Dear Diary,
Well, I was right about my hunch. Black Talon wasn't trying to hit on me or anything. He did suprise me though.
First he asked me if I had any regrets in life. I summed it up by telling him everything that there's a commercial about telling parents to tell their kids not to do it, I did. He nodded, and said "I know how you feel, Ellen. I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of. You know, they say the best thing you can do to make up for all your sins is to do something selfless."
He let that sink in before adding, "would you like to make up for all your sins?"
I knew where he was going with this. I knew I'd be risking my life every day. But I thought about it, thought about how I was nothing but a dissapointment to myself and my mother, the woman who raised me all by herself with all her heart... and I accepted his offer. He told me he'd have an outfit made for me, and after talking over design and giving him my measurements- any model worth her salt knows her measurements to a T- he told me to rest up and prepare for my first day of training. I'm just glad I don't have a photo shoot tommorrow, I probably have a lot to learn.
Dear Diary,
It's been a month since I joined forces with Black Talon. I havent given myself a hero name yet, though the press has noticed me as a "mysterious lady in leather". Pretty catchy, I have to admit.
The suit I wear isn't entirely leather, though. It's got a coat of kevlar woven in, so that bullets dont pierce my skin. It's thinnest at the head, just thick enough to prevent pistol fire from going right through it...it's possible it could kill, but Talon tells me most criminals aim for the chest anyways. He's been teaching me boxing and has been using medicine balls to make me more relisilliant to punishment. I've still got a lot to learn, he says, but I'm learning fast.
I also met someone at a photo shoot today. Her name is Vanessa, and she is drop-dead GORGEOUS. I've never been attracted to a woman before, but... for some reason, I can't take my mind off of her. Talon says he's going after someone too dangerous for me to face, so I set up a date with her.
Josh got life without parole. Apparently I wasn't his first victim, in fact seven women stepped forward, and one of them said he also killed her friend. He passed me outside the court before the sentencing, begging for me to accept his apology. I asked if he was sorry about the others, and he said no. Pathetic. At least he'll get a taste of his own medicine.
Well, that's all I got to say for now. I got another photo shoot today and my date with Vanessa, and I definately need my beauty sleep.
I wonder how I'm going to explain the bruise I got from today's patrol...
Dear Diary,
Black Talon died tonight. We were on patrol as usual, and he told me that he had something important to tell me. Then, I turn around for one moment, thinking I heard someone call out.
Then I turned around, and saw Black Talon's body slumped on the floor, his head shattered. Grabbing my binoclears I managed to see the shooter, but by the time I got there, he was gone. A bellhop tried to stop him, but he only managed to rip a sleeve. There was an insignia on it...I knew I saw it somewhere, but didn't know what. I just couldn't keep my mind off Black Talon that night, so I just headed home.
As soon as I had, I got a call from the hospital. My mother had also died. Before they could tell me what, I immediately called Vanessa. I was so relieved when she answered. We talked for hours until I finally managed to calm down. I fixed myself some food before I turned on the news. They were talking about some group called the Council who had taken over another militia in Paragon City. I didn't really care... until I saw their insignia.
It was the exact same symbol on the sleeve of the sniper. I knew then what I had to do. I spoke to my modeling agency, and they had a branch in Paragon and they fortunately needed some new models over there. I packed up everything I needed and booked a flight for two days from now. I would leave immediately, but I need to talk to Vanessa first.
I just wish I could tell her about my secret life. My life as a crime fighter. I wish I was able to tell my mom. But for their own good, I can't tell them.
Maybe one day, when I know Vanessa and I will always be together, I can tell her. Until then...
Dear Diary,
I'm on my way to Paragon as we speak. The plane lands in about an hour, maybe an hour and a half.
Vanessa didn't understand why I had to leave, and I don't blame her. She wanted to go with me, but I had to let her down. I hate myself for doing it, but it's for her own safety. I can't lose her the way I lost Black Talon and my mom. I told her I'm going to call her every day, and I aim to keep that promise. I got my phone all charged up and the moment I'm out of this plane I'm giving her a call.
I wasn't sure whether to have my costume as carry-on or not, but I decided to keep on the safe side and put it in with the rest of my luggage. I figured that having a full leather bodysuit and mask in my carry-on would raise more than a few eyebrows.
They say I'm not going to actually land in Paragon City, but just outside of it. Apparently they got these things called War Walls that make landing in the town nearly impossible. I already got a lease on an apartment in Galaxy City, which they say is one of the quieter neighborhoods... which, I'm told, doesn't mean it's actually that quiet. But hey, I'm used to gangs. I've seen a cluster of gangs on the street just about every day of my life, whether just hoping they ignore me on the street or fighting them alongside Black Talon.
Of course just because I plan on finding the man who killed Talon doesn't mean I'm going after the Council alone. If there's criminals that need to be stopped, I'll be glad to do so. Black Talon's war was on the gangs of LA but he always stopped random muggers and other hoodlums. And so will I.
Well, I better stop writing now, we're going into some turbulence.
Dear Diary,
My first day here, and I already got some recognition. After talking to Vanessa, moving into my apartment, and buying TV and some furniture, I thought about going on patrol but decided to unpack first. I heard a scream just outside my window, and saw a woman trying to fight off a mugger. I slipped on my uniform and my mask and headed down the fire escape. I dropped right behind the mugger, turned him around, and gave him a good clean cross to the jaw, dropping him like a rock. The woman started thanking me, but before I could ask if she was okay I heard someone else yelling for help. Thus started my first patrol here in Paragon City.
Well apparently word got out on me. On the radio they interviewed that first woman, who called me "some sort of BDSM Avenger". After the interview the station got calls from the other people I rescued saying they were "saved by the BDSM Avenger" as well. Well, I guess it beats having to come up with my own hero name.
Dear Diary,
It's been two weeks since I moved to Paragon City. Apparently Striga Isle is closed off to the general public and I have to obtain clearance to get there. Until then, I'm biding my time patrolling around the part of town I call home, Galaxy City, as well as Atlas Park and this place called the Hallows.
The Hallows looks like a warzone. It's also closed to the general public but they've given me clearance to go there already. There's a major gang war there, just like there was back in LA. Except here it's two superpowered gangs; the Outcasts and the Trolls. I already busted the head honcho of the Outcasts, some guy called Frostfire. I'm focusing on the Trolls now.
While I was going through Troll territory, though, I saw a green glow in the distance. These guys in robes were standing around a woman suspended in the air. I did the only thing I could do: Take them out. The woman, barely consious, told me all about those guys. They call themselves the Circle of Thorns, and they were using her as a sacrifice for their evil magic. She took me back to Atlas Park and gave me a magical item that looked like a leash. She says it's imbued with a spell that allows me to force people to my side and that it was a gift to me for saving her life. Have to admit it's a handy little trinket. I think I'll keep it for a while.
I did run into some Council in Galaxy City, though. I took one of them and gave him the third degree. He had no idea who Black Talon was, and said that the Council keeps most of their operatives' identities secret from each other. Well, at least that's a bit of a start. I decided to let him go, but to tell his leaders a message. That I was coming after them, and I will not stop until every last one of them are in jail.
And every word of that was true. Even when I take down Black Talon's killer, I won't stop. The entire Council is going to pay.
Dear Diary,
I've got access to Striga Island now. Mobsters run the docks, but the Council shows up now and then. Word is the base is in deeper, closer to the swamplands. There could be a thousand of them in there, possibly more. I need to learn all I can about it before I raid the base proper.
I've been hearing stories about men turning into giant wolves in that forest at night, and that vampires hunt the swampland as well. I'll believe it when I see it, and I haven't seen it yet.
I captured an officer of the Council called Robert Roth last night. I did my best to make him talk...even breaking his jaw didn't reveal anything. Guess he didn't know anything. So far none do.
I know it's feasible that the Council actually had no hand in it. But I have my doubts on that. If it's the case, well, I'll just have to focus on the real culprits. Until then, the Council, all of them, are mine.
It's getting harder and harder to convince Vanessa to stay in Los Angeles. Especially since it's been almost a month since I've seen her except as a photograph. We talked about getting webcams so we could talk 'face to face'. I should be getting a bonus this paycheck...maybe it'll work.
I hope it does. I think someone's stalking me. I keep hearing noises, but not seeing anyone. I hear photographs being taken but see only average citizens. I've started check the door twice and close the curtains before even changing in and out of my costume. I think they are on to me. Or they could be just reporters. I'd rather not have reporters watching my every move... sure, it's nice to see my work is being appreciated in Paragon City, but that's not why I hunt the Council.
I just wished I knew who was hunting me.
Dear Diary,
Last night, scouting the base, one of the Council's drones spotted me. I took him out, of course, but then he got back up... and he howled like a wolf. I must admit I was pretty shocked, but not as much when he grew into a wolfman twice his size. For the first time in my life I was afraid I was going to die. It took me five minuites to take that monster down, but I finally did. I went to the hospital to look over my wound, and I should be fine. Apparently the Council's "Warwolves" don't give humans lycanthropy, but are scientific experiments.
Well, if that's not another reason to stop these murderous men I don't know what is. I swore I saw a flashbulb go off after I took down the warwolf, but I turned around and saw nobody.
When I catch that guy, oh I'm going to make him pay.
Dear Diary,
It's past dawn now. Last night's scouting of the Council base didn't go as planned. Just as I thought I took out one of their patrol groups, I was smashed in the back of the head and knocked out cold. Next thing I know, I wake up on a cot, I'm in these beige clothes, without my mask, and trapped behind an iron door. The only other thing in the room was a paper plate with some gruel on it, a plastic fork stuck inside. It was no mistaking I was in a Council prison. When the guard who was giving the prisoners food came to my door the next night, I grabbed his arm, and told him to open the door or I'd rip his arm off. And I could have done it too. Fortunately he was smart enough to know I wasn't playing around and as soon as the door was open, I kicked it in his face and took him hostage, making him tell me where my clothes were. After he served his purpose I knocked him out and changed into my uniform. I opened the other cells too... children, teenagers, women... and a couple corpses. I told them to stay here and let me take care of the situation. It took me the better part of an hour, but I managed to shut down that gulag... and after everyone was out, I got the PPD there to clean up.
I found their database while I was there and transfered all the info to my home computer before wiping it. Turns out the gulag was a brainwashing facility; that the prisoners were to be slowly turned into a loyal Council member.
There's no way I can let that happen. Especially to children. Now I've got no choice. Once I find Black Talon's killer, I'm going to destroy that base brick by brick.
((Development! Action!))
Dear Diary.
Vanessa was so worried that I didn't call her. I had to lie to her- again- that I was too caught up with work. We talked all night, and she finally agreed to stay in LA at least for a little while longer.
I don't know how much longer I can lie to her. I could have died on my last patrol, and it could just as easily happen again. And I'm going to go out come sundown, and every other night for that matter. But if she knew, she would never stop worrying about it.
One day I'm going to have to tell her, but not until I take care of the Council once and for all. Now that there's a chance that they know who I really am, she'd be in more danger than before. I just can't let her come to Paragon City until I know she'll be safe.
I need to get some sleep... the last three days felt like a year.
Dear Diary,
I did my first full-on raid of that base tonight, but it seems someone tried to beat me to it. From what I understand, they're a bunch of mercanaries called the Sky Raiders. I tried to leave them alone and focus of the Council, but then they turned their guns on me. Well, I had to put a stop to that, and after I dropped a few I went back to the bigger fish in the pond.
I took their weapons caches down first; I figured even if they could get their cronies out of jail, it'd be no good if they couldn't arm them. Then I focused on their Warwolf projects... that's when I stumbled on something else... there were these four guys in one base, and at first I didn't think they were council but emaciated prisoners... it wasn't until I noticed their skin was almost pure white and slightly decayed, and their ears were pointed that I realized something was up. As I fought them, they would gesture at me, and somehow I'd feel weaker. I can only assume they are some sort of vampires. I'll ask those eggheads in SERAPH about it later. I found more prisoners, and lucky me, seven of them the were heroes too. I got them to their costumes and gear and the eight of us cleaned house on the rest of the Council. We called Longbow for cleanup and went our separate ways. They asked if they wanted to form a superhero group, but I decided to leave myself out of it. I did let them know that if they needed my help, all they had to do was give me a ring.
Why I didn't join up with them was pretty simple. They didn't have the same hatred for the Council that I do. They fight the random criminals of Paragon, which I have to admit is a noble thing, but I can't let up on the Council for a second.
Oh, I recovered the hard drive from a Council mainframe. It's encrypted so when I head to city hall I'll see if DATA can crack the code. Meanwhile, I got a tip that there's a lot of Council activity in Founder's Falls. I figured I'd pay them a visit before raiding the base again.
Dear Diary,
I got word from DATA on that code... it's a list of heroes, some flagged for 'capture and conversion', some flagged for 'kill on sight' and others for 'test subjects. I had them contact the names and let me know if they couldn't reach someone.
Founders Falls is swarming with Council all right. People are afraid to leave their homes without a hero around. I have to be on my toes all the time there, especially because I'm sure I'm still being followed around by someone. Their next move must be here, so I'm going to do all I can to make them think twice about moving on with whatever they've got planned.
Dear Diary,
I continued through Founders Falls, when I felt a bullet brush past my ear. I looked up, and I saw a Council sniper on a ledge above me. He went to flee, but I used that least I got from MAGI on him. He confessed to killing Black Talon. Finally, I had found him. I pulled out a knife... one of the throwing knives Black Talon used to use. I was thinking about killing him... I could have if I wanted to... but I stabbed him just below the lung. He wouldn't die from it... but it'd hurt him. I Did that, and handcuffed him to a lampost. Before I did, he told me an Eric Manetti ordered the hit.
I just saw the news reports...they arrested that sniper all right. Why didn't I kill him? Well, it wouldn't bring Black Talon back, and I'd be just sinking to their level if I did slash his heart out. More importantly, I found out about someone else directly responsible for Talon's murder.
I hope Eric Manetti's got good health insurance. I'm going to make sure he's never able to cause anyone's death ever again.
Dear Diary,
Eric Manetti is rotting in jail where he belongs. And while I should be finally at peace with avenging Black Talon's death, I'm not. Maybe it's what Manetti told me... but for some reason, something doesn't feel right. Like I have unfinished buisness in Paragon.
Well, I guess that makes sense. I did a lot of damage to the Council already but I haven't destroyed it yet. Still, I can't get Manetti's words out of my head.
He said to me that Black Talon is alive. I can't believe it for one moment. I saw him die... I watched his head explode right in front of me. There's no way Black Talon could have faked that.
Is there?
Dear Diary,
Manetti's words are still in my head all day. Worse, for whatever reason, Crey bought out my modeling agency. Luckily as BDSM Avenger I pulled a few strings for a new cage dancer by the name of Ellen Meyers to work in Pocket D. It probably won't pay as well but it'll be enough until I can find a new agent.
You know what I hate the most about all this? Every time I save someone, they hug me and try to kiss me... I can't stand it, especially because I've been away from Vanessa for so long. I cant tell them to stop either, because they're just being grateful for my help. And the more it happens, the more I want Vanessa to come here again... but it's still not safe for her.
Especially when there's that stalker who's been following me! I hope I catch that guy in the act and give him a peice of my mind... and a bloody lip to boot.
So I've got the notion that Black Talon is alive stuck in my head, I lost my job, I need my girl more than ever but can't bring her here, and I got some creep tailing me everywhere I go.
Happy friggin' birthday to me.
((Suspense! Can't wait for the next part!))
(Ask and you shall receive!)
Dear Diary,
Finally. FINALLY. I found that son of a [censored] that's been tailing me for the past two months! I was taking out Council in Founder's Falls, and was tearing up one of those walking robots when I heard a camera flash go off. I played it cool, and ducked into an alley like I saw something else going on. Just as I thought, he was following. What he didn't know was that I was right behind the wall waiting for him. I knocked him off his feet and picked his carcass from the floor.
It wasn't a Council goon. That's the first thing I realized. Instead of that uniform they wear he was in a tuxedo. I checked his pockets... and saw a Crey Industries ID card.
I knew about Crey's field agents. I ran into a couple when the Council raided one of their labs. I thought the Countess was grateful for my help there. Guess I was wrong.
So now I know who was following me, but why?
And now I'm even more worried about Vanessa coming here than ever. I mean, The Council was one thing, but Crey is everywhere. They probably know my secret identity... they might have bought out my old job just to make my life worse. If they found out about Vanessa... and she came to Paragon... they could kidnap her and bend me to their will. I can't let that happen to her. I won't.
Even if that means I can never see her again.
Dear Diary,
When I got off my shift, I overheard a couple guys talking. They mentioned someone they called "The Talon", but I kept walking. By the sound of it, this Talon was raising hell in the Rogue Isles, an archapelego run by Arachnos.
Could it have been Black Talon? No. I can't believe it'd be him. Black Talon was too dedicated against gang warfare and crime to be a criminal himself. It must have been a coincidence.
One of my informants told me The Shining Light had gone missing. I worked with Shiny once when dealing with the Council in Independance Port. Great person, really dedicated to protecting the city. I decided to look into it, see if it wasn't too late for her.
I was attacked by Crey at the location I was told about... I knew Shining Light fought Crey a lot, so I wasn't too suprised. But then the Paragon Protectors came. One of them looked at me... best I can tell with those goofy helmets they wear... and told me I'd be perfect for the project. I recognized the voice as Shining Lights. I took them all out, and sure enough, there she was.
Was it really her? Or some sort of clone? I don't know, but it's hard to believe a person like her would willingly join her greatest foe.
Just like I can't believe Black Talon would have anything to do with the Council.
I hope I'm right about that at least.
Dear Diary,
I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.
Not Nemesis Rex. Alternate realities, I can cope with that... and while I'm glad I'm still in one piece from that guy that's just another war story for me...
But what happened after... wow.
I took a shift in Pocket D, and after I was off the clock I decided to grab a drink or two. That's when I heard him say my name.
I recognized the voice at once. It was a voice I thought I'd never hear again. It was Black Talon's.
"Ellen, I thought you'd come here. So loyal to me, aren't you? Where's that girl... Vanessa, that was her name, right?"
I froze in fear. I forgot he knew about her. I couldn't even answer him.
"Yes, Vanessa...Powell. You know, Ellen, my new friends have been most helpful for me... They've given me powers now... the power to control electricity. You should join them, Ellen. The Council will forgive you for what you've done."
I shook my head. "No... you taught me never to give in to evil."
"Ellen...don't you get it? Look around you. All these people with special powers, and you, going by your own dedication alone, able to do so much. Imagine what you could be with the gifts they have, Ellen."
I just couldn't answer him. I owed him so much to not say no to him.
"Think about it, Ellen," he concluded, as he left to the Rogue Islands.
I don't know what to do. I know if I refuse the Council will go after Vanessa, if I do... I'll be no better than any of the criminals I put to justice.
I just... don't know.
((If there's one thing Final Fight has taught me to do in situations like this, it's beat the hell out of everyone while going through a series of not-connected-at-all stages while they hold a vague threat of the girlfriend above my head, but never act on it.
Wow, that was too long to be funny. I fail))
(Nah, I got a laugh from that. You pass.)
((More please. 
))
((yes more please.))
Lyow-BS/Regen-50
Time Flawed-Grav/Eng-50
Malicious Despot-Crab Spider-50
Nictuz-WarShade
(OOC: This is basically a fanfic of sorts, not an RP thread. Also, if you read my Creyindustries.com profile, expect discrepancies.)
Dear Diary,
Josh tried to get me drunk again. Well, I remembered what happened the last time and didn't want it to happen again. So I headed home. That's when Josh pulled a knife on me in the alley.
I wouldn't be here writing this if Black Talon hadn't come.
I knew about Black Talon, I mean, he's a legend in L.A. He was one of the heroes who were called to action when the Crips and Bloods' gang wars were at their peak. Unlike the others, though, he survived.
Black Talon floored Josh with one blow, then told me to call the police and tell them what happened. He also gave me a slip of paper.
Well, long story short Josh is in a holding cell now. That idiot used his phone call on me. I hope he gets what he's got coming to him. As far as the paper Black Talon gave me... all it said was an address, a time, and the word "tonight".
All the stuff I've seen, I should forget about it. But here I am, writing this diary, and about to get my coat to meet the man who saved my life. Giving him the benefit of a doubt is the least I can do.