>>2569855
Chatty Leader standing by!

It's good to be back sir!

As Troia closes in on you, you shift yourself so that you're flying backward, appearing to almost be simply lounging on your back as you shoot through the sky. Despite this somewhat relaxed appearance, though, you're pushing yourself about as hard as you possibly can. And, to your credit, you're moving far faster than you ever could have before, though when faced with someone like Donna Troy, that doesn't mean as much as you might want it to. Despite your increase in speed, the dark-haired amazon can still move a lot faster, and is quickly gaining on you.

But, that's okay. You've got a few more tricks up your sleeve. Donna's fast, but you can trump speed with the instantaneous movement of teleportation. And that's what you intend to do. You'll let her get close, and then you'll teleport at the last moment, gaining serious distance and leaving the girl to wonder where you've gone. Hopefully, she'll choose to pursue Starfire at that point, buying you more time. You keep your eyes on your pursuer, judging when to make your move. As she gets closer, you can vaguely make out the expression on her face.

She knows you're up to something.

In a sudden move that takes you by surprise, Donna greatly increases her speed, catching up to you in mere seconds. You quickly attempt to teleport, focusing on the roof of Titans Tower, but just before you can make the jump, your friend tackles you, and both of you wind up on the roof of the tower.

You're tackled onto your back, with Donna, ending up on top of you. She puts her hands on either side of your head and pushes herself up, her long hair cascading down her shoulders as she stares down at you. Then, she leans in, and soon your faces are inches apart. She moves her head, and whispers in your ear.

"Tag, you're it."

And in an instant, she's back on her feet, launching herself into the sky and racing away as quickly as she can.

>A. Get up and give chase

>B. Try to head her off using teleportation

>C. Go chase after Starfire

>/>>D. Write-in

>>2569903
>A.

That flirt. Let's chase after her for now, but if Starfire becomes a Target of opportunity, be ready, to switch.

>>2569903
>C

Kill yourself SOMfag.

>>2569925
>>2569930
If we don't get a tiebreak in the next few minutes, I will flip a coin

File: pjrvBjR.jpg (223 KB, 1280x719)

223 KB JPG

>>2569903
>Then, she leans in, and soon your faces are inches apart. She moves her head, and whispers in your ear.
Sploosh.
>A. Get up and give chase

>>2569925
>>2569945
Flipped a coin. A won.

>>2569956
Apparently the dice gods love me.

>>2569958
>>2569956
So it would seem, or the power of your dubs influenced the coin.

>>2569945
Thought: I don't know at what minute mark you chime in during ties, but I think you could probably cut down on time in-between posts by skipping the warning and just flipping the coin (or making the decision yourself, based on what you think would be the most interesting of the tied results.) I'd accept that.

>>2569955
Yeah, it's now unambiguous that Donna is into KC.

>>2569967
And I'm okay with this. I may have originally been pulling for the newer, blonder model, but Donna was always a VERY competitive second and has been steadily pulling ahead with our interactions.

>>2569973
I mean this isn't decision time, per say, and any decision isn't permanent. I think KC would be interesting in exploring this while he's in the moment, but I also think he'll want to reflect on his feelings afterward.

>>2569980
>any decision isn't permanent
Anon, this is /qst/. Once the protagonist hooks up with someone, only death itself can split them up.

>>2569925
>>2569955
You're back on your feet right away, and give chase as Donna retreats through the sky, using your willpower-enhanced flight to move swiftly in pursuit. Of course, in terms of raw speed, you're no match for her, and despite your best efforts, you soon lose her, stopping your chase as she vanishes from sight.

Floating over the bay, you look around, seeing if you can spot Starfire. But, there's no sign of her, either. This is going to be a tough game.

The three of you continue your intense game of tag for the next couple of hours, with you managing to tag the others through use of your various powers, and them managing to chase you down when necessary. It's a good time, especially now that you can provide something of a challenge for your friends. When the three of you agree to call it quits, you've all worked up a sweat, and head for the kitchen to get something to drink.

Raven and the kids aren't there any longer, though Robin and Cyborg are sitting on the couch and playing some video games. Beast Boy isn't with them, which is kind of strange, but you suppose he could be doing something else, or maybe he isn't feeling well.

Donna heads right for the fridge, tossing you and Starfire some bottles of water before grabbing one for herself.

"Hey, would you mind grabbing a soda for me while you're there?" Robin requests as he pulls past Cyborg in the racing game they're playing.

"Sure," she answers, grabbing the team leader a drink. "What about you, Cyborg?"

"Do we have any root beers left?" he asks in return, using some kind of power-up to ram Robin's vehicle off the road.

You're pretty sure you can see steam rising from Robin's head.

Troia tosses the guys their drinks, then takes a sip of her water. "Where's Beast Boy and Raven?"

"Rae's in her room with the kids," Cyborg answers. "Not sure about BB, he might have gone to help her entertain them."

Donna gulps down the rest of her water. "Alright. Well, I'm going to take a shower. See you all in a bit."

"And I must find the Silkie," Starfire declares. "It is time for his bath."

The girls leave the room, and the guys continue with their game. Your patrol with Robin isn't for a few more hours, so you can do what you want until then.

>A. Ask if you can join the guys at their games

>B. Go see what Beast Boy and Raven are up to

>C. Go give your mother a call. You know how to contact her, and there's probably some things to talk about.

>D. Go get some rest. Odds are that you're in for a late night.

>E. Head into the city

>/>>F. Write-in

>>2569997
>D.

While I do want to do C. I want to keep the first session back moving at a good clip, and Robin may drop more tidbits during our patrol that might inform our conversation with Mom.

>>2569997
>>C. Go give your mother a call. You know how to contact her, and there's probably some things to talk about.
Seems important to do now

>>2569997
D we need the sleep yo

>>2570001
>>2570014
Patrol means a late, possibly exhausting night waits for you. With that in mind, you decide to get some sleep before you need to head on out with Robin. Leaving your friends to their own activities, you finish up your water, leave the common area, and go to your own room, climbing under the covers and getting some much needed sleep. Your rest is not interrupted until your alarm goes off in a few hours, and you rise to get ready for patrol.

The sun sets, and the night finds you perched atop the roof of a grocery store overlooking a busy city street. Robin kneels at the roof's edge, binoculars scanning the distance for any sign of trouble. Periodically, he'll check his communicator, or pull out what looks like a tablet and go through feeds of street cameras spread throughout the city. From this single location, he can get a decent handle of what's going on out there.

Both of you ate before heading out, but there are some water bottles up on the roof with you, and Robin made sure to pack some protein bars just in case. There isn't likely to be any detours from work to go get food or anything of the sort. You kind of expected as much from Robin, but you hope that the entire night won't be spent sitting in silence like this, waiting for something to happen.

>>A. "Do the police know you have access to the city's cameras?"

>>B. "Thanks for coming out with me."

>>C. "Have you been able to dig up anything new about my dad?"

>D. Don't say anything just now. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.

>E. "I'm going to do a fly-over. I'll contact you if I see anything suspicious."

>/>>F. Write-in

>>2570040
>>F. "Are we looking out for anything in particular?" After an answer ask if he would like us to:
>E.
Our patrol with Cyborg was much more mobile, so I wonder if there is significance to this place.

>>2570040
>>>C. "Have you been able to dig up anything new about my dad?"

>>2570047
"Are we looking out for anything in particular?" you ask Robin as he sets the tablet down.

"We're looking out for escaped prisoners, members of the HIVE, gang members, common crooks, or anybody that's causing trouble," Robin answers, giving you a sort of "yes and no" answer.

If nothing else, that tells you that there's probably nothing significant about this particular grocery store, and that Robin just wants to keep an eye out for trouble in general. That suits you just fine, but you don't want to just sit on the roof all night. One thing you've always enjoyed about patrolling with Cyborg is the mobility. Cruising through the city in the T-Car, taking in the sights and sounds of the evening, it made the time pass more easily.

"I'm going to do a fly-over," you inform Robin, stepping to the roof's edge. "I'll contact you if I see anything suspicious."

"Alright," Robin permits you. "I'll do the same if I see anything. Good luck."

With a nod, you float from the rooftop, travelling by air and looking down on your city. Despite the late hour, there are many people out and about, giving you quite a bit of things to check out. You see folks walking the sidewalks and talking, driving to and from countless locations, some street musicians and other performers doing their thing for pocket change, but nothing overly suspicious.

Then again, you're in one of the more brightly lit and public areas of the city, so beyond the occasional drug deal or car accident, you don't expect to see much around here. Over your time on the teams, you've started to get a handle on where most of the non super-villain related crimes happen. Maybe one of those locations is worth investigating.

>A. Hit the part of town where the Burning Blizzard is most active

>B. Check out the Blockbuster's turf

>C. There's been quite a bit of suspicious activity down by the docks as of late. Maybe that would be worth checking out.

>D. Don't go anywhere in particular, just continue your general patrol of the city.

>E. Call one of the other Titans, see if they're awake and want to chat (specify)

>F. Call your mother, you've got an evening to kill.

>/>>G. Write-in

>>2570102
>D.
>G. "Robin, you've been doing this for longer than any of us, without powers no-less. How did you get into this life? Do you like it?"

Lets try and make a connection.

>>2570102
>>A. Hit the part of town where the Burning Blizzard is most active

>>2570115
Deciding against going off into the more unsavory areas of Jump City and poking around on your own, you decide to just continue with a general fly-over of the city. You're out on a simple patrol, and don't want to end up unintentionally causing a big mess that has to involve the entire team. If there's anything that serious to deal with, you'll deal with it in the usual way, and face it with your team.

For now, though, there doesn't seem to be much happening, and you're on patrol with a teammate you'd like to get to know a little better. You and Robin have gotten along just fine since you joined the team, aside from his occasional criticisms of your decisions. But, while you'd consider him a friend, you wouldn't exactly say you're close. During your time at Titans Tower, you've made connections with Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, Rose, Starfire, and Troia, but you haven't done much interacting with Robin outside of business or group settings. Maybe now, with time to kill, you should try and get to know your leader a little better.

You pull out your communicator and give him a call.

"Kid Crimson?" he asks as he answers his communicator. "Did you find something?"

"No, but I wanted to ask you something," you reply. "As far as I can tell, you've been doing this for longer than any of us, without any powers. How did you get into this kind of life? And, are you glad you did?"

Robin doesn't answer right away. Suddenly bringing this up out of the blue has, understandably, caught him unprepared. It's kind of a personal question, and the two of you are supposed to be on patrol, but after an awkward few seconds of silence, he does give you an answer.

"Batman took me under his wing when I was much younger," he explains. "We'd both had similar experiences thanks to crime, so we worked together to fight it. That's how I became Robin."

That's pretty vague, but you can think of a few reasons why he might not want to go into much detail right now. You're outdoors, on patrol, and there's always the chance of somebody listening in.

"I was his-one of his sidekicks for years," Robin continues. "But we had a falling out, and I came to Jump City to fight crime on my own. That's when I met the others, and we formed the Teen Titans."

Whatever made him decide to leave Batman, you can't help but feel curious as to what it was. Knowing you won't get much info from him on that subject right now, though, you repeat your second question from before, asking if he likes his life as a crime fighter.

>Continued

>>2570199
>Continued

Again, Robin doesn't answer right away, though you get the feeling this is due more to contemplation than being caught by surprise with the question.

"I wish that...." he starts to say before sighing and collecting his thoughts. "I wish some things had been different in the past. But, if I hadn't become Robin, I wouldn't have learned most of what I know, I wouldn't have met most of my friends, and I wouldn't be with Starfire. Besides, what I do, what we do, it helps people. I guess what I'm saying is that I wish I'd become who I am for different reasons, but I'm happy with how this life's turned out."

There's definitely more you want to ask him later, but for now, that seems like a good answer, and you feel like you understand him just a little bit better now.

Besides, there's no time for follow-up. You can vaguely hear something beeping beside Robin, who picks up his tablet and frowns.

"I want you to meet me at these coordinates," he tells you. "See you soon."

The transmission ends, and a set of coordinates are sent to your communicator. You do as Robin instructed and make your way to the specified location, finding your leader standing outside of a run-down looking house on a mostly empty street.

"Someone went into that house," Robin explains the second you land. "And from the surveillance feed, I think I know who it was."

He holds up his tablet, and you're greeted with the sight of a young man of similar height and build to Robin, dressed in a caped costume. There's an 'X' on his chest, and another on his mask, which has a design that looks a bit like a skull.

"Red X," Robin identifies the man. "A thief with an extremely powerful and dangerous suit. He's skilled in hand-to-hand combat, and always has some tricks ready. But, he's not psychotic like some of the others. He's a thief, not a murderer or maniac planning to take over the city."

>>A. "Is that why we're not calling the other Titans for back-up?"

>>B. "Can the two of us handle him?"

>C. "So, what's the plan?"

>/>>D. Write-in

>>2570240
>C.

In theory our powers are enough to take Red X head on and win, but Red X is deliberately based on the premise of winning the quickdraw with power-neutralizing gadgets.

Btw I hope you're not too discouraged by the current low participation.

>>2570244
"So, what's the plan?" you inquire.

"I'll go in first," Robin answers. "You trail behind me and keep out of sight. I'll get X to show himself, and hopefully get him to fight me. Once I have his attention, you make your move. If we catch him by surprise, we'll win."

Robin advances on the house, quickly slipping inside via a busted window. After giving him a few moments for a head start, you float over to the house and enter through the same window, finding yourself in a messy upstairs room with nothing in it aside from some ruined wallpaper, scuff-marks from furniture that is no longer there, and a paper bag with a distinctly foul smell coming from it. If Red X is a thief, you don't know why he would hit this place. You can't imagine anything here having much value.

You creep out of the room, finding yourself in a narrow hallway leading to a stairwell. There's only one other door, or doorway, up here, which leads to a similarly uninteresting room. With no sign of Robin or Red X, you make your way downstairs, floating down so as to avoid making noise on the old stairs. You then find yourself in a cold living room with a dirty rug, unfurnished aside from a sofa that looks to have been half-eaten by rats or vermin or something of the sort.

"I got the feeling I'd see you here, chuckles," an unfamiliar voice declares from someplace nearby.

It sounds as if they're using a modulator, likely to protect the identity of the costumed criminal in question.

"I knew you'd be back," you hear Robin respond to the man. "But why here? What could you possibly be after?"

"Nothing here interests me," the man replies. "But I know someone that wanted me to take a look around. I've got he wants, so I'm out of here."

You step out of the living room and into the kitchen, which still has a counter in its center. What's more interesting to you, however, is a hole in the wall, in front of which stands Robin. As you step further into the kitchen, you can vaguely make out a figure standing in the dark room beyond.

"You aren't going anywhere except prison," Robin tells the figure, taking out his staff.

"Sorry, kid, but I don't feel like playing games with you tonight," the man replies. "If you're smart, you'll get out of here, too. My guess is that the HIVE's going to be here any minute."

>A. "The HIVE? Why would they be interested in this dump?"

>B. Teleport into the room and strike Red X

>C. Throw a Psychic Punch at Red X

>D. Try to restrain Red X with your powers

>/>>E. Write-in

>>2570321
>D.

ALPHA STRIKE!

>>2570321
>D
Wow, I´m finally here for the game!

>>2570316
>Btw I hope you're not too discouraged by the current low participation.
For every person actively participating there are usually 4-5+ just reading (right now or in a couple days).

>>2570330
>>2570335
If X is as slippery as Robin says, you have to act fast. Taking a few steps closer to Robin, therefore giving yourself a much better view of your target, you hold out your hands and seize the thief with your mind, psychically restraining him before he has the chance to make his retreat.

"What the?!" Red X calls out in surprise and annoyance.

You hear him grunting as he attempts to struggle free of your hold, and your head starts to ache as you find your mental restraints being challenged. Even feeding this with your willpower, it's not an easy task to restrain Red X. It's not as excruciating as trying to keep a hold on Donna, but it's a challenge nonetheless.

"Good work, Crimson," Robin acknowledges before stepping into the room and approaching Red X. "What did you come here to find?"

"Sorry, bird-boy, but that's a secret," Red X answers, sounding awfully cocky despite his compromising position.

"I will make you talk," Robin vows, his voice leaving you completely convinced that he will do exactly that.

"Not before the HIVE shows up," Red X answers. "They're not going to like me poking around here, but they'll be a lot more interested in you."

>>A. "Why does the HIVE care about this place?"

>B. (Apply pressure) "Tell us what you were looking for!"

>>C. "We can handle whatever the HIVE sends at us, no problem."

>/>>D. Write-in

>>2570375
>>B. (Apply pressure) "Tell us what you were looking for!"
then

>A. "Why does the HIVE care about this place?"

>>2570375
>B. (Apply pressure) "Tell us what you were looking for!"

>>2570375
>D. "Robin, maybe we should get out of here. We can take him with us."

>>2570405
This is guy is smarter than I am. I´m changing my vote to this.

>>2570413
I'm also not comfortable with using force to coerce him.

>>2570447
Well, it´s a better plan anyway. As long as we don´t take him directly to the Tower.

>>2570447
Aaaaaand back home.

>>2570405
>>2570413
"Robin, maybe we should get out of here," you suggest. "We can take him with us."

"If you think I'm going anywhere with you, you're out of your mind," Red X declares. "You're the new kid, the psychic. You really think you can hold me forever?"

"He doesn't have to," Robin points out, slowly approaching the bound burglar. "I just have to tie you up or knock you out, and you'll go wherever we want you to."

"You think it'll be that easy, chuckles?" Red X questions as he continues to struggle, increasing the pressure in your head. "I thought you'd know better by now."

A crash grabs everyone's attention, and you look to find someone stepping through the busted-in kitchen door. He's dressed in a red body-suit, not too different from your own aside from the goggles and a white circle with a division symbol in it.

"Weeeelll, weeell, what do we have here?" the newcomer asks in an almost over-the-top country accent. "Three dummies right where we want 'em."

"Right you are, Billy," an identical individual declares, stepping through the door behind the first one. "Nowhere to run and totally outnumbered."

There's another crash as the front door's kicked in, letting in a dozen more of these costumed crazies, who begin to move to surround you and Robin.

"Hey, you!" one of the newcomers addresses, stepping toward you. "I like your outfit. It reminds me of...well, mine!"

"I agree, Billy, it's not bad at all!" another of them declares.

"Right you are, Billy!" another shouts. "But I don't like him stealin' our look!"

>>A. "And you are?"

>>B. "Wait, Billy? Billy Numerous?"

>>C. "Well, personally, I think I'm much better looking. Maybe you should find a new outfit."

>D. "Robin, what do we do?"

>E. "Looks like you were scared over nothing, X. We can take these clowns no problem."

>/>>F. Write-in

>>2570465
>B. "Wait, Billy? Billy Numerous?"

>>B. "Wait, Billy? Billy Numerous?"
>>F. "I thought you meant the other HIVE. Come on Robin, knock out X and I'll get us out of here."

>>2570465
Fuck, I hate Billy. Not sure why, but I really do.
So, if this asshole is here that means the rest of the Hive must not be far away. I don´t think we can take all of them.
>/>>F. Write-in
Was going to write something like this >>2570471
, but ask Robing to lead the way out. He is good at evasive techniques- and the rest of the gang may well be waiting for us outside.

>>2570471
>>2570476
"Wait, Billy?" you ask. "Billy Numerous?"

"The one and only!" one of them declares, quickly getting a look of confusion on his face. "Wait...."

You look to X, inwardly cursing as you feel him nearly break your hold in your moment of distraction. "I thought you meant the other HIVE."

"I did," X replies, continuing to struggle, and starting to make a worrying level of progress, at that.

"Come on, Robin," you tell your boss, your voice strained. "Knock out X and we can get out of here."

"Sorry, fellas, but you ain't goin' nowhere!" Billy declares, followed immediately by the unmistakable sound of a gun cocking.

Glancing over your shoulder, you find one of the Billies holding a hand-gun to the back of your head. You can't help but feel a rush of fear, which manifests in the form of a small barrier between you. You try to maintain that, hoping it will be enough to stop a bullet if it comes down to it, but really not wanting to find out. Unlike a blaster, a normal gun can't typically be set for 'stun', so any shot fired your way will be aiming to kill.

"See here, mister Pete," Billy addresses you. "Big bad Brother Blood wants you brought in alive, but says we can shoot you and stuff you if you give us too much trouble."

"Same goes for you two!" another Billy tells the others. "Now, why don't y'all be good boys and put yer hands behind yer backs?"

>A. Do as Billy says

>B. Rush for Robin and try to teleport out of here

>C. Psychic Punch the Billy holding the gun, and rush for Robin

>D. Try to make a barrier protecting you, Robin, and Red X, then call for backup

>E. Release Red X and get ready to fight

>/>>F. Write-in

>>2570518
>>/>>F. Write-in
Throw X at the Billy with the gun and then
>B. Rush for Robin and try to teleport out of here

>>2570518
>Real guns.
Damn Billy, you got dark as fuck!

>D.
And if that goes okay
>>F. "Grab on, I'll get us out of here!"

>>2570527
>>2570530
You need to find a way to take out that Billy that has a gun trained on you. A barrier might keep you safe, and give you time to reach Robin and make an escape, but even if you can create one strong enough to keep both that Billy and the others at bay, you aren't confident that you could also keep Red X restrained and teleport to safety. But, maybe you can keep Billy and his other selves distracted.

Hopefully, this works, and nobody dies in the process.

Quickly dropping to your knees, you concentrate on Red X, let your willpower and anger boil, and twist your upper body, moving your arms in Billy's direction, and hurling Red X right at him.

"What in the-" Billy begins before the restrained criminal crashes right into him, knocking both to the ground.

You rush forward, trying to reach Robin as quickly as possible. But you don't make it more than a few steps before half a dozen Billies are on you, jumping onto you and grabbing hold of your arms and legs, keeping you from going anywhere.

"Crimson!" Robin shouts, bashing a Billy upside the head with his staff, and throwing a trio of birdarangs at other Billies that try to rush him.

He rushes to you and stabs with his staff, catching one of your captors right in the nose and causing the poor Billy to lose his grip. Your left arm now free, you start to reach for Robin, only for another Billy to seize the arm again. You manage to throw your elbow back into his face, but now Robin has his hands full with a dozen more of the Billies.

You hear a crack, and glance back to see the handgun break in half in Red-X's hand. The costumed crook stands with one foot planted between the gun-wielding Billy's shoulder-blades, keeping the trigger-happy twerp pinned to the floor.

"I told you to get going while the going's good," Red X tells you and Robin. "If you'd listened, you wouldn't be dealing with this mess."

"X..." Robin growls as he throws a Billy over his shoulder and into the wall.

"Hey, don't be mad, be grateful I took their gun away," Red X tells your leader before giving a mocking, two-fingered salute. "Good luck."

Red X reaches down and touches his belt, seemingly vanishing into thin air a second later, and leaving you and Robin to deal with this army of clones.

The Billy that once had a gun pushes himself back to his feet, scowling at his broken weapon.

"Alright, plan two!" he addresses the others. "Keep them two separated! We can't have them leave until the big man gets here!"

You punch one of the Billies in the face, getting him off you, but two more take his place right away. Robin is fending off his foes, but there's too many for him to fight his way through.

>A. Keep one arm free and reach for your communicator, send a distress call to the other Titans

>B. You're a trained fighter. Find a way to break free!

>C. This is bad, really bad. You have to risk it. Let all of your anger loose and use it to beat down the Billies. Hopefully you can calm yourself after.

>>2570579
Hmm. Tough one. Calling the Titans means we accept that we're not getting free in time, but also means we spend energy while not making any progress. Option 2 is safe but weak, and we might not make any progress. C. is our best bet, but if we fail, then we're in a bad position to deal with Blood.

Fuck it.

>A.

>>2570590
Yeah, we are in a tight spot.
>A. Keep one arm free and reach for your communicator, send a distress call to the other Titans

Fuck Billy.

>>2570591
We're really lacking in a crowd control option. We need to develop one (a psychic burst) or get a gadget that can do it for us.

>>2570597
True. The problem with Billy is that if he has half a brain there are other copies of him outside, and even in other city blocks just waiting till they are needed. I mean, does he even have a limit to the number of copies he can generate?

>>2570597
BTW, what would be really good against him would be some good old mind control. We would have to take over only one mind, right? Or does every copy has its own mind?

>>2570602
His limit is high enough to be irrelevant. The first time the Titans went up against Billy, Cyborg eventually had to rely on a bluff using holoprojectors and out number him.

>>2570606
Dunno! A good question. I don't know if it makes sense for KC to have mindcontrol, and I'm not a fan of the idea regardless. No one man should have all that power.

>>2570608
That web weapon (forgot the name, the one Killer Moth created) could be useful right now. It would still be a tough fight, but it could give us some much needed space.

>>2570579
>>C. This is bad, really bad. You have to risk it. Let all of your anger loose and use it to beat down the Billies. Hopefully you can calm yourself after.

>>2570590
>>2570591
The Billies haven't managed to restrain your arm yet, but they're certainly trying. If you can keep it free for just a little bit longer, you should be able to reach your communicator. Socking another Billy with a Psychic Strike, you buy yourself just enough time to reach down and grab your communicator, signaling the other Titans with the push of a button. That's all you have time to do before the Billies manage to grab hold of you and restrain your arm.

Robin still hasn't been caught, but he's not doing so well at keeping his enemies back anymore. It looks like he's beaten down a few dozen of them, but they are just relentless and apparently endless, attacking with no sense of self preservation, and making things much harder for Robin.

"So, you've managed to keep them from running off," someone new observes. "Well done, Numerous. Well done."

He speaks with a vaguely South-American accent, and his appearance, well, he's a big guy. Big, muscle-bound, wearing a luchador mask and a black muscle shirt, you recognize him right away from Robin's photos.

"Bane...." Robin hisses.

"We meet again, Grayson," Bane addresses your leader. "You are back on your feet already. This time, I will break you beyond repair, then show what's left of you to the bat."

The man then looks at you. "And you are the one that makes the Brother's blood boil. Peter, was it? I have been looking forward to meeting you."

>A. "Nice to meet you, now have these idiots let me go so I can introduce myself."

>B. "You're working for Blood? I thought you were with Blockbuster."

>C. "I was hoping Blood would come himself, but I guess you'll do."

>D. "Why are you here?"

>/>>E. Write-in

>>2570628
I don't think it has an area setting.

>>2570639
>he's a big guy.
For you.

>>2570639
>B. "You're working for Blood? I thought you were with Blockbuster."

File: Secret-six-bane-goes-crazy.jpg (133 KB, 600x595)

133 KB JPG

>>2570643
DID YOU FORGET WHO I AM?

>>2570642
But it could prevent the targeted Billy from making other Billies, I guess.

>>2570639
>B. "You're working for Blood? I thought you were with Blockbuster."

>>2570649
LOL.
For some reason I now always imagine Bane as having that weird accent from the movie. That didn´t sound like any South American accent I know.

>>2570639
>>A. "Nice to meet you, now have these idiots let me go so I can introduce myself."

>>2570662
Nolan Bane was great for the memes. But Secret Six Bane is best Bane.

>>2570645
"You're working for Blood?" you question Bane. "I thought you were with Blockbuster."

"A single job for the man," Bane replies as he strolls around the kitchen. "One that happened to be in the service of Brother Blood, anyway. I'm sure Blockbuster would have wanted me to join his little gang, but my arrangement with Blood is far more profitable."

"Uh...excuse me, mister Bane, sir?" one of the Billies asks. "Should we take these two back to Blood?"

"Soon, my many-bodied friend," Bane answers. "But I believe the other Titans will be along shortly, and it would not do to have them follow us back to headquarters, not yet. I want you to create more copies and have them watch the perimeter. Notify me when you spot the other Titans, and keep them at bay for as long as possible."

"Yes, sir!" Billy replies dutifully, creating dozens more of himself in a flash and sending them outside.

"As for these two...." Bane ponders, looking between you and Robin. "I have already faced the little bird more than once, and proven that he is no match for me."

"Want to bet?" Robin challenges, knocking a trio of Billies to the floor with his staff.

Bane grins. "That warrior's spirit has not left you. Good, it will make grinding you into paste much more satisfying. But, on the other hand...."

Bane looks to you. "I have not faced you in battle before, Kid Crimson."

He slowly approaches, towering over you like Goliath over David, though you aren't sure a fight with this guy will go as well for you as that one did for David.

"Blood has told me much about you," Bane explains. "He says you were his finest warrior, that your skill truly magnificent. I must admit, I am curious to see if you live up to his praise. What do you say to a duel? Let us see who is the greater fighter. If you win, I will instruct my comrades to let you and the bird go free."

>>A. "And if I lose?"

>B. "Alright, deal."

>C. "Screw your duel, Robin and I will beat you and Billy down ourselves."

>D. Don't answer with words, hit him with a Psychic Strike

>/>>E. Write-in

>>2570711
>>>A. "And if I lose?"

>>2570711
Jesus Christ, I get a day off and instead of spending it with Raven I get to be raped by Bane. (just kidding, glad to see the Quest back).

>B. "Alright, deal."

Let´s be honest, we already know what´s going to happen if we lose. We become DC´s Professor Xavier wannabe.

>>2570723
Also guy's, he knows we wanna stall. So we can't. We have to go all out. Every trick in the book. Even if we gotta go berserk. Bane is no joke.

>>2570730
>Bane is no joke.
True, but I´m not sure we can take him even going all out. Guy´s smart too, I just hope he doesn´t know much about our powers.

>>2570711
>E. "No. If you defeat me, I'll go quietly. But if you can't, you leave Jump City forever."

Lets see if he accepts those terms.

>>2570738
For clarification, this is much more favorable to us, as we don't have to beat him, just not be defeated, and having him leave Jump City is a much better deal than him letting us go.

But there's a secondary benefit: we buy a little sliver of time by quibbling about terms.

>>2570735
The point isn't to stall. Stalling means we try shit that slows the fight, which he won't like. If we fight him with our full extent he'd respect that. That would make it a fight, not a one two I break you. Ideally.

>>2570723
>>2570728
>>2570738
Rolled a dice, A won

>>2570728
>>2570723
"And if I lose?" you question.

"Then I take you to Brother Blood, and he will decide your fate," Bane answers, taking a step back. "I do not know specifics, but I imagine that his methods for dealing with traitors are unpleasant. I am giving you an opportunity to extend your days of freedom. Should you prove the superior fighter, you and your friend will be allowed to go free. That freedom may not last if you continue to oppose Brother Blood, but it delays your torment at his hands."

That's not very reassuring, but it is a somewhat generous offer considering your current position. Billy stays out of this, you fight Bane man to man, and if you win, you and Robin get to leave, assuming Bane keeps his word. Based on what you've heard about this guy, though, you aren't so sure that you can take him."

But, you suppose it's worth a try.

"Alright," you tell him. "Deal."

"Release him," Bane instructs Billy.

"But, uh...." Billy starts.

"I said release him," Bane growls, and a frightened Billy Numerous quickly complies.

You take a moment to prep yourself, and Bane backs away, giving you some space as he waits for you to become ready.

Finally, you're as ready as you're going to be, and you look Bane in the eye, silently telling him that the battle can begin.

"Now, let us see if you are as good as Blood claimed," Bane tells you.

>To be continued

That's where we'll be calling it tonight, folks. I hope everyone had a good time, and, thank you all for coming after the crap I pulled. I'm very glad you decided to stick around.

As always, I love to see discussion, questions, and such, and I will periodically check in here.

Odds are that I won't be able to run until next week, Sunday or Monday being most likely.

Thanks again for playing

>>2570742
What would constitute him not being able to defeat us? Something like "if I´m still standing in 10 minutes"?

>>2570763
Thanks for being with us, MoG! I rarely get to be online when you are playing, but I always read your quest when I get back home.

>>2570763
Thanks for running! Its good to be back.

>Check them social links.

>>2570766
Until the other Titans arrived, and the situation became untenable for him, likely. Its a moot point now, but he would have been smart enough to know exactly what we were doing. Depending his mood he might have gone for it anyway.

>>2570769
Thanks, anon, glad you enjoyed


>>2570774
Beast Boy: Good friend

Cyborg: Good friend

Raven: Trusted friend

Robin: Friend and respected teammate

Robin: Cherished friend

Starfire: Cherished Friend

Troia: Dear friend

Silkie: 4/10

>>2570779
>4/10
OH SHIT WE HAVE A *SCALE* NOW

Also I imagine Robin 2 is Rose, not Jason Todd.

>>2570779
Remember, guys, Silkie is not for sexual.

>>2570784
Yeah, second was Rose, my bad

>>2570788
This

>>2570784
The collective freakout that will happen if Rose comes to save our asses will be insane.

>>2570803
I wonder how Slade would react if Rose got the Spine Treatment from Bane. Would he go after the big guy?

>>2570807
That would be an epic grudge match. Of course that's assuming best girl got her spine broke.

>>2570803
>>2570807
>>2570818
Well, she is an honorary Titan, she probably got your signal

>>2570803
>>2570807
>>2570818
To be fair, while we're not at top stamina at the moment, we were able to match Katarou when he had the gauntet of Atlas. Bane is nowhere near the same class of strength as that, even with Venom. There's even the danger that we could hurt and kill him if we went all out. The stats are on our side, but it kills a lot of tension, so I don't know if MoG would let it fly.

On the other hand, with no powers, we don't stand a chance, as good as we are.

Then on the third hand there's a psychological aspect. If we use psychic kung-fu we could play a hit and run game, where I think ultimately we would lose, but we could drag things out until the other Titans show up, and maybe win a modicum of respect from Bane in the process (which we would not do in either of the other two scenarios).

>>2570834
Damn I didn't even notice a new thread. Good to see you running again MoG, thought it might be a little ways off still.

>>2570834
>>2570818
$50 here says Slade can kick Bane´s ass.

>>2570844
Probably, because comics Slade is bullshit. Cartoon Slade feels dangerous and menacing but ultimately fair in terms of power level. Hand to hand, no tricks, I'd call it a draw.

>>2570844
No bet. Slade would win. There's a comic arc where Bane get's clean of Venom and sorta goes straight. He tunes the everloving fuck outta Azrael in a rematch, who sorta became Batman and beat Bane. Venom and all. That Bane? Scary.

>>2570840
I wonder how much Bane knows about us. If he knows about our fight with Katarou he may very well be expecting us to repeat our strategy.
I´m pretty sure he already considered we may try to keep evading him till the other shown up. He definitely thinks he can prevent us from doing that.

>>2570852
I don't know how you beat our Hold without preempting it in some way via a gadget or something. Even just doing a full press in a fight isn't really a good way of keeping us from doing it since it doesn't have much start up or concentration needed to initiate (and even still we could teleport and then initiate). Its an extremely powerful ability with very few limitations (our stamina, our maximum strength capacity, and the fact we can only effect one target at a time at the moment).

Narrative, it actually kind of limits the sorts of threats MoG can throw at us.

>>2570863
I don´t know either, but we are dealing with intelligent Bane here. The guy that´s supposed to be almost as smart as Batman. Also, we are more or less operating under comic book logic.

In theory, any guy with telekinesis could just, say, lift Bane up in the air and keep him from being effective in a fight.

>>2570881
Yes, that's the problem though. The writer needs to decide in that scenario whether to allow it to be a no-contest, which is what makes sense, come up with a clever and narratively satisfying work around, which I can respect, or just kind of hand-wave it, which is annoying. Regardless, it requires extra work to maintain dramatic tension.

Flipside: Billy is a really good counter to us, since our most potent weapon, the Hold, is useless against him.

>>2570914
Raven has(had) Jinx.
Cyborg has Gizmo.
KC has Billy.

Well, I guess we gotta have a few dedicated villains.

Also, fuck you, capcha, I´m human.

>>2570937
Oh, there are definitely other possible counters to us. Billy just stands out right now.

>>2570914
>>2570881
Good luck with Bane

https://www.strawpoll.me/15714144

As is tradition

>>2570843
Thanks, anon

>>2570844
Maybe you'll find out sometime

>>2571199
>https://www.strawpoll.me/15714144
Oh, I don't think we'll actually have an easy time. Just commenting on how powersets read on paper, and what it takes to make such match-ups compelling in comics.

>>2571223
>I don't think we'll actually have an easy time

But you're assuming you'll win at all

>>2571208
>https://www.strawpoll.me/15714144
Another day, another vote for Raven.

>>2571248
We had better win, or we are pretty much fucked.

>>2571248
No, not assuming that either.

>>2571248
Followup, my hope for the fight is that we comport ourselves in a way that draws a modicum of respect from Bane, likely due to either showing genuine skill and/or heart, even if ultimately we're not a match for him.

Then one of four things happen:
1. We win. Unlikely, but I want to try for it anyway.
2. We lose, but the Titans show up and save the day.
3. We lose, the Titans show up, but Bane successfully escapes with us in town.
4. We lose, the Titans show up, but Bane still has the upper-hand, perhaps with a booby trap, and we agree to leave with him to protect the other Titans. Now we have to hold out against Blood.

Thought, re: Donna route. It progresses, it gets physical, fade to black, "BY HERA WHAT IS THAT!?" unfade from black, have to explain what a penis is.

>>2571526
As much as I'm for Rose, I would absolutely adore that scene.

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172 KB JPG

>>2571540
Also, might as well.

>>2571595
Eh, I could buy that happening with an adult Raven. Teen Raven not so much.

>>2571663
Agreed. It's a cute thought though.

Want to contribute a sex joke for Rose to round out the trifecta?

>>2571670
Walking in on her studying about it so that she'll beat us when the time comes.

>>2571685
She's fully clothed and it looks suspiciously like SAMBO, a Russian military martial art. KC fears for his elbows.

>>2571878
Ha! Sounds about right.

>>2571685
>>2571878
>>2571931
>Lewding Rose that much

>>2572416
Look man I once had a really bad elbow dislocation. I ain't fucking with SAMBO.

>>2572416
I regret several things but this isn't one of them.

So KC is probably going to be too busy to dwell on romantic stuff for the next thread or three, but what do people think he should do regarding Donna? Its now completely unambiguous that she's attracted to him, though how far that extends in either direction is a big question mark. I personally feel that, being neither oblivious nor a coward, KC should answer her directly.

In character he's acknowledged a degree of physical attraction to all the girls (including Starfire), but not an emotional/romantic preference (he likes all of them in different, but not explicitly romantic, ways). So despite rooting for Raven, my sense of storytelling and honesty say that he's willing to explore this new avenue: by virtue of being the first to signal interest to him, I think Donna has successfully won a try, even if KC isn't specifically looking for any sort of /qst/-mandated forever-relationship.

In fact, I think the only chance Rose or Raven have (again in terms of narrative, not votes) is 1. They come forward and express their interest in equally unambiguous terms before KC asks Donna out to answer her interest, or 2. A relationship with Donna doesn't work out. An additional handicap is that Raven and Rose don't know that Donna has made a move.

There is a wrinkle however: Starfire. Given her sense for emotional connections, she definitely picked up on what Donna was doing during the game of tag. She may very well ship Donna/KC, but she may also ship Raven/KC, or Rose/KC (or be ambivalent herself), in which case she may have informed one or both to make their moves immediately so that Pete can make a decision instead of simply accept Donna's uncontested proposal.

If that's the case, everything rides on Raven and Rose's feelings, once we get the current mess (which may or may not involved punching/getting killed by Brother Blood).

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>>2572530
I feel as if lack of regrets is a prerequisite for being a Rosefag. This is coming from a Rosefag.

>>2572689
Why is that?

>>2572795
Not the guy who posted that, but I assume no one wants regrets when they die?

I'm insinuating she'll kill us via Snu-Snu, y'see.

>>2573112
I'm pretty sure that won't happen

>>2574059
Look, MoG, things have been going pretty well overall, but you never know when things might go way off the rails.

Think of it as an opportunity! If we die, we can do an arc were we hang out with Deadman!

>>2574215
Black lantern arc when?

>>2574613
Depending on how things go with Bane, next thread.

>>2575307
>>2574613
>Making /qst/ a black lantern

Nope

>>2575403
I mean, we're already a bargain bin Hal Jordan.

>>2576065
[obligatory Hal Jordan is an idiot joke]

>>2576278
Remember that time that Green arrow called Hal Jordan racist?

>>2576295
Remember when Green Lantern everything in this Imgur gallery?

https://imgur.com/gallery/on6L0

>>2576340
Wow. How did he get the job again?

>>2576377
Green Lantern rings don't judge recruits by intelligence (as Guy Gardner's candidacy corroborates). This is because the Guardians are incompetent.

Ok so what about mind bullets?

>>2581909
That's telekinesis, Kyle!

>>2581909
We already have those. We need mind grenades for area control.

>>2582016
How about the power to move you?

>>2582091
Rather than that, black holes.
I’m asking about mind bullets cause in most versions Bane is hooked up to super drugs via tubes. Also they could’ve helped against Billy clones, since they’re not real people (right?)

>>2582116
Also already have that.

>>2582121
Something like singularity from mass effect would be pretty cool but I don't know if it fits with our power suite. Moving objects, sure, a stationary point that attracts objects autonomously, I dunno. Maybe an Avarice power?

I don't know if Bane will use Venom in our fight. Depending on where he is in his personal character arc, this might be the Bane who has long since kicked the habit and compensated by working out more. I don't know if beating us is worth losing his 2 year sobriety chip.

>>2582130
The other anon was quoting Wonderboy. I just kept the joke going.

>>2582141
I know. I'm looking forward to Tenacious D's new concert.

Potential strategy against Bane: Outboxing.

Use our HIVE combat training (which Bane wants to see anyway) supplemented by our slides and teleports (if he manages to get so much as gets a hand on us) to stay out of Bane's reach, and pepper him with psychic body blows.

That's it, that's the strategy. If I've learned anything from Hajime no Ippo its that body blows slow down your opponent's movement, and that's further reinforces our strategy of playing keep away. We want to throw human-grade punches to maintain our stamina. They won't effect him right away but they'll slowly wear him down.

I think this is our best intersection of safety and low stamina usage, with the benefit of running out the clock while we wait for the other Titans to arrive. Additional fringe benefit: Its a smart strategy, that requires good discipline and judgement to execute and Bane will likely respect that. We may have to adjust our tactics based on what he does, but I propose this as our approach.

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>>2582816
That's a great plan, if you wanna be like the most boring rival ever, and job to Bane.
Nah, it's actually a good plan, I just wanted a chance to make fun of Miyata.

>>2582816
Just constant unblockable psychic strikes to his liver.

>>2582859
>not his tiny, venom-shrivelled balls

>>2582874
I just assume after so much venom use he looks like a Ken doll.

>>2582880
Nah, roids shrink the testes, not the penis itself. So even if he has no balls left, we'd be hitting him right in the shaft and/or head.

>>2582852
Nah, Miyata uses the jolt counter, which involves him taking dangerous risks to rush in while doing a counterpunch. Its a ballsy move and absolute suicide against Bane. I picture it more like the time Takamura fought someone using only with jabs. People thought it was futile and boring until it became clear it was working, at which point they weren't hype, they were stunned that Takamura was strong enough to pull it off something as ridiculous as winning only with jabs.

>>2582874
Look, there is a limit to how small an area we can reliably target. Nah, I just respect Bane too much to do constant groin shots. We should totally do it to Blood though. Maybe that's why he wears that tabbard over his junk, to block line of sight

>>2570779
Aw I didn't see this thread was up

>>2583474
All good

>>2582816
>>2582852
>>2582859
>>2582874
>>2582880
>>2582887
>>2582890
Nice to see you guys planning things out

>>2583875
You say that, but half of those links devote time to Bane's testicles, and so I can't tell whether or not you're sincere.

>>2583884
I am, not saying your plans will work, but always happy to see discussion

>>2583897
I know. I figure the best we can do is make the best decisions we can given the circumstances and leave the rest up to fate (you).

>>2583906
Nothing else to do. Good luck with the luchador

>Rose 9
>Raven 6
>Donna 5
What the hell

So, how long until Peter learns that there are no less than THREE famously filthy Japanese porn games named in reference to his favorite band?
Oh, and fun bit of confusion for those of you who aren't prog-nerds.
So the song Starless and Bible Black from the album of the same name is an instrimental. While the song Starless, from the later album "Red" includes the LYRIC "starless and bible black".

>>2590373
Mildly disturbed to see his music referenced in such a way, yet, strangely aroused.
This Emotion creates a New Power: uncomfortable boner works.

>>2590373
>>2590550
In fairness, it's just title drops, and one of the girls in Discipline blasting In the Court of the Court of the Crimson King really goddamn loud so the others in the dorm won't hear her extremely loud schlick sessions.
Plus, Sei Shoujo's a genuinely talented artist (a friend once described it as "he draws the most beautiful women, and then they get fucked in the craziest ways"), and a not-awful writer, especially when you consider the genre. With most eroge that go that heavy on the porn element they really phone the plot in, where that crazy bastard does this weird "interplay of sexuality and horror" thing that actually kinda works. His scenarios are simultaneously arousing and yet unsettling in a way you rarely see.

>>2590563
That description his friend gave of him honestly sounds amazing.

>>2590926
Not his friend, one of mine.
And a word of warning if you head down that rabbit hole.
Dickgirls.
Also in Starless there's a bad end where you get your pud chopped off with a little guillotine.

>>2590939
I ain't got nothing gainst girls+. Will give me something to do (masturbate) while waiting for the inevitable collapse of my nation.