Spacefurry

Christopher gave Dreamer a friendly smile as he waited for her to finish handing out gifts. The itch of strange magic in the air still lingers, following the duo like some kind of trailing cloud. As they move along the city sidewalks Christopher tells Adrianna about opening an office front here in Freedom City to be closer to family. “It’s easier than one would think, having the office connected to both cities really cuts down on the commute.” He chuckles. “What about you? What brought you to Freedom?” He tries to project calm and casual, but he can still ‘feel’ the unknown magic growing.

Snow covered swaths of the workspace. “What in the-?” Lark asked, sounding only slightly surprised. The blonde glanced around the room as the others talked and argued. Seeing the professor, Mr Dickens and Golden Star she became concerned. “Hey! Where’s Mr Daye?” A drift of nearby snow shifted and Lark rushed over. A few handfuls of snow cleared away revealed the back Christopher’s jacket. “Chri- Mr Daye!” Muffled noises proceeded the a rush of snow filled wind as the snow drift was swept away by a simple magic spell. The exhumed figure hugged itself as it shivered and coughed. “Damn-*cough*-damned magical feedback.” Christopher straighten up, voice sounding strangely off. “I am so going to feel that on in the morning.” The wizard for hire surveyed the room and sighed. “House keeping is going to have fun with this.” Lark stood, mouth open, staring. “What?” Christopher asked when he saw her staring. Lark could only close her mouth and point. “Um, you’re going to need a change of clothes.” “What? Did my shirt get rui-“ Christopher looked down and stopped mid sentence. “Oh, for the… Not again.” The figure standing in the remains of the snow was easily a few inches smaller than the 5’ 11” gentleman Professor Armitage had met downstairs. Her hair hanging just past her shoulders. The young woman was holding up her sagging pants with one hand and rubbing the bridge of her nose with the other. The burnt edges of her shirt revealing her belly and part of her chest, all of which was covered in a dusting of soot. “Alright.” Christopher said looking around the room. “Professor.” She glance at the man he was currently engaging. “Mr Dickens I presume. And, ah…” She regarded Golden Star and raised an eyebrow. “Golden Star, I think he said.” Lark glanced at the young man and Christopher nodded. “Thank you Lark.” She nodded her thanks. “If everyone could join me in the den.” Christopher motioned for the others to follow him down the hall. In the den, she approached a full length mirror and examined her reflection. She sighed and shook her head. Pulling a price of broken chalk from her pocket she quickly scribbles a few lines of words on the surface. Then, placing just her finger tips on it and spoke a single word under her breath and a wind rose up around her, flapping her clothes. A purple hue spread over her and the clothing began to shrink, reshape, and repair itself. A moment later her clothes look untouched by the snow or magical backlash, and are sized and fitted for her new form. She turns to face Lark and the men. “Well, now then. Would someone like to explain what happened? I mean, before and up to the magical mishap in my workshop.”

Predator Jean was about to apologize. She hadn’t meant to cause her friend any offense, but sometimes she misinterpreted social nuances. The sudden shift in her drinking companion’s attitude stopped her though. The seemingly carefree Copycat was gone, and in her place was the serious Patriot. Jean stiffened and followed Patriot’s gaze. She stood up after her and fell instep behind her. The subtle sound of air being displaced and the change in the weight of her steps accompanied the Predator armor phasing in from Z-space as she walked. Predator came to stand behind Patriot. The smooth reflective surface of the helmet regarded the newcomer. Inside, she called on the suit’s AI. ‘Cynthia, identify target.’ The computer quickly scanned him and reported its findings. ‘Doktor Viktor Archeville.’ It identified him, echoing what Partiot had called him. “Please do not cause a scene.” Predator’s calm voice came through the helmet’s speakers. The information Cynthia compiled though offered little help. Public records were spotty, and government files she had access to were heavily censored and redacted. Oh, how she missed her old systems. She needed to dig deeper, sooner rather than later.

Predator Shootingstar raised valid questions, given her power set. Predator could appreciate her thinking ahead. With her external microphone disabled she addressed the onboard AI. ‘Cynthia, find and download the specifications and schematics for the transport trucks.’ ‘Yes, ma’am’ The artificial voice answered. Turning on the microphone again she looked at Shootingstar. “Do you have a communication device we can use to coordinate?”

Predator Jean joined Copycat in applauding the younger heroes. It was a moment of honesty and Jean wasn’t going to make a scene of it, but she was touched that her friend unconsciously felt comfortable with her. She smiled and nodded. “I had… I have friends back home. Two of them adopted their first child. They eventually had three more of their own, but they never loved their first any less.” “The night is still young.” She teased and looked around. “I can recognize some faces from the news and online research.” She commented. “So much history I’m not a part of. Having to build whole new relationships. Forever the outsider.” She hadn’t meant to say it. Perhaps her drinking companion’s moment of openness was contagious.

Predator Jean couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her friend. Juggling secret identities was more trouble than it was worth in her opinion… But…, she never had family to protect, and that seemed to be the driving factor in that decision, she had observed. It didn’t help here that she stood out completely. In the end, all she could do was nod and attempt a reassuring smile. “Being beholden to a higher authority can be… taxing.” She mused. Of course, pictures were another matter altogether. Jean smiled brightly and happily scooted closer to look at the small screen. The tiny lifeform in Copycat’s arms was very cute indeed, despite being furlessly pink. “He is adorable. I’m sure he will be quite the handsome man once he grows up and his fur comes in.” She teased, fairly certain that the child wasn’t genetically predisposed for fur. Though, she did notice the slight point to the little one’s ears so she could not be certain. “Favors the other half of his genetics?” She asked as tactfully as she thought she could, hoping it wasn’t a sensitive subject.

Getting the drinks took longer then Leon liked. By the time they were on their way again he was fidgeting. Luckily getting past the backstage muscle was nice and easy. Leon glanced in as they passed doors, checking out some of the other bands. When they spotted Bernadette, he gave her a wave. “You kidding! You nailed that, girl.” He gave her a grin as he gave her a one armed hug. “I’d give you a kiss, but I have a girl friend I love and am totally not terrified of making mad.” Leon laughed. “Besides, everyone knows you have someone else you wanna play tonsils hockey with. I had a nice conversation with your diary, but the way, it says it wishes you’d stop writing so much mushy stuff.” He made a mock gagging motion before grinning teasingly. They both knew he’d never actually done that, and that he was just having fun with her. “Have a drink on us.” Leon gestured at Luke holding the extra glass. They all did know she was sweet on someone, bets had been made…

Paper Leon smiled down at the top of Neko’s head. Tilting his head he gave her a kiss by one of her ears. He grinned over at Owain. “Ya, I can see you as a horse cop. You would own that.” He shook his head at Luke’s comment. “I know ACAB, but that’s why we need to start sprinkling in some good ones.” Leon chuckled as he thought about Alice’s question. “Higher learning? Nah.” He grinned. “Though I do think I’d make a pretty good trophy spouse. I got the whole being arm cast thing down pat.” He chuckled. He nodded. “Luke’s right. The hero stuff will fall in your lap whether you want it or not.” He smirked. “Just, you do you. Do what’cha like.” Leon gave Alice a grin. “I can just see you out there, on the school field with the gym shorts and the whistle.” Leon laughed and smirked again before he added mysteriously. “Actually, I do have a hustle I’m looking into.” He gave Owain a grin. “And it’s totally on the up and up.”

Predator Jean smiled. “Yes, you did. And thank you, again.” She accepted her drink with a grateful smile and took a sip. “Here alone?” She asked with curious glance, noting she was fiddling with her empty finger, then looked out around the room. “I thought I might see Patriot and hers tonight, but I suppose she couldn’t make it. I do hope it wasn’t anything serious.” She said in an off handed manner before smiling back at Copycat. Jean tried not to pry into personal lives, but she did consider the woman to be a friend and was willing to listen if needed. She would let Copycat steer the conversation for this.

Paper Leon gave Neko a playful salute as she directed him to the offending diaper. Henrico caught up with the little one and a popes them up, making a funny face as he carried them off to the changing station they had arranged when they got here, well that Neko had arranged. She had pulled this together better than he could have. The money was nice, but he actually was happy spending time with her. And let’s be honest, he was gonna spend anything he made from this on her anyways. He changed the child’s diaper and sent them off to play again while he cleaned up and disposed of the trash.

Christopher accepted the offered matchstick with a warm smile , then blinked as the little girl disappeared before his eyes. He found himself caught off guard for a moment, then smirked and shook his head. “Me?” He asked giving Adrianna a knowing smile. “Searching for the holiday spirit I guess.” He joked, putting hands in his coat. “I’d ask what you were doing out this evening, but I think it pretty obvious.” Christopher glanced around the street. A few lingered, some curious, some suspicious. Who was this man? What did he want with the pretty lady Santa that had been so generous to them? He hoped he was coming off as friendly and non threatening. “You know, there’s a place a few blocks away that has a great cup of hot cocoa. If you wa-“ Something drifted through the night air. Magic, but not her’s he thought and most definitely not his. He glanced around what he hoped was casually. There was too much ‘Dreamer Magic’ in the area, he couldn’t pin it down. “If you want,” He started again, smiling back at her again. “We could go and warm up. My treat.”

Predator “Do not sell yourself short. Flight and strength are quite versatile. They can prove to be the keystones to a solid career of heroing.” Predator nodded. “While I do not have flight capabilities, I am still highly mobile and capable of ranged and melee combat. I am also possessed of a significant sensor array.” The armored hero turned her attention back to Dr. Fields again. “If we find ourselves attempting to reach escape velocity, I fear we may be in greater trouble than we are properly prepared for.” She attempts to joke before continuing more seriously. “Very well, the armor is secondary priority, everything else is of tertiary priority. Retrieval of tertiary targets is approved, as long as it does not endanger the security of the armor or top priority targets.” She crossed her armored arms. “Is that correct?”

Notice check: 13

Christopher gives the small girl Adrianna had given the hot cocoa to a reassuring smile. The little one clutched the blanket like she feared Christopher would try to take it away. He crouched to look less threatening to her. “I could say the same for you. But, I assure you I’m quite real.” Christopher glanced up at Adrianna. “I opened an office here in Freedom recently.” He says as he pats his pockets. Pulling a small candy cane from his coat pocket, he offers it to the girl before standing up straight again. “I should say, I’m flattered you see dreams of me.” He chuckles as he reaches out to pet the reindeer. “I do hope they’re helpful at least.”

Predator Jean chuckles. “I meant no offense.” She nods as Tiamat excuses herself, returning the wave. “I have no intention of initiating combat.” She chuckles again. She was beginning to accept it was a good idea to attend the celebration tonight. Turning towards the bar across the room the vixen slips past conversations between small groups. Her ear twitching with idle curiosity, but she restrains her instinct to ease drop. Knowledge was power in her mind, but this was not the time for gathering intel. At the bar she recognized the synthetic behind the countertop from reports out of Emerald City, but it was the figure seated nearby that caught her attention. “Well now, look what the cat dragged in.” Jean teased, taking the seat next to Copycat. “An Old Fashion of the alcoholic variety, if you please.” She smiled at Protectron politely.

Christopher chuckled as he stood from his desk. “Yo-yo’s are fun and an excellent exercise for the hands and wrists.” He gestured for the professor to follow him out of the office. “Lark, close shop for now, then come upstairs.” Lark nodded and headed for the lobby while Christopher and Armatige headed up to His workshop. Upstairs, he cleared an area of floor to reveal a set of concentric circles, each of a different material. Christopher took a piece of chalk from his pocket and began to mark symbols along the interior of one of the rings. Once done, he sets unlit candles at the cardinal points. He gathers a shallow bowl and a small pitcher of clear, yet shiny fluid. Setting the empty bowl in the center and steps back. Holding out a hand, Christopher begins to chant. The words sound like some kind of Latin, but the words don’t quite sounds right. Suddenly the candles lit and a the bowl took on a hazy aura. Carefully, he reached out and tipped the pitcher. The fluid flowed lazily as it poured out. It was like watching oil and water as it slowly streamed down into the bowl. Setting aside the container he held out the note above the bowl. He paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath and then exhaling it. As he blew out his breath he released the note, leaving it hanging in the air above the bowl. Slowly he gestured at the bowl as if calling for something to rise. Something did. Long, sinewy tendrils rose from the liquid in the bowl. Slowly they reached up to entangle the note. From around the tendrils a mist rises from the bowl to fill the air in a column. Within the mist something begins to reveal itself…

Paper Leon shot Nevermore a dirty look as their former ‘leader’ made some grand entrance, leaving Ms Scorpion‘s nose bloodied. He ignored Chump’s glare as Shift suddenly plowed through the roof and added to the pounding Cass was receiving. Oh, Leon didn’t give a damn about him, and really wanted to get a shot in too. A couple of the girls seemed to snap out of Cass’s control after Shift’s smack down. He turned his attention back to Chump as Multi-Girl tried to follow up her sucker punch. “Don’t hurt yourself red, let Sue handle it.” Leon gave a quick whistle and the paper once again swarmed. The paper T-Rex head shook Chump side to side then suddenly flipped the man up. The maw opened, snapped closed in an instant and the villain was gone. Swallowed and bound helpless within the body of the paper construct as the paper dinosaur once again emerged full and whole. Sue’s tail slams the floor as the giant head swings around to eye Ms Scorpion mimicking Paper as he turns his own attention to her. Her attention was on Nevermore but the last time they had run into each other she had stabbed him with that whip and Leon owed her one for that. “Back off, Nevermore! I calling bids, I owe her.”

I can only assume that tossing the undead a the other ones is at basic attack roll: 17

Chimera The undead was easy enough to grab ahold of, but now what? There were still 3 more, and she couldn’t hold this one forever. If she couldn’t stop them, then she needed to distract them. “He didn’t.” She shook her head. “And he is not my friend.” Chimera decided to try something drastic. Shifting her grip on the golden ghoul she lifts it overhead. “I don’t think they will listen to reason.” With a huff, she throws the thing at the other ones like she was trying to topple pins at a carnival.

Leon smirked as he watched Ivy laying it on thick. She knew what she was doing, and he had a feeling it had worked many times. Unfortunately for her Leon was an ex-con himself and Luke was, well, he fell somewhere between a cinnamon roll and a himbo. Leon smirked to himself as Luke helped her into the car. When she lifted her sunglasses and he met those green eyes Leon felt a little tug. Internally, he curse himself. Damn green eyes… Leon broke eye contact first and dropped back into the driver’s seat. “Buckle up. Next stop is lunch. Hope you like Mexican.” He chanced a quick glance back at her, catching a playful grin as she met his eyes again. He turned his attention forwards again and shifted into drive. “So.” She purred, leaning forward to lean between the front seats. “What are you two heading to Vegas for?” ooc: why not both.

Paper Leon glanced over to the ruckus Davy’s was inciting as he entertained some of the children. He chuckled, watching the shapeshifter easily playing the fool when he’d seen the young man terrify grown men with the same ease. As he watched the kids something tucked at him emotionally. He had been like that once. Full of life, without a care. Then he had spent years being juggled between foster homes, only to meet others that would become his family. Family he had become estranged from… Leon tried to hide his somberness behind his hot cocoa as he took a sip.

Second verse, same as the first Ranged attack: 15 I didn’t mean literally Hero Point again Ranged attack: 29 Too bad that doesn’t count for the Improved Crit Ref save DC20 If Chump fails, he’s bound and helpless

Christopher nodded at Professor Armitage’s initial guess, watching as the man emptied his pockets. He shared the professor’s choice of an older mobile phone. They had better odds of surviving Christopher’s magical exploits. The yo-yo raised an eyebrow, but he quickly hid it. When the note was finally on the desk Christopher gave a satisfied smile. “Yes, that will do nicely I think. A physical object he willingly interacted with should hopefully provide a suitable connection to track your man.” He said carefully picking up the note to examine it. He looked back at Professor Armitage. “It will time a little time to set up, but you’re welcome to stay and observe.”

Christopher slips his phone out and begins to type. The message to Lark is brief, mostly since in was easier with the old flip-phone he used. ‘Found spirit. Not hostile. Will call.’ He pockets the phone again and chuckles. It explained the familiar magic he’d feeling. And he certainly hopes he isn’t wrong about her not being hostile. While he was sure he could hold her off, it wasn’t something he had any desire to test. Glancing both ways he crosses the street and approaches Andrianna. “Hello again.” He says with a friendly smile. “Long time no see.”

As Summer started playing the final song, Leon nodded along. He couldn’t fault Berni and her friends their song choices. They had all been solid, and her choice not to try to mimic Johnson was the smart thing to do. Leon though did add his own voice to the chorus with a number of others singing along. As they wrapped up their set he once again gave a couple sharp whistles as the band made their exit. He had to chuckle at the band name. “Think I need a refill, how ‘bout you?” Leon nudged Luke. “Or do you wanna try to slip backstage?” He asked with a mischievous grin.