Othergrounds: The IC Edition (Act 8: The Strangest Days have gone By)

Luce grinned, a brilliant smile that seemed to add a bit of humanity back into her remaining eye. "No, darling, the Wild West missed me. Where I'm from, the vaqueros haven't all died out yet. There's still me." Hm. On her little horsey? How did he know about....oh. Of course. The looks she was getting from these people...perhaps they thought she dressed that way out of...style? Or fashion? Luce snorted at this idea: she hadn't tried to dress to impress in years. What she was wearing was damned practical, and anything that started to lose its efficiency got cast aside. There were no frilly outfits in her wardrobe, save her old dress. Heh. It'd been a while since she'd taken that out and tried it on. It depressed her.

"El Bandito? Dios mio they must not be teaching Spanish in your schools anymore. Looked like a bunch of...our type..." she nodded towards Johnny's luminescent state-she was referring to meta-humans, but perhaps didn't know the word for it. There weren't many in her particular neck of the woods. They'd been weeded out. "of people, yes? Except they were all animals. Like the bastard child of a bird and a human, there were others. Then there was a small group...a girl that didn't speak, a boy named Drake, he talked about being a thunder god, liked cigarettes...a girl named Lily...quiet, but she thought she knew what she was doing. And finally darling Jake. He didn't seem to care for me too much. Perhaps he's a racist."

Luce leaned back on one heel, her posture casual but hardened. She was aware of the unspoken stand-off between Johnny and herself, but also completely at ease with it. She'd endured enough of them to not fall apart at the first sign of danger, and with time, keeping a cordial smile on her less-than-cordial face was second nature. "Hugs and kisses? Oh don't tempt me, Johnny. And you haven't got the best women 'til you've had me, eh?" Luce laughed, glancing over to Taylor. "Taylor, darling, do me a favor and tell my new friend Jake I miss him already." she was unaware of Johnny and Jake's relationship-but in all honesty, she likely would've acted just the same way if she'd known. She held the cigarette she'd been smoking limply in her left hand, not worried about it giving her position away. Johnny the human flashlight was doing a fine job of that already.

At first Emily ignored Charles and leafed through the book How Things Work. She then started off on the note that he'd hardly helped her. "Hey, I didn't n-" Something had caught her interest in the book. Once again it was as if Charles didn't exist as she set down that book and opened the text book.  It's cover featured a picture of a beaker and was titled Chemestry. She flipped through it then focused back on her companion. "Nevermind, I've got what I need. Lets get you fixed up." She gave him a friendly smile and reached for his hand. Emily still wanted her other books but they could wait, her primary goal now was to also reach the hospital. Well this makes it easy to keep my promise she thought to herself. And even easier to get what I need.

Lexy was walking outside towards the cafeteria. She had been trying to figure out where she could get a weapon. Definately NO asking Johnny for the knives back. She had once seen on this horror film where a kid used a nail gun as a weapon, but that's too... bloody. Not to mention gross. So she was going back to the cafeteria to see if there were any more knives besides those butter knives that do no harm. Lexy turned the corner beside the dorms and stopped dead in her tracks. Before her was some meta human creature thing. She wasn't really sure what sort of meta human it was, she just knew it was hurt.

"Oh my goodness, are you okay?" Lexy quikly knelt down beside Reginald, looking at him with a worried expression, "We gotta get you some food! Oh, and a hospital!" She examined the creature a moment before going through her purse, "I have some bandaids but I don't think those would help. Oh, and some of those peanut butter cracker thingies you get wrapped in plastic. But I think you need a doctor and better meal..." She wasn't even sure he it could get up, though, and she certainly couldn't help him get up if he couldn't with the little strength she had.

-
Faith
-
Faith was unsure how to answer Livvy. She didn't want to scare her, but wanted to be truthful on the matter. Faith found herself stammering for an answer, "I, um... er...." luckily Nick and Dragonfly came in, giving a perfect subject change. So she and Nick will take care of Livvy when Dragonfly isn't around? She was fine with that. When Dragonfly said they would be like substitute parents, Faith blushed deeply. She was too young for something like that- and if she were a parent, that would mean... Faith looked from Nick to Livvy and her face turned a brighter red. She chose to stick with calling herself a babysitter. The other one was too awkward. Nick mouthed that he would explain the situation to her later. Faith nodded- she needed to know about this place before anything else.

Jesse

Jesse had already left having been granted Johnathon's permission to leave, all without hesitation. If there was anything he ought to do, it was to get out of that dangerous situation before something happened that would get him hurt. He made out with a fast and steady pace down the hall, adrenaline pumping through his system, looking over his shoulder every ten seconds or so. Seriously, that dude was a damn psychopath. He wouldn't be surprised if he had any misdemeanor charges on his record, Johnny seemed about ready to blow his head off. Jesse could already hear his step-fathers voice echoing through his head. But he thought more about what this Johnny character had told him earlier: about how he was "the least threatening person in the whole damn place". Which was reassuring of course, sarcastically speaking. Jesse always knew he wasn't exactly intimidating once you started talking to him, but the fact that everyone in the building was more imposing than he was did make him uncomfortable. Hell, Johnny himself was a freaking man-shaped star. And then the his other sentence hit him: "because everyone around these parts are, putting it lightly, spooked."

He stopped walking that instance and pressed his back against the wall. If what Johnathon had said was true, than the odds of everyone reacting just as star-man did... were about as likely. That means he could be walking into a death trap, no matter where he goes. The very idea of this got Jesse's heart pumping. Great - he had just walked away from the only people that knew he meant no harm! People that were likely rather dangerous, yes, but what were his odds of safety anywhere else? What would happen if he encountered another person, would they attack him?

CENSORED.

Of course, the only conclusion he could come to was to walk back. Now if only he could remember where that was... the lights had come back on not too long ago, but ee had hardly thought about where he was going aside from "away". He heard faint traces of voices coming from the direction he was originally walking away from. He could follow that... and perhaps the faint glow that bounced off a distant wall. Jesse crossed his fingers and headed back the direction he came, putting no concern into hiding his footsteps (that's suspicious as hell, after all). Nervous still, but this time, he was a little less afraid. He at least knew Johnny wouldn't hurt him, or so he thought.

After all, he wasn't "the guy he was looking for". Who was he looking for anyway?

*

Damon

Disconcerted by the tale Victoria had told him, Damon frowned. He had to think about this for a second. Their friend was hurt, almost killed. Said friend is now missing, and they seek to figure out the mystery by accessing the hospital security room. He had been there once or twice for routine maintenance, somewhat unimpressive. Nothing that stands out. But the room is locked, and to access it without a card key (which is unlikely to work in lock down), he would have to go to the main security room to unlock it and then walk back to enter the room and look through the camera recordings. Likewise, they could go to the main security room where he should be able to access the cameras directly, being in the same system.

Fortunately, power had been restored. That makes the task ten times easier.

After thinking about it some more, Damon looked up and gave an encouraging smile to Victoria. "Good news - I think I can help you. We'll need to head to the main security room in the administration wing. There, I'll be able to directly access the security computers and cameras in the infirmary without having to walk back across campus... assuming my sense of direction is right, we should be able to make it there in five or ten so minutes. Closer to five than ten with a little spring to our step."

Damon walked about six feet in the direction of where he figured the direction there would be and stopped before turning around and giving a curious glance, as if asking he had done a good job answering her question. It would almost be amusing or even adorable if the circumstance wasn't so dire.

Jack's boots barely made any noise as they scraped against the asphalt, wet from the rain. He hadn't been at the Ohtergrounds very long, but he could already tell there had been a big fight. Even if this were a school for meta humans, a buch of kids don't seem like the type to get in such big fights, meta humans or not. Jack shrugged off the thought as he arrived at the cafeteria. He could hear talking inside... he wasn't sure what it was about, but he knew none of the voices. Of course he wouldn't kow the people, but just think it made a smirk appear on his face. Oh, he really shouldn't barge in... but he had to. Jack opened the doors to the cafeteria and stepped inside. As long as there was new people... Jack smirked. That ment more to trick. And tricks were fun, right?

Jack examined each person carefully. None really seemed that unusual... they did all seem spooked though. "What's the matter with you guys? You look like you've seen a ghost," Jack laughed, making it seem like he was joking. He was secretly wondering about the reason they were scared, though.

Crystal jumped when she heard Jack's voice. She turned to face him, shocked at his aoppearance and adding another suspect to the traitor list. He definately seemed.... off. Like he's planning on doing something devious any moment. It freaked her out. Crystal still chose not to speak up, still. She didn't want anything to happen because of her. She just let the others talk. They can start problems if they want, but she sure wan't going to. There was enough suspicion and accusations going around, anyways. She didn't want to be one of the accused.

Johnny

Shade wrote:

"of people, yes? Except they were all animals. Like the bastard child of a bird and a human, there were others. Then there was a small group...a girl that didn't speak, a boy named Drake, he talked about being a thunder god, liked cigarettes...a girl named Lily...quiet, but she thought she knew what she was doing. And finally darling Jake. He didn't seem to care for me too much. Perhaps he's a racist."

Almost everything that Luce said before this totally was disregarded by Johnny, merely because he didn't care. As Luce elaborated further on what this "attack" was: Johnny almost immediately put together what happened. So, the animal pack were targeted by the big bad traitor, eh? Johnny, honestly, didn't care about them, as they all had varying levels of usefulness. Some of them were very useful in the fight against the Oozium, others were not. All he cared about was tracking down this traitor, and damn everyone that gets caught in his rampage. Now, he considered there was a chance that Luce here could be lying, and this is all some sort of trap. However, there is an even bigger chance that she's telling the truth, as she talked like she actually met them. The group of people she described was mostly spot-on with what he knows them by. "Now I believe I know exactly what happened back there." He spoke blankly, with a blanker face to match. He spoke again, in a tone like he's analyzing what Luce said, "So, the, as one of my associates would call them, zoo-animals, were attacked specifically... Probably because my mark is targeting the weaker ones out of our little colorful little rainbow of strangers." Johnny used the little (near-racial) slur that his other sister Gabe constantly uses when referring to them. Johnny didn't worry about using it now that there's none of them nearby--- Besides, he found it as a funny way to refer to the animal-types.

Now, he felt the need to speak in regards of Jake. Merely because Luce spoke so highly of him, and Jake is Johnny's little half-brother. It'd just be un-right not too. So far, it seems like Luce can't tell the "family resemblance" between them. Then again, Johnny is a being of energy right now and it's hard to discern any of his features. Heh, you're lucky Gabe wasn't with him. Hell, you'd have yourself quite the situation on your hands if I, and Sylvia, were there too. Johnny smirks deviously, as he looked down at Luce's belt for a moment, before diverting his attention back to her face. "Hehaha... Jake isn't racist, he's just a good judge of character." Johnny says in a humorous fashion, putting empathize on certain words in his sentence.

He's quite humored by Luce's comment about him likely being racist. There's one thing that Johnny knows about Jake, is that he's far from "racist" as anyone his age could be. Though, he does cross a few lines every now and then, and unintentionally comes off as racist. Johnny laughed a little bit, as he raised his head. Johnny spoke again, "He was personally taught by yours truly on what to do and say when your type comes a runnin'." He then nodded his head, chuckling a bit. Once again, hinting that there's a far closer relationship between himself and Jake. He didn't care, because what the f*ck can Luce do by knowing they're related? Luce would be dead before she even tried to do something like that. "He's nice and all, but isn't hardened by experience, yet.... I get the feeling everyone here, down to the children, will come out of this hellhole scarred for life..." Where these scars will come from is a whole 'nother discussion. These scars on my face never lie about what I've been through.

Shade wrote:

"Hugs and kisses? Oh don't tempt me, Johnny. And you haven't got the best women 'til you've had me, eh?"

As Luce spoke this sentence, Johnny felt an uncontrollable laughter. He used all of his will power to hold it in--- But, failed horribly after her mouth closed. Echoing through the halls of the dorms was Johnny's laughter, "Hahahahahahaahahahah... Oh god, Luce... Hahahaha, you... Are just the funniest woman I've ever came across in this hellhole." Despite the weight of the situation, Johnny took it the least bit seriously, talking to Luce like she's under him. Even though this could quickly escalate into a fight, but, just like everyone else in this school; Johnny knew he could take her in a one on one... If Taylor gets the hell out of the way. Johnny reached up to his hat, and slanted his hat, forward slightly, over his eyes. "Look, babe, I thought this was a stand off. Now, it sounds like you want to sleep with me. Nothing to be ashamed of; some of my worst enemies felt the same way, heh..." Johnny spoke obviously jokingly, and gave her an amused look. Her aura gave away that she's joking, so Johnny is acting accordingly. "... Not that I'm complaining. Hahahahaha." He was joking at this point.

Johnny really wanted to see what Taylor thought of this by now.

Jokes aside, there was quite the question on Johnny's head. He could taste the hostility in the air. This was one of those (very familiar) encounters where both people are ready for the other to strike, but don't attack first. These encounters rarely go anywhere, and he knew that Luce doesn't have any intentions on attacking... But, her Emotional Aura showed confidence. The very same confidence that he sees in people that felt they could effortless take him down. Funny, they tend to see otherwise. There was also a few other negative emotions in her aura. Which gave Johnny's current form a bit of strength. If a fight breaks out, he would have to bring out her negativity to win. Just like the fight with Claire. However, compared to the rest of these softies, and no names, that wander the school, Johnny felt that he had finally found his equal. However, it may be too early to say so.

There were some questions that Johnny really wanted to ask Luce. The special, fight starting, kinds of questions. He'd save them for when (or if) Taylor leaves.



Victoria & Hunter

Lieo wrote:

"Good news - I think I can help you. We'll need to head to the main security room in the administration wing. There, I'll be able to directly access the security computers and cameras in the infirmary without having to walk back across campus... assuming my sense of direction is right, we should be able to make it there in five or ten so minutes. Closer to five than ten with a little spring to our step."

Despite the initial distrust of Damon, Victoria had to accept his offer. The pair had no choice but to do so. Like it was made painfully obvious; it was either work with Damon, or spend countless hours more uselessly rummaging through several miles of school. Victoria looked at Hunter, who was quietly and idly standing by. Letting her do the talking for a change. Which was somewhat strange... Maybe there's something on his mind. She could check using telepathy, but she respects his privacy enough not to do so. Victoria turned her head back over to Damon and spoke to him in a soft, but hesitant, tone, "Fine. Lead the way." The worst that can go wrong is that this turns out to be some sort of sick trap. The ways things are going; that seems to be rather inevitable. Not worth trying desperately hard to avoid, when they have someone that could help them. She decided to "lower her arms". She floated the blood-daggers back into Hunter's coat, and she could easily bring them back out if something comes after them. Victoria promptly started following behind Damon, promptly followed by Hunter. They both remained a few steps behind Damon, and Hunter stayed a bit away from Victoria.

The trio maneuvered through the dorms, promptly making their way to the entrance of the dorms. The heavy rain was still going on strong. Probably won't stop for the rest of the night. They didn't have any umbrellas on them, since they haven't found any just yet. They would have to endure a little bit of liquid, their mission was worth far more than getting a little rain on their clothes. As they all walked through the rain, which promptly soaked their clothes, their footsteps caused a splashing sound that echoed quite a distance. It was eerie, the night and the rain together, partially obscuring the vision of those in front of them. If it wasn't for the lights all around them them; they would be blind and vulnerable to anyone who'd take advantage. Everyone stayed on guard, they could be attacked at any moment. Fortunately, nothing happened.

After a longish trek, they arrived at the Administration Wing. Hunter was the very first to step inside of the main hall. Which had stairs and several doors leading into different rooms and parts of the building. Victoria was somewhat familiar with the location. This was the place where she met her brother, Drake, for the first time in almost a year. For a moment, she wondered how Charles was doing back in Black Fall. Then shrugged him off, he will be fine, she needs to worry about herself, and Drake. "We're here..." Victoria just blankly states, she was unsure of what to say. It'd be better if Mr. Damon just takes it from here, he seems to know more about the place than she does.

((So, Lieo, you have my permission to just lead them to the main security room in one post))


Charles

Veriska wrote:

"Hey, I didn't n-"

Charles nonchalant fake-coughed, covering his mouth with his fist. He knew exactly what Emily was going to say. The very same thing that most anti-social kids say. Something about not needing everyone else and doing things on their own. Due to his nature; Charles was somewhat offended about what Emily was going to say. However, he was going to keep quiet about this. No point in breaking into tears. He promptly pushed his glasses closer to his face with two fingers, and blankly looked at Emily. "Right." He says in response. Possibly, he was going have to bare all of this alone. Which wasn't too bad of an idea. All he has to do is worry about himself...

Veriska wrote:

"Nevermind, I've got what I need. Lets get you fixed up."

"Alright. I'll lead the way." With that, Charles started heading out of the room, towards the entrance to the Education Wing. He stepped slowly, feeling strange after what Emily did to him. He was unsure of what to do after he gets to a hospital. Perhaps he would continue his search for a d*mn way out of this hellhole, ignoring the fact that strange attack by the Oozium. Charles had a feeling that once they get to the hospital, Emily would slip off somewhere and they probably wouldn't encounter each other again. He made it to the entrance of the Education Wing, he didn't even waste any time in just walking out of the entrance, towards the Hospital. The rain dripped down on him, and he didn't mind. This rain reminded him of the rain he got in his home city, Black Fall. Which rained quite often there, and it was refreshing to feel something familiar from the place he wants to get back to so badly. As he walked, he decided to ask Emily a completely random question, "So, how do you think we'll get out of here...?" He spoke hesitantly, like he was unsure of the answer himself.

He has a simple plan, they both go to the hospital and then they split. Charles can handle the rest of this alone. Hopefully.


Drake, Lily, Jake, Lin, & Gabe



Coming soon...

Drake, Lily, Jake, Lin, & Gabe

Celo wrote:

"What's the matter with you guys? You look like you've seen a ghost,"

"Who da' bloody hell is this weird lookin' no-name?" Gabe says to Jake, in response to Jack's sudden appearance. She wasn't very quiet and could easily be heard from quite a distance. She was told the little story of what happened to the animal metahumans by Jake--- Which she immediately stopped when Jack stepped into the room. Grinning like a maniac and looking like he's up to no good. Gabe gave him a hostile glare that's just a quiet way of saying "f*ck off". Her initial reaction to him was a mix of xenophobia, anger, and, of course, paranoia. The guy looked like a complete and utter pansy, and she could easily take him on. Except, she wasn't going to be open with her initial disdain, she knew someone was going to walk up to him and handle this. All she had to do was stick back here with Jake, and if Jack is eager enough to attack them; she knew that he'd be too easy to burn all the way to the bones. That aggressive scowl quickly turned into an amused smile. Heh, I wonder if ya' will be able to smile like dat with ya' nerve endings burnt. She promptly crossed her arms and leaned up against the nearest wall. Watching the scene unfold.

After Gabe leaned up against the wall, Jake felt like it was time for action. He still had a reasonable amount of distrust, and really had no reason to trust a smiling moron like Jack. Besides, Johnny taught Jake that it's best to take precautions against the newcomers until it's been proven that they're not a threat. Regardless of appearance, a meta-human can easily cut through the group, if they're caught off guard. Jake took a step forward towards Jack, and snapped his fingers. Crafting a larger illusion than before. Which shouldn't strain him too much, now that he's lowered the amount of illusions. This illusion was a massive wall of titanium, just a plain featureless block of metal, forming right in front of Jack. Going from one end of the cafeteria to the other, top to bottom, the illusion blocked Jack from getting any closer. Unlike his other illusions, this illusion was transparent enough for everyone to see right through it. While keeping the durability of the titanium it's mimicking. Jack wouldn't be able to get through this unless he either has a Cerebral or Energy power. Jake spoke to Jack. "Nothing personal, man. I'm just taking a precaution."

Gabe decided to take a few steps forward and stood direction next to Jake. With an amused look on her face and her arms crossed tightly, but ready to beat pound Jack into the dirt. The twin siblings stood side by side. Gabe spoke to Jake very sarcastically, "Nice one, Jakey. I can just feel the danger just being effortless kept at bay! All thanks to ya' wall!" Gabe

"I guess that's our cue to step in..." Drake says, heavily annoyed at this point. It's an understatement to just say that he's not getting tired of the infinite stream of newcomers now. Where they were coming from, was the question of the year at this point. He probably wouldn't get the answer. But, he was going to handle this by himself. To Drake, this Jack fellow looked like the deviant-type everyone was so worried about, but Drake also felt that he, alone, would be capable of defeating Jack... If he doesn't have any super duper powers. He got up from the chair he was sitting on, and nonchalantly scrolled over to the titanium wall, which is conveniently transparent, and put his hand on it, and leaned forward towards it. "Hey there, bud. Sorry about the wall..." Before he could finish, he heard the footsteps of Lily.

Lily on the other hand, walked up behind Drake, just so he could take anything that Jack can throw first. Since he's the big bad warrior of their group. Lily sensed Jack before he even walked into the room, and his power-level is quite low. Like she knew that Drake could beat him in a one on one... Then again, this traitor fellow has flashbangs, and they don't do too good against explosive weapons. Lily was still nervous, fearful, and angry from before. Unsure of what to say, she looked at Jack, "Um, hey I'm Lily and... Uh, who are you...?"

MrAllenJ wrote:

"Alright. I'll lead the way."

Emily followed Charles out of the building, she was flipping rapidly through her text book all the while. When they emerged into the rain she snapped an umbrella out of her hoodie, and just kept on reading. I don't want to carry these around Emily thought to herself. It's too easy for things to get damaged around me. This time she wasn't just thinking of her books. Charles and I should separate when we get to the hospital.

MrAllenJ wrote:

"So, how do you think we'll get out of here...?"

She looked up at Charles and replied "I'm not too worried about it." Emily smiled and said "I think I like this place. But once everyone is dead or gone, I'll get bored." The whole time she continued to turn the pages on the book at a steady rate. She then looked back down and continued from her new location. It was as if she had never stopped. Emily glanced over at Charles, and motioned to show that there was room him under the umbrella.

Jack's grin returned to a smirk when he saw the illlusion Jake created. Another illusionist is at this school? Oh, this is just too good! He might be fun to trick… an illusionist falling to an illusion- that would be interesting. It was then Drake apologized for the wall. "Hey, no harm done, right?" Jack placed his hand on the wall, "This is a very interesting illusion, I must say. I do enjoy a good trick like this every once in a while. It may take a bit more to trick me, though. I am a prank master, after all." Jack let out a small laugh.

MrAllenJ wrote:

"Um, hey I'm Lily and... Uh, who are you...?"

Jack turned to Lily, "Name's Jack. Nice to meet ya." Jack smiled. He then turned his attention back to Jake. This illusionist kid would be so fun to prank. Who better to trick then someone who makes tricks? True, this kid's illusions could be felt, but Jack still believed his ability was better. While Jake's illusions could physically affect someone, his own illusions mentally affcted people. Jack believed mental effects were better then physical, as it's much funnier to see reactions.

Jack looked then at Gabe. That girl is his sister, no doubt. Jack then thought of the perfect plan for how to reveal his power and trick all at once. How about making Jake embarassed from his sister? That would be perfect! Jack placed an illusion attached to whatever makes Jake feel embarassed to Gabe. While Jack couldn't see the illusions he created, he would at least hopefully see some sort of reaction. Maybe not seeing his own illusions is good- if he could see what everyone he tricked saw, then he might end up feeling whatever he wanted the other person to feel, as well. So it was a good part of his powers.

Quote :

"Now I believe I know exactly what happened back there." He spoke blankly, with a blanker face to match. He spoke again, in a tone like he's analyzing what Luce said, "So, the, as one of my associates would call them, zoo-animals, were attacked specifically... Probably because my mark is targeting the weaker ones out of our little colorful little rainbow of strangers."

"Hehaha... Jake isn't racist, he's just a good judge of character." Johnny says in a humorous fashion, putting empathize on certain words in his sentence.

"He's nice and all, but isn't hardened by experience, yet.... I get the feeling everyone here, down to the children, will come out of this hellhole scarred for life..."

Luce was a great many things: uneducated, partially literate, and a bit ignorant of the legal system outside of what the maximum prison sentences for various Columbian crimes were, but she was far from stupid. Johnny's subtle hints did not escape her, and a slow grin tugged at her lips. It stretched deeper than simple amusement-she...she could tell. Just by the way he talked about him. Johnny gave a damn about his brother. Makes two of us, Johnny. Unspoken deal. You ever get to Columbia, you keep your hands off a boy named Cesar Rojas, and I won't lay a finger on Jake.

"Aw, your brother? Interesting." she didn't say this as if to store it away for future blackmail material, but rather out of genuine surprise and concern. It was quickly masked, as she transitioned onwards, but perhaps for a minute there the hard-ass (shell?) melted a bit. "And I would agree. Although, personally, I hope I don't get too many more scars. I've already got my fair share. In all kinds of places, pretty boy." She cast her eyes back over to Taylor. "Oh, but your lady friend. I suppose I'll have to wait. What is it you're so fond of saying here? Rebound? I call rebound on the both of you. No hard feelings, eh?" Luce watched Johnny closely now, because even though his emotions were masked fairly well (ironically) due to the shimmering aura of light that engulfed him, his body language could tell quite a bit. The way he moved his posture, turned to face her, shifted between Luciana and Taylor: he was protective. This, perhaps, was stored a bit more cruelly: while there were a great many lines that Luce had crossed in life, laughing all the while (if only to cover the tears), she was above using the boy's brother as a hostage, as a bargaining chip. The girl, on the other hand...there was a traitor afoot. She wouldn't put the brother Jake down, if he let her avoid it, but everyone else? A suspect. Vigilance was second nature to Luce, and the idea of trusting anyone here was laughable.

That being said? Johnny could prove a formidable ally. They had similar interests-Luce had a funny feeling about this place. A funny feeling that said the electricity being out and the students being unable to leave and then mysteriously, ever so mysteriously, someone picking them off one by one-there was a common denominator. It was the traitor-and Luce was sure if she could get her hands on him, perhaps give him a few cicatrices to match her own. The knife hanging from her belt, which she didn't often prefer, called to her. Yes. The guns will be too quick for that work. I'll want to know how to get out of this place, and he or she, that's the ticket. Besides, with resources like this, there must be a plane or something on campus. If someone can fly it... Johnny was worthwhile as a teammate for several reasons. Firstly, his power had something to do with this tremendous light he was radiating-that was blatantly obvious. This meant that he was very, very unlikely to be the traitor, because sneaking about like that wasn't exactly practical. Secondly, any man who cared for his brother still had a shred of humanity in her book. She didn't get the feeling Johnny was the most reputable character, merely by the way he talked, but she was aware of her own tainted past. She wasn't about to announce it to him, that would be ridiculous-but Luce wasn't opposed to tagging along with Johnny, either. The guns at her waist, while an extension of her own supernatural gifts, were a symbol of fear to the others here. To these spoiled American f*cks, she was carrying death in twin holsters. Good. Keep it that way. Only Drake and Johnny were unfazed thus far, which might've been a bold bluff on their part, but it was equal parts arrogance.

Luciana Rojas had yet to meet someone who could outdraw her, whether with a sixgun or a bolt of lightning. She was a great many things, and very very deadly was one of them. Emotionally scarred, another. She calmed herself, forcing the thought that this boy, the other, Drake, might be faster. Better. So could any of the quiet kids, whose wide, fearful eyes had been locked onto her guns. Here, in this place, they might all be stronger than you. Don't let your guard down.

Luce grinned, chuckling just a little. "I have a funny feeling about something, Johnny." Again, the light may have masked his body's most obvious attempts to reveal his emotions, but his posture gave hints. He was glancing at Taylor, in-between them...he wanted her gone. For what? Things got more and more interesting. Oh darling, I do hope you didn't take the flirting too seriously. I'm really hard to get.

Lexy watched Reginald in surprise as he stood up and bgan walking. To be in such a painful state... and be walking? She somehow found it admirable. Not many could deal with such pain and live. At least, Lexy didn't think so. She felt the need to help him, still. She began following Reginald quietly, examining him quietly. what had he been through? He was starving and beat up, his wings torn, and scales looked unhealthy- at least, Lexy thought they did. What could cause so much damage? Wait- was he missing a toe? Poor guy.

Vipera wrote:

"Ashes...everything is ashes..." He murmured, not to her, but to no one at all. "Died long ago, crumbled to ashes and dust...just a corpse, a walking corpse, when will the world end...? Should be soon, it's been coming..."

When Reginald spoke, Lexy felt chills go down her spine. Though she wasn't the brightest person, she knew this meta wasn't in the best shape physically or mentally. He spoke of death so casually. Lexy didn't want him to die, though- she didn't want anyone to die. Was Reginald in so much pain that he wanted to die? It seemed logical, but sad. Lexy wanted to help Reginald a lot, then. No dying, she didn't want that. Lexy walked up to Reginald and tugged at the arm that wasn't using a branch for support.

"C'mon- I'm gonna take you to the hospital to feel better and be, um... revived! Then I'll go to the cafeteria and get you some food and you'll be okay, okay?" Lexy gave Reginald her biggest smile, trying to get through to him. He didn't seem to notice her existence earlier, so maybe now...?

Jake, & Gabe

Celo wrote:

"Hey, no harm done, right?" Jack placed his hand on the wall, "This is a very interesting illusion, I must say. I do enjoy a good trick like this every once in a while. It may take a bit more to trick me, though. I am a prank master, after all."

What Jack said only really applied to Jake. For a moment, Jake really wondered how Jack figured out it was an illusion, then shrugged off as an educated guess, or has a power that sees through it. None the less, Jack didn't exactly realize that his illusion wasn't a trick; it's a barrier to keep him out. Jake rolled his eyes up into his head. We're off to a good start if you can't figure out that this is here to keep YOU out. Jake thought to himself as he looked at Jack. He could already tell he didn't like the newcomer, that massive sh*teating grin he has, and the initial un-intelligence really made Jake think they're going to have a bad relationship. Perhaps he's jumping to conclusions, but he can easily piece together things. Being around Johnny, for several years, had really rubbed off on Jake. In the way that he's become a far better judge of character than ever before. Jake narrowed his eyes at Jack and laughed a bit. He spoke to Jack, trying his best to hold in the more aggressive comments he had, "... It's not there to trick you." That's all Jake needed to say, if Jack can't put that together, then he doesn't need to.

Gabe watched silently on the sidelines, and smiled. Putting her hand on her chin and smiling, she could easily tell what Jake was really thinking--- Well, she could easily guess. Jake probably didn't like Jack, neither did she, but she was going to stick this one out. See how it plays out, if Jack does turn out to be aggressive, then she'd boil his blood. She did find it odd that he thought that it's a trick, when everyone else would assume the obvious. He's probably just an idiot. Either way; she hopes that he gets lost, and never comes back. She doesn't want anymore no-names to show up and cause trouble, because she's just waiting for one of them to reveal they're a psycho and go on a rampage.

For a brief second, Jake took his attention off Jack to look at Gabe, to see what she's doing. Then soon she entered his gaze, his eyes widened, appearing shocked for a moment. Due to Jack's trick, Gabe appeared to be someone completely. She appeared to be a girl that Jake once knew from a few years back that he had a crush on... Which ended horribly for him after a few revelations became painfully apparent. Because of Gabe and Johnny, they never let him live it down. Immediately, he took his gaze off Gabe almost as fast as he put it on, and promptly returned to his usual, neutral, disposition. Putting his attention on the illusion wall instead.

This was where Jack's little trick fell flat. Jake is by no means a fool, and almost has the same amount of situational awareness as Johnny--- Being taught quite a bit by him. Meaning he can smell bullsh*t from a mile away. Now, Jake knew that it was a trick because; one, he knew everyone here's power. Drake is a Power Replicatior, Lin is a Telepath and Shape-shifter (He's yet to see the latter), Lily is a Meta-human sensor, Crystal is a healer, and Gabe is a fire-type (Sort of). He doesn't know what Jack's power is. What provided him with even more "evidence" is; Jack, conveniently, came in then Gabe started appearing differently, and Jack's attention is, blatantly, on Jake. Unless someone isn't telling him some things, then Jack's most likely behind this. This wasn't even taking into consideration the large amount of different Meta-humans Jake has come across, and can easily tell when a trick is being played on him. However, Jake choose to do nothing, but ignore it. While it may be fun to get some payback; he's above such childishness, and would only feed into Jack's game. Because Jake knew all Jack wanted was a reaction, and if he's ignored now; he'll stop. It'll take a bit more than that to fool ME.

So, Jake kept his attention solely on keeping this illusion going. Keeping Jack out, and letting everyone else do the talking.


Lily, Drake, & Lin

Celo wrote:

"Name's Jack. Nice to meet ya."

Drake shrugged and looked around, before looking back at Jack, "Heh, I'm Drake Blackmore." He introduced himself.

"Well, uh, that's cool..." Lily still had no idea what to say or what direction to take the conversation. She was still a bit shaken up by the recent events, and really hampered her ability to think straight as she normally would. Mostly because she was unsure if he's a friend or foe--- Well, if he turned out to be the latter; then his power level told her that he wouldn't be too much of a threat... Then again, he COULD be just as dangerous without a power, even though he looks pretty harmless. She needs confirmation, because anyone can be dangerous. Until then, she kept her full attention on Jack, who seemed to be a bit more interested in Jake, for some reason. Maybe they've met before? Lily promptly looked back at Jake for a moment, then Drake briefly, before she put her focus back on Jack.

However, Drake interjected with, "Well, I'm personally a bit curious here," He started off. While he's annoyed that there's so many people coming out of no where, he wanted to know more about where they're coming from. Drake then leaned forward on the illusory wall, putting his right hand on it to keep him standing straight. He gave Jack a neutral look, like Drake is extremely indifferent right now. Which is true. Despite the weight of the situation, Drake knew that Jack was just someone in the same position as they are. All they need to do is confirm it and so on. If not... Well, he was pretty confident in his own abilities and felt like they could take on everyone. "I want to know where you came from.... Because, we've been running into quite a few newcomers lately... And I'm just...." Drake faded off, he knew he was going to repeat himself.

Lin was still idly sitting on the table and watching the scene unfold. The group was mostly out of the range of her telepathy--- But, just from watching she knew that it was necessary for her to step in and find out things for herself. She pushed back in her chair a bit and stood straight up. Lin walked around the table and then headed straight towards Jack. She folded her hands in front of her as she walked. She stood in between Drake and Lily, and began reading his mind. From what his thoughts told, he was quite the trickster and was actively using his power on Jake. Much like the latter, Jack's is a illusionist, but there's quite the gap between the two. Opposed to Jake, Jack's power is more mental than physical. She didn't exactly approve of him trying to trick anyone in their group, as the situation made it hardly appropriate. However, she was going to keep this to herself, let the little joker have his fun. If it went too far then she'd tell the group. She promptly stopped reading his mind, "He isn't hostile." Lin blankly says, turning her head to Lily.

"Well... That's a start." Lily hesitantly says, looking at Lin. She didn't know how Lin is deducing all of this, but she personally had trusted Lin. "Um, good work, Lin.." She thanked the Asian girl that helped her with this situation. What they do from here is up to Jack. Lily hopes that they have a nice and healthy addition to their group


Charles

Veriska wrote:

"I'm not too worried about it." Emily smiled and said "I think I like this place. But once everyone is dead or gone, I'll get bored."

Well, if Charles was being honest with himself, he would definitely say that he likes the idea of this place being abandoned. A place where he can be without rules, or anyone to tell him him what's right or wrong. A place where he finally can be himself. Not saying that he'd cross the lines that were carefully established through his upbringing, he would just do some of the things he normally couldn't. Like make my very own club in this place! I mean, find a nice room, find some DJ equipment and it'll be popping. Charles smiled as he looked up at the raining night sky. He then realized that he strayed off subject... Getting out of here would be a great idea. Since in anarchy, anything goes. While he'll be without rules, so will everyone else. So, he'd rather not get brutally murdered if he can avoid it. His smile turned into a frown as he leveled his head until it's even. His eyes peered back toward Emily for a moment, before he nonchalantly coughed, covering up his mouth with his hand. Being snapped back into reality. He didn't say anything to Emily, merely because he doesn't have anything to say. Emily wants to stay here with the ooze monsters, then so be it. He'll be back in Black Fall, spending a little bit of alone time with Tally.

With a skip in his steps, the pair finally arrived at the hospital. Charles hastily charged inside, not even taking any precautions. He just wanted to get fixed up and out of here before anything else pops up. He stepped into the lobby, with the main desk right across from them. Now, he did tell himself that he'll split off from Emily, and he did have the feeling that she was going to leave either way. And Charles felt that he should be the one to do it first. He stopped and turned his entire body towards Emily and scratched the side of his head, as he gotten an itch. "So, uh..." He started off, sounding hesitant, "I think we should, uh, split up for now. I can handle myself from here, and uh..." He faded off, seeing that he's basically gotten across everything he needed to say.

Before things got awkward Charles decided to leave, he started running off towards the first room he saw. "So, see ya!" He said to Emily before he disappeared in the infinite amount of corridors. He soon found a room suitable for him, complete with a Doctor Eye. He smiled and grabbed on to the doorknob, carefully turning it, before stepping inside.

The Eye examined his being "Hello, student. How may I help you?" The Eye turned to Charles.

"I'm, uh..." Charles looked at his bloodstained, but appearing wound-less, body. "... Hurt?" He just nonchalantly says.

"Please sit down on the operating table." The Doctor Eye looked, at Charles.

"... Alright." Charles nervously says, as he sat on the table. From there, he was getting fixed up.



Johnny

Shade wrote:

"Aw, your brother? Interesting."

"Ha... Dead on, almost. He's my half-brother, but I still love him either way." Johnny laughs as Luce spoke. He wasn't the least bit worried about her figuring out that the two are related, he got the feeling that they wouldn't come in conflict, if they all played their cards right. Johnny had already deduced that Luce must be skilled just from the way she walks and talks. Those guns that you have must not be for show either. Even if they did fight, Johnny would have the advantage, even when alone. All three of his siblings together would give Luce a headache. But, they won't. They're going to get along in this hellish paradise until it stops being an optimal decision. Since she already figured out that Jake and Johnny are related, he might as well tell her about Gabe and Sylvia. The two more combat focused members of his group, but aren't as intelligent or hardened as Jake, or himself, obviously. You know what? If I merge Jake and Gabe together; we'll get another Johnny! "Heh, now that you've figured it out; there ain't any point in not telling you about my two lovely sisters that share paradise with us... Haha..." Johnny started laughing as he crossed his arms, giving Luce a smug smile. "There's also his twin sister Gabe, and my other half-sister, Sylvia... Both are quite useful to me." Johnny had a bit of irritation in his voice, as he didn't want to go into anymore detail than telling their names. They were quite useful indeed, but both were the wannabe bad-ass kind of person that Johnny finds extremely annoying. Merely because they remind him of quite a lot of weaklings he's encountered, but still loves them nonetheless.

Shade wrote:

"And I would agree. Although, personally, I hope I don't get too many more scars. I've already got my fair share. In all kinds of places, pretty boy."

You won't be calling me "pretty boy" after you see these massive scars on my face... Johnny thinks to himself as he briefly gently stroked the massive claw-scars under his right eye, which goes all the way down to his neck. Having a less than confident facial expression. What Luce said made him think back to quite awhile ago. A time that was dark and he wished for it to end every second he was going through it--- The only way he got through it was to fight. These scars bring back memories... You know, I've never disliked the fact that I got scars... I just regret all the ways I got them... Now they just serve as a constant motivator to not f*ck up. Johnny promptly stopped after he finished monologuing, and was snapped back into reality. Maybe I need to get this off my chest... Johnny looked at Taylor one more time, for a few moments, before directing his gaze back on Luce. He spoke to Luce, telling her a bit of his opinion on the matter of scars, speaking in a somber tone, "I'm perfectly fine with getting more scars of my own... They call out to me... Telling me never to fail." After he spoke, he tilted his head downwards, letting his hat cover his eyes again.

Shade wrote:

"Oh, but your lady friend. I suppose I'll have to wait. What is it you're so fond of saying here? Rebound? I call rebound on the both of you. No hard feelings, eh?"

As Luce spoke, he raised his head. Johnny laughed mildly. Luce took him out of that darker emotional state of his and restored him to his usual deposition. Despite the way he talked about Taylor, they weren't in an official relationship. Yet. He knew that they could hook up. Just from the way she fawned over him, just barely knowing each other for a day, it just gave it away that she digs him. But, he had the feeling that she wouldn't feel that way for long. Now, he's been showing her all the ugly that's under that (scarred) face. Soon enough, he knew that she'd be gone, turned off for what Johnny really is. What he really is was up for debate. Some could call him a vicious psychopath, or a. He just knew that he wasn't "normal" like Jake and Gabe are, he just felt... I'm just not right in the head... I'm just a crazy that thinks the first choice should be hold people at gunpoint... Johnny's smile turned into a frown. Perhaps Luce, and Taylor, made think him think about how much of a monster he really is. I'm emotionally cold. I don't shed a tear over a dead friend, nor understand why Taylor was so sad about losing her sister.... Johnny faded off, as he snapped back into reality again. Johnny didn't have no response to what Luce said, having mentally exhausted himself thinking about things that got him down.

The only thing he did was sigh. Giving away that he had something on his mind--- Despite his best efforts to hide his emotions. Which was ironic, in a way. Someone who's specializes in emotions, and he's trying to hide his own.

Shade wrote:

"I have a funny feeling about something, Johnny."

Johnny curiously raised an eyebrow. He was wondering what she has a feeling about. Because Johnny has several "funny feelings" of his own. Not just about this scene right here. Everywhere in the Luce. But, he wasn't in the mood for any further monologuing, he would do this alone when he tried to sleep at night. Johnny simply asked Luce, "Heh, same here... I'm just a little curious about what your... 'funny feelings' are. I get the feeling they might be about the man of the hour here."

TheⓍperator wrote:

[color=#ff3333]Nick & Dragonfly

It was, at this point, that Dragonfly and Nick entered the room once again, closing the door behind them. Nick secretly locked it by sliding the mechanism in place with his powers. He didn't want to scare Livvy. The slight click was audible though. He hoped nobody had payed too much mind to it. Dragonfly moved over to Livvy, and knelt down to her height. He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes. His pure black eyes stared into hers for a moment (his entire visible eyes is solid black at the moment), and he tried to come up with a few words to say that wouldn't alarm her. "Livvy," he began unsurely. "Asss you know, there are ssome bad people in the sschool right now. I... I am not alwayss around to make ssure you will be ssafe. Sso, Nick hass agreed that he and Faith will take care of you when I cant." He said. "Kinda like babyssitterss, or ssubsstitute parentss." Dragonfly said. Nick shifted uncomfortably at this. He was seventeen, he didn't want to think about kids anytime soon. He could only imagine how Faith would think hearing Dragonfly's statement. Perhaps he had said it to sooth Livvy and to help her associate them with people she could trust? Or maybe it was just to mess with them. He did not know.

"If you ever need us, you know where we are, Livvy." Nick said to try and appeal to the girl. "I have a big python who wouldn't hurt anything but a mouse." To be honest, the python was friendly, but he wouldn't trust it around the little girl without his supervision. He didn't want it cutting off blood circulation in her arm on accident. Dragonfly gave him a slight smile, and Nick returned the favor. As Dragonfly looked back to Livvy to talk again, Nick turned to Faith and mouthed 'I'll explain later." to her. She would need to know what was going on around the Othergrounds, and if what Dragonflyw as telling him was true, her simply knowing could very well keep her alive if he wasn't around to kick ass and take names in her defense. She would need to take over some eyes using her powers. They'd be able to do some solid practice together and hone each other's powers if they did. Plus, he had a lot to share with her after what Caden had taught him. He couldn't leave her in the dark for much longer. It wouldn't be beneficial to her health.

"Do you undersstand that Livvy? If anything happenss and I'm not around, come to Nick and Faith, okay?" Dragonfly said. He knew that she would want to go on that adventure soon. So he would have to find Drake and Victoria and Lily soon. "But I'm around right now, sso what do you ssay we go on that adventure we were talking about earlier, before the bad man attacked?" he said. Nick took this time to walk over to Faith's side and wait for them to leave. Once they did that, he would fill Faith in on everything. He almost wished that he was a psychic so that he could tell her without saying anything. Oh well. He had powers. Beggars cant be choosers.

Livvy frowned for a moment, thinking it over. She turned her focus from Faith to Nick and Dragonfly, trying to make sense of the whole situation. It was both frightening and reassuring-on the one hand, this pretty much confirmed that there were bad people out there, the ones with guns (she gulped, thinking of the contraband tucked beneath a suit for a teddy bear in her bag. Yikes). But, on the other hand, there was the simple fact that whether you're a small child or a fully grown adult, the monsters beneath the bed settle down when there's someone tucking you in or curling up next to you, depending on your age. The mere presence of Faith and Nick and Dragonfly-they were all being so nice. She felt kinda safe, and wondered if this was what having big brothers and sisters was like. Livvy was an only child, and her parents...well, she wasn't quite old enough to piece everything together, but what the child was really familiar with was loneliness. Hence the wandering.

So this was a nice change of pace. She smiled without realizing it, holding Dr. Teddy loosely in one arm, the other gripping her backpack strap tightly. The little girl looked ready, from her highlighted pigtails to her double-knotted tennis shoes, to go for a day of school. The irony of this escaped her.

"You guys are already more fun than my old babysitter!" Livvy said, thinking of her rather dull, rather strict babysitter back home. She always got mad when Livvy roamed off on her own, and it developed into a game of cat-and-mouse between the two of them, usually winding up with the caregiver going to her parents to complain. It wasn't fun. "Okay, I'll come back here and stuff if I can't find you Dragonfly," Livvy said, rather unintentionally declaring her allegiances in the group. Nick and Faith might've been nice, but it was going to take quite a bit of work to overcome the figure who held her hand after the scary ooze thing assaulted her. "I can find my way back here and all. Can we go explore that house those other kids were talking about now? Ooh! You guys could come too! And the python!" Livvy glanced curiously around Nick and Faith, as if expecting to suddenly see the snake hidden behind them. She frowned slightly and returned her focus to the conversation at hand. Well, what focus she had, at any rate. She seemed momentarily over the rather chaotic nature of the day's earlier events-the warmth that the trio was giving off was helping quite a bit. Her homesickness and general fear of the Othergrounds took a rest on the backburner for little while.

---

"Ooh, a twin to Jake? Hope she's not taken. Your family, Johnny, they'll be the death of me."

Luce paused for a moment. Luciana, darling, it just seems like you're tempting fate.

"...perhaps literally, if I'm lucky." Luce let her cigarette slip from her fingers and fall to the floor, where it burned feebly for a moment before she crushed it out with her boot. Vaguely, it occurred to her that the smell of cigarette smoke and ashes on the floor could be used to find her.

Meh. She was getting bored, anyways.

The way he touched his face, Luce had a feeling that his face was holding a few bad memories before he confirmed it. Their similarities interested Luciana: she wasn't one to think about God very often, or fate or the cosmos-but this felt like more than mere coincidence. Heh, the old emotions...there wasn't time for them and when she could spare time for them, it usually brought up feelings of guilt. Nostalgia. The bitter emotions she preferred burying-it was much easier to do unspeakable things to put food on the table when you didn't have your conscience bitching at you the whole time. And yet finding someone that was like looking in a mirror-the coldness, the scars, the fact they were both a little beyond mere humanity...Luce had taken an interest to Johnny. Not in a romantic sense-although, perhaps, in a Romantic sense-she was intrigued. Johnny had more at stake here, with his family's presence here-but she lacked knowledge of American culture, and while it seemed a trivial thing to be ignorant of, it could prove very detrimental. Both weaknesses the others could fix. The one-eyed girl would be seeing things clearly for him, and while she didn't think he was a real let's-hold-hands-and-sing-kumbaya-type (which she admired), she felt he might be better suited for diplomacy than her. Luce was not opposed to violence, and she would be lying to say there wasn't a sick thrill in it, the rush of adrenaline and fear and mortality that made fighting the greatest sport in the world, but she recognized its risks. Getting out of here without fighting would be preferable. She'd killed teenagers back home, but this was different. These teenagers were still todddlers, in Luciana's eyes. She might've only been able to get into an American bar by a couple of years, but experiences and life had aged Luce a bit. It wasn't a fun process.

"A bit of advice, from one veteran to another...don't let your scars guide you. You let your wounds keep you from failing, perhaps. I am not what you'd call an..." she paused, thinking over the word. "Idealismist? No. That is not right. Motherf*ck. Idealist, yes, that, I am not an idealist, but there's a strength in running to something, not away. Something to consider, perhaps-I won't pretend to know what drives you. I hate that." Luce's advice, however, lost its sagacity rather quickly. "And darling I want to keep you curious about a lot of my feelings. Taylor, be so kind as to leave us...I think we have much to discuss. Privately. Regarding traitors and this place in general. I can't make an promises that I won't sweep him off his feet while you're gone, just so we're clear." Luce raised her arms from her gunbelt, folding them across her chest. The vaquero jacket was tailored-no, not tailored, she couldn't have afforded that, but it fit well, and just from one look, you could tell it would probably last her until the rest of her life (unless it got torn or shot to hell-which were both very good possibilities with her). "And let us stop this standoff. Those are for Mexicans, I'm Columbian. Fighting serves neither of us...I do not know who would win, and do not truly care to know, but I do not think either of us would escape unharmed. Besides, I couldn't let you kill me before you introduce me to all your family-maybe you could get baby brother to warm up to me a little bit."

Emily observed Charles moment of thought with great interest. Why look up unless there's something up there? Being confused like this was an often occurrence when dealing with people, it was the main reason she usually avoided conversation. However she decided that she'd open up a little more when she arrived, after all everyone else at the academy was a meta-human too. But despite her efforts Emily still felt like an outsider. Why can't I be normal? Or at least more normal. She consciously was envious of Charles on some level because of this. Then the voices in the back of her mind reminded her that they were weak and she was strong. Emily knew this, but she couldn't help but think that she was missing something.

The two of them walked speedily towards the hospital. Charles burst through the door and quickly inside. Emily kept pace, and seamlessly put her umbrella away as she crossed the threshold. He didn't waste any time any time parting ways. She sat and let him do the talking, then watched him run off. I think you forgot something... Emily acknowledged as he disappeared from sight.

As Charles laid on the table, a trickling black trail rose from the site of his injuries. A faint, familiar voice said "So hasty." This was followed by a giggle, proceeding the cloud flying about the room then dissipating. Pain suddenly kicked in from wounds that looked as fresh as ever.

Jack and Crystal
------------
Jack watched Jake's eyes whiden. Yes, Yes, this is it... nothing? Great, the kid must have caught on. Or he didn't make the illusion embarassing enough- maybe he should've chosen the "humiliaton" feeling. Oh well, he will have time to trick later on. Jack nodded to himself silently. Then Lin approached, examining him silently. All she said was that he wasn't hostile. The way she said it was so plainly, like she was so sure of herself. Telepath, right? She was probably a telepath. It would make sense- for one to automatically know something about someone, and if she were


Crystal sighed as she stood up. If Lin said he wasn't hostile, then it was fine, right? She slowly stepped towards the wall Jake was making. "Nice to meet you, Jack. I'm Crystal." She kept the sentences short so that she wouldn't accidently say anything regarding her suspicions. Jack just didn't look trustworthy. He seemed like the devious type who would do anything for a trick, and Crystal had a feeling she wasn't far from the truth, there. She made a note to look out for tricks.

---
Lexy
---
Lexy looked at Regianld with a shocked face. At least he replied to her, but still. He wasn't in the best mental state- saying they were both dead. It was impossible, right? Lexy smiled, trying to seem reasuring as she kept her hand on Reginald's arm. She still didn't notice the sores, or maybe she did but chose to ignore them.

"Well, then, um...." she tried to think of something to say to have Reginald go with her either to the hospital or cafeteria or something. "Even if we're both dead, then we might as well enjoy liv- I mean death before the world ends, right? Could you at least go with me to the cafeteria? you won't have to eat anything, jsut hang around. or maybe you could go with me to the hospital so i can now make sure i'm alive... i dunno, have them take my heart beat or something, right?" Lexy smiled, giving Reginald's arm a gentle tug. She had to find some way to help this animal meta human guy, right?

It was funny... she hated death but somehow ended up with the meta human that thought everone was dead.

Johnny

Song:

Shade wrote:

"Ooh, a twin to Jake? Hope she's not taken. Your family, Johnny, they'll be the death of me."

"...perhaps literally, if I'm lucky."

Johnny chuckled a bit at Luce's comment. He found it funny that they'll be the "death" of her. Because years back, he found himself saying the same thing to another group of siblings... Unfortunately, vice-versa occurred. He shrugged off the thought and went back on subject. He did know it was obviously a joke on Luce's part. Because you're quite the joker Miss Luce. "Yes, they're quite the ray of sunshine." Johnny smirked, and continued, "They're all strong Meta-humans in their own ways... But, not as strong as I." He gloated about his power. It was true in a many ways. Sylvia had immense raw-power, capable of destroying buildings alone, but lacked actual combat experience (And intelligence, in that regard). Gabe was a beast in close quarters with her flames, and had training, but lacked actual experience, and one way or another; she always let her emotions get the best of her. Jake had much more in terms of intelligence and tactics, and had an incredibly useful power, being taught by Johnny, but lacked in combat. That isn't exactly a bad thing, not being offensive as the rest. Jake is regarded as Johnny's second because he's just as smart, and clever.

Shade wrote:

"A bit of advice, from one veteran to another...don't let your scars guide you. You let your wounds keep you from failing, perhaps. I am not what you'd call an..." she paused, thinking over the word. "Idealismist? No. That is not right. Motherf*ck. Idealist, yes, that, I am not an idealist, but there's a strength in running to something, not away. Something to consider, perhaps-I won't pretend to know what drives you. I hate that."

At first, Johnny was unsure of how to take Luce's advice. He just didn't understand it. He paused for a moment--- He just pushed everything aside, just to figure out what Luce meant. Maybe he had a lapse in intelligence. OR, he was simply unsure of what to do with it. Then, it hit him. He worded his statement the wrong way. What he really meant was that the scars were just a reminder of what happens when he does fail. What really drives him is the need to protect his family. Which is the fuel he needs to stop the traitor. Taking out the b*stard before he f*cks with someone he actually cares about. Yeah, everyone else can go die, for all I care. If they're dead, then they weren't relevant enough to live. I'm stopping this before it gets out of hand. For a moment, he wanted to correct himself--- But, knew there was no point really, the, metaphorical, "damage" was already down. Johnny smiled warmly, as he spoke, "Thanks, Luce. I'll have to keep this in mind." He was being true to himself when he said this to her.

Shade wrote:

"And darling I want to keep you curious about a lot of my feelings. Taylor, be so kind as to leave us...I think we have much to discuss. Privately. Regarding traitors and this place in general. I can't make an promises that I won't sweep him off his feet while you're gone, just so we're clear."

It would be best if Taylor leaves. He had a feeling that what he really wanted to say would drive her off. Which, even though he would dispose of her the moment she turned into an inconvenience, is something he'd like to avoid. Johnny briefly turned to Taylor and said, "Yeah. It's best that you, um, head off... I have to discuss some things between us two... 'Veterans'." He put heavy empathize on veterans. He just liked how Luce called the two "veterans" like they've been in a wa... Wait, Johnny couldn't speak for Luce, but in a way; he has been in a war. Maybe he has some form of PTSD... Once again, he shrugged off the thoughts. Focusing on what's happening here.

Shade wrote:

"And let us stop this standoff. Those are for Mexicans, I'm Columbian. Fighting serves neither of us...I do not know who would win, and do not truly care to know, but I do not think either of us would escape unharmed. Besides, I couldn't let you kill me before you introduce me to all your family-maybe you could get baby brother to warm up to me a little bit."

"Heh, I've been wondering when you'd say that..." Johnny says to Luce in a pleased tone. While if this was any normal situation, he would stay in his Emotional Energy form. But, this wasn't a normal, everyday, standoff. He felt a bit of respect for Luce, and as a sign of goodwill, he choose to power down. He knew that Luce was telling the truth merely from her Emotional Aura. A trick Johnny has perfected was the ability to detect lies due to the slightest change in emotion. The light that enshrouded his being promptly faded away, revealing his smooth and scarred skin. He lifted his head up, and looked directly at Luce, "IF either of us really wanted to kill each other we would done so the moment we laid eyes on each other... I just wanted to see who would want to lay down their arms first..." Johnny started laughing. Before his smile turned flat and he abruptly stopped laughing. He spoke to Luce again, in a much more serious "... Just keep in mind that I can change back just as fast." He said with a smirk. With one simple thought he could transform again, before it's even complete; he'll have the perks that comes with it. Johnny knew it wouldn't be necessary unless someone else pops up.

He... Knew there was a connection between himself and Luce. Johnny knew they may be two sides of the same coin... But, we all know that both sides of the coin can NEVER face each other.... He was going to be cautious, at first. Until he can guarantee her trust. Now, they could work together in this. Since Johnny's main goal is killing the Traitor, damn the costs, and he knows that Luce wants the same d*mn thing. There was one thing that Johnny can EASILY tell, and it didn't require too much thought or analyzing. Hell, or even his great situational awareness. The Traitor knows that there's people after him, and there'd be no point in keeping that a secret. He's going to be covering his tracks, just as fast as they all can find them. It's all a game of waiting for someone to slip up, and then the game will end decisively. A cruel game to play, but the moment they stepped in the Othergrounds; they all were volunteered for it. "Now, let's to business, if you're as good as I think you are; you know I want to catch this Traitor." He started laughing again, looking around, "I don't believe it's you... If it is; then, we might as well just cut the bullsh*t and kill each other right now... Because the moment I find this slippery f*ck, regardless of who he is, or who says anything; it's all fair game." He was speaking the truth here. The Traitor won't stop until he's split enough blood to be satisfied, or they end him first. Johnny's not above ending the life of the Traitor. Because it's only fair.

"So, I believe that a little alliance is in order, yes?" Johnny says to Luce. He did feel as if an alliance was in order. She looked much more useful than the rest of these f*cks that inhabit this place. They were all either annoying, too nice, or too idealistic and naive to get things done. This is a job for people who didn't know what remorse, guilt, or disgrace felt like. A wise man once said; "A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer." Johnny doesn't get weighed down on such things. He's more than willing to screw everyone else here over just to get himself, and his family, ahead. Then just walk away like it was nothing. Johnny decided to set the terms of their alliance, "It's simple; all of us work together to take down the Traitor, AND get out of here. When me and my siblings work together, with one goal in mind, we tend to make great things happen. All I have to do is get Jake to... Un-dislike you. Either way; what do you say...?"

Disregarding Gabe's irrational disdain for the "animal-types"; we are all animals trapped in a cage. Just different kinds of 'em. Some are weak, while the others are strong. Now, there is some predator coming in and picking off the weaklings. But little does the predator know; there are several hunter afoot ready to claim their prize. They're closing in slowly, but soon enough, they will corner THEIR prey, and there won't be any hope left for the little predator... He'll have to submit to the fate that it made for itself. Johnny monologues cryptic metaphors to himself. FOR NO REASON AT ALL. Merely because he was reminded of such thing. But, he wasn't done, he just briefly thought to himself again, The only problem is that the predator disguises itself as a hunter...

Luce grinned at Johnny's comment about changing back just as fast. In what was seemingly the pause between heartbeats, she had a revolver out (and pointed straight up) and back into its holster just as fast. She was aiming to accomplish several things: first, to convey that she wasn't one to f*ck around with easily. She had a feeling that as uneasy as it could make him, it would save more face in his eyes than sitting there and taking his threat would've. She meant no harm by it, and resumed her folded-arm stance immediately afterwards. The second purpose was conveying a taste of her abilities: she wasn't prone to trusting others easily, and she wanted a few second thoughts to cross his mind if he ever decided to attack her. "This is not a d*ck measuring contest. I do not care who of us is stronger. Merely that we are both on our toes, eh?"

"An alliance? I think that's a rather good idea. For the sake of fairness, I'll say our.." she paused, thinking of the word, "...coalition's terms extend to immediate relatives. I will not raise a hand against your family, unless they target me first. I think this is agreeable. Likewise, I'll expect you not to harm any of mine, although they're not here." she paused, this time fully aware of what she wanted to say. "Unlike you, I do not believe my brother was born with any special traits. It is a blessing and a curse. This is besides the point, we won't be traveling to my home anytime soon. I accept, yes. My only condition is that this traitor, I have a feeling, knows how to get out of this school. Anyone who wanted to try and wipe out this many powerful people, children or not, must have a way in and out. Perhaps this same traitor let in the people who..." she gestured a hand towards the ruined state of the Othergrounds. The implications were obvious. "It may be in our best interests to take the traitor alive. I am all for...popping a cap in his b*tch @ss, but I say we find out what he-or she-knows first. Just my advice." Luce began walking towards Johnny, unfolding one arm and extending it for a shake. "I believe this makes it official."

Luce closed her eyes and sighed, a rather melancholy smile appearing on her face. It looked weary. "One last thing, Johnny. I do not think you are a traitor, and I suspect the feeling is mutual, or we wouldn't be talking now." One way or another. But let's have this show of force end-we can prove our worth when we find this traitor. "However, I have not met your family, and cannot say the same for them. Unless you have kept your eyes on them the whole time, there is always that possibility. Your goals of killing the traitor and protecting your family may not both be achievable." I do not expect you to cut down your own family. If you wish, I can do it for you. Or not. My issue lies not with the traitor's deeds, but what he knows. My concern is getting home, not exacting justice. I gave up on that a while ago.

After a few moments, not wanting to give Johnny too much whiplash in conversational emotion, but also preferring to keep things lighthearted, she grinned, the teasing glow reappearing in her features. "...but I must ask, we are not counting Taylor as family, are we? Because I don't really think you plan on taking her home to meet your parents, personally. More of a....hump and dump, if I'm understanding that phrase correctly. Now, if we are done discussing the terms of our alliance and your lady-friend, let's find the traitor and pull his spine out of his @ss."

Lexy shrank back when Reginald turned to face her. She angered him... woops. Lexy decided she had nothing to lose and began to point out the obvious about Reginald, "But you aren't dea-" He was gone. Lexy wanted to follow him, strangely. She wasn't sure if it was because she wanted to help or because of the mere strangeness of the animal meta. Maybe she should see where he was going?

Just when Lexy was about to run after Reginald, one of the eye mechanisms confronted Lexy. Reginald was from a mental institution. Why wasn't she that surprised? Lexy opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. She was currently in a state of indecision. She wasn't sure if she should follow Reginald and lie to the eye or tell the truth so Reginald could get help. She coooooouuuuuld follow the eye and try to speak to Reginald later. That made sense to her.

Lexy smiled and nodded,"He just went around there." She pointed at the corner Reginald had just passed. "He's hurt reeeeeaaaally badly. You are gonna help heal him, right?"