An interesting pair of stories in the Times ((RP))

The first is a sidebar on the front page.

Kheldians Attacked!
Talos Island--In the past couple of days, over 12 Kheldians of the PeaceBringer faction have been mysteriously attacked. There was no quantum weaponry involved, but all of the PeaceBringers had strange claw marks on their bodies. Authorities are looking for a new bestial villain such as a werewolf or some manner of demon. Investigators with the Kheldian Coalition are looking into the affair, as well as members of the FBSA.

And the second story, in a small column on the "Technology News" page.

Mysterious Machine Discovered
Perez Park--A group of archeologists exploring uncovered sections of an ancient underground city recently uncovered what appears to be a mechanical entity sealed into one of the rooms. The machine is humanoid in shape and completely inert at this time. DATA technicians have been called in to inspect the ancient machine.

((Okay, some explanation: the first story is something I was requested by a friend to write. It's the lead-in to one of her character arcs. The second one involves an SG idea I was suddenly struck by last night, called the Aspects. More info on both will be coming shortly.))

*Sits waiting patiently for more*

I love a good story!

[ QUOTE ]
*Sits waiting patiently for more*

I love a good story!

[/ QUOTE ]
Same.

Another article appears in the Paragon Times, slightly larger than the last, on the front page.

"Another three members of the Peacebringer faction were found severely injured last night. These attacks mark the fifteenth of such assults on Peacebringers in the last month. Two are reported to be in serious but stable condition, and the third is in critical condition, but also stable.

Heroes of Paragon City are being asked to investigate this matter. All Peacebringers are being asked by Sunstorm and ShadowStar to be especially cautious, and to alert authorities if you have information."

((Boo. Thanks, Pol, for that first post! Keep your eyes peeled for bits about BOTH plots in this thread, everyone, and enjoy!))

Meanwhile.

In a certain gas station west of Gemini Park..

An orange scaled man dreamed strange dreams. Dreams of past lives.. this one dream he has had before, chasing hungrily after prey, this time a small blue and white energy creature. It gave a tiny cry of fear as it rounded a corner into a dead end. Just as he lunged, grabbing the prey in tendrils of dark energy, the dream prey turned, and bit into his shoulder. Painfully!

'OWWW!' yelped Shrike, blinking into startled wakefulness. The pain was far too vivid to be just another part of this dream. 'Wha..?!'

Whatever it was, it was latched tightly onto his shoulder.. following his first impulse, he rolled, somehow managing to dislodge it. Gaining his feet, he could just barely make it out in the dim light of the room.. something vaguely dog-like, large and gray.

Whatever it was, it recovered fast, and launched itself at Wild Shrike again. Shrike focused his gaze on it, intending to focus Kheldian energy into an eye blast.. but nothing. Quickly, he tried to shift forms into something more protected, the giant energy beast.. nothing again.

'OOF!' The creature struck out hard, throwing Shrike across the room. Crashing into the wall, Shrike's mind went back to the other evening.. harassing Polsol, his girlfriend, Shamrock and Guardia while they investigated a series of attacks against peacebringers.. the way the peacebringer had said he felt drained near the beast.. but he said it was small, raccoon-like, and brown, not large, dog-like and gray.

Whatever it was, it landed on him again, and suddenly Shrike felt intensely weaker.. whatever it was, it felt almost as if it was radiating some sort of quantum energy. Jolted, he kicked out, throwing the creature to the other side of the room.. and sending his television crashing to the floor.

'Oh, no ya didn't.. ya BROKE MY TV?! I saved fer a WHILE t' get that thing!! Gaaaaaah!' enraged, Shrike launched an all out assault of thrown bottles and cans at the creature, which snarled.. then suddenly, just as a bottle was about to impact, it vanished.

Wild Shrike tensed, spinning around, certain whatever it was had teleported or phased somehow, and would attack again. But the small back room was empty now. Shrike wobbled, still feeling far more drained than a few bites and claw marks could account for. And worst of all, the constant voice in the back of his mind, his ever present 'friend', was silent.

Shrike slumped back onto the mattress on the floor. He knew he needed to do something about his injuries, perhaps even to the point of visiting the hospital (which he hated), but even thinking about it was tiring. Perhaps a nap first...

"More disturbing developments have occured in the recent attacks on Kheldians.

Last night, another attack was reported, bringing the total up to sixteen. Tygerwolf, a well-known Peacebringer superhero was attacked. He is reported to have sustained only superficial wounds, though he had no comment when asked about the severeity of injuries to his Kheldian half. He was attacked by a "raccoon-like" creature. Members of Freedom Factor and the Guardian Force investigated, but no other details have been released."

((RL intervened, plot will be continuing for a few days more, starting tonight. Sorry about the pause!))

Last night, several heroes apprehended the dragoness Tryamour Draak in connection with the recent attacks on Kheldians. Unfortunately, the arrest came after Solarian Wind, the 18th reported victim was attacked. He was treated and released at Cygnus Hospital in Galaxy City.

The arresting heroes were Hades Moon, Mr. Magnificent, Fire.Hawk, Kelp Plankton, Wild Shrike, Solarian Wind, Baron Vladimire, and Tygerwolf. Vesperi, Dr. James Walton, and Frost Cat were also reported as being at the scene.

No further information on the dragon's current location is available at this time.

((I know I forgot one or two people... sorry! Contact me, and I'll add you to the list! ^^;)

((RL keeps getting in the way. ^^;; Look for more developments soon as my job ends and I get more free time!))

The Paragon Times has just learned that two days the Warshade Wild Shrike, one of the alleged victims of the Khledian Mauler, aka a dragoness named Tryamour Draak, attacked said dragoness in an alleyway. She apparently escaped from custody. The heroes Blood-Raven and Solarian Wind have found her and administered first aid. She was then retaken into custody.

The Times has also received reports that Ms Draak was possessed by a Nictus, and thus not even concious during the attacks. However, these have not been verified.

Also unverfied are further reports identifying the possessor as being one Brad Miller, the brother of Solarian Wind, the last confirmed victim.

The Times will continue to bring you updates as more developments in this truly baffling case occur.