In cannon, the big three just strolled in and bitch-slapped them effortlessly, so I'm really confused what the big deal is.

The big fact is that Symphony is a tier above almost everything the big three fought in all of cannon before the Endbringer's showed up. The only one on his level is the Fairy Queen and possibly Grey Boy. The man broke the laws of physics on the level of Eidolon with the wave of his hand, and he's not even trying.

My best guess is that this is supposed to be more 'forced character development', although the timing is really shitty.

The timing for the attack, or the timing for the development?

Whatever it is feel free to level anything you have, can't grow without some criticism after all.
Adhoc vote count started by IKnowNothing on May 16, 2018 at 1:30 PM, finished with 25 posts and 15 votes.

  • [X] Try to find David. He's got to have some power that can get you to London if he was able to teleport you away before. And honestly, having someone as powerful as him would be good.
    [X] Search for Manton. The Doctor is one of the smartest people in the station. If he can't get you out of here, he's got to know how to get this Doormaker working for you again. Having a brain to think up a plan wouldn't be too bad either.
    [X] spend the day learning to stop moaning all the time and start acting like the leader you want to be. All this complaining makes you seem like a child. It's exhausting to read the same thing over and over
    [x] Kill Doctor Mother
 
[X] Try to find David. He's got to have some power that can get you to London if he was able to teleport you away before. And honestly, having someone as powerful as him would be good.
 
Hmmmm well that was... probably the only way that that situation could have ended.
Even if this does sow an immense amount of distrust in parahumans, Contessa can find the way to manipulate public opinion back into their favour. Even if Alex's path fails they can still backup onto Dr Mothers. Even if Earth Bet is broken in half because Symphony sneezed while pointing the beam around there are other planets that Cauldron can recruit from.
At least thats how Dc M sees it. If we made a mistake in the last vote it was that we assumed she was actually committed to the plan rather than just testing the waters. However I also don't see how we could have possibly changed her mind. Ironically probably the fastest way we can get to help is by waiting for Contessa to come up with a deployment plan and showing that we're not so upset that we're a liability.
Alex probably should have stopped talking when she brought up all the drawbacks. At that stage I think we'd convinced her to ask Contessa for a more aggressive plan than she would have otherwise.

As far as the vote goes I think all the options are more or less dead ends. I'm voting Charles however as I think that he's the most likely to be able to emphasise and talk Alex down. I doubt Manton would help and Alex doesn't really like him anyway. David is most likely to have a way to get there, however I don't think we're likely to convince him either.

[X] Head to Charles' Lab. The tinker has to have some sort of project that can get you out of here. It's a long shot, but if he's willing to help, it'll be worth it. Plus, having some gear to have with you can't help.

So can we ask Harbinger to make a number crunch of are chances of success? I don't like our odds.
That would require going back to the room with Dc M and Alex isn't in the mood to listen anyway.
we have wavelength manipulation can we force a path through dimensions?
Nope, we have Gravity control.
Dr. Mother's dialogue made me feel briefly depressed and nauseous.
The highest of praise.
 
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Whatever it is feel free to level anything you have, can't grow without some criticism after all.
No, I'm not criticizing the quest - I'm just saying that I have extreme difficulty believing that Cauldron really can't take Symphony and whoever the other two are out. With our new, less horrific plan, none of us can see any reason as to why we would let this be the world's first impression of parahumans. I was guessing that this was another one of the ways to force Alex and co. to mature in a short period of time, but if that is the case it's callously sociopathic in the extreme.
 
No, I'm not criticizing the quest - I'm just saying that I have extreme difficulty believing that Cauldron really can't take Symphony and whoever the other two are out. With our new, less horrific plan, none of us can see any reason as to why we would let this be the world's first impression of parahumans. I was guessing that this was another one of the ways to force Alex and co. to mature in a short period of time, but if that is the case it's callously sociopathic in the extreme.

Oh no, this isn't some simulation. Doctor Mother did one of those, and you know what happened? Alex got right up in her face and told her exactly how he felt and wasn't afraid to throw shit around to prove it.

Right now, there are five parahumans, including Symphony in London. Only three were shown really in the declaration, but the fact remains that going in there without a plan is stupid at best and suicidal at worse since Symphony has show powers that equal David's at his most destructive. It's airing on the side of caution vs going in ASAP.
Adhoc vote count started by IKnowNothing on May 16, 2018 at 10:38 PM, finished with 32 posts and 17 votes.

  • [X] Try to find David. He's got to have some power that can get you to London if he was able to teleport you away before. And honestly, having someone as powerful as him would be good.
    [X] Search for Manton. The Doctor is one of the smartest people in the station. If he can't get you out of here, he's got to know how to get this Doormaker working for you again. Having a brain to think up a plan wouldn't be too bad either.
    [X] spend the day learning to stop moaning all the time and start acting like the leader you want to be. All this complaining makes you seem like a child. It's exhausting to read the same thing over and over
    [x] Kill Doctor Mother
    [X] Head to Charles' Lab. The tinker has to have some sort of project that can get you out of here. It's a long shot, but if he's willing to help, it'll be worth it. Plus, having some gear to have with you can't help.
 
No, I'm not criticizing the quest - I'm just saying that I have extreme difficulty believing that Cauldron really can't take Symphony and whoever the other two are out. With our new, less horrific plan, none of us can see any reason as to why we would let this be the world's first impression of parahumans. I was guessing that this was another one of the ways to force Alex and co. to mature in a short period of time, but if that is the case it's callously sociopathic in the extreme.
I'm guessing you've only read the threadmarks? It's worth checking the sidestory as the other members of Symphonies group receive more detail in the canon omakes.
As for why we're being cautious, Symphony got the stilling shard. To put in perspective how Bonkers OP this shard is in canon Scion looked at the Sting shard, an anti shard weapon so potent that it has been virtually unchanged since the entities began their cycles, he looked as the QA shard, which let him efficiently manage and multitask all his powers at once and then gave them away, but he kept the Stilling shard. This is the shard that canonically destroyed London in a single shot.

David can almost certainly pull out a power that will allow him to defend himself against the beam, however given its lethality there is no room for error and if he makes a miscalculation or is too slow then he's very likely to die immediately.
And thats only the most obvious offensive power he's displaying. All this time he's been keeping an orchestra playing across London making him a discount Screamer, and given that he's clearly not worried about some unpowered but armed cop getting the jump on him its a relatively safe bet that he's got some kind of defensive power although we don't know what it is precisely.
 
[X] Try to find David. He's got to have some power that can get you to London if he was able to teleport you away before. And honestly, having someone as powerful as him would be good.
 
[x] Gather Manton, David, and Rebecca along with Mathew and then head to Charles' lab if they are willing. Discuss this quickly as a group and see who is willing to act with you. Don't try to force anyone into going, and make it quick.

We have friends and allies, why stand alone?
 
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[x] Gather Manton, David, and Rebecca along with Mathew and then head to Charles' lab if they are willing. Discuss this quickly as a group and see who is willing to act with you. Don't try to force anyone into going, and make it quick.

We have friends and allies, why stand alone?
Why do you consider Manton an ally?
Aside from having very little interaction with him (most of which we disliked) I would have assumed that he was completely aboard team Dr Mother.
 
Why do you consider Manton an ally?
Aside from having very little interaction with him (most of which we disliked) I would have assumed that he was completely aboard team Dr Mother.
He's a potential ally, worst case scenario he sneers at us and we move on.

As far as the vote goes I think all the options are more or less dead ends. I'm voting Charles however as I think that he's the most likely to be able to emphasise and talk Alex down. I doubt Manton would help and Alex doesn't really like him anyway. David is most likely to have a way to get there, however I don't think we're likely to convince him either.
Regardless of the possibility of this being a dead end, I don't think voting from the perspective of "who will talk down Alex the best" makes much sense. We are Alex here, and he's trying to think of the best way to take the fight to London.
 
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Regardless of the possibility of this being a dead end, I don't think voting from the perspective of "who will talk down Alex the best" makes much sense. We are Alex here, and he's trying to think of the best way to take the fight to London.
I don't think any of these choices are OoC otherwise they wouldn't have been offered. And given my assumption that this is a [ ] Spend time with vote I have absolutely no reason not to vote for what I think I will enjoy the most.
I also think arguments like 'but thats meta logic' are only so useful. One way of looking at votes in a quest is 'What do I think the character would do next' and the argument makes sense in that context however its also valid to interpret a vote as 'What would I like to see the character do next' and in that case its totally meaningless.
 
[X] Try to find David. He's got to have some power that can get you to London if he was able to teleport you away before. And honestly, having someone as powerful as him would be good.

"And no one," you promise, "Not Doctor Mother, not my brother, not even you, can stand there, and tell me that I have to ignore the one thing in my life that's made me worth anything."
Uh... not sure that's a healthy mindset for our protagonist to get into. If we don't get that straightened out ASAP, he might end up like canon Eidolon; living only for his power.

you see Harbinger straighten the second you're gaze stops at him
your
 
Uh... not sure that's a healthy mindset for our protagonist to get into. If we don't get that straightened out ASAP, he might end up like canon Eidolon; living only for his power.

As I have said before, if Alex got the High Priest Shard in the beginning, there was a pretty good chance that Endbringer's would spawn. Take from that what you will.


... truly, the battle against grammar is a never-ending one. :V

Thanks though, editing now.
 
So thinking about it some more I now agree with Doctor Mother, she obviously doesn't want us going in like the overly emotional, inexperienced stupid teenagers that we are and getting killed so have about we calm the fuck down and come up with a plan of attack that convinces her otherwise, going in as we are right now is likely to prove her right.

We have 5 Triumvirate tier parahumans backed up by Contessa and Harbinger, the two most bullshit thinkers in the setting and with access to the nigh infinite resources of Cauldron, this is perfectly doable and I can think of a very simple and potentially effective way of dealing with Symphony and his psychos: Throw them into empty Earths through tactical use of Doormaker, this would be coordinated by Contessa and Harbinger to know precisely when and where to open the doors, I can see Alex's gravity manipulation in particular being extremely effective for this.

So instead of a big flashy battle that has a high risk of collateral damage this would be a simple, clean operation that focuses on neutralizing the enemies as quickly and efficiently as possible, once they're taken care of we can then assist with rebuilding the city, rescuing civilians trapped in buildings and that kind of thing so we can be seen helping by the wider population like Alex wants.

Thoughts?
 
So thinking about it some more I now agree with Doctor Mother, she obviously doesn't want us going in like the overly emotional, inexperienced stupid teenagers that we are and getting killed so have about we calm the fuck down and come up with a plan of attack that convinces her otherwise, going in as we are right now is likely to prove her right.

We have 5 Triumvirate tier parahumans backed up by Contessa and Harbinger, the two most bullshit thinkers in the setting and with access to the nigh infinite resources of Cauldron, this is perfectly doable and I can think of a very simple and potentially effective way of dealing with Symphony and his psychos: Throw them into empty Earths through tactical use of Doormaker, this would be coordinated by Contessa and Harbinger to know precisely when and where to open the doors, I can see Alex's gravity manipulation in particular being extremely effective for this.

So instead of a big flashy battle that has a high risk of collateral damage this would be a simple, clean operation that focuses on neutralizing the enemies as quickly and efficiently as possible, once they're taken care of we can then assist with rebuilding the city, rescuing civilians trapped in buildings and that kind of thing so we can be seen helping by the wider population like Alex wants.

Thoughts?
Clairvoyant is the relevant one not Harbinger.
And my thoughts are that both parties handled this argument poorly, however Dr M is the one approaching this rationally.
 
We have 5 Triumvirate tier parahumans backed up by Contessa and Harbinger, the two most bullshit thinkers in the setting and with access to the nigh infinite resources of Cauldron, this is perfectly doable and I can think of a very simple and potentially effective way of dealing with Symphony and his psychos: Throw them into empty Earths through tactical use of Doormaker, this would be coordinated by Contessa and Harbinger to know precisely when and where to open the doors, I can see Alex's gravity manipulation, in particular, being extremely effective for this.

So instead of a big flashy battle that has a high risk of collateral damage this would be a simple, clean operation that focuses on neutralizing the enemies as quickly and efficiently as possible, once they're taken care of we can then assist with rebuilding the city, rescuing civilians trapped in buildings and that kind of thing so we can be seen helping by the wider population like Alex wants.

Thoughts?

I think I should clarify something, right now, Doormaker's accuracy is only allowed since Contessa has set up paths to direct him. There is no clairvoyant to help aim while Doctor Mother has Contessa working jobs for her.

Theoretically, this plan could work with all the pieces in place, but as of right now, Doctor Mother is having Contessa Path out about a dozen different plans while Alex wants to get to the city to help ASAP. Right now, all plans should take into account that Doctor Mother controls Contessa, who in turn aims Doormaker, with Harbinger only a few feet away from Doctor Mother at all times.

David could do the plan that you're thinking, just throwing people into different earths, but that power will take a lot of energy that he wouldn't be willing to use if more energy efficient powers can be used to take people down are available to him. Charles might be able to make something, but he doesn't have the time or resources to build that on the fly.

From what I can see of the vote, everyone is going for the 'Peace through Superior Firepower option," but that can change anytime with a write-in.

You guys can add a write-in to the vote of how you're going to convince the people you're seeing to let you through.
 
3.10: More Than The World On Their Shoulders
Can you win this?

Maybe, if you got the drop on them, it wouldn't be hard. Just a thought and Symphony will be gone, and everyone will be safe.

Then how does that show how good superhumans can be?

It doesn't.

It could make things worse. But the alternative is risking your life. Is that worth it?

Yes, so long as they have a chance, a choice.

And that makes it all the more likely that you'll-

You shake your head.

No, that's not going to happen, you're not going to die today.

In fact, no one else needs to die, so long as you had enough power to get to London and end this.

And there was only one person in the entire station that fit the bill.

The thoughts one of the best you've had all day, but there's a small catch. You don't have a clue where he might be, and there's an entire facility of possibilities between you and him.

Not to mention Doctor Mother could've sent Fortuna after you by now. If she gets you, she'll talk you out of everything, and that'll-.

You palm your face, forcing your fingers through the waves so you can feel it. Come on Alex. You don't have time to think about that. Doctor Mother had her chance to help you, and all she's doing now is slowing you down.

If Fortuna wants to stop you, let her try.

All she needs to do is give you a path to save London as soon as possible. Give you that, and you'll stop. But Doctor Mother doesn't want that, so she doesn't want it either.

But if she talks to you without that in mind-Dammit no!

No more of that. It's just going to make you freeze. You need to keep moving. No thought that comes later. Action is what everyone needs right now.

So with adrenaline in your veins, you reach out and quickly press the button for the first secondary residence hall. The flick fills the air, and you feel the waves spring to life above you. There's a click as the elevator starts to move down. Matthew glances up. Whether he can see the waves or not is anyone's guess, but unlike you, he's quick to the implications around him.

"Where are we headed?"

"Hopefully?" you ask, and he gives you a flat look, "To David. First time he trained me, he snapped his fingers, and suddenly we were in the middle of nowhere. If he can do that, then he's got to have a power that can get to London."

Matthew's eyes glint in understanding, but he doesn't nod. His finger taps against his arm, and his face scrunches like he tasted something sour. The silence the fallows makes you break into a cold sweat. You drag your foot against the ground, snap a few waves around to force a breeze on the growing line of sweat on your face.

The door flies open, and you have to bite your cheek to stop yourself from jerking back like an idiot. However, your foot is already out of the elevator before the door, or you have a chance to finish what you started. You're just moving on autopilot, half jogging into the hallway, only stopping to glance around the corner for anyone.

It's clear, and the seconds breaks over just as quickly as it comes.

"His room is the first on the left," Matthew calls as you turn the corner.

Like the floor above it, the rooms line the left-hand side while the majority of the other half is nothing but a window looking out to the waters below. Keeping focused, you follow the directions you're given, not even bothering to knock on the door and forcing it open with a wave of your hand.

The door buckles slightly in vain resistance, but it doesn't last long. When it opens, you're in almost a carbon copy of your room. It was like walking into similar rooms in a hotel, with a different guest's stuff thrown around.

Or in this case, the dusty wheelchair in the corner of the room, the open window leading to the ocean and the occupant that you're looking for..

David leans against his palms, sitting on the bed with his eyes glued to a muted news report. The poor anchor could barely read off their teleprompted script. Behind them, censored stills of the declaration in London shuffle across the screen. With each one that passes, David's scowl deepens to something so raw and vengeful you don't think he even notices that his knuckles are starting to crack.

"I take it you're having just as hard a time believing this as I am?"

"More than you know."

David gives you a sideways glance from his seat, his eyes shifting through the colors of the rainbow as powers cycle through him. He rings his fingers together, pursing his lips as you think he tries to hold in a sigh.

"You want to stop this?"

"Yeah," you nod, "I need-"

"We."

You snap around, and even David blinks in surprise. Matthew still has his arms crossed, and his face is little more than a line of seriousness. Then he glances at you, cracks a small smile.

You're left frozen as he walks into the room like he owns the place. You even feel yourself going as straight as a board as he passes, even David tenses, ready to spring to his feet at the ready. He looks down, frowning at the action and gripping his knee with one hand to stop it from moving.

"London is burning, and Doctor Mother has closed down the doors after an…" he pauses, his arm tensing slightly, "Argument with Alex. So we need you to get us to London," Matthew finishes.

David nods along.

"Manton told me that might happen," he says.

You and Matthew share a look.

"Manton thought this could happen?" Matthew asks.

"For as hardcoded as Doctor Mother is, Manton is just as good. He figured that if anything on Earth spirals to far out of control, she'd shut down Doormaker to stop it from getting to the facility."

"Or us from leaving," you finish.

David gives another nod.

"Let me guess; she said it was for your own good?"

You give a quick nod, and David grimaces.

"Well… that makes this worse," he turns his attention to Matthew, "Especially if you're coming to."

Matthew's eyes reflective glance to you, "I wasn't going to let him do this alone."

Surprise flashes over David's face, however, when it passes, the surprise slowly morphs into scrutiny.

"So you two," he says, pointing a finger at each of you, "Want me," the finger moves back to him, "To get you two to London so you can, what? Stop a psychopath who's leading a team that turned London into a war zone in record time?"

There's no thought, no argument, just a nod from the two of you.

"Good."

You flinch back as David jumps to his feet, all traces of scrutiny gone just like that. He looks… impressed, though that changes into a scowl pretty quickly.

"I've been waiting for a chance to put that bastard down."

"So what's stopped you?" Matthew asks.

David grimaces, even running a hand through the strange mop of hair on his head.

"I can take them out, but doing that alone would risk more people's lives than I'm willing to live with. You coming along makes the job of getting them out a lot easier."

"... you care about everyone getting out?"

As much as it hurts you, you can't stop the surprise from leaking through the question. Or, in fact, the question getting out at all. David shots a glare your way.

"What kind of hero doesn't save people?"

You open your mouth to answer, but when both of them send looks your way, you decide not to comment. Coughing into your hand, you figure it's time to address the elephant in the room.

"When are we leaving?"

David turns around, sending an odd glance to the window.

"Once I've finished charging a few things up, and Rebecca finishes suiting up. She was also getting some supplies from Charles."

You blanch instantly. Rebecca was coming with you? Oh no… no that's not good. Your hear heart roaring in your chest, and your hand goes to your head to keep the floor from swaying anymore.

"We didn't see her in the elevator," you hear Matthew say.

"Flying's faster for her," David answers, "She hasn't used the elevator for as long as I've known her. Is that ok, Alex?"

You're snapped back to clarity, and David leans forward, his hands flashing silver for a second.

"I'd prefer if you started with that," you say.

"Why? So we could leave without her?"

You let out a sputter of air, and David rolls his eyes, a small smirk of victory over his face.

"Then it's better that you didn't start with it."

The door opens and… wow. When David said that she was suiting up, he really wasn't kidding. If you didn't recognize her voice, you wouldn't be able to recognize her. She looks so much stronger than you ever imagined her being.

It's beautiful.

"He'd probably be overreacting more if you did," she says.

You don't blink, but you feel a hand gently guide your jaw back to a close. Matthew glares at you, and you finally notice the box that she has tucked under her arm. Whatever it is, the distraction is enough to provide you with the strength to speak.

"Re-"

"No, not a word out of you yet," Rebecca cuts you off as she walks over to David.

You're left blinking following her every step as David somehow earns an explanation with a look.

"Charles will come later, right now he's keeping Manton and Contessa busy."

She stops, holding out a set of earbuds that seemingly appeared in her hand. He takes them and gets to work putting them in his ears. The second they're gone Rebecca grabs another set from the box and tosses the set to Matthew. He barely manages to catch them, leaving Rebecca to turn back to you.

You stiffen in place and awkwardly glance to everyone else in the room. David watches his hand go from blue to silver, and Matthew is a lot further away than you remember him being two seconds ago.

Traitors.

Suddenly, Rebecca's right in front of you with the box sitting comfortably on the bed next to David. Her arms cross, and unfortunately, because of the helmet, you can't see her eyes. Although, the stubborn frown is familiar enough to send a shiver down your spine. At least you don't move that much, but again, because of the helmet, you couldn't tell if she noticed.

"You ok?"

The question is reflex at this point. You don't feel it coming, and from the small flinch, Rebecca didn't either. Her frown fades away, all that's left is the desperate grip on her arm and a shaky line.

"No," she whispers.

You crack a small smile, but you have no idea who it's for.

"Yeah, me neither."

Rebecca returns the smile, and mercifully it comes as quickly as breathing. A cough breaks both of you out of it, and David looks… jealous? Rebecca quickly tucks a small bit of hair under behind her ear with one hand and clears her throat to the other.

"Is everyone up to speed?" she asks.

"Somewhat, but it's more than just us," David scoffs, "Thanks to these two, Doctor Mother isn't going to let us go the easy way."

Rebecca darts her head between the two of you, her frown narrowing every second that passes before he gives an almost tired sigh.

"You're the reason the doors are down, aren't you?" she figures.

"... yeah." You admit

Rebecca huffs a little, and David rolls his eyes, earning him a small glare from Matthew.

"It was something about him wanting to go in and save people without sounding like a suicidal idiot," David retorts to Matthew.

The glare from Matthew intensifies, to which David notches a challenging eyebrow. A second later, Matthew relents, leaving you gawking at the two of them.

"That's not what-"

"If the doors are down, yes it was," Rebecca cuts in.

You send a glance of betrayal Rebecca's way, but she ignores it, pinching the bridge of her nose and stifling a groan behind her hand. Matthew smirks from the side, and you force a look his way that makes him stop. Tapping her finger on her forehead slightly, Rebecca glances up at you and Matthew.

"No one wants to hear it, but we can use the extra time."

She glances at David, who almost flinches at her glare.

"How long will it take your teleporter power to get set up?"

You tilt your head, set up?

"About five more minutes," David answers, "But even then, we'll probably have to fly a bit."

Ok, back up.

"Why? Aren't you just going to get us all to London?" you ask.

David shakes his head.

"As much as I'd like to do that, I'd have to waste a power slot to manage it."

"Power slot?" you repeat.

David notches an eyebrow, but when he notices the confusion on Matthew's face as well, he sighs.

"I have a lot of powers, but I can only hold about four at a time," he explains, "To get us all exactly to London, I'll have to use about three powers. Flight so I don't just drop out of the air when we get there, the teleporter to get us off this rock, and probably some precog ability to aim the teleporter. That leaves me with one power to protect myself against Symphony, and any power that I use from then on needs a little time to charge up. I've got a power I'd like to keep charging right now, but it's going to take a while."

Makes sense. Even if you do have to fly, you're pretty sure that if you pushed the waves, you could go pretty damn fast. And seeing how quickly Rebecca could move just in these small spaces, she could probably book it as well.

So even if it isn't exactly on point, the distance lets David charge up the big guns. And from how Rebecca's stroking her chin, it gives a little time for a strategy.

"Then get charging," she orders.

"Already on it, and I'll do you one better in a second," David says.

Rebecca nods and points to you and Matthew, then the box.

"You two need to get into costume."

Despite yourself, you chuckle.

"We have super suits too?"

Rebecca nods, looking at you like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"You think I was the only one Charles made a suit for?" she asks, jerking a finger at the bow on the bed.

You frown a little, and you get the feeling that Rebecca is rolling her eyes from behind the visor.

"Listen. No one is going to care about a bunch of teenagers flying into London to fight," Rebecca explains, "But they will care if we give them an image to hold onto, some reference to that instantly brings to mind what we're about to do."

She taps the side of her helmet.

"It might not be much, but a mask will help us more than anything else right now."

Her expression darkens.

"That… and it'll be harder for everyone to…"

She quickly shakes her head.

"The point is normal clothes aren't exactly going to be the best choice if we're going to be going up against people like Symphony. The suits at a base are streamlined for faster flight, have monitors built in and for the benefit of those who need it, are bulletproof."

Wow, that sounds… amazing.

She turns a little to meet the questioning look of Matthew.

"They're also designed how you wanted them."

Matthew stares blankly at her, so Rebecca heads over to the box, rummages around for a second before pulling out a golden domino mask. Wait, no, it's not just a mask. Even from here, you can see circuits and other things sticking up from under the fabric. Turning on her heel, she hands the mask to you.

"A gift from Charles,"

Your head snaps down to the mask, did he finish it already? Your hands bring it to your face as fast as they can, and the mask seems to vacuum itself against your head. It itches a little, but otherwise, it feels-

Ow!

The spark flashes through your eyes, and you feel Rebecca prop you up with a gentle hand.

"He said putting it on would be painful."

No shit.

Before you can say it out loud though, something flashes over your eyes. Like a tv right in front of your face, numbers flash across the screen.

Calibration complete.

Dampener Efficacy: 98% remaining.


You blink and look around. Matthew jumps a little, and in your line of vision, a golden line outlines him. You will a few waves into existence around him, and the screen shifts again.

Calibration complete: Optimal levitation frequency obtained.

What the hell is this?

"New toys and bulletproof suits aren't going to do much here, considering what we're getting ourselves into."

You tear your eyes away from the screen, watching as David tells the unspoken truth. He gets up from the bed and takes a long moment to look at everyone in the room.

"I want to say that what I'm charging will keep you guys safe, but I can't."

He winces, disgusted at the words coming out of his mouth, but he keeps going.

"Whatever plan we make getting there is going to go straight to hell faster than any us will expect. So for the first and the last time, is everyone absolutely sure that they want to do this?"

Rebecca's nodding before you can blink. In the corner, Matthew glances at the floor, to David, and his hand starts to shake. David's face softens into something more solemn, but he doesn't say a word.

Matthew then looks to you, to Rebecca, finally to the light arcing between his fingers. When he looks up again, the shaking stops.

David takes it and then looks to you.

"… what kind of hero doesn't save people?" you hear yourself ask.

"…fair enough."

David puts one hand in the box and points a finger two you and Matthew.

"Then let's get you two ready."

He waves his hand, and the box glows. When it fades, Matthew's gotten an upgrade. He goes a few shades paler for a second as he looks himself over. He runs over to the mirror, and it turns out he's not the only one who got changed.

It takes a second to recognize yourself in it, but it's definitely you in that suit. Not a kid, but someone who can save London. You need to grow into it a bit more, but it's a start.

David waves a hand over himself, and he changes as well. He folds his arms, and you get chills. Rebecca, on the other hand, takes it in stride.

"Anything else?" he asks.

"Just seting up communications, we'll think of a plan on the way there," Rebecca explains.

To prove it, Rebecca reaches up and presses her earbuds.

"Press the receiver, state designation, and then say your name," Rebecca explains.

It takes a second, but then it hits you. You're going to show yourself to the world. No freak chances, no covert mission, just you, standing out for the whole world to see. And no one would be inspired by a hero named Alex.

"Designation: Alexandria."

Alexandria, the city if you remember correctly. There's a click, like a hammer being pulled back from a gun. Guess that means it's working if Rebecca doesn't seem to care. She puts her hand back down as the knowing expressions watch over her.

"You'll need to tap the edge of your mask."

David scoffs a little from behind his mask, lazily putting a finger on his ear.

"Designation: Eidolon."

Keeping his finger there, he looks at Matthew and waits. He lowers his head a little, in reverence maybe, but his voice echoes throughout the room.

"Designation: Legend."

Once it clicks, everyone turns to you. There's curiosity behind Matthews mask, a prideful smile under Rebecca's helmet, and anticipation as David goes deathly quiet.

They're expecting so much.

Matthew saw everything that you saw on that monitor, but he's still here. He's always willing to help. And David, behind all the pride and the bluster, knows what he signed up for better than you do.

And Rebecca… there are no words to describe this.

So, for the first time today, you know exactly what your answer needs to be. No bullshit, no spouting speeches or throwing things around.

Just a purpose, and a memory.

"You're not Atlas, you can't carry the world on your shoulders."

Clint said that, but here you are, staring at the three of them as they wait for you to just that.

Only so that they could help you carry it.

Your finger moves to the edge of your mask, pressing the side till the click sounds out.

"Designation:....."



London

Ten minutes later, 1 hour since Symphony's attack


Run.

Don't stop to help anyone that's tripped, don't look at anyone who isn't moving. Just keep running, or else you'll end up just like them.

If someone is slowing down, throw them aside, they'll slow you down too.I want to believe that I can think of something else, but that's all anyone can think about right now. I can barely breathe from the smoke, and buildings were falling all around me. I didn't need to think about what the hell was going on, or how the fuck this was happening.

Just run, run and pray to god that I can make it out.

Please god, please!

Don't let me die don't let me die don't let me die don't let me die don't let me die!

Every time I scream it in my head, I feel my heart beat faster in my chest. I turn the corner of the remains of a building and… oh, fuck there are people under this.

I gag but manage to keep running.

Then I see the Thames, and how many there are on the only Elizabeth bridge.

They're getting out of here. They're going to live!

My feet break into a sprint, and I smash into some old bloke in my way.

"MOVE!"

I push a lass aside, punch a bloke trying to stop me, and before I know what's happening, I'm in the middle of a hundred other people just as determined as I am.

Then someone screams, and everyone starts to look up.

Against everything, I look up as well.

One of those flying robots, the firelight glinting on the metal. One look and I and everyone else goes double time across the bridge.

The metal fucker stops above the bridge, and the gun under it clicks the hammer back. Some people quit, staring like sheep down the barrel. It won't help them, and it won't stop what's coming.

But that doesn't help me move.

And it doesn't make me move either.

Then the barrel turns, and it spits fire.

On the supports.

Two bursts are all it takes to take out the lines above me, and as it goes down, four more explosions make the entire bridge lurch. It comes back up, to watch as the ground gives out from under us.

Then, everything happens at once.

Something black comes out of nowhere, and the bot's gone, smoking piece of metal remaining. The concrete cracks and I go weightless.

Then, everything goes gold, and it freezes in air.

The bridge, the cars on it and the support collapse into the Thames. But I and everyone else who's running across is just frozen in the air, surrounded by a golden light.

I've no words, and even if I did, I don't think that I could say a thing.

"Don't worry. I've got you."

I crane my neck, and my jaw drops.

A man, wreathed in gold descends from the cloud of ash. His hands extended waving across all of us. His brow furrowed in concentration, he gently moves his hands, and everyone begins to move. A bunch of us scream, a few cries, and a few laugh as everyone comes to the same conclusion.

He's getting us across.

He's helping us!

Impossible things keep going as the golden light gently sets everyone down on the other end of the river. The fire still rages, and then fucking blue lasers come down like gods judgement to put them out.

"Keep moving!" the golden man's voice reaches everyone like it was screaming right next to all of us, "Continue as calmly as you can, and I promise that you'll get out of the city!"

I nod, and despite the fire, the shit, I believe him.

He's going to get me out.

He's going to save me.

"Who are you!?" some bloke asks.

He turns to the man and does the impossible.

He smiles.

Despite the world burning around us, we could see it. An action filled with something that we all must've thought was dead as hell raged around us.

Hope.

"I'm Atlas, and we're here to save you."




Well, that's one way to make an entrance. Good thing you didn't fly so fast that you could see them. And even then, with so many people falling, you didn't think you could stop it all without hurting someone.

Good thing these visors work like a charm.

Charles, you're a fucking genius.

The victory is short-lived with the flames of the city roaring all around you. Combining with the light of the waves, you could barely see a thing.

Not to mention, someone with Symphony probably saw that, hell they probably heard it too. The crystal dome and the majority of the damage is still a few miles out, but given how quickly you got here, it wouldn't take long if someone wanted to get here.

But even so, and you had a plan for this, and it was too…

[] Focus on getting the civilians out. They're what's most important. Once you get all of them out of harms way, then you can deal with the threats.
[] Take out Symphony and his friends first. They're the ones that did all of this, the sooner they're taken care of, the better.
[] Split up the group, make a team of fighters and a team that will get people to safety.
-In that case, who's going to be doing what?
-[] Civilian Team
--[] Write-in
-[] Battle Team
--[] Write-in


And if anyone got into any fighting, they're supposed to….

[] Blast them away, leave nothing left. They made their choice, now they need to know the consequences. Even if you don't want to show them.
[] Take them down, not out, you're not like them. You're better, you have to be.
[] Lead them out of the city, get as little damage to the surroundings as you can manage.
 
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[X] Take out Symphony and his friends first. They're the ones that did all of this, the sooner they're taken care of, the better.
[X] Lead them out of the city, get as little damage to the surroundings as you can manage.

After more than 100k words we finally get to the fun part. :D
 
Well. This is our first real fight. Better not fuck it up.

Saving civilians would be nice, but the sooner we take out the root of the crisis the more lives we'll save. I'm trying to think of anybody who could really save civilians en mass, and honestly I think the best person for that would be us. Our gravity powers will let us get an area of effect that the others don't have, besides maybe Eidolon, and he's definantly needed in the fight.

As for the phycopaths ... we need to kill them. We don't have a way to remove powers right now, and to be nuke the if we take them prisoner they're just going to be crucified by the public anyway. They'll no doubt be causing grievous as much damage as possible going out, they're dicks like that, so the quicker we are the better.

On another note, four powers? I thought Eidolon only had three slots at the same time. Interesting.
 
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