That reminds me. Is Essex ever going to finish this?
EDIT: Maybe if I post the last chapter of Mechanical Storm, she'll reciprocate. Let's find out!
EDIT EDIT: >_> Well, we're gonna find out cause I finished MS.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
((*Bounces up and down as he waits for the ending* Ess has it on her computer at work, but between her work cracking down on her internet stuff is the main reason. I think she also doesn't like to look at the boards, why I'm not sure. >.> ))
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
((She says she's scared of the boards))
*nonensical angry jibbering*
Brghlrghlrnah! (<--Yeah, say that one to yourself... I bet you chuckle)
I thought there'd be an update to the story here! Hellfire and Damnation, people! What're you tryin' to do to, give me a heart attack before 30!?
My Stories
Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
((How did you know? 
j/k))
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
((I lol'd. <.< Better post this before it's THREE MONTHS LATE.))
Stave Five: The End of It
Bears heart pounded as he stared blankly at the clothing that was cushioning the blow of his fist. His breath heaved in and out, heavy with the tension that he had been so desperately holding in throughout the phantoms discourse.
Im home. he finally murmured to himself. Im home
this is my closet. And my bed, and my clock
and
The Raptor agent raised a hand to his face uneasily, feeling his cybernetic eye in disbelief. Its all here. Its all still here.
His step picked up as he flung open the door to his bedroom, looking about the small living room. Everything was in its place where he had left it the night before.
Theres my TV. I still dont know how that crazy woman pulled herself out of it. And thats the corner where Vern was sitting. And my arrows are still there. Taking a deep breath, Bear let his face turn up into a small, determined smile. The future isnt locked into place. I still have time.
He paused, for a moment, his face still in its little grin as he stared up at the ceiling. Listen, Truefeather, and the rest of you freaks. I got your message loud and clear, no question about that. But lets get one thing straight right now if Im gonna commit to any big life changes, Im going to do it my way.
With that, Bear loosely pulled on clothes for outside, his gaze fixed and faraway. What do I do first
he mused to himself. Gotta go out, gotta do something. I cant just stay here. What should I do? Nothing inside. Gotta go outside. Almost without a thought, he grabbed up his bow, slung it on his shoulder, and hurried out. A moment passed, before he came back in. [censored]. he muttered. Brush my teeth an shave.
Bear was on his way to the bathroom when he paused, hearing the sound of the churchbells ringing out across the city.
Thats right
he mused. Its Christmas, isnt it?
I think it is. I think. I cant be sure. With that, he walked to his window and promptly opened it, leaning out and looking down to scan the streets eight floors below. A single boy trailed along the sidewalk, hands shoved in his pockets. The Wyvern recognized him as Ozell, the boy from the previous day. Biting his lip for a moment in hesitation, he shook his head, cupping his hands around his mouth.
OZELL! he bellowed.
The boy recoiled as if he had been struck, reflexively bringing up both hands to cover, but upon a quick glance around and seeing there was no-one there, he brought his hands down. Ozell looked about quizzically for the source of the voice, remaining oblivious until Bear called down a second time.
OZELL!! he hailed him again, his breath making clouds in the sharp, exhilarating cold. Up here, kid!
At that, Ozell glanced up, suddenly smiling rather worriedly at seeing his would-be attacker all-but hanging out an eighth-story window and waving at him. Uh, good morning, sir! Ozell called back in turn.
Hey, Ozell, tell me whats today? Bear yelled down.
The boy blinked. Uh
What?
You heard me, kid! What day is it today?
Ozell stared up at Bear as if he had suddenly sprouted another head.
Its December 25th. Christmas Day.
Holy [censored]. It IS Christmas. Bear muttered aloud, but beyond the range of Ozells hearing. So that really was all one night. I didnt miss it. Those freaks really know what theyre doing. Realizing that Ozell was still waiting down below expectantly, he cleared his throat. Of course it is! he bellowed. Listen, Ozell! You know the police station down the street?
Uhm
Yeah?
Good! I knew one of you heroes was good for something! I need you to go there and look into their Rogue Isles files. I want you to scrounge up every single bit of information you can on a villain by the name of Void Brawler surveillance files, Hero Corps reports, known associates, everything.
Ozell blinked. Uh
I dont have the proper credentials yet to get that kind of information, sir! he called up.
Wait there! Bear yelled down, disappearing from view. Ozell waited in a state of puzzled surprise until he reappeared in the window. Hold still, kid!
The next moment, the white-haired boy barely restrained a yelp as an arrow thudded into the ground at his feet, the steel head neatly cracking the sidewalk. Tied around it was some paperwork and a twenty dollar bill.
Take those credentials to the detective! the Raptor shouted. And the twenty bucks is for you! Now get goin! And if they give you any trouble, come on back and get me and Ill show em a REAL problem!
Ozell was off the next moment, sprinting over the sidewalk towards the police station rather happily and imagining what he could do with twenty dollars.
Bear, in the meantime, grinned and rubbed his hands together, his circulation pumping with the brisk cold from the window. Heh heh, this ought to be good. he gloated to himself. Ive got more access than they do. Theres gotta be something in there they dont know.
Ozell returned with a large box full of file folders and photos, staggering a little under its weight, just as Bear reached the bottom of the stairs in his heavy black coat. Here you are, sir! the boys voice came muffled from under his burden.
Good kid. Bear grunted, whacking Ozell on the back and nearly making him lose his grip. Ill take it from here. Now, get out of here and have a Merry Christmas.
With that, he took the large box from Ozell and pressed another twenty into the boys hands. S-sir, you already gave me twenty dollars! Ozell called after him in disbelief.
Shut up and take it! Its Christmas! Bear barked back rather cheerfully as he made his way down the street, burden in his arms. It was a heavy box, to be sure, but it felt light in his grip, as though it weighed no more than a feather.
The Raptor agent walked down the street, and he found with some surprise that he was humming. What was he humming? What was the tune? Jingle Bells, he determined after a brief search of his thoughts. No matter. People were staring at him, as he walked, unshaven, down the street, humming to himself.
Whatre you gawkin at!? Bear snapped at one Hellion, who promptly recoiled and looked ready to engage the fetal position. N-nothing sir! I wasnt doing anything, sir! the youth cried.
Good! the Raptor barked. And a Merry Christmas to you, yscum!
This seemed to only elicit more stares, but Bear didnt care. No, he had places to be. He glanced at the files in his arms, only to nearly trip over a smaller-statured boy.
Hey, look out! the boy yelled, sounding rather miffed, and when Bear looked down, he saw that it was Ian, the boy from yesterday. His companion, Billyboy, was snickering a few feet away but promptly stopped upon coming under Bears notice. When Ian noticed who it was, his face took on a similarly grey shade. S-sorry, he muttered under his breath, picking himself up.
Come on. Straighten up. came Bears reply, accompanied with a grin. Whatre you two young heroes doing standing like stiff shirts when its Christmastime? Dont you have anything better to do than stand around with a sullen look on your faces?
Well
Billyboy started a snappy response, but Bear interrupted him. If this is what tomorrows heroes are coming to, then maybe you kids do need some guidance. Listen. You caught me in a [censored] mood yesterday, so how about I make it up to you. Ill talk at your school, and Ill bring along some surveillance tapes of some of our biggest stings. How about that?
The two boys stared, glancing at each other briefly before returning their stares to Bear. Are you serious? Ian asked, raising an eyebrow.
Course Im serious, Bear scoffed. Tell you what. Ill even bring in some souvenirs. Snake fangs, a Fortunata mask, even one of my old pieces of bodyarmor that got zapped up by those god damned gremlins.
Freakin awesome! Billyboy said, looking excited. Were gonna have the best presentation of anyone!
Long as its better than Shanes. Ian muttered, looking back up to Bear. Hey, thanks, Lt. Bear!
No problem, kids. The Wyvern smirked. Merry Christmas and all. With that, he continued on his way, a sure destination in mind.
Quietly, he slipped to the door of Burning Brawlers apartment building. Glancing back and forth to make sure he wasnt seen, he muttered to himself as he squinted at the tenant directory.
Warren, Warren, Warren
he grumbled, before finally finding the doorbell. Pressing the button eagerly, Bear was suddenly struck with slight panic upon finding that it was, in fact, an intercom system.
Merry Christmas
came Danicas unsure voice. Who is this?
U-uh
Christmas delivery for you and your old man, lady! came a bewildered, frightened, and unfamiliar male voice.
Oh
uh, all right. Ill be right down, Danicas voice said again.
Bear released the unfortunate Outcast he had grabbed off the street and held at arrowpoint to make the call, who promptly scurried off as fast as he could, his heart pounding with the impact of his near-death experience. Bear himself, however, swiftly moved around the corner, holding out a steel arrow and watching the reflection.
Danica came downstairs warily, ready to unleash her fury if it was some sort of a prank. Her eyes fell on the box of files, and she bent down curiously to go through them. Bear saw her eyes widen, and she picked up the box and hurriedly retreated inside.
Heh
the Raptor said with a grin, putting away the arrow. It felt good, though he was loath to admit it.
Glancing up at the clock, Bear realized with some surprise that it was now afternoon. Wandering through Atlas by now, he saw the entrance to Perez Park, and immediately paused.
I wonder
he thought to himself, beginning to pace towards the hazard area. Soon, he found his steps turned towards the Repliforce Paragon base entrance, the secret grove of trees hidden within the maze of Perez formidable forests. His hand hesitated only a moment before he pressed his fingertip onto the pad, activating databases and allowing him in.
The room was just the way Vern had showed him, with food spread out all over the briefing table. Not many were in the greeting area, and most of the noise was coming from farther in, but the sound of the teleporter caught Essexs attention.
Merry Christmas? she greeted hesitantly. Whos there?
Its me. Bear called out gruffly. Whats a man got to do to get some eggnog around here?
At that, Hallucinogen whirled around in shock, and Essex leapt to her feet. Most of the others in the room turned in bewilderment as well, surprised that Bear even acknowledged the existence of holidays, let alone attend a party.
Lieutenant Bear! Hal yelled, starting forward, his eyes shining. You came! I didnt think you--
Now hold up there, kid. Bear snarled, holding out a hand. Im here for the party but dont go touching me or anything. Its Christmas and I wouldnt want to have to kill you.
Heh, fair enough. Hallucinogen said with a grin.
The crowd gathered laughed, though somewhat uneasily, and most people relaxed and went back to their conversations. Everyone was just the same as he had seemed before. Essex seemed infinitely happy to see him, the little reploid doting on him and attending him, almost unable to believe that he was there, having fun, of his own free will. It was glorious, and Bear found himself having a better time than he had had in years.
Finally though, it was time to go home, and Bear spent the night plotting. He would wake up early and go to the patrol meeting place half an hour before he had scheduled. Oh, if only Burning could be late. Bear smirked to himself at the thought, as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Bear stood in the cold waiting. He looked at his watch. Nine Oclock. No Burning. Quarter after. No Burning. Finally, he could see the man hurrying down the steps of the tram at twenty minutes after nine, a flustered look on his face and his hands already ablaze as if to get a head start on the day. Bear eyed the man with a supremely disparaging look the most scornful look he could muster.
Look who finally showed up. The Raptor growled, narrowing his eye at Burning.
Sorry. Burning said, shifting his eyes away from Bear guiltily. I know, I know, Im late
[censored] yes, youre [censored] late. Bear barked, causing a pair of Security Level Five heroes to stop in their tracks and scurry the other way. Get your [censored] over here.
But, Christmas
Burning pleaded, scratching the back of his head with a frown. My wife and I spent all day running around yesterday, and
Now you LISTEN to me. Bear growled in Burnings face, radiating menace from every pore. If were going to patrol, then were going to [censored] patrol. And with the way youve been patrolling? Tch, Ive got half a mind to recommend that they sign us up for a Task Force over in the Oakes.
Burnings hands twitched a little as flames leapt to life and he stared at Bear warily. Hed asked for this multiple times, and Bear bringing it out now? Both of them knew how often and desperately Burning pleaded for this position, for the purpose of searching out Void, but
it was so out of character for Bear
Youve been spending too much time around the Carnies. Burning said cautiously. I think youd better hit the hospital.
Oh come on. Bear said with a roguish grin. Merry Christmas, Burning. You deserve it. I heard about your kid, and Ill do what I can to help you out. I got connections in the Isles that have all sorts of information that we could get our hands on. And maybe, just maybe
well be able to get him back before next Christmas.
Bear was better than his word. He and Burning were soon headed to the Rogue Isles, with a trunkful of leads and a fistful of arrows and flames. He was still the same brusque, sharp man he had always been, but there was a noted difference now in the way he interacted with people the citizens of Paragon City began to see him as one of their top vigilante heroes, brutal to his enemies but legitimately concerned for the welfare of those who needed his assistance. He himself enjoyed his position more than he had before, taking on his tasks with a much more lighthearted determination than he had ever allotted himself, and enjoying his work that much more.
Though he still interacted with the spirit world on a regular basis, he never again entertained them unexpectedly in the night, and one day, upon a chance encounter with Truefeather, he couldnt help but pause. The young woman drifted past him with her ephemeral smile and a slight nod, before she was gone again, off to goodness knows where. Bear could only nod back with a grim smile, knowing that forever after he would employ the knowledge of how to keep Christmas determined to keep it better than all the rest the season of hope, generosity, and kindness.
And so, as Hallucinogen advised, should we all.
-End-
Japancakes.
Art - Theme 005 - Seeking Solace
Sweet Story! I love it, Essex!
WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
EPIC WIN!!!
[ QUOTE ]
And so, as Hallucinogen advised, should we all.
[/ QUOTE ]
*cough cough choke cough* Accckkk......! Corniness...cutting off bloodflow....to my BRAIN...!!!
Anywho, YOU FINALLY GOT IT UP! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I'd "WOOOOO!" more but Soviet already got the most out of that.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
Better late than never, eh? Noice. Very, very noice.
My Stories
Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And so, as Hallucinogen advised, should we all.
[/ QUOTE ]
*cough cough choke cough* Accckkk......! Corniness...cutting off bloodflow....to my BRAIN...!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
<_< Shaddap, Mr. 'Somewhat Skeptical.' >_>
*pout* Okay, I just won't write any more stories. D:
Japancakes.
Art - Theme 005 - Seeking Solace
Yay Essex! Awesome 
Don't worry about Khell. He doesn't approve of anything, even living.
*readies the rocket launcher*
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
At least you made the deadline of July 30th. Thanks for the read. I would have preferred a CoH rendition of Merry Christmas Charley Brown but what can ya do 
...
Hey, that's a good idea, Leo. :3 Remind me to do that next year.
Japancakes.
Art - Theme 005 - Seeking Solace
THIS year, you mean?
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And so, as Hallucinogen advised, should we all.
[/ QUOTE ]
*cough cough choke cough* Accckkk......! Corniness...cutting off bloodflow....to my BRAIN...!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
<_< Shaddap, Mr. 'Somewhat Skeptical.' >_>
*pout* Okay, I just won't write any more stories. D:
[/ QUOTE ]
Bah, you always take me too seriously.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
Yay! XD Awesome! And I don't CARE how long it took to get it up. <_< Silence, heretics. PRAISE ESSEX FOR THE GREATER GOOD! *SCI-FI VIOLENCE*
. . . I mean, uh.
The greater good?
Pink, two-foot tall bots styled after six-year-olds with toaster capabilities are the greater good?
What's Superman then? A squirrel of super-heroicy goodness?
Nah. He's the incarnation of corporate greed, fused with repetitiveness and lameness.
Hal's just being mind-controlled by the Tau again. Pay him no mind, it's a phase.
"If I had Force powers, vacuum or not my cape/clothes/hair would always be blowing in the Dramatic Wind." - Tenzhi
Characters
I'm taller than two feet!
*furiously stands on tip-toes* D:
Japancakes.
Art - Theme 005 - Seeking Solace
*Holds out measuring tape*
Two feet, four inches... Yep, that's taller than two feet.
My Stories
Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
<.<
>.>
Not if you use Experi-Rulers, or Experi-Tape.
...It misses a few inches.
*Bumps into thread*
Oof!
Well what have we here? ...
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell
((This is really awesome Ess!
Can't wait for the last post. 
))
Arc ID: 475246, "Bringing a Lord to Power"
"I'm only a simple man trying to cling to my tomorrow. Every day. By any means necessary."
-Caldwell B. Cladwell