Realistic or Modern Mutant Apocalypse IC

[Juju]

​

“Hotaru! Wake up! Oh my god, I can’t believe I let this happen…”​

“…how can we be super heroes when we slept through the biggest fight in Vanguard’s career!”​

Angry grunts and mumbles were coming out Hotaru as she tried to ignore her annoying friend.

The voice belonged to none other than Hotaru’s bunkmate, Ellie, and from the sounds of it she was far from pleased. Once Hotaru gathered her bearings she would notice a small portal sticking to the wall adjacent to her bed. Through it the daily news was playing, though the real TV was in the staff-room of a nearby bed and breakfast. The maids always left it on when they went to carry out their morning tasks.

Ellie pulled at her hair, walking in circles around the cramped room. “I didn’t think he’d get this much attention yet. Usually it takes longer than this to get the Hero Killers involved but…”

She stopped mid-sentence when a clip from the previous night flashed across the tv screen behind the portal. It was a short video filmed from a news helicopter, but the footage was zoomed in enough for her to see the minute details of Vanguard toppling over cars and deflecting bullets. For a moment she stood in awe as a network of glowing strands erupted around him after he was supercharged with electricity. It reminded her of Hotaru’s power, and gave her an idea for future reference.

Hotaru’s tired eyes glared over at her friend before shifting to the clock. 5:45am. Hotaru’s face went blank as she stared once again at her friend.

“Ellie, shut the fridge up! It’s 5 in the fricken morning!!!”

The other girl payed Hotaru no heed, instead gasping at the portal-television.

“WAIT! Oh my gosh! Those are at least Beta class moves there… AH NO!” she said with a groan. “The APS are gonna get him before we do! After all that detective work! Hmph. I’m still wagering he’s that edgy guy at the Fish Plant… UGH! Stupid APS!”

As Ellie’s babble continued, Hotaru’s anger grew.

“ELLIE! If you do not shut up and go back to bed I will shock you! It’s 5 in the morning and we don’t have to get up till 7, NOW GO BACK TO BED!!!”

Ellie crossed her arms and turned around to give Hotaru a saucy look. “Heroes don’t sleep.”

“That didn’t stop you from falling asleep last week on patrol.”

“How dare you bring that up! I had gym class that day and like no sleep at all! Plus… I had to finish the project YOU were supposed to help with!”

“I will smite you down WHERE YOU STAND!!!”

“Bring it!”

“SHUT UP YOU TWO!” the caretaker yelled causing the two to go silent.

“Truce?”

“Truce.”



Hotaru and Ellie were walking down the street eating ice cream since school had been canceled due to the recent mutant attack. It was almost noon and now they had nothing to do. As they walked, they casually discussed their favorite Heroes, most of which were long dead.

“...and that’s why Angel and Blue Arrow would make the best hero duo. Almost as good as we are.” Ellie finished, before letting out a heavy sigh. Her shoulders slumped a bit. “The world needs more heroes, Hotty. There’s barely any good hero-villain action these days and nobody has really stood up to the APS in years.”

She kicked a can laying on the sidewalk, causing the aluminum to skip across the concrete ahead of her.

“Sure, Vanguard kept em busy for a while, but it's always like that. The Hero Killers just team up on mutants like a bunch of sissies. It’s so lame... I bet if we had a squad of mutants we could kick their ass!”

Ellie shook her head as if to chase away her daydreams. Suddenly there was a smile on her face, as if she had never been gloomy at all. You could see the hope returning to her eyes. “But we’re gonna change all that. We’re gonna be the next big heroes. Just you wait! The Foxes; best hero duo ever!” she raised her ice cream cone into the air like a torch, earning a few odd stares from those passing by.

 

[shadowz1995]

"Easy, easy there girlie. You're going to break these old bones of mine." It was a joke and a half considering SPARKS not only fit but enhanced by tech to prevent that very thing from hap

pening. Jerry returned the hug, albeit a bit awkward. The elder wasn't exactly used to nor comfortable with such a display of affection. Though it did make him feel like he was a dad again, saying goodbye to his teenage daughter before he was shipped off. A nostalgic feeling that he would surely think on later.

He was dragged over to someone who was introduced as Kaylee's younger brother. The older man gave a gruff greeting, his gravelly voice making it seem a bit more harsh than it was supposed to be. Kaylee and Hathom would know that he didn't wasn't trying to be mean. It's just the way the man was. Of course, Coal would have no idea of that.

Hathom could tell that Kaylee was looking for some kind of support in her little master plan but even to his heavily augmented mind and body, the captain had no idea what it is that she wanted him to say exactly. So he just settled with stepping a little closer to her, taking her hand into his, and gesturing for Coal to follow them after he was done greeting the engineer of Icarus Squadron. Which by the looks of things, it was going to be a mutually short conversation. Both of them weren't much talkers.

The captain leaned down to whisper in Kaylee's ear, "Don't you think that Jerry kind of looks like Coal 50 years from now? Some sour, gruff old man?" While it was whispered for Kaylee, it drew a look from SPARKS, who's enhanced hearing was able to pick up on his captain's little joke.

Super Villain Nova

..........................................................................

FROST, also known as Welton Shpakov, along with Alejandra were taking a casual stroll through the city. While they weren't in full armor, they were wearing their military uniforms which marked them as Peacekeepers. The badges on their clothing alerting anyone who knew anything that they belonged to the A.P.S. branch and their blue, cybernetic eyes showing that they belonged to the best of the best.

Icarus Squad.

The two were chatting along happily.....or what passes as chatting between any member of Icarus with FROST. With people like SUENO, he could simply communicate using sign language or writing something down. With people with extensive cerebral augments, like Sandra or Hathom, he could send code to them directly via cerebral messages. It would take a second for them to decipher but they would get an accurate representation of what Welton was trying to say. Its how Welton could alert and communicate with his squadron during an intense firefight like last night's.

It was clear that people were mildly, if not very, surprised to see the A.P.S was walking about in the streets after such a huge battle last night but then again, this was just another day at work for Icarus. Walk around till they get the call of duty, fight with a incredibly powerful mutant or two, risk their lives, wash, rinse, and repeat.

“But we’re gonna change all that. We’re gonna be the next big heroes. Just you wait! The Foxes; best hero duo ever!”

That drew the augmented eyes of both A.P.S. members towards the nearby outburst to some girl lifting her ice cream cone like some Olympic torch. The teammates both looked at each other with rather amused looks on their faces before shaking their heads and continuing onwards. Some people still had ways to go before understanding how the world really works.

Juju ​

 

[Super Villain Nova]

As Hathom lead Kaylee away from Coal and Spark she had to pinch her lips tightly together. The laugh she was trying hard to hold back was slipping. She couldn't even look back at Coal or Sparks at this point. If she did she would just burst out laughing. Though she was trying to keep quiet, Coal seemed to have just stayed quiet.

He looked past Jerry as Hathom started to walk off with his sister. His eyes focused on the two as you could tell he was not fond of this action. Both walking off, laughing, having fun. He clenched his teeth together as he narrowed his eyes at Hathom's back. Even if they made a deal earlier, Coal was already finding it hard to hold up his end. He didn't even know what Kaylee was trying not to laugh about.... Either way he really didn't like it.

As Kaylee finally composed herself she took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She turned to Hathom, "What do you think would strike his interest the most?" She asked in a whisper. For all of this to work she needed Hathon's full cooperation. They lived in the Bronx which was not exactly the best place for a teen to grow up. For now it was the only area she could afford. She only figured that maybe something like this would keep Coal off the streets, away from the gangs and drugs, and possibly do better in school. He needed a role model. She could only go so far by herself but with Hathom around.... who knew. He might just be the person Coal could look up to.

 

[shadowz1995]

"Hm....think I might have an idea." The captain turned back to Coal with something of a smile playing on his lips. "We are about to go take on a training sim. Im gathering the men we have here and I got an idea. Coal, Im going to have you play general. You'll be watching the battlefield with a bird's eye view and giving us orders according to what you believe is the right choice."

"Sound like fun?" The soldier gave Kaylee's hand a light squeeze as he turned back around to head towards the sim room. He knew that this wasn't going to end well for them but he figured it would show what kind of man Coal Black was. Both to Hathom and to himself. It may not be exactly what his lover was looking for but having the lives of soldiers under your control in a real time "strategy game" was an interesting option for anyone of any age. Especially, the best squadron in the business.

(Sorry for the short response. Got tied up with somethinf and had to finish it quick)​

 

[Super Villain Nova]

Kaylee blinked at Hathom for a moment. His offer seemed a bit much in her eyes. Letting Coal call the shots while they trained. She had seen their training plenty of times, to her it was not a game. Even if he played a lot of video games.... She wondered ho Coal would react to this. If it were here she would say no as she was not very good in those situations.

Coal had a questionable stare as he looked to Hathom. His offer was very random, or it was really not expected at all. Deep down it confused the crap out of him. What was Hathom trying to prove with this idea?

Kaylee tapped Hathom's shoulder lightly as her eyes stayed focused on Coal. "Maybe something else?" She whispered. Her whispering made Coal narrow his eyes more at both Hathom and Kaylee. Still from where he was he couldn't hear what they were saying. "Maybe something that doesn't put you or the others in danger." Kaylee whispered again.

Coal didn't like this whispering crap. Kaylee would only see Coal as annoyed, while others might be able to read his emotions better. He didn't like the whispering, he didn't like Kaylee dating someone, he didn't like being in enemy territory and he really wasn't fond of Hathom..... But the biggest thing he really didn't like was that Kaylee kept this from him for a long time. He was one to talk as he was keeping a secret too.... But to him this different. It was like she had a whole other family and he was not invited.

"I think I'll pass." Coal redirected his eyes to other things around them as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

 

[shadowz1995]

Kaylee blinked at Hathom for a moment. His offer seemed a bit much in her eyes. Letting Coal call the shots while they trained. She had seen their training plenty of times, to her it was not a game. Even if he played a lot of video games.... She wondered ho Coal would react to this. If it were here she would say no as she was not very good in those situations.

Coal had a questionable stare as he looked to Hathom. His offer was very random, or it was really not expected at all. Deep down it confused the crap out of him. What was Hathom trying to prove with this idea?

Kaylee tapped Hathom's shoulder lightly as her eyes stayed focused on Coal. "Maybe something else?" She whispered. Her whispering made Coal narrow his eyes more at both Hathom and Kaylee. Still from where he was he couldn't hear what they were saying. "Maybe something that doesn't put you or the others in danger." Kaylee whispered again.

Coal didn't like this whispering crap. Kaylee would only see Coal as annoyed, while others might be able to read his emotions better. He didn't like the whispering, he didn't like Kaylee dating someone, he didn't like being in enemy territory and he really wasn't fond of Hathom..... But the biggest thing he really didn't like was that Kaylee kept this from him for a long time. He was one to talk as he was keeping a secret too.... But to him this different. It was like she had a whole other family and he was not invited.

"I think I'll pass." Coal redirected his eyes to other things around them as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

Hathom figured neither of them were going to like the idea all that much but the captain wasn't about to let it slide so easily. In his mind, this was a step in the right direction with Coal. So he could get a taste of what it was like to be one of them. To be on the receiving end of the mutant attacks. "It'll be a learning experience for everyone. Also, dont you want to see your little brother step up if he's needed? There might come a day where he has to. For your sake, Id prefer he be ready for that." Hathom said this loud enough so that Coal could hear. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the boy getting increasingly irritated and Hathom could only imagine it was because of the secrecy, judging by the way he was staring at Kaylee.

"Its simple stuff Coal. We will run a simulation and you tell us what to do. Its like an RTS game. Im assuming you've played a few? We have to run mandatory PT anyway because we have some new additions to the A.P.S. Might as well do something instead of just standing around bored right?"

Long's mechanical voice made it skund a bit eerie but the message was genuine enough. Hathom wasnt hiding anything like the attractive woman beside him was. He genuinely wanted to see what Coal was capable of. He may be a big bad mutie but it remained to be seem whether he was capable of leading anyone.

"I think you'll be excited to know that you'll be commanding the same men and womem that took on Vangaurd last night. Some of them are mutants so that adds a bit of a twist don't you think?" Hathom was betting on the assumption that Coal wanted to know what most mutants wanted know. What kind of self-respecting mutant would team up with the hero killers. The mutant murderers. The butchers.

"Sure you want to pass this up?" The cyborg inquired with a raised eyebrow.​

 

[Super Villain Nova]

Kaylee wasn't sure how to answer but she understood where Hathom was coming from. They really didn't live in the best of areas. The Bronx was the Bronx, you either made it or you didn't. She looked to her hand still holding his as she could imagine Coal walking down the street and then coming up to a group of people. The images going through her mind were very unpleasant. She really didn't want to see the day that something bad would ever happen to her brother. The two only really had one another in the end.... Well.... Hathom has been there for Kaylee for sometime, and she did have her doubts, but those feelings were indeed left in the past.

After meeting Hathom and going out with him a few times, she wondered how long he would stick around. Even when Coal had yet to be in their little picture..... She had some bad past experiences. But now she felt safe and secure. For some reason she couldn't see Hathom walking away like the others had. For Hathom to even put in the effort with Coal said more than enough. Coal was still young and still had a lot to learn about life. Not to mention that he didn't really have any friends and maybe..... Just maybe.... Hathom could be a person he could look up to. Kaylee already looked up to Hathom in so many ways she couldn't even count them. He was a strong and independent individual that had a great group of friends that she was now lucky to even call as family.

She looked to Coal and gave Hathom's hand a little tight squeeze. She wanted her brother to be prepared for the future and with all these mutants running around causing havoc.... She was even worried for his safety.

"What do you say?" She asked in a soft voice. She watched him hoping he would say yes to the offer. She wanted him and Hathom to get along, she wanted her new found families to be together. It had been only her and Coal for such a long time. they did things on their own, they survived on their own... And now they had more than just the two of them.... Coal had yet to accept this or even know or understand it. She waited..... Eager and slightly impatient.

Coal looked to his sister and then the Hathom before looking both of them over. His perspective on the whole thing was much different than Kaylee's and at the moment he was not seeing anything good coming out of all this. Hathom knew who he was and was willing to place him in command over the APS team... Even if it was just a practice simulation.... He was questioning it from every angle he could think of. But the biggest question rattling his mind was 'why?'. Why was Hathom trying so hard? Was it just because of his sister, or was there more?

He rolled his eyes and let out a slight huff of air as he settled on his answer. "fine......" He muttered. Kaylee was about to jump for joy when Coal held up his hands to her. "But.... After this we go home...." He gave her a serious look as she settled down and slightly nodded. It was a start and not a bad one at that. She smiled at Coal and gave Hathom's hand another squeeze as she turned to him. Her eyes showed that she was grateful for his help. She knew Coal could be very difficult, but she also knew that Hathom was strong enough to handle Coal's adolescent stage. They would one day butt heads.... but for now..... This was a good start.

 

[Raku]

Anderson
Anderson's head tilted slightly as William mentioned the dragon. Of course it wasn't the dragon. If it was than Anderson wouldn't be talking about it. But the new guy did appear shortly after the dragon went to the street. Anderson understood that this guy was a man of interest because he was a witness, but there was also the possibility of involvement. He forgave William with a nod as everyone has a derp moment every now and then.

He was slightly amused by Sarah's comment afterwards. Anderson could tell just by the way Sarah acted that she was the "down and dirty" one. He could tell that she would rather be out in the field rather than doing paperwork and punching buttons in a cubical. Her next question pleased Anderson as he too wanted to advance this case somehow. "Although paperwork does need to be done I think are best bet is to return to the scene and look for anything that might lead us to him. You can't really fingerprint concrete but maybe sniffer dogs can catch his scent" Anderson said with a few hand gestures that said "I'm fine with either".

He knew after asking that question in a previous case that you can't leave fingerprints on concrete. The detectives around him at the time had laughed at that question. Since then he doesn't ask many questions he think may be stupid when on a case. One thing he was sure of though was that this guy left a scent on the scene. If they could get a dog up there and pick up the man's scent, they could find him.

I return! Took me too long.