while, maybe a week? Something's come up and it's kind of an emergency, family matters...."
Bowie: Is everything alright? It's not the kid is it?
Angela: "Um, no everything's fine. I just have to deal with something really imperative. I'm sorry it just dawned on me so I didn't have time to call in advance.."

Bowie begins talking as Angela paces about the front plaza of Metro Square, the city still bustling with urban life and the sounds of cars and people moving about to get where they're going as the day comes to a close. She continues to listen to Bowie speak as her soul immediately begins to flood with a feeling. A feeling she hasn't felt in almost two decades. Her heart drops involuntarily as her mind searches for the reason of this feeling. She exhales and stops in tracks, focusing and concentrating on what this sudden feeling could be. It started to grow and become more and more familiar. She started to breath in adrenaline as her nerves started to increase. She grimly lowers the phone from her ear and rears her head upwards. The faltering sun just over the building across the street from her blinds her from seeing ahead, but as she lifted her hand to shield the sun, the view of light becomes replaced to the sight of Metro Square. What she saw made her heart freeze, and her spirit flutter. That feeling she had...that was familiar, she now knew why. It was gloom, and not just a sullen feeling, but despair and fear. Her crystal blue eyes go wide at the sight of a black sedan stopped in the middle of the street, with cars honking in anger and fury at this stopped car. In the backseat there was a man, peering into the windows of Angela's soul with his very own cold eyes. His face showed an absolute shock, his mouth open and his eyebrows parted and raised in awe. Angela began to shake from nerves, her heart about to bust from her chest. She was face to face with a dark and rejected past. The past that sapped her of her very will of life, and just when she found it again...she was faced with the darkness that started it all.

Angela was face to face with her former evil. Her former bond. She was face to face...with Sebastian Blood.

Sebastian Blood Sr: "The tides of fate..."