As promised I did read it. Nice story you got going there. Anyway, I don't have much to say, because I didn't get time to thoroughly examine it and pick it to pieces. 
Maybe next time. 
good work i like it 
If you want, you can post Skawn's drama on here too, so people can see.
Part Five: Justice Upheld
Pious stood outside the Kings Row hospital, waiting for reports on Delta Ts conditions. Vengeful thoughts clouded his mind, he found himself imagining several ways of punishing his brother, all of which involved some sort of execution. The doctor stepped out, passing the costumed hero a saddened expression.
Im sorry
shes gone.
* * *
How does it feel, to be a hero? Jackson wondered. My whole life, I have envied my brothers. An envy that became hate, hatred to the super-powered. He was standing across the street, marvelling at the Freedom Plaza.
But now, I have become that which they all hunt
I am a murderer. From the distance, Jackson could hear the faint sounds of Police drones. He turned around to see a dozen of them hovering towards him, led by none other than Pious Hunter.
The two stood face to face. My god, what has happened to you Jack? asked Pious.
Good to see you too little brother Jack smirked, unfortunately, I dont like your friends
call them off, now.
Or else what? Pious felt brave. He was confident that the drones would beam the criminal straight to prison any minute now.
Jackson chuckled. Little old Pious, I heard you got expelled from school, about time if you ask me. He paused, his face suddenly becoming stern. Dont get cocky, he warned. I have people to see; places to be
now get you shiny new toys and beat it kid!
Jackson Hunter, youre under arrest for the murders of Michael and Marcus Civil, Eva Phoenyx and Anna Kelvinova.
What! She died?
You have the right to shut the hell up, anything you say can and will be used as evidence against your f-ugly [censored]
Are you threatening me? You think youre a cop cos you got drones flanking you? Jack opened his claw, inching closer to Pious with a menacing swagger. The drones bleeped loudly.
Stand down! Pious commanded the drones, you want a fight Jack? Ill give you a personal hell! His hair suddenly flared up in a blinding white glow, spreading across his entire body. The street scene shimmered out of focus, replaced by a dampened environment, littered with fallen trees. The ground disappeared around the two men, leaving nothing but hovering lumps of rock. The horizon was drenched in a bloody red, dark clouds and a blue moon. Lightening painted the skies and thunder could be heard from a distance. Welcome, to my world.
Jack merely chuckled. Nice trick, but your illusions wont deceive me! He ran off a hovering rock, expecting to walk across the air. Were still in the city, and the street is right here under my feet.. but he fell.
Youre full of yourself Jack. Fall to your death!
He fell and fell, wondering when hed meet the ground. As he did so, he corrected himself and leaped
seemingly off the air. You wont fool me pretty boy.
I have a few surprises for you, said Pious, firing a giant bolt of sheer force directly at Jack. It hit him square in the chest, sending him back down the pit.
This is irritating! Stand and fight!
You think thats irritating?
Without warning, a door of white light appeared directly behind Pious. Jackson emerged, claws drawn back like a catapult.
Nice try said Pious, enveloping himself in a powerful force field. Jack swiped and swiped with no success, he just couldnt penetrate the field. Nope, try harder. The troll-like man eventually wore himself out, having executed all his most skilful attacks. Pathetic! Youre going to the Zig.
The drones appeared almost instantly, a strange contrast to the illusionary dimension. With no further ado, a dozen beams zapped across the air, directly at Jack.
No. No! he screamed, fading under the lasers. Another shimmer of daylight and the illusion dropped.
Thank you for your services, he told the robots, before taking to the air, tears rolling.
* * *
Rebirth of Skawn by Gaz. Based on the 'Origins of Skawn'
* * *
Part One: Natoe
On a dark stormy night, two shadowy figures are standing on a hill discussing some thing, while below them, down in the valley, a large group are forming.
Natoe, I think we should wait for the others to get here first.
Look, I know it sounds like a suicide mission, but if we dont act now it could be too late Then without warning Natoe started running down the hill.
Phoenyx are you coming or what! after a brief moment Phoenyx followed.
For what seemed like hours, the two heroes fought, what appeared was going to be, a loosing battle. The mass group surrounding them suddenly split into two groups, the first group up the hill and the second deeper into the valley.
So, what now?
Ill go for that group on the hill and you go for the ones heading further into valley and without another word the two split up.
Natoe reached the top of the hill and engaged in combat once more, meanwhile back down in the valley Phoenyx was nearing the end of her fight. She looked up to the hill and saw that Natoe was in trouble, then just as she was going to his aid she was attacked from the shadows.
Natoe managed to succeed, though weak and bleeding heavily. He saw Phoenyx needed help and started to run to her aid. As he neared the bottom of the hill he stopped he felt as though someone or something was, and had been, watching his every move. Shaking this feeling, he continued down the hill. Suddenly, his legs gave way and he fell down the hill and out off sight.
Phoenyx struck down her last attacker and stared to look for Natoe. Not being able to see him, she called Natoe, where the hell are you?
Natoe now very weak and bleeding heavier than before and too weak to call for help. Then he felt someone standing over him, he opened his eyes and a look of shock crossed his face.
Standing looking down at him was his brother, Nexus.
Hello brother. Are okay? You dont look well at all
Natoe, staring up at Nexus, pleaded Nexus, please help.
Laughing, Nexus answered Dont worry little brother Ill help you
And on those words Nexus drew his sword and drove it deep through Natoes chest.
* * *
Part Two: Indwelling
Standing over the body of his dead brother Natoe, Nexus smiled and muttered.
See brother, I helped you. I ended your pain
But Nexus was unaware that his own death was close at hand, because a warrior from hell was about to be re-born. Natoes spirit rose from its body standing watching was a spirit made of fire.
"Natoe, I have a favour to ask.
How is it you know my name, and why would I help a spirit that has come to take me from this world?
"It is not my duty to take you from this world. I merely ask to wear the body you no longer have."
And how is it that you can dwell in my corpse?"
"I am a hellion, my powers go beyond that of the spirit. I no longer wish to do evil, otherwise I would entomb your spirit and steal your body. Permit me your corpse and I shall grant you life in part."
"Share my body? Eww. No thank you. I accept death; you can have it just do me one favour... strike down my brother for killing me."
On these words, Skawn claimed the body as his own. Natoe's form was lost and in its place, existed Skawn's own physique and clothing... reborn.
Nexus turned round and saw the body of his brother rise in the air and change form.
What in the name of God?
Nexus stood and stared at this new form. On getting no reply Nexus drew his sword and held it to this unknown mans throat.
Tell me now who or what you are.
Still Nexus got no answer looking into the strange mans eyes. Then with out warning, Skawn summoned a sword of fire and swung it taking Nexuss head clean off.
Deeper in the valley Phoenyx was still searching for Natoe, not aware that he lay dead just yards from her.
Natoe, where are you?
Hey, Phoenyx, whats wrong?
Startled Phoenyx turned round and smiled.
Atlantic, Im glad youre here. Im worried about Natoe I haven't seen or heard from him in hours
Atlantic hugged Phoenyx and replied Dont worry well find him. Hes probably just resting up somewhere
Yeah, you're right lets go further up, thats where he was heading the last time I saw him
Together Phoenyx and Atlantic walked further up the valley and standing next to the headless body of Nexus was an unkown entity. There was something familiar about him but they could not make it out.
* * *
Part Three: The Unknown
Phoenyx and Atlantic stood staring at the unknown entity and the headless corpse off Nexus.
Look at this guy! Who does he think he is?!
I dont know... but I have the feeling Ive met him before
Atlantic looked at Phoenyx.
As I see it, hes a cold blooded killer and I think we should teach him a lesson!
Atlantic, I think its a bad idea. We dont know anything about him...
But Atlantic had started running towards the unknown entity
ICE ON
Covering himself in ice Atlantic engaged in battle.
In a blaze of fire and ice the two men clashed. Phoenyx was was torn as to what to do, she didn't want to harm either of the men. As the fight raged, the unknown entity lept into the air and came crashing down, in a circular motion with his flaming sword, which struck down Atlantic.
ATLANTIC!
Spinning around, the unknown entity held his sword to Phoenyxs throat
I advise you, get your friend some medical help...
...or if you wish you can also fall by the sword of Skawn, General of the Dark Army
Phoenyx was frozen in disbelief, and with that, Skawn disappeared in the blink off a eye.
* * *
Thread title changed at the request of Pious.
Assassin's Claws Continued
* * *
Part Six: "Black Diamond" Censored Version
Twelve months had past since the deaths of Xyneohp, Y.Freeza and Delta T. During which time their killer, Jackson Hunter (known now as Claw) escaped from the Ziggursky Penitentiary and allied with Lord Crytek of the Dark Nemesis, the corrupted ninja Sapparo Black and the infamous assassin Lady Striker.
Claw she said, you display potential as an assassin; you know that?
Stryker, I am an assassin said Jackson, condescendingly.
The two were standing guard outside a cave deep within the Forbidden Forest. Although the entrance was already concealed, Lord Crytek felt extra security was needed, for in Bloody Bay, heroes from the neighbouring city had a habit of showing up uninvited.
You are weak. You do not know the shocking power of a true assassins strike.
I am warning you...
Dont take offence you big dog. I have known you for months and never have I seen you assassinate a target without being seen.
You underestimate me
Allow me to demonstrate. Without warning, Strikers scales changed colour. It camouflaged with the surroundings and seconds later, she was fully hidden.
Impressive Jackson lied, how can you do that?
Never have I told anyone this, but I trust you can keep a secret; I am in fact, a hybrid of the snakes. Scythios is my father; he preyed on a young woman called Lily, somehow impregnating her. I could go into detail, but believe me; itll just gross you out. Lily died of my fathers poison shortly after giving birth; I am part snake, part human. Jackson was completely unaware as the hidden Striker squatted low beneath him.
Oh, okay he replied, pretending to be interested. I just assumed your snake-like features where a muta-, Jacksons sentence was cut short by a searing pain from the groins. He howled in rage and instinctively clamped at his thighs. He had been impaled by Strikers toxic fangs.
Assassins impale she said, flatly, a devastating technique, especially to a male target. She smirked.
Jack was silent. He lay, clumped on the forest floor, bleeding heavily.
Claw, you okay? asked Striker, now visible. For several seconds, Jackson remained silent. The bleeding however, had stopped. I was merely proving my point, and besides, youll heal. Right?
Striker had left a large gaping hole across Jacksons back, but it wasnt closing, neither was it healing. Instead, it opened further. The muscles of his back parted like a book, revealing a blood-drenched spinal cord. The man was inside out, yet alive. He rose to his feet and slowly turned to face the wide-eyed snake-woman. A diamond crystal, black in colour, glowed in the place of a heart. It seeped dark matter which climbed across Jacksons body entire, sinking into every crevice of the exposed brain, forming a new skin.
Lady Striker was frozen in her knee-high socks, jaws agape. Jacksons eyes were always a deep red, but never had they glowed so bright. He had transformed into something completely new; a monster, larger in size, horned and unclothed. At the blink of an eye, the dark liquid simmered and Jackson was gone, hidden.
Oh no, no
before she could camouflage, Jackson struck with his mechanical blades, stabbing the snake-woman under the ribs.
I
warned
you came a hoarse voice. This thing was more animal, darker and more dangerous, it grunted before leaping skywards and out of sight.
* * *
Part Seven: Cursed
Jackson landed with a loud thud. The forest floor shook violently under his massive feet. His vision had gone cloudy, his muscles arched painfully. He staggered from side to side, collapsing under a tall tree. The force of his collision sent loose braches crashing down. Dry leaves fluttered earthwards in the autumn breeze. Jackson grunted, clutching at his chest. He struggled back onto his feet, limping on through the woods. He arrived at some parting of trees and caught sight of the river. He quickened his pace, tripping over at the riverbank and falling face-first into the water.
Slowly, the black substance washed away into the waters, carried by the current. Skinless, Jackson shrunk back to size, his entire body was deformed, muscles were exposed, blood vessels and veins began to decompose, yet at random, his organs shifted, receding behind skin. It seemed Jackson was reconstructing himself.
How was it? came a voice. It was Lord Crytek himself, a mastermind in robotics.
Jackson, fully reformed, rose to his feet, naked as the sunset. He cackled. Moments later, after he was done laughing, he turned to Crytek, a look of pure evil dancing in his eyes.
How do you feel? the man asked again.
Silence
Like a god.
* * *
Meanwhile, at the Arachnos base, Lady Striker climbs out of the water, heaving her body onto dry iron.
Three years since I last shed skin. She moaned, God, that ******* is going to pay.
Some crude looking villain wearing green tights over monstrous hooves; fashioned with similarly hideous medieval chest plates dropped from the skies, landing right next to Lady Striker.
Maam are you okay?
Get lost, earthworm Jim
Hey, I love that cartoon
(Censored) Off
Gee, talk about anti-social he muttered, wandering off.
Arachnos must be getting desperate, the kind of nutbags they break out of prison these days.
* * *
Crytek, you cannot begin to imagine the power. Not only can I deal double the damage, but my very muscles become something out-of-this-world. I can leap buildings, chase at incredible speed, I felt so free, so invincible, Crytek, I became invisible! This liquid bends light in some way.
Indeed
It is extraordinary. I have become the ultimate predator.
At a cost
Tell me, what magic has this crystal?
Silence, Crytek hesitated.
I
Jack, I
since we found the crystal yesterday, in that very cave, we have been trying to decipher the markings on the walls
but only so much we know: the diamond belonged to some kind of demon. It became cursed that he who beholds it shall die at the sight of fire, less he wears it. And should he wear it, it shall absorb his heart and consume him from within... quite literally, it seems. Jackson was frozen. I am sorry. However, this explains the events of yesterday, when you wore the crystal. It means all who has seen it shall die upon encounter with fire, including me.
Silence, the two men exchanged a look of foreboding.
Well, bad curse said Jackson. Very bad curse
Yes, the crystal kills by forcing the body inside out, but you, you can resist this.
But the liquid, after it coated me
after exploiting its magic, it tried to suffocate me.
Indeed, from what I understand, it is alive; a symbiotic substance that eradicates the heart and replaces the flow of blood. The question is, why did it not attack yesterday? What triggered it?
Striker, she struck me. Jackson replied. Crytek remained silent, contemplating.
I must return to the cave. Come with me, and resume your station.
Jackson hesitated. Dude, if what youre saying is true, then I am a victim of this diamond?
Yes
* * *
NOTE: This thread begins with a story that is already posted elsewhere, however, new installments to the story as well as new stories (from SG members) will be posted here.
* * *
Assassin's Claw by Peter Craftsman
Based on the Origins of Delta T by Colin Wachenski and the Origins of Claw by Peter Craftsman.
* * *
Part One: 'Claw'
An apartment block seemingly derelict in the east-end of Kings Row. Through broken windows and shattered glass, two hooded figures could barely be made out. They stood, talking. The male voice was cold and unremorseful, even the way he stood gave an air of arrogance.
The name is Jackson, but you can call me 'Claw. Didnt have much of a chance to get acquainted last time, did we?
You know, a long time ago I was nothing, quite literally. I was the 'ordinary' little boy in a mutant family. My brothers saw me as a freak and pretended I never even existed. My father, the great Knight of Old Oxford still doesn't know my name. My mother spent all her time in the netherworld, teaching little Dante how to do magic. I had twin brothers with naturally opposing mutations; Jason had ice in his genes and Sinn could throw fire they never stopped fighting. Pious, the illusionist, he was invisible but they could see him right through me.
Eventually, I ran away. Left the Row, and wondered the streets of Eastgate for a while. Surprisingly, the trolls took me in and saw me as one of them. They fed me up to my nose with superadine and now I regenerate so fast, I can barely feel pain. Till today, I regret helping Grendel 'decorate' "The Hollows" but hey, I was young and foolish.
I developed a thirst for street fighting and a strong urge to prove myself, to champion the most powerful. When I began to loath the Outcast for no apparent reason, it became clear that Id spent far too long amidst the Trolls; ugly green dimwits were defiantly not in my chapter. I needed bigger schemes and new challenges but quiting the group wasnt easy. Atta had me fight Frostfire and I lost on several occasions. Frosty alone taught me many defensive skills, including one I like to call Integration.
At any rate, defeating the Outcasts elite boss earned me my ticket out of Eastgate. I travelled through Talos and headed for Brickstown; I caught wind of Crey Industry's Paragon Protector project and thought further body enhancements could help me become a hero just like Sinn and Pious, Mum and Dad, but I was wrong. I was deceived. Crey Industries fitted me with a glistening steel skeletal framework and sent me on trial. They put me in charge of a group of equally stupid teenagers and sent us to "Steal or Destroy Acton 88". That's where I met you. I killed you doctor, but you didn't die."
Jackson waited expectantly for a response but she said nothing. He carried on.
So here I am Anna, still a Paragon Protector. I've risen in rank since we last met; I am now a Lieutenant, an assassin. You are leader of this so called Covenant and my mission is to wipe you all out.
"Vixen fell to my claws, Y.Freeza couldn't avoid his demise and I killed Xyneohp outright. I've read up on you Anna. You call yourself Delta T because the Acton 88 chemical made you... I made you", he smirks. "How does that make you feel Anna?"
Jackson waits again, to no response
"Answer me!"
He lunges at her, claws outstretched.
* * *
Part Two: 'Acton 88'
Anna leapt back, narrowly escaping a sudden strike of his claws but Jackson was swift; he sped forward and cornered her onto a wall adjacent to the windows. Urn, an involuntary noise came from her mouth, the darkened room flashed bright white and Anna realised, clutching at her stomach, that shed been wounded. A blurred scurry of swipes shredded her corset, she looked up into Jacksons face, and noticed his eyes glow red. He drew back his right arm gathering power.
Deja vu
The two words rang through her head triggering a flashback of their first encounter. It was late night, at the Wachenski Institute of Scientific Exploration. Anna was in the theatre, accompanied by fellow graduate David Civil. She had her research on Cryogenics positioned specifically where shed need it the following morning. Her presentation would be observed by very important scientists, members of the WISE research committee and not to mention the very investors who fund the study. Many of whom would be close friends of her father. Shed been practicing her speech with David acting as audience and was now demonstrating the effects of the wonder-chemical Acton 88.
This substance can freeze living tissue without causing damage or side-effects to the body. David, If the human body could be frozen and preserved safely over a long period... the world could postpone lifetimes, iconic figures could be stored away, memories literally archived... the possibilities are endless.
Youve done it Anna, I knew you could said David, standing up and stretching. He grabbed his coat and climbed down the auditorium.
Dear me, will you look at the time? Sorry to have kept you here so late.
Hey now Anna, dont give me the apologies, I love spending time with you. A genius like yourself, you inspire me.
Oh stop it. Hows your dad? David seemed to loose his posture upon mention of his father, but regained himself quickly; he picked up his hat, gave Anna a friendly kiss on her left cheek and left the room.
Great work Anna, way to go, bringing up bad news she tells herself, tidying up the lecture area all the while. Hows your dad? she quotes herself, slipping the tiny beaker of Acton 88 into her bag. Well apart from the Tsoo slicing up his arms, crushing his spinal cord and leaving him for dead, hes fine. Yeah thanks for asking she said, a mixture of sarcasm and frustration in her voice. Suddenly, a loud noise from downstairs made her jump. It sounded like a small explosion. What in gods name? Theres defiantly no-one here but me. David? David is that you? she called out, to no response. Strapping her bag over her right shoulder, Anna flicked a switch on the wall and the lights went out. She entered the hallway, locking the lecture room behind her.
Well, well, what a lucky surprise. Startled by the voice, Anna wheeled round so fast her bag was sent swinging under her arm. If I didnt know any better, Id say you were waiting for us. A dozen men blocked the hallway. They were uniformed; some were making threatening gestures, pounding their fists against their palms. Anna was terrified, trapped at the far end of a long hallway; she was cornered and suddenly felt claustrophobic.
Who are you? Identify yourselves immediately! she said, hoping to have come across authoritative and unafraid.
Anna Kelvinova the same man spoke again, he took two steps forward and Anna gave in involuntary shudder. Daughter of the millionaire, Dr. Bladikauld Kelvinova; your father runs a nice err research facility. Nowhere near the standards of the Crey Industry but hey, we are a monopoly. He chuckled, from behind a mask.
She felt insulted, intimidated, her fear was quickly evaporating, replaced by a reckless anger. Crey Industries are nothing but a firm of criminals and lunatics, and judging by your quay spandex and yellow masks you would be the so-called Paragon Protectors. You misfits are nothing but a bunch of brainwashed lab-rats and youre trespassing on my territory. I advise you leave, before I call the police.
My, my doctor, such hostility That time of the month?
Some of the men laughed, and Anna realised that they were in fact teenagers, she was in her mid-twenties and yet here she was, being threatened by a bunch of Kids. Thats all you are, nothing but a bunch of drug-induced, over-grown kids!
Calm down doctor, please. Were protectors of the City, our mission here is to confiscate Acton 88 and shut down WISE labs immediately. This new chemical of yours poses a viral threat to the people of Paragon; were putting a stop to it before it causes any harm.
A second voice came from behind, with a menacing swagger, he too stepped forward Weve searched the labs downstairs and found nothing! You have a whole batch of samples! Where are you hiding them? You better give us what we want doctor; we have authorization to use all force necessary and I am fast loosing patience.
No. No, thats a lie! Acton 88 is a perfectly safe biological matter. She paused, the thought of loosing her project tore at her heart; she had worked so hard to perfect the formula, her hands clutched at the bag, protecting the fragile beaker inside. The chemical had become a part of her, a physical manifestation of all her dreams, and tomorrow was going to be her moment of truth; a chance to make her father proud, to prove herself, as a true expert in her field. Why are you doing this? Please, please just just leave me. I have a presentation tomorrow and if Crey Industries are interested in my findings, theyre perfectly welcome to attend her voice trailed off. She knew all too well that these were criminals and there would be no negotiating. The thieves were here and they showed no interest in leaving. Suddenly overcome, Anna lost her pride and fell her knees, crying, pleading in-between sobs. You dont understand, this is my work. My fath-
Just tell us where it is.
She ignored him; with her minds eye, she planned an escape. It was risky, but its all she could do. Over my dead body she said, more to herself than anything. Climbing to her feet, she held her breath, kicked off her hind-legs and dashed at a narrow opening in the mob, only to receive a stab from behind.
The pain was unimaginable, time seemed to have stopped and an eerie silence filled the hallway. Three steel 'claws' sat, rather decisively in her chest. It had penetrated through her spinal column narrowly missing her heart and exiting her chest with a splash of blood. Without warning, the masked thief retracted his weapon and Anna collapsed, bleeding heavily onto the cold floor.
"Gather anything chemical and burn this place down!
She was left to die, her lab-coat splayed across the polished marble hall, all her life shed studied bio-chemistry with her dad as a personal mentor, and now, at the pinnacle of her achievements, it all came crashing down, her life would end this midnight hour. In the distance, the thieves were scurrying in and out of rooms. The killer stopped for a moment and looked towards Anna; a lifeless silhouette at the end of the hall, drenched in a swelling pool of deep red blood. Through a window high up on the wall, moonlight pierced the darkness. It swept past the man, leaving him in the shadows and spotlighted the body. The blood shone and Annas coat glowed white, from the shadows, the murderer drew a satisfying breath, drawing a mental picture.
* * *
Part Three: '6th Generation'
Weve searched everywhere. Nothing
Burn it down, the voice came from the shadows; its orator stepped out, a look of deep-seated anger etched on his mask. It appeared failure was something he wasnt used to. Burn it all down.
Moments later, the hallway was up in smoke. Flames roared here and there, spreading across the ceiling. Anna could only wonder how itll end; would the walls cave in on her? Maybe the fire would engulf her whole or perhaps she would eventually bleed to death. With all the strength she could muster, she looked up at the flames closing in on her. The sample of Acton 88 in her bag was growing colder under the rising heat. The snake-skin material had rapidly iced-over and Anna couldn't make sense of it; she produced the liquid and witnessed as it froze solid.
With the beaker gradually slipping through her fingers, Anna closed her eyes in acceptance of her end. The rock solid bio-chemical fell to the ground as though in slow motion, shattering on impact. Fire caught the pieces mid-air and the two compounds reacted in a massive explosion. The blast sent Annas body crashing through the exterior walls and into the midnight air, where she remained hovering!
* * *
Anna snapped awake and Jackson was still there drawing his right arm far back over his shoulder, gathering power like a catapult. It seemed only seconds had passed during her sudden wave of neural information.
Survive this!
With that, Jackson let rip a lighting-fast slash; his claws shot through the air, directly at Annas face. A blur of movement and Jackson found his claws hedged into the concrete wall right where Anna had stood. He spun around, frantically searching the room; he attempted to free his arm to no success. Hed struck with tremendous might and was now stuck. Anna uncloaked behind him, a glimmering sword of razor-sharp ice pointed at Jacksons head.
I could kill you, right here, right now. And I would be justified in doing so.
Empty words doctor.
Youve tried to kill me on more than one occasion as it stands. What makes you think I wouldnt defend myself?
On the off-chance that you defeat me Anna, the worst you can do is issue an arrest. You heroes are pathetic.
You dreamt of becoming one; like Pious. Hes worried about you, you know; and he to has joined the Covenant. Will you assassinate your own brother?
Without hesitation
Lies!
Dont be fooled Anna, you are an attractive woman, Pious isnt. I admit, a part of me wants to know you and thats the only reason were having this little chat.
What has happened to you Jack? Take a look at yourself. Youve become a pet, a lab-rat, a slave to thos-
Suddenly, Jackson swung out his left arm in a wide arc, hitting Anna square across her jaw-line with the back of his fist. Shut up! He knocked her clear off her feet; her hood flew off and revealed a pale face with long brown hair. She wore a stylish eye-mask and from behind it, her skin glowed, her eyes widening in shock as she hit the window ledge. Several shards of glass broke off and came crashing down at a frightening speed. One anchored Annas hair onto the wooden ledge, another landed onto her right hand, nailing it onto the floorboards. Several other shards landed around her, shattering as they hit the floor.
Why did you come here? his voice was cold, his eyes glowing ever so red. He yanked his arm free of the wall, pulling a block of concrete with it. He smashed the block with a fist, creating a cloud of dust as he paced across the room. He bent low over Annas wounded stomach, and whispered into her ear. You came to kill me? To avenge your death?
No. I came to help you. She paused, carefully observing Jacksons reactions. You wanted to be a hero Jack its not too late. Pious loves you; youre his brother and he cares for you. Join us, join the Covenant and become a hero, with your powers, your abilities, you can help the people. A long silence followed, and Anna hoped to have reached him.
Slowly, he stood up, standing high over her. He glared at her for a long while, a strange expression drawn on his black head-mask. He appeared confused, shocked. No more commands, youll be free to do good; match your strength against evil and help us stop organisations like Crey Industries. I dont know if youre aware of this but the 5th Generation Paragon Protectors were clones, manufactured from the DNA of dead heroes they were soon stopped; heroes around the City rose against them and uncovered their vile experiments. They reverted to willing hosts, live subjects in search of power, like you. Theyre just using you Jack like a slave.
Jackson knew this, and he suddenly felt ashamed, exposed. Hed been living in denial, serving those he accepted as master. He looked straight into Annas eyes and hated himself for what he had done; so he turned around and made for door.
Youre not a dog, Jack.
Her words stopped him in his tracks, he felt angry; a part of him wanted to hit her for being so smart. But she was right and he knew it.
Youre bleeding pretty bad, doctor. He spoke to door, Get yourself fixed. And with that, he was gone.
Anna felt weak, her body was limp and all she could remember was her promise to Pious. No, Ill go. I think I can get through to him. Ill bring him to us, I promise. Besides, we have unfinished business. Shed lost a lot of blood, and the cut to her stomach left her with a nasty hole in the torso. The swipes to her chest also had her pretty scared. She remembered the stab from the back only three months ago, back then, Acton 88 saved her life; her exposure to the chemical reaction had mutated her genes, giving her superhuman abilities. But fire blasts and ice manipulation couldnt save her here she would die of her wounds in this dilapidated room. It was an hour past midnight and Jacksons words rang through her head.
Déjà vu
* * *
Part Four: Tears of an Illusionist
Jackson swept a hand over his head, sliding off the hood of his jumper. He approached a bench outside the Green Line train station and decided to sit.
Youre not a dog, Jack, Annas words resounded over and over again in his mind. Crey Industries reverted to willing hosts, live subjects in search of power, like you.
Jackson was in deep thoughts, his elbows positioned on his knee. He raised his head and stared through the night. A group of girls stumbled out of a bar across the streets, laughing loudly. Drunks he muttered. Eventually, he screamed at them, Shut the hell up, will ya?! Some of the girls shouted in return, to which Jack replied Go home! Just go home the lot of ya! His own words hit him with a sad realisation; he had no home, no family.
With a deep sigh Jackson slapped a large hand over his face, detaching his face-mask and running another hand through his fury hair. The night was pitch-black but from the orange glow of the street lamps, one could make out the troll-like colour of Jacksons skin. He stashed the mask into his tracksuit bottoms and pulled out a cigar from another.
Fatigue swept over him and he wanted to return to the abandoned apartment hed been staying, but couldnt risk being traced. According to the news hed caught off the store-front televisions, Paragon Police had him as a number one suspect for the deaths of Xyneohp, Y.Freeza and his brother Vixen.
A spark of a lighter and a puff of smoke, Jackson held his cigar by the teeth, slid his hands into his jumper and headed for High Park.
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No, Ill go. I think I can get through to him. Ill bring him to us, I promise. Besides, we have unfinished business.
Delta, Claw is a very dangerous assassin, because he believes he is still working under the defences of Crey Industries; mislead by Lord Crytek of Dark Nemesis, who is also an ex 6th Generation
With all due respects Pious, I know all about your elder brother. I even know that hes in Kings Row as we speak, now let me go find him. You can reach me through the supergroup communication spells if youre so concerned, and besides my Medicom chip is still implanted.
Pious couldnt stop thinking about their last conversation as he raced through the air, his long white cape fluttering like a flag. Itd already been hours since he sensed her presence fade and he feared the worst. He reached the neighbourhood known as The Gish and quickly recalled Annas descriptions on her location via the supergroup communication spell.
Anna, how are you doing? Whats going on in there?
He attacked me. Im invisible at the moment Ill talk to you later; youre distracting me.
Jesus Anna! Where are you? Im coming right away!
Your brother is hiding out in The Gish. Remember the spot where The Grimm Fairy took out Ishmael?
Sorry, I cant say that I do. I know the Gish very well though; I did live here for like twenty years Anna? Anna! Talk to me.
A bright white figure hovering high up in the air; Pious inherent glow illuminated the night sky. He squinted his eyes; frantically scanning the area.
If I were a big oaf of uselessness, where would I hide of course! he exclaimed, more to himself than anything. Jack literally lived out here when hed run away he was glaring at a small decaying building, across a construction site. Without warning, Pious flew straight at the broken windows, a transparent force field swelling around him. No point going invisible. Jackson knows how to spot me. He chose a window at random and landed inside with a silent thud.
My God
Hed spun around to see the corpse of Delta T.
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Oh God please, Anna Pious fell to his knees, completely overcome by grief; his resplendent costume slowly faded and lost its glow. Answer me, please. Anna. His voice was quirky. I should have followed you. Why didnt I follow you? Oh man. Lying on the floor, next to Anna was a blue chip, small as a thumbnail; built in, was the emergency medical teleportation beacon. The chip had been implanted above Annas heart; should it skip a beat, let alone stop entirely, she would be beamed directly to the hospital. However, he had cut through your chest why did you not use the cave? The resurrection circles are primitive but itd have saved you his voice trailed away, defeated by silent sobs. He lost his form and gave in to loud wails, a mixture of sorrow and anger. Wwhhyyy he screamed so loudly, nearby windows lit up and several faces appeared through curtains. Pious lowered his head onto the floor, burying his face in one arm while clobbering the dirt with the other. He took a deep breath and looked closely at the splayed body of Delta T. Her legs laid limp in an awkward position, her head hung back over the window ledge; a long shard of glass protruding from her throat.
Jack, youve gone from a thief to a troll, worked for criminal organizations and now youre a murderer, a killer of heroes, he spoke with spite as he pulled out the shards of glass. I swear to God, Ill get you for this; even if its the last thing that I do.
Gently positioning Annas body his shoulder, he looked towards the hospital and flew out into the dawn.
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EDIT: Feedback from 'Roleplaying'