Crystal da Silva unlocked the door to her small apartment in south Steel Canyon and staggered inside. Normally she could be described as statuesque, but today she resembled one of the statues in Perez Park rather than those of Atlas Park. A normally uniform sky-blue bodysuit now resembled the American flag over Fort McHenry as pale skin and ugly red streaks showed through the abundant rips and tears in the material. An icy blue tiara barely held back a mane of orange-red hair that hung limply as if it, too, were utterly exhausted. The white and blue boots looked ok if one could ignore the coating of mud, and if one wasnt aware they once had heels. She crossed the spartan living room, unlocked the window, and banged twice on the fire escape with her hand. A moment later, her partner Quantum Storm flew into the living room-
And straight into the one bathroom they shared, closing the door behind her. The same bathroom Crystal had hoped to use. Xaxa!
You address me?, she replied from the other side of the door in her peculiar accent.
Crystal sighed, knowing the result of past arguments with The Princess. Yes, I do. Is the first aid kit in there?
Remind me again of its appearance. The sound of running water could now be heard.
Its small and white with a red cross on it. If its in there, would you please pass it out here?
I have found it. Avert your eyes, and I shall pass it out. The bathroom door opened just long enough for the object in question to float outside and gently land on the floor. Crystal slowly, painfully, picked it up and headed towards the kitchen. She turned on the faucet in the sink and began to scrub at the more easily accessible wounds. Her arms and shoulders were covered with cuts, abrasions, and bruises, and the knuckles on both hands had been scraped raw from punching two days worth of Trolls and strange rock creatures while pursuing Atta, one of the Trolls kingpins. She cleaned and disinfected the wounds, wrapped her maligned hands, took a moment to tidy up after herself, then headed to her room to change. A few minutes later, she emerged, having shed her costume for sandals and oversized Paragon City University sweats, and discovering new levels of pain in the process. The bodysuit did not survive the transformation; Crystal left the apartment with its ragged remains clutched in her fist, destined for the dumpster.
Upon her return to her apartment, Crystal noticed Quantum had finished her shower but not yet emerged from the bathroom. She knocked impatiently on the door. Xaxa, please, Id like to use the bathroom, too.
A princess must look her best, and my hair is not yet fit for viewing. If Id known of its condition, I would have returned here yesterday! Why didnt you say anything?
Between the fatigue and Quantums obsession with her hair, Crystals self-control was rapidly slipping away. We were in the middle of something important, Xaxa, and your hair looked fine to me. If thats whats keeping you in the bathroom, please leave; I know you have enough things in your room to properly attend to your appearance, and youre keeping me from the shower.
Im not yet presentable!
Several words popped into Crystals mind, all of which she better than to utter aloud. She gritted her teeth, turned her back to the bathroom, and shouted, You can leave now, Im not watching!
The door opened again. The willowy, platinum-haired beauty that floated from bathroom to bedroom didnt look unfit for presentation. Once Crystal heard the door shut again, she staggered into the bathroom and began to clean herself up. Her untreated wounds mixed with dirt from two days worth of cave crawling to color the water in the drain a muddy red. She cleaned as quickly as she could, knowing that the longer she stood under the stream of water the greater the risk of falling asleep.
It wasnt long before Crystal emerged from the bathroom, clad in her sweats, towel around her hair. She didnt feel clean, but there were more important things to do than attend to personal comfort; Atta was still loose, and shed need to regain her strength before she could confront him. Crystal went to the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets for an energy bar. She had just pulled one out when Quantum Storm exited her bedroom. She, too had changed her clothes, but unlike her roommate she wore a shimmering, dark purple wrap skirt adorned with a jeweled belt. Her upper torso was covered with tightly wrapped fabric of the same color. A winged crown with integral half-mask covered her face and head, and supported a ponytail of silver hair that shone like polished metal. The effect was striking, regal, and she looked every bit the princess. She strode into the kitchen, placed her hands on her hips, and haughtily arched an eyebrow at Crystal as she produced a second energy bar and handed it to her.
No, Quantum commanded.
I know its not up to your standards, Xaxa, but we need to keep our strength up if were going to catch Atta.
You misunderstand me. Im not just refusing the food, Im refusing any more adventures until certain needs are met. Weve been battling criminals for two days straight, and its time to rest.
Crystal froze in mid-bite and looked at her partner in justice, trying to see if she was joking. To Crystals knowledge, Xaxa had never made a joke before, but being an alien one couldnt be certain. She decided to clarify: What was that?
Did I misspeak? Or are you not paying attention? I stated that I will not leave this residence until I am rested, and neither will you.
Clearly, Quantum wasnt trying to be funny. Xaxa, were so close to finding Atta, but he may vanish if we dont move quickly! Eat up, get something to drink, and lets go!
NO! Quantums eyes flashed with imperial fire as her hand shot out to point at Crystal with the same emphasis that might be given while ordering an execution. Her silver hair floated and spread to surround Quantums head with a sparkly halo. The kitchen darkened, a cold wind began to blow, and distant thunder rumbled.
Crystal had faced hordes of zombies, uncountable gangsters, witnessed human sacrifice, and even endured her roommates tantrums before. Still, the effect was powerful enough to derail Crystals thoughts of hot pursuit. Think of all the harm hell cause if hes not caught! We could end his crime spree today, why wont you finish what we started?
Can you recall the accounts of his power? If you faced him now, do you think you could defeat him?
We have to try!, Crystal pleaded.
No, we do not, declared Quantum, as she slowly returned the room to normal. We have to succeed. Self-sacrifice without the possibility of victory is suicide, not heroism.
It was easy to write off the Talazkian moon-princess as vain, self-centered, and empty-headed. While she was vain, and frequently self-centered, she was never stupid. Neither was Crystal, and her partners words forced her to take her exhaustion more seriously. She was truly exhausted in both body and spirit, remaining awake more from habit than by desire. Crystal examined Quantum, and found signs of the same fatigue that she felt. Alien or not, she was her partner, and any further super-powered shenanigans would endanger them both for no reason other than stubborn pride. Without taking her eyes off Quantums, she put the uneaten energy bar on the kitchen counter. One nights rest. We go back out tomorrow morning.
Quantums nose wrinkled in distaste, but she agreed. Very well. One night of rest. As she turned and walked out of the kitchen, she intoned over her shoulder, Im going to the living room to watch the video receiver. Join me there after youve made one of those blended drinks for me.
Her ire rising again, Crystal threw her own half-eaten bar on the counter, bent down, and, with trembling hands, fetched her blender from the cupboard. Through gritted teeth, she muttered, Now I know why they call them Controllers!
#69397 Get Grog a Drink!
#155312 No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded
#229565 Take Back the Park! (lowbie friendly)
Praetor of the [url="http://www.forgottenlegion.net"]Forgotten Legion[/url] SG and mod for the HUB player community. All hail the mighty Grog!
Crystal da Silva poured yogurt, some frozen strawberries and blueberries, a banana, and one heaping scoop of protein powder into her blender, then whipped it up. Once creamy smooth, she poured half the mixture into a glass. Opening the overhead cabinet, she pulled out a small flask labeled in writing Not Of This Earth. She pulled the stopper and sprinkled a measured amount of silvery powder into the remains of the smoothie, mixed it up again, then poured a second glass. She stuck a straw into each glass then exited the kitchen for her living room.
Quantum Storm sat on the couch in the living room of the apartment she shared with her partner in justice, feet propped up on the coffee table, one eye on the fashion magazine in her hands, the other fixed on the celebrity gossip show playing on the television. Crystal walked up and handed her the second glass. She took it, glanced disapprovingly, then handed it back, saying, Its not very cold.
Crystal made a face and snatched the glass from Quantums hand. She brought Quantums smoothie close to her chest while holding her own glass away. With a crackling sound and halo of blue-white light, the temperature around Crystals body dropped dramatically. She handed the frost-covered glass back to Quantum, who accepted it this time. Crystal walked over to the other side of the couch and sat down. She pulled a textbook out of the end table, set her drink down, and began to read.
Quantum rolled one eye over to glance at Crystal. Did you remember to add my supplement to this drink?
Without looking away from her book, she answered, Yes, Xaxa, I havent forgotten your need for platinum.
Hmm. A brief silence passed, then, Are you sure your educational efforts are necessary?
Crystal closed her book and stifled a yawn. No ones been able to explain why I can do the things I can do. The accident shouldnt have affected me the way it did.
Why concern yourself with the matter?, countered Quantum. There are others on this world who would be better suited to such investigations.
Crystal leaned back on the couch, resting her weary head. Im worried about the changes Ive been through. For example, this flying thing is totally new. You can control gravity and the weather, so its no surprise you can fly. I dont understand why I can. For another, the injuries I received over the last two days would have taken weeks to heal when we first started working together, but the bleeding has already stopped, and Ill be scar-free tomorrow. I also noticed the ice doesnt protect me as well as it used to, and Ive used all sorts of treatments to try and return it to its previous effectiveness.
Quantum regarded her for a moment. You are less protected than you have been?
M-hmm, Crystal affirmed.
Yet you still put yourself in danger?
Silence.
Did you hear me?
Crystals head lolled to the side, her eyes closed. Quantum frowned, then went back to her magazine and TV show.
The auditorium was packed. A representative from Crey Industries was there as part of Career Day, presenting one of the many R&D projects. The man activated the machine, showing how it could flash-freeze any produce you placed inside. He opened the door, but ice shot out, freezing him solid. The ice spread quickly, soon filling the room. Students and teachers froze solid as they fled. The ice came closer. Escape was impossible. She watched, helpless, as the ice surrounded her, filled her. She looked through the ice, seeing her friends stop in their tracks, screaming, ever screaming
Crystal bolted upright, still hearing the scream in her head. No, not in her head; the screaming was real. She smelled smoke. Turning to Quantum Storm, she asked, Xaxa, have you been making popcorn again?
Only that one occasion. I was about to wake you; I dont understand what that noise means.
Crystal listened. It was coming from the hallway, not the apartment. She hopped up off her couch and went to the door. She opened the door, and was assaulted by a wall of smoke. Quickly shutting the door, she cried, The building is on fire!
Quantum levitated off the couch as Crystal ran to the window. She leaned out, ready to get on the fire escape, and saw a group of Hellions wheeling barrels of flammable chemicals toward the building. She pointed at them and yelled, Hey, you! Cut that out!
Incensed at the interruption, one of the Hellions tossed a Molotov cocktail at her. Crystal ducked back as the bottle shattered on the fire escape in front of her window.
She turned back to Quantum. Theres a bunch of Hellions burning the building! You get our neighbors to safety while I distract them!
Its a good thing I washed my hair.
Yeah, it is, said Crystal. She whipped the wet towel off of her head, and sucked all the moisture out of the room, forming a thick layer of ice over her entire body. A moment of concentration later, and her hands glowed with the destructive energies granted her that fateful day. She flew out the window and dropped down next to the largest group of Hellions she saw, delivering a double overhead smash that sent one of them flying.
One of the gangsters, a Blood Brother, pointed at her and yelled, Its Shining Crystal!
Crystal grimaced; she was a little embarrassed by the nickname the press gave her. Still, it was appropriate, considering the ice refracted and magnified the glow coming from her hands until she could light up an entire city block. She pointed back at the gangster and shouted, You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Blood Brother!
She learned early on nothing got a criminals attention more than being chastised. As she planned, the entire gang turned on her as one and attacked. The roar of the gunfire temporarily overcame the roar of the burning building. Bullets and shot impacted into the ice; most were stopped, but a few slipped in far enough to hurt. Crystal waded into the mob, targeting the ones with the incendiary devices first. Her fighting technique wouldnt have impressed anyone, but the energy aura around her hands made it effective nonetheless. Gangsters staggered about, stunned, or were sent flying. Those who fought back found they could barely control their bodies; the chill coming off of her caused uncontrollable shivering, weakening blows and slowing movement and reflexes.
It took some time, but Crystal managed to dispatch all the gangsters in sight. She stood over their supine forms, feeling proud of herself, when she heard a guttural voice roar, Feel the burn! She turned just in time to catch a fireball to the face. Flash and sizzle; the ice melted, and she went down, covering her face. Fire beats ice, you shoulda known that, the voice taunted.
It was true; she had almost no defense against fire, but since fire-wielding villains were so common, it couldnt be helped. Fighting the pain, she stood again and faced her attacker. As she feared, it was one of the Damned, a leader of the Hellions. Crystal pulled more ice from the air to cover her face as the gang leader looked her over. Im gonna enjoy thawing you, cold fish!, he boasted.
Im only cold on the outside, Crystal replied as she rushed him and swung for his head. The Damned ducked, then blasted Crystal in return. She collapsed again.
He stood over her, swaggering. Youre a hottie! Sure I cant warm you up? The hot/cold puns hurt almost as much as the burns. She desperately tried to pull more ice over her wounds as she turned to face him again. His hands, wreathed in flame, came at her.
The sky opened up, and a cold rain fell. Ice quickly coated the ground, and the Damned went sprawling. Crystal looked up to see Quantum Storm descending. The freezing rain continued, snuffing fires and preventing the Damned from recovering his footing. Crystal took advantage of his state by giving him a hefty punch that lifted him off his feet. With timing developed over the months they worked together, Quantum Storm hurled a rusty car at the airborne Damned, knocking him halfway to the Copper District and out of the fight.
Through the ice Crystal smiled at her partner. I thought that junker would never get cleared out, she quipped.
Im equally surprised I found a use for one of your primitive Earth conveyances, Quantum replied, not quite joking.
Where are our neighbors?
Safe, Quantum replied. I moved them to the roof of the next building over.
Thats good. Crystal sighed. I guess we should see what we can salvage.
Ive lost a home already, Crystal. Well manage. Besides, this is the perfect opportunity to consider moving to the residences of Founders Falls-
Oh, you!
#69397 Get Grog a Drink!
#155312 No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded
#229565 Take Back the Park! (lowbie friendly)
Praetor of the [url="http://www.forgottenlegion.net"]Forgotten Legion[/url] SG and mod for the HUB player community. All hail the mighty Grog!
((48+ month player *waves badge* but I've only recently started following the CoH forums. This is mostly due to the City Scoop's plugs for fan fiction. I've enjoyed the works of Blue Battler, Mr. Grey, Ziggy3k, and others, and thought I'd test the waters with some of my own.
This first one is my oldest. Ancient CoX vets like me will probably pick up on the reference to the Resist/Defense nerf of I4. Should give you an idea of just *how* old the piece is.))
#69397 Get Grog a Drink!
#155312 No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded
#229565 Take Back the Park! (lowbie friendly)
Praetor of the [url="http://www.forgottenlegion.net"]Forgotten Legion[/url] SG and mod for the HUB player community. All hail the mighty Grog!