Prodiguy

The ever-continuous serpent portal closed as the figure stepped through, shaking his head and dusting himself off as he had the past few centuries. Granted, being able to hop from the 1900's to the 1200's in a split-second sort of made that wording rather useless.

"The assignment is done," he said, approaching the large crystal in the main building, the only building, actually, "Your family is fine."

The general nodded, looking relieved- "I was sure those Arachnos thugs were going to out-pace you there, Mender Ballard- Hell, they almost did. What kept you?"

"I had to stop some other time-hopping freak from going pyromaniac on a warehouse containing explosives and other assortment of technology needed for beginning Crey Industries," Mender Ballard replied, sighing as he sat down on a gold and silver chair, "I almost had to take a side-jump back to SAVE the weapons. Very unneeded."

"Indeed. Well, it was good of you to stop him- Less problems for us. Did you manage to find out what time you let the Rikti in?"

"Not yet," This was Ballard's reply every time the question came up.

At some point in the past, Mender Ballard, first name John, had opened a portal he had created. It had opened another portal with the same styling and technological level as on the Rikti Homeworld. They poured through, allowing 2.0 to barely escape alive. Steel Canyon was almost taken over before Statesman and other heroes stopped the incoming group.

Experiment had gone on the run, unable to come to terms with himself- HE had escaped, but his sister and sidekick had not. They had died in the event.

According to Ourobous records, this did not happen in the normal timeline- somebody had meddled with it, and caused the tragedy beyond Experiment 2.0's abilities. Now known as Mender Ballard, Experiment intended to go back to the time he opened the portal, and stop himself.

But, in the confusion of the escape, he had no idea when he had opened the portal, date and time-wise. And even if he did, he was hesitant to go back- Nobody had really ventured to go back and meet themselves before... What if that movie... Back to the Future, was right? What if some paradox occurred, ripping the universe in half?

This caused 2.0 to constantly stop trying to find out what time he had caused this, and try and find out, fruitlessly, what would happen. He always got himself in a timeless (excuse the pun) stalemate.

"Well, you'd better find out," the general said, his line almost rehearsed, "Paragon needs Steel Canyon."

The general exited, leaving Mender Ballard to his thoughts. He decided to think about that phrase rather than the timeline paradoxes and the like.

Why would Paragon NEED Steel? he asked himself, admiring his suit, It's not like anything extremely major happens there often- Boomtown and Atlas are far more famous.

But then, he didn't need to think these things- He KNEW what would happen, or had happened, or rather, had NOT happened- ...What would have happened had the Rikti Assault not taken place, causing structural damage to the major part of Steel. He knew for a fact that it needed to be rebuilt eventually.

...But then, why hurry? Time was, without doubt, on his side.

As they passed the floors of reinforced doors, hi-tech equipment, and other assortment of technological goodies, as well as the mere fact that the group was floating up some kind of gravity-distorted tunnel in 2.0's eyes, he 'harumph'ed, and walked cross-armed to the train. As he stepped aboard, he growled "I am annoyed- First it was Doc West's labs, now it's this place...

"Why does everybody else have all this awesome stuff?!"

UPDATE!

Name: Experiment 2.0
Real name: John Ballard
Age: Mid-Twenty range.
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 165 Pounds.

Description: Commonly introducing himself as a 'Technological extraordinaire,' and then some kind of situation-sensitive title, Experiment 2.0 is a hero among heroes- He will save a child from a burning building, fight off a group of alien invaders, and beat down a Super Villain, and still be back in time to watch some Comedy Central.

While he is not the STRONGEST hero around, he is very intelligent, though it is usually hidden behind a facade of jokes and immaturity. When the situation calls for it, 2.0 can be very serious and very smart. Sometimes, he'll even remain that way for longer than an hour.

He respects all who use a higher amount of technology than him- One of his heroes is Dr. West, according to 2.0, "A master of technology, and owner of many shiny things." Although, due to this infatuation with science, robotics and technology, he has a large disdain for anything magical- For a while, he even tried to disprove magical abilities, and failed miserably.

He used to be incredibly anti-social, sticking himself in his lab all day, working on new projects and all assortment of other things to keep his hands busy. Since his younger sister, Jenny Ballard, came to live with him though, he has had trouble staying in. With the combined efforts of her and her boyfriend, Experiment's sidekick 'Liquid-Burst,' he has been unable to finish many of his larger projects, and those he does finish usually explode within moments of completion.

Experiment 2.0 is a very positive person most of the time, trying to make everyone laugh and keep everybody happy, but in times where his friends are in danger, or one of his arch-enemies are around, his good nature leaves almost instantly, and he becomes almost homicidal to defend those he cares for.

Physical Description: Blue eyes, dirty blonde hair, and very athletic, Experiment is a rather good looking guy, though he has shown very little interest in relationships. That is one of the few things his family and friends can't change- He has yet to truly date anyone, mostly due to his stubborn anti-social inner half.

He is usually in metallic red armour, his suit of choice, but he also has a costume he will go out in public in during his off hours. Both are rather well made, and the secret identity costume of his even has a little dab of technology in it in the rare case he needs to fight quickly.

Pictures:

Experiment 2.0

John Ballard

Time-Travel Costume

Mine was probably...

Experiment 2.0. He has changed MUCH since his creation... Even his physical features!

See, he was my first character, and began as a full on mutant, with dark powers and spike powers, along with a little skill at making his own costumes, hence why it was so ragtag- A white tank top, ring shoulders, jeans, and boots. Also, some goggles for better withstanding of battle.

He is 5'2" in-game, but I RP him as around 6'4".

Why the height difference?

It's actually pretty funny- When I started the game, it was on an old laptop, and I couldn't make anyone even average height because he glitched up the graphics. I don't know why.

Eventually, he shifted from full Mutant, to having some skills in technological creations. Note, this was before Issue 1 even, so no Icon, no nothing.

I RPed him first in Whitemoore, and I was, what, 13? I was terrible at it. I had no idea what grammar WAS, let alone how to use it, and failed miserably otherwise.

(How I became a Grammar Nazi in, like, a year I'll never know.)

Eventually, he shifted to Super-Hero, tights, tech power pools, flight, all that stuff. He THEN shifted into the more modern 2.0. Red Metallic armour, cape, goggles, dirty blonde hair, sarcastic and humorous nature, and generally very heroic.

Although, I HAVE shifted his suit a bit recently... I'll post pictures soon enough, but he just looks much cooler now, both in his 'Experiment 2.0' costume, and his 'Time-Travel' costume.

Yes, I actually made a time-travel costume. Oh, and his Civilian Suit is much cooler now too. Less monotonous.

"Hurrah indeed, my little pink H34lz0r friend." Experiment added, nodding and smiling in the armoured suit. Stretching and groaning, Experiment then continued. "So, where exactly are we? Wonderland? The Real World? Under the sea?"

Experiment barely recoiled from the cold, his figure disappearing under a newer, more advanced heavy suit of armour, seemingly coursing with unstable electrical currents.

He tapped his PDA, adjusting the stability of the suit to around equal levels, the electric coursing reducing to mild sparks every few seconds. "Awesome. The auto-initiation procedure works... Although, now that I think about it, if it HADN'T- Well, anyway. So, where are we now, exactly? Apart from, y'know, hanging out with some tree roots?"

[ QUOTE ]
okay your intro is good....if you have another RP i want to hear about this raivalry with shimmer....sounds kinda deep seated.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, there WAS one, detailing Experiment and Shimmer's pasts, but I think it's pretty much gone now. <_<

I also had a few stories showing more personality of Shimmer and his cohorts to 2.0, but I finished them and I guess left them for dead- I can't find 'em. v_v

Raising the welding mask, an essence of pride could be felt from every pore on Experiment's body. "Finally... It only took, like, seven months of almost straight-up working, but it's done."

Stepping back, Experiment 2.0 admired his brand new creation with the eye of a child who just built a sand castle.

A very useful and beneficial sand castle, but a sand castle nonetheless.

"Granted," he continued to himself, sighing, "This IS the third time it's been 'finished.' I suppose I can't say it's really finished until I plug it in and it DOESN'T blow up..."

The lab door slid open behind him, and Experiment hung his head. "That's never good- Whenever you walk in, Kev, this thing malfunc--"

Searing heat and the force of the blow sent Experiment flying into his creation, throwing blinding colours into his vision. "Woah! What the hell was THAT?!"

Pushing a few tools off of him, 2.0 saw EXACTLY what 'that' was.

Standing at the door was a robot, equipped with armour, weapons, and apparently, very sneaky skills. "Hello, Experiment 2.0. How are you?"

"...How the hell did you get past Kevin, Shimmer?!" Experiment practically yelled, leaping forward, spikes unsheathed.

"Quite easily, I'm afraid," Dr. Shimmer replied, leaning to the side a bit to reveal the unconscious forms of Kevin and Jenny, "I thought they'd put up more of a fight against my Mk. III and IV units."

As if on cue, the Mk. IV, a giant mass of electronics and weaponry, stepped through the doorway, Vulcan Cannon arms extended toward the hero.

"...Very lovely, Shimmy, to know that you're succeeding in your ever-enduring endeavor to make my life miserable," 2.0 muttered, "But I don't have time for this."

Suddenly, the creation behind him burst into life, swirling energies morphing into a trans-dimensional portal. He turned, and yelled, "Huzzah!"

"Interesting creation, hero, but is it going to help you in this fight I wonder?"

The portal answered that question.

The giant hulking Mk. IV Shimmer had brought with his remote controlled Mk. III unit began sliding along the ground, E.M.P. pulses rushing through it, as it flew toward the portal.

Along with that, boxes and tools in 2.0's base also began flowing in- The portal was composed of an elect5romagnetic field, pulled all of the metal things in the room toward it.

"Hm? Done yet, Shim-Shim?" Experiment boasted, grinning.

"Oh, I am," Shimmer returned, jets activating as he hovered slowly to the inward entrance pipe, "But I'm not the one about to get sucked into an unknown abyss. Goodbye, Experiment 2.0."

Obviously, Experiment hadn't noticed his ARMOUR was made of metal. It seemed that, as soon as he DID realise this, he was pulled into the swirling energies, yelling expletives at the top of his lungs. A grenade, thrown by Shimmer's Mk. III, who then proceeded to escape, blew the portal apart, destroying 2.0's path back to Paragon City.

While in the limbo between worlds, Experiment could think but one thing-

"Well crap."

With as calm a voice as possible, Experiment turned to Ryat slowly, and said, "You think THAT'S divergent?"

Then, his seat fell back, him flying to the ground, a hail of laughter emitting from the point he had hit. "OH DEAR LORD! HAHAHAHA!!! I... I CAN'T BREATH! OH MY GOD!"

...And other assortment of words.

After about ten more seconds, he came back up, tears streaming down his face, with a grin seemingly plastered on his face. "I will tell you right now... Hehehe... I am never going to forget that, Big M. Never."

Experiment's demeanor, which had been amazingly and, to some, perhaps rather surprisingly, serious and intelligent up until this point, suddenly fell to pieces, his throat almost unable to hold back a laugh.

"Alright," 2.0 began, his voice from the deeper, more intelligent octave to the lighter, humorous one, "I have but one thing to say- If M's stick-figure counterpart begins flapping his hands, I am going to laugh. Very loudly."

Experiment was aghast.

Killing people was not in the job description- And he damn well said so. "I don't see killing people as necessary, Phillis- I'd understand if there were no other way, but we've hardly planned beyond scout 'bots. Could we keep the mortality rate of BOTH sides as low as possible," 2.0 sighed, "At least for now?"

Experiment 2.0 hated the idea of killing, not only of innocent citizens, but of the enemy if it could be avoided. So far, this didn't sound like killing would even be needed at this point, so he preferred the 'let everyone live, just capture' mentality.

Hence the reason his spikes were usually coated in a knock-out poison instead of a lethal one.

"I agree whole-heartedly with Vern and the stick figure, Doctor," Experiment chimed in, "I don't mean that I'm ready to simply run and gun my way in- That would be suicide, even if we had tanks, jets and the U.S. army. We don't know the full extent of these peoples' powers, as you said.

"I'd simply prefer," he continued, "That we are closer to the enemy should anything change. I don't want us to make a plan here, get new info, make a new plan, get MORE info- I'd rather make a plan while out there, tweaking elements as we observe, than waste perhaps time that could be spent scoping out our enemy."

2.0 leaned back in his chair, sighing. "Although, I will agree, there is a difference between the labeled 'heroes and villains' here, especially our intents with this. I'd PREFER a whole group of heroes- All intent on aiding the greater good, possibly even sacrificing their lives to save innocent citizens." Shaking his head, Experiment sighed again, "But I realize that we're not perfect, us heroes- We would sacrifice our lives if we thought it worth it without a second thought usually, and that is our downfall. Those considered 'villains' are able to take a step back, in my mind, and those with pure intentions seem to be able to identify when it would be worth living, even at the risk of innocent life.

"Heroes are known for their willingness to die for citizens, while villains are known for their willingness to live over citizens, but I believe it is simply a case of different ways of thinking. Personally, if I had found this out myself, I'd probably be captured right now, because I'm the 'run in for the WORLD!' kind of guy." Grinning, 2.0 continued, "And I'll bet that half the people here would be saying 'Damn, if I had found this first, I could rule the world' if it weren't for our discussing this through. I don't feel like running in, but I DO want to be close, in case we HAVE to run in to stop something, as we commonly do."

Experiment sighed, leaning back. "Damn- I was hoping this was alien mind control, would have been an easier job to just dissect parasitic aliens.

"It's pretty troubling, really, to watch these people mess with all of this without a clue as, most likely, to the true power of these 'Meat Puppets.' Hell, if even one of those guys got out, and managed to get somewhere populated, it would not only cause mass havoc, but an autopsy would pretty much publicize the reasoning behind that power," Leaning forward again, 2.0 sighed. "And most likely letting any villain that could be specializing in that area to have the key he needs to create a much more organized army of nigh unstoppable soldiers."

"Recording finished." beeped a voice on his wrist, which Experiment grunted to- His PDA had recorded the video for him to possibly review later.

Turning to Sheldon, Experiment replied to his theory, "It COULD be that he doesn't know a true military salute... Or he's used to these guys not knowing how. Do we know exactly how long this has been going on? Hundreds of mind-slaves could have gone through this process by now." Nodding, affirming himself of his decision, 2.0 continued. "You know I'm gonna help as much as I can- And I will ask the same thing Vern asked..."

With that, the old grin spread across his face. "What's our ride, Doc?"

((Also, the whole 'Knowing my secret identity' thing... But, since Experiment's identity is pretty much common knowledge by now, due to the amount of times people have called him John around people he didn't know, he didn't even notice this time around. xD))

Experiment shook his head toward Jake, "Nothing- I think Sheldon got the best idea of it- But, according to Dr. West, Vanessa still has some information."

Leaning forward, leaning his head on his right hand, Experiment's frown deepened. "What would this information be, madam?"

"I think the main point of us being here," Experiment interjected on Build, suddenly having a deeper, more serious tone of voice, "Is to figure out EXACTLY what is happening, and, most likely in this case, to figure out how to stop it from spreading beyond using people as guinea pigs who end up dead.

"I'm thinking that this guy must have some sort of... Mind control. It's the only way I can see these people submitting to him within seconds of what seemed to be the most agony they'd ever endured." 2.0 continued, leaning forward on the table. "Perhaps he has a power similar to those classified as Defenders- They are able to power up heroes and the like for a short time by whatever means... Perhaps his is simply a far stronger, more permanent, and possibly even more deadly version."

Leaning back, Experiment shook his head. "But that doesn't explain the exact reasoning behind all of this- Instant mind control? A hurried death? Insane abilities of aiming, strength, speed, and the five senses? ...To me, it almost sounds like some sort of alien conspiracy."

Gripping a Coke in his right armoured hand, Experiment grinned at Essex. "Dear lord Ess- First Hal obsesses over you for just being in your armour... Now you're trying to appeal to those with that kind of--"

He halted himself in mid-joke, coughing. "Nevermind. Not quite 'Child s-' Hold on..." Attempting to do air quotes with a glass of liquid wasn't working, so he put it down, proceeded with the 'Child safe' air quote, then picking it up again.

As Phillis made his entry, Experiment had but one thing to say.

"...You really worked hard in Science class, hm? You didn't have a girlfriend 'till your forties, right? Poor you."

In mock protest, Experiment stood. "Hey hey now, at least when I make fun of people, I do it in a way that could possibly be construed as humorous by the insultee. Please, if you're going to insult people, at least let them think you're doing it in a nice way, hm?"

With that, Experiment spun, bowed, and sat. However, he then began sulking almost instantly... Realizing that this guy had missed his dramatic introduction, and since he couldn't POSSIBLY do it twice in a row, would be forever deprived of the honour. How sad.

Experiment smirked again- "First time solo, second Co-op. Is it just me, or is co-op HARDER? It just seems that, without an almost invincible Arbiter, I get shot a lot more."

Grinning, Experiment moved to a chair he deemed lucky, and then bowed to the group, those he knew and didn't know alike, and began his signature introduction.

"I am Experiment 2.0, technological extraordinaire and completer of Halo 3 on Legendary."

With that he took a seat, his grin seemingly imprinted upon his face.

Experiment's grin went off the map with each word from Solid Shot.

"Sarcastic, intelligent, gun-wielding and awesome in one silver and black package?" he said, his eyes almost sparkling as he put his clasped hands under his chin. "Why... I think I'm in love!"

However, he then frowned. "You know, man-love. Since, y'know, you're, like, male. I think. Are you? Male sounding, at least... Uh... Hm." He stood for about ten seconds, simply thinking. "...Awesome-pie. Anyway, I agree with Vern- What exactly IS the reason for the meeting?"

Proceeding to hit a button on his PDA, his blue and red cape retracted into the full red-paneled suit as he proceeded the way Solid had gestured, "I mean, like... Uh... Like that guy said, we are all in this place at the same time, a possible target due to all, or most, of us being very intelligent. Dr. West is a pretty smart guy- A's on all HIS tests I bet- Why would he want even MORE geniuses?"

Experiment, having greeted the group members he knew in the usual way, and those he didn't with a minor joke, such as 'Dr. Icicle' or 'Miss Loch Ness' under his breath, he finally piped up. "So, just so I know, we're pretty secure down here, right? No chance of, say, a fifty-foot octopus or giant robot just kinda crashing in, right? Because, y'know, it's rather difficult to have conversations while being trampled or having ink shot in your eyes and the like."

If anybody didn't know he talked and acted like an idiot already, they'd most likely be confused as to his presence about now.

It took a good bit of self control to right himself in mid-air, so the collision with the wall was a bit beyond his capabilities. After all, he was always on edge in this place- Destroyed buildings, always a chance of having some random Stalker come up and slice his leg off.

Experiment wasn't very happy so far- Having been flying at the highest point he could over Siren's Call, the blade that slashed along the back of his plated suit terrified him. He spun, throwing spikes every which way, causing the hidden ninja wanna-be to fall to the ground. The scare sent him downward, causing a Corrupter to start throwing balls of fire at him. This confused him further, throwing him completely out of control.

The fact that he had 'landed' a few buildings down from where the data on his PDA told him to be was blind luck.

Straightening and dusting off his armour in his usual manner, he proceeded toward the door, briskly... And sighed.

No doubt he was given the wrong directions- Last time he had been to Dr. West's labs, they looked all shiny, and awesome, and high-tech, and... Well, awesome. This run-down building was a poor excuse...

...Of course, as he saw the early group proceed in, he raised an eyebrow. Especially with the glowing blue light he spotted in the doorway.

"...Well... Uh... Hm. Maybe Dr. West was kidnapped by aliens! That would be cool... I'd be able to punch some Rikti faces!" he yelled, throwing his hand up ceremoniously, and punching the air, little sounds of energy emitting from his mouth. "Hmph! Umph! Yumph! Take that, fake-alien scum!"

...He finally walked up to the door, clearing his throat. "Hello door. I am Experiment 2.0. Is there any chance of me proceeding through your rectangular doorishness this fine day?"

Still virtue. I honestly don't think that's ever going to change. ^__^

It had occurred to him that he was getting weaker- The dreams he had planted in the man's skull took a lot more energy than he had thought it would, and each time he slept, his power decreased.

While this wasn't saying much, due to his being so powerful anyway, it was still quite annoying- He couldn't pick up 5-ton dump-trucks quite as easily as he could before, that was for sure.

Leaping up toward the platform holding a glowing crystal, the creature with purple skin placed its clawed hand on the surface. Magical energies rushed from it and around his arm, forcing him to close his eyes. The vision began again, and this time, he would finish it.

Every time he had begun this, an extreme burning pain ripped through him, and caused him to relinquish his bare hand- Now, he was fully prepared for the pain, knowing that soon, he would have his enemy's weakness.

Paragon City flew into frame- Valiant, shining, guarded by the largest mass of super heroes on the planet. Anywhere you looked, someone in bright spandex was running or flying to the next crime or super-villain battle.

One stood out in particular, soaring through the sky with a look of joy on his face, his blond hair flapping in his closed eyes slightly.

The red armour over his body signaled who it was right off.

Experiment 2.0 scanned the area, still smiling- He had just finished mopping up a group of Hellions, just like he had in every vision so far. Then, a burst of red light coursed through him, sending him down to the ground, and the most painful heat imaginable through the watcher's hand.

The creature withstood the burn, and he continued watching.

Experiment flipped around, barely landing on a building's outcropping, glancing up. A robot, double the size of a normal human and covered in red and black armour, fired down upon him with some sort of futuristic rifle.

2.0 leaped from the building, engaging his jetboots and flipping around the blasts of energy. As he flipped again, spines covered his left and, and he swung his body full circle, sending a wave of spikes at the robot.

It fired rapidly, scorching most of the poison-tipped projectiles, but it didn't expect the hero it was attacking to flip around behind it, and smash it on the head with both fists. The head smashed into the body, and the thing exploded in fire and sparks.

Experiment was thrown downward, smashing into a car. This almost send the creature flying also, but it withstood the pain. As the hero gripped his head in pain, and sat up, he realized that his mask of metal had fallen back- And it gave the creature a perfect view of his identity.

Pulling the metal over his head again, he flew off after ensuring nobody had seen him.

The creature removed its hand from the crystal, ending the vision. It quickly wrapped bandages around the burned, bleeding hand, gasping in breath. It had taken a beating due to the downside of the Scrying Crystal, but he had figured out who Experiment 2.0 was, and intended to destroy him when he least expected it.

...Of course, this was going to be rather easy, as 'Experiment 2.0,' at that moment, was the man spinning in his chair, laughing his head off.