Realistic or Modern Progress City: The Next Generation of Heroes (Accepting if Interested)

[Carnation]

Detail: The battle for good and evil has ended for nearly fifty years now. Criminals no longer steal, maniacs are kept in Asylums, and Super Villains are becoming a myth. During these last fifty years the numbers of heroes have grown and expanded all across the world. Some heroes have even married other heroes creating a new generation of heroes. Even though there is no more crime, that doesn't mean the world still does not need saving. The peace cannot last forever. Heroes are being hunted. They are disappearing without a trace. Some of the heroes have tried to capture the person responsible but they too are disappearing like all the rest that have tired to track down the culprit. Officials are worried. The Hero population is still pretty large, but it is diminishing at an alarming rate. Governments across the globe have agreed to make a sanctuary for the remaining heroes in Progress City where they will be able to blend with all the other normies and avoid capture from the strange hero napper. On the fiftieth anniversary of the last battle between good and evil, all the heroes were suspiciously invited to a party to remember the old glory days. After leaving their kids and going out to the City a mysterious figure lurks above the bustling streets. In the extravagant dining hall of the museum, a new attraction is opening called the "The Hall of Heroes." No one knows exactly what happened on that night, but the event led to the disappearance of all the adult heroes in the world. They left nothing but their children behind. Now alone the children of these heroes will need to find the children of other heroes, band together to find their parents, and fight this mysterious new evil.


Progress City : (The Museum is the Building that resembles a pot.)

 

[Carnation]

(A damaged TV hanging from the ceiling in an old factory turn on. A logo PCN flashes out along with its news room music. (Progress City News). A news woman follows after the logo is shrunk and placed into the bottom left corner with smaller news feed off of it. "Joanna Nash reporting in with a distressing report. A mass number of kidnappings have been growing all over the world. Even to our very doorsteps here in our fair city. A recent incident happened just last week when local police stations all around received more than over a hundred calls from friends and families about loved ones who disappeared in one night. In other news. Reports reveal that crime is steadily on the rise. and the police are having a hard time keeping it contained. This reporter has to ask all our viewers what we are all thinking. Where have our hero's gone? Moving on for later tonight the big game will be star-" As the news woman kept yammering Ghost was busy shining his blades when a call was coming in. Ghost put his right hand to his ear to activate the radio. "Oracle. What's the job this time?" Oracle was Ghost's AI in his main computer and gear that kept track of the condition of the gear and Ghost's vitals. "It seems our previous employer wants us to do some reconnaissance, along with a bit of sabotage... sir." Ghost paced around the room with a newly sharpened dagger, and held it up to the light. "How do they want us to do that." Oracle then made a bing noise. "Update received. Ghost we are supposed to break into the public broadcast mainframe and upload a message. It won't be easy however." "Isn't it always." "I already calculated strategic vantage points and escape routes. All that is needed is a hand print scan from the governor to gain access to the building." "Just tell me the details about that on the ride there." "Then I have one last piece of information Ghost. Allegedly the governor is supposed to have a public meeting with the local leaders to address the disappearances within the city today at noon today" Ghost turns around to face the TV one last time and the screen showed the governor on his way to city hall. Ghost then trows the dagger cutting the TV free from the ceiling and watched it crash into pieces on the cold hard floor, and the dagger was lodged in the wall. "I hope the governor will be willing to give me a hand."

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

In a dark and cold alleyway, piles of trash and half destroyed furniture piled up. A small girl huddled, hidden by the couch, wrapped in a torn curtain. Sure, the couch would be far more comfortable, but being seen was not an option for the street rat. If she was found, who knows what might happen. Even with her pale green hoodie and torn sweatpants, the red haired child was half frozen. Come get your childsickle. Her frame was certainly far too small, but she was used to it. The girl's eyes were a dull blue, no longer holding the spark they once contained. Still, Astra was determined. So she set out.


It had been approximately three days since she'd eaten and the girl needed food. Badly. So much that she was willing to go to extremes. Slinking past the store's delivery truck, she pressed her cold hands to the wooden frame. As if responding to her call, blue flames spread quickly up her arms and onto the building. Astra barely had time to stop her cry of pain as the fire destroyed her skin. But she had to do it. After a minute of excruciating pain, the child found a small puddle and doused her arms. In the chaos, Astra began to use her scorched hands to gather fruits, chips, anything she could fit in her bag. So what if her arms would suffer, what third degree burns? It would be worth it for weeks of food. Except that somehow her legs had also caught. Not good. Astra gave a small shriek before toppling to the ground as tears clouded her vision. Of course. She'd forgotten to let the flames out. The longer she contained them, the stronger they got. Perfect. A building on fire and a girl about to collapse from pain.

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh rolled out of bed, her platinum blonde hair messy and her eyes red and swollen from a lack of sleep. She walked into the kitchen rubbing her eyes, which was probably a bad idea she realized as she flinched from the pain. Groggily, she made her way to the coffee machine where she put a mug in and pressed a few buttons before switching the TV on to the news. "Reports reveal that crime is steadily on the rise. and the police are having a hard time keeping it contained. This reporter has to ask all our viewers what we are all thinking. Where have our hero's gone?" Alizeh sighed and turned back to the coffee machine. This was the question on everyone's lips, the question keeping her up at night. Her father was one of the many that had disappeared. He had been missing for, Alizeh glanced at the clock, four days and fifteen hours. She was growing more worried. The longer he was missing the more likely he wouldn't be found alive. Sipping her coffee she walked towards the window and looked out. She was shocked to find a building covered in flames. Without hesitation she put down her coffee and ran back into her bedroom to put her clothes on. Forgetting about her nest of hair she sprinted out of the building and down the street. The fire was bigger than she originally thought, despite this she used deoxygenation to decrease the surrounding oxygen, calming down the fire. Out of the corner of her eye Alizeh saw a small fragile figure. Her closed posture indicated she was in pain. Alizeh left the now smaller flames to move towards the young girl. She crouched down next to her and offered her hand to help her up. "Are you ok?" She asked softly.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra flinched away from the girl, her eyes wide. She was fairly certain this was a trick to get the food, and Astra was in no condition to fight back. Astra pulled her throbbing hands closer to herself and took in the features of the older girl. It appeared she could have been on the street, but she was far too clean for that, not to mention well feed. Astra would have shouted at Alizeh to back off, but her cursed father had taken that from her. So, she settled for the next best thing. American Sign Language.


'Back off you carrot!' She signed angrily through the haze of pain from moving her hands. 'Your mother was a goat and your father was a grape!' Astra was fairly sure this newcomer wouldn't understand, so she said a few more things. 'You can't have my food! It's mine! I stole it fair and circle!' Because circles need love too.


@NightSky

 

[NightSky]

The alarming reaction of the girl caused Alizeh to move back slightly and bring her hand back to her side. She watched closely as the young girl began to move her hands in what appeared to be sign language. Alizeh unfortunately couldn't make out what the young girl was trying to say to her, but the sharp gestures and displeased facial expressions indicated the young girl possibly didn't want Alizeh's help or wanted to be left alone. Alizeh however didn't want to leave the weak girl here, especially after she noticed her small hands were severely burnt. "I don't want anything from you or to hurt you." She tried to speak in a calm tone trying not to frighten her. "But those burns look bad and they may get worse if they aren't tended to soon." Alizeh was almost pleading to the girl to let Alizeh help her. She was determined not to leave her alone. especially in her current condition.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra frowned down, looking away. Street rule number one, never let anyone help. It's probably for personal gain, so what would Alizeh want? Astra pondered this for a moment before trying to pull herself away. That failed and earned a sharp cry of pain. To stop any tears, the girl closed her eyes tightly to block out anything. Maybe she could break the rules? She always broke the law, so why would this be any different. But first, 'Eat a feather you carrot!' She signed before looking down and nodding. It was far too hot, even if it was technically cold. Astra just had to get caught by someone. Never get caught, but here she was. Slowly giving up, Astra reached out for Alizeh.


@NightSky

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh waited patiently as the girl avoided eye contact and seemed to be considering her offer. Eventually, the red haired girl nodded. Alizeh smiled slightly with relief she was convinced the girl would've put up a strong fight but maybe she was too weak to fight back and she now realized this. The girl signed something else with her burnt hands before stretching her arms out to Alizeh. "I have some first aid stuff at home." Alizeh said while she helped the girl up and started to walk back home. She supported her as they walked past the building which was now burnt but no longer on fire, Alizeh looked down at the girl's hands. "Did you have something to do with the fire?" She asked but then realized maybe she shouldn't have.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra cringed at the question and looked away, not bothering to hide the look of agony on her face. Sure, she had a fire as a power, but it came with a price. Just like some of the ancient greeks, the greatest power comes with the greatest weakness. Well, Astra's power is her weakness. That's gotta be annoying. The red headed girl kept close to Alizeh, almost as though a beacon pulled her in. Even if Astraea disliked people, she had gotten a bit more attached to the kindness of Alizeh then she would like. Finally remembering she had to answer, and not wanting to lie to her friend, Astra nodded slowly.


@NightSky

 

[NightSky]

From the girl's immediate reaction of turning away from Alizeh to the question she assumed she did have something to do with the burning building. Then after walking closer towards the block of flats where Alizeh lived the young girl nodded her head. "Don't worry about it now, it has calmed down." She reassured her with a smile. "Well at least you didn't almost suffocate a room full of people like I did when first trying out my powers." Alizeh said as they walked past the reception desk and into the elevator. "It wasn't for long though." She said quickly after realizing that sounded rather bad. "I stopped immediately obviously." Alizeh sighed as she pushed the button to the top floor, she was just digging a deeper hole for herself.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra stared at the floor, glancing nervously at the people. Heck, the whole building terrified her. Street kids don't go into large buildings. So Astra kept her head down, only looking up every once and a while to nod. One man gave her an odd look and Astra nearly lit him on fire. Instead she settled for 'YOU DUMB CARROT! EAT A TREE YOU PICKLE!' Before going back to hiding behind Alizeh. She didn't really trust anyone, but Alizeh seemed the least likely to murder her. Other than trees. Trees are nice.


@NightSky

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh giggled slightly as the young girl hiding behind her, she followed her gaze to one of the men who lived on one of the lower floors. "That's Mr Cole, he's a little weird." Alizeh explained as the elevator doors opened to the penthouse suite. "He's got like six snakes or something." She continued with a shiver as she unlocked the door and walked into her lifelong home. There were large windows which lit up the modern looking lounge which connected to the kitchen. Alizeh, having left in such a rush earlier had left the news on the TV.


"Make yourself at home, help yourself to any food or drink." She said before walking into the bathroom. "I'm sure dad said there was a first aid kit in here somewhere." She mumbled to herself opening the cupboards.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra looked at all of the fancy stuff with a mix of confusion and awe before going to explore. She gently poked at the couch before sitting in front of it in a silent staring contest. The couch, having no eyes, won. She then scampered over to the windows to look out. How high they were terrified Astra and she ran back to the couch. After a bit more poking, she slowly put her arm on it. Probably looking insane as she wasn't sure the customs. Hearing a noise, she turned to see a bright box with moving pictures. Astra tilted her head and glared at it before sitting cross legged in front of it and staring at the news.


@NightSky

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh had taken almost everything possible out of the cupboard before finding a small first aid kit tucked away at the back. "Finally." She mumbled before pulling it out and banging her head on the sink. "Ow, ow, ow." She groaned rubbing her head and walking out of the bathroom stepping over all the shampoo bottles she had pulled out. She walked out into the lounge to see the girl wide eyed in front of the TV. She smiled and walked over. "You'll need to put your hands under cold water first." She said indicating to the closest sink which was in the kitchen.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra looked at her in horror before dashing off to hide. She didn't know where to, just that water was bad. Her mother hadn't ever let her in the pool, so why should a sink be different. Besides, that would wash off the dirt, the dirt that kept her from being stolen from. On the streets, if you look nice, you're getting robbed. No way was Astra gonna take that risk. What if there were sharks?! What if they ate her?! Nope, nope, not taking chances. So she ducked under something, not even sure what it was to disappear for a bit. No way was she going near dangerous water.


@NightSky

 

[Carnation]

Ghost was now stationed above one of the skyscrapers overlooking city hall. Ghost spied on them as they entered the building. "There's the police chief, the commissioner, and here is Mr. Payday himself (The Governor). Oracle I'm going in." "Understood." Ghost jumped onto his hover board and activated his camouflage as he descended towards the ground.


"Sir! The meeting will begin in a few minuets. Please relax as much as you can." "Thank you." The governor was pacing in the well ravished room. He walked over to the mini bar and got out some mo mosa. He was the kind of person that drinks when stressed but luckily he was one of the few that didn't continue after the first few cups. "Sir! It's time." The Governor got up. Went to the mirror and fixed his hair. The kept on knocking. "I'll be there in a moment." As he entered the room he was so surprised that he stopped in mid sentence. "Alright Jones. Please take me t-" Ghost looked at the governor. The governor looked at Ghost, and then his eyes turned to the ground where guards were sprawled on the ground. Some were also hanging from the ceiling and others were stuck to the wall in some electrical glowing green net. "Whats wrong sir? You need a glass of water? You look pale. Its almost as if you seen a Ghost. Heh heh." The governor tried to punch Ghost but his fist phased through the man. As he tried to hit Ghost a second time Ghost grabbed the governors fist and used his own strength against him bending it back so violently that it ended up breaking his arm. Ghost then kicked the man to the ground with such force that a nearby vase fell from a cub bard and hitting him right on the noggin. As the governor looked up, all he could see was Ghost reaching his hand over his line of vision before everything faded to black. A few minutes passed and since the governor never arrived to the room they sent people to look for him. More guards and even the police arrived but it was to late. The governor was gone. The building was put in lock down and this decision ended up drawing some unwanted attention from civilians who were now taking pictures with their phones. News teams appeared like ants at a picnic. Soon they rolled out their cameras showing on all channels of the crime that just took place.


@NightSky @Echo Dreamsong

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh raised an eyebrow as the girl hurried off. "What's wrong?" She asked as she put the first aid kit down on the table and looked over at the sink. There was nothing around it, just the broken dripping tap. Eventually she found the girl under the dining table. "Are you scared of water?" She asked sitting cross legged in front of her. "It won't hurt-" Alizeh was cut off by the TV becoming considerably louder. Alizeh's head sharply turned towards the TV. "What's going on?" She asked in confusion. As if in reply to her question a news reporter stood in a large crowd described the situation. "City Hall is on lock down after security brutally killed and The Governor has been reported missing." Alizeh watched in shock, they had almost all the heroes and now the Governor. She turned to look out the window where people were scrambling around. "What is going on?" She thought aloud, something was definitely not right here.


@Echo Dreamsong @Carnation

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra slowly crawled out and stared at the screen. Without a real way to communicate, she couldn't quite tell Alizeh what she wanted to do. But since her hands were burnt, she wouldn't mind a bit more pain for the day. First she pointed at herself, then Alizeh, then the door. And repeated that again before finally running out with only the hope that Alizeh might follow. Down the stairs instead of the elevator, until that got tiring. Then into the elevator, then out into the street to wait and see if Alizeh would follow.


(Sorry, writer's block is hitting)


@NightSky


@Carnation

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh turned back to the girl who was now on her feet looking at her. She pointed to her chest then at Alizeh twice before sprinting out the door. Alizeh got the impression the girl wanted her to follow so this time she switched the TV off and ran out of the room locking the door behind her. She didn't see which way the girl went but assumed she had left the building so she took off towards the stairs. She jogged down the stairs not going too fast because if she did, that would most likely end up with her falling down the stairs and that was the last thing she needed right now. She got to the last step and slipped, luckily landing on her feet but got that horrible rush through her body after. Shaking it off she ran outside to see the red haired girl. "Where are we going?" She asked her slightly out of breath.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra's face lite up seeing her and she bolted down the streets. She came to a stop at an alleyway, walking in with no fear. The mess of furniture somehow didn't trip her and she came back with a bag full of leaves. With a quick smile at Alizeh, Astra dashed off again. This time towards City Hall. Except that she dropped down into a water ditch and began climbing in through there. Odd probably, but Astra had pulled off a heist here before and knew her way around. I can't say the back of her hand, cause that changes with the burns. Once inside, she came up in the floor of the kitchen and looked around. Quickly she hopped out and poked her head out the door. Surprisingly no guards, so she disappeared down the long carpeted hallway looking for what might have been the killer.

 

[NightSky]

With a confused expression Alizeh ran closely behind the young girl, she was surprisingly fast for such a small girl. She came to a stop at a dark alleyway. Alizeh barely had time to debate whether to follow her or not as she had already sprinted back out and further down the street. This street was familiar, it was the street leading to the City Hall. What is she thinking? Alizeh even though she was reluctant followed the girl as they made their way into the City Hall. They appeared in a grand kitchen. Alizeh had never been inside the City Hall but this wasn't the time to look around as the girl had slipped down the corridor. She couldn't go back now, she had to go through with whatever the girl was planning since she had got this far.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra ducked around corners until she came to face several guards. "HEY! Kids, how did you get in here?!" The man broke ranks and dashed after Astra. The young girl squeaked and dashed down the stone hall. Until she tripped and fell on her face. She quickly flipped onto her back to find a gun aimed at her chest. Her eyes widened and her hands quickly caught fire. The guard called out and shot the gun. Astra barely had time to pull herself up before the bullet entered her leg and hit the bone, possibly shattering it. Astra screamed in agony as she curled her leg tighter. Tears blurred her vision and she cried one word over and over. "Mommy!" She sobbed, feeling a warm sticky liquid pooling around her.


@NightSky @Carnation

 

[Carnation]

Ghost got what was needed for the rest of the job. He knew prior about how the governor had cybernetic parts all over his body. Good thing too or else this job could have been a lot messier than it needed to be. As Ghost looked at his reserves they were nearly depleted. Just then a guard ran past with a gun at hand.The whole operation seemed bleak for a moment. Not enough energy to stay long invisible or call in his ride. Only one thing left to do. Unknown to others police, military, and city guards have all undergone cybernetic enhancements for their dangerous jobs, but more importantly it means a free meal on legs for Ghost. Ghost turned on his camouflage and followed in pursuit of the guard. Just then the guard fired his weapon. Not good. Others will be attracted to the sound. Ghost then revealed himself. The bright light coming in from the window made him glow as he stabbed his sword into the cybernetic parts of the guard. Which was more to the spine. The sword absorbed the power from the parts and left the man incapacitated. "Ah good. I still need a little more power." Then to wash away the transfused blood of the blade he swished it down getting every single drop off. Just then he noticed a small girl calling for her mommy. Ghost saw this as an opportune time to leave and dissipated into the bright shining light. Ghost then heard more guards running in that direction. This was one of the only chances to escape with a full tank unnoticed. With this thought Ghost smiled under the mask.


@Echo Dreamsong @NightSky

 

[NightSky]

Alizeh had slowed down unintentionally which created a bit of space between the girls. She saw a few shadows of some largely built men, presumably guards around the corner. She hid behind a table by the well and watched as they walked past her holding her breath for a few minutes. After she was sure they had gone she crept further down the corridor being hearing a high pitched scream which could only belong to one person. She sprinted towards the sound to find the girl on the floor in an increasing pool or blood. Seeing a couple guards in the room she thrust forward her hands which pushed them out of the window shattering it and sending them down to the road next to the City Hall. She ran towards the girl who was huddled in pain. "Oh my.." She covered her mouth from the shock of all the blood. "I need to get you to a hospital." She said before picking her up, she was surprisingly light. Alizeh turned the majority of her body, apart from her arms holding the girl, into a mist like substance so she could float down through the broken window to the road. After she sprinted towards the closest hospital and walked inside handing the young girl to the first free doctors hands.


@Echo Dreamsong

 

[Error404RealityFailed]

Astra clenched her teeth and kept her eyes closed. Feeling someone holding her, she calmed a bit, but when that person handed her off, Astra began sobbing again. The people handling her where cold and distant, nothing like what she had just felt. "Mommy!" She cried, reaching wildly for Alizeh.


The doctors had to strap her to the table to stop her from doing. From there the medics began examining the burns and bullet wound. Lots of blood had been lost and Astra wasn't looking well. Except for the small smile on her face. Probably having a good dream. The doctors immediately took her into surgery where they began the long task of removing the bullet. Once they had removed the metal, they stitched her leg up and began to dress the burns. Finally they wheeled the girl out of the room and brought her to her new one. The head doctor, a slim man with messy black/grey hair "I, um, heard that you ma'am are the one who brought the girl in? Well we have a summary. So far, we have removed the bullet and placed the stitches, dressed the burns, and begun examining her other physical problems. For one, she had obviously been malnourished for quite some time. Would you mind telling us your connection with her? If you are a relative she can go home, but if not we can find, um, other means." He finished awkwardly. "Oh! Yes, if you don't already know, her vocal chords have been severely damaged. But you probably knew that."