>>4118836
> You don't have any sentiment to your mentor. He's just being paid to do a job. You cannot wait for today to be over.

>>4118836
> You hope to live upto your mentor's fame. One could not hope for a better teacher. A shame your learning period is at an end.

>>4118836
>> You hate your mentor, you wish your father never shipped you out to this castle. If only you could kill him before you ran out of time.

>>4118918
>>4118851
>>4118843

Literally a three way tie, just like old times.

>>4118836
>You hope to live upto your mentor's fame. One could not hope for a better teacher. A shame your learning period is at an end.

>>4118931
>>4118918
>>4118851
>>4118843

Writing.

File: Master Slade.jpg (4 KB, 218x231)

4 KB JPG

>>4118931
>>4118918
>>4118851
>>4118843

As blue energy slams around the room uncontrollably, the castle itself bears the brunt of your might. Toppling columns, tearing holes in brickwork, you feel unstoppable as the blue waves reduce the shadowy hiding places your master could stalk you from. Without thinking you begin to smile, and shaping the waves of energy into lances, bending them around to strike at different angles or unpredictable areas.

You will flush him out! You're going to win this time, you can do this!

The hubris flowing through you is staggering, but highly intoxicating. It only takes a second for your master to reign in your display of brute force. Your warning is the sound of steel rushing through the air, your learned response to the noise being to throw yourself in a random direction.

And fortunately for you, you guess correct. Having moved just in time to witness your master's sword fly over your head as swift and straight as an archer's arrow. "Damn."

"Better. But not quite there yet."

The blue tint to the world fades when your master steps from the shadows to your right with a long metal staff at the ready. His very presence disrupting your channeling. Moments ago you were on cloud nine ruling your sapphire kingdom; but now you were alone in the dark. Staring into a single eye; unable to see past orange and black.

"Hesitation ill suits you Michael. Engarde."

> Remember the basics of CQC

> Channel your power!

> Draw your sword!

> You can't match him up close! Do something!

>>4118982
>Draw your sword!

>>4118982
>Draw your sword!

>>4118982
>> Remember the basics of CQC
>use the knifegun

>>4118982
>Draw your sword!
This looks neat

>>4119067
>CQC
>We will become Big Boss

>>4119103
>>4119094
>>4119067
>>4119009
>>4119002

It is time to draw your sword.

>>4119103
>>4119094
>>4119067
>>4119009
>>4119002

You draw your sword and meet your master halfway between the distance, in a vain but noble struggle against his skill. Ducking benath a high strike from his staff, you respond with a series of cuts that keep you close to his body; many a half healed bruise and shattered bone have come at the hands of his staff - and today you are walking out of this castle under your own power!

For what it's worth, Master Slade does retreat under your assult, using the middle part of his staff to redirect and keep you at bay. It is frustrating that despite your improvements, you cannot breach that unflappable facade of his. While you are slashing and cutting, he simply keeps stepping backward and pivoting aorund you, a merry chase for you. His eye is narrowed, caculating and asessing your progress - but this isn't a test to you, this is more than that!

You decide to go big or go home. With a flurry of wide and reckless swings you let him get the seperation he's been seeking for just a moment. As he whirls around to punish your mistake, you've already transitioned your sword's two handed grip to a left handed one. Clenching your fist, you pump it full of Sapphire energy.

The overflowing blue energy coalesces into a hulking fist of blue flame that you bring up under your master's chin. For the first time in your memory, his left eye is wide with shock and pain; it's enough to bring a smile to your face. [Blue]"This is just the start!"[/Blue] You tell him, as you channel Sapphire into your feet.

As it explodes from your feet, it only amplifies the force of the Blue uppercut to the point you are flying up through the air and straight through the castle's ceiling. Like a geyser, the blue energy exploding out of your pours torrents from the gap in the catle's ancient stone. The two of your are suffused in it, though midflight you are parted; the moment your burst through to the outside world and take a breath of fresh air is momentous.

It feels like you deserve this victory, the stars seem so much brighter than when you were brought to this place and the forrest does not seem as haunting. As you begin falling to the ground ever so slowly, you audibly gasp at the sight of your master already in his combat stance atop the keep's rampart. [Red]"Impressive, but a trump card like that should end a battle Michael."[/Red]

Despite the analysis that followed, that single compliment is the nicest thing you've ever heard. Immediately after touching down, you bring your blade before you and prepare yourself for a lesson. Instead, what assaults you is a cheesy preprogrammed alarm. As if the almost pop music tune is nothing to be surprised about, your master simply plants his staff into the citadel itself and crosses his fingers. [Red]"And that marks one year Michael. Our time is at an end."[/Red]

> No! You can't just stop like that! I was just getting good!

> Oh... Okay. Thank you for the lessons Master.

> What now?

TEST

[Blue]TEST[/Blue]

I guess I need to put spaces before or after code.

>>4119151

nvm, just can't capitalise your format code. Great.

>>4119155
Just a heads up, formatting also only works on the OPs ID. So if you change computers or WiFi networks and your ID changes. You won't be considered OP and you can't change text colors or bold text. You can still use spoilers and greentext but that's about it.

Also this vote:
> No! You can't just stop like that! I was just getting good!

>>4119146
>No! You can't just stop like that! I was just getting good!

>>4119146
>"Damn, and here I was ready for put me into another coma."

>>4119170
+1

>>4119201
>>4119170
>>4119165
>>4119621

"No!" You shout, barely managing to resist from stomping your feet as you approach your Mentor. "You can't stop now, not like that; I was just getting good!"

"Not only can I stop now, I must stop now. I have spent a full year of my life training you, time I oculd have been pursuing my own agenda or accepting contracts. Our time is at an end, Michael. You must grow on your own from here."

"But... I'm not ready." You counter, trying not to sound whining. Your master did not respond to emotional outbursts, "Logically it would damage your reputation for me to be hurt!"

"You are as ready as possible. You have control over your power, developed your body and skills. Anything else wil come from experience and experimentation."

Accepting defeat, you look off to the side.

"Now. Your belongings will be in the vehicle. All I need is a destination."

"Wait, I'm not just getting kicked out?"

"Of course not. My jet will take you to whatever city you choose, from there it's all up to you. Next time we meet, you could be tasked with bringing me down for the Justice League, or our paths may cross on some heist of yours." He walks closer and places a hand on your shoulder. "You might even be my competition in the assasination circuit. But it will be your path to walk. Do you understand?"

"Yes. Master. Thank you, for your training. It's been an honour."

"This is a one use communicator, it will let me find you. I will bail you out, only once. So use it wisely. You can keep the sword too, just don't get cuaght with it or people will ask questions."

It's a lot to take in. These walls and chambers had been your life, a routine of training pain and improvement that was about to be sent to the winds. Above you, a small aircraft of some kind begins descending; behaving almost like a helicopter.

You never took Deathstroke as the kind of man to own a jet.

"I have loaded your belongings you came to me with, as well as some supplies, false passports and untraceable currencies onto the jet. Just say where you want to go and then we will go our seperate ways Michael. The jet will take a random route, so you won't be able to find me."

> Metropolis

> Gotham

> Star City

> Coast City

> Jump City

> Central City

>>4119648

Shit forgot to close off blue.

Looks kinda deliberate though.

>>4119648
> Star City

>>4119648
>> Jump City

Star city

>>4119648
>> Star City

>>4119648
>Jump City

>>4119719
+1

>>4119648
> Metropolis

>>4119669
>>4119710
>>4119717
>>4119719
>>4119727
>>4119735
>>4119737


"Set the course for Star city."

"Done." It only took a tap on his wrist to decide your fate. "The console should have intelligence reports on the power players of the underworld. As well as my own file I've brought together regarding Green Arrow and his sidekicks."

A road unfurls from the jet's flank with a carabiner to affix to your backpack. "Thank you."

"You will need one more thing: A name."

> You always liked greek mythology.

> Something generic like Sapphire Man works.

> Something that honours deathstroke in some way.

>You suck at names... "Blue Bomber?"

> Write-In

>>4119755

*rope unfurls.

Shit.

File: Spoiler Image (26 KB, 400x501)

26 KB JPG

>>4119755
> You always liked greek mythology.
Poseidon

>>4119755
> Something that honours deathstroke in some way

>>4119761
+1

>>4119755
>> You always liked greek mythology.
Poseidon is meh. How about Aether?

>>4119755
>You always liked greek mythology.
Pontus? Triton? Nereus?

>>4119838
Oceanus even maybe?

>>4119804
Backing Aether.

Regular Greek Gods are overused, so you gotta dig deep.Not to mention Poseidon's a real person in DC and I doubt he'd appreciate the copyright infringement.

>>4119804
>>4119872
Aether's a god of air, it doesn't really fit the sapphire.

What the hell is our power anyways?

>>4119913

"Blue Stuff/Sapphire energy."

You tried to call it the Sapphire force but Slade nixxed the idea.

>>4119916
Do we know exactly what it does? Sorry I don't know much about the DC universe outside the mainstream hereos. Otherwise, we could be Prometheus? He's the dude who gave humanity fire right?

>>4119931

It's an OC donut steel so don't worry about it too much.

And yeah prometheus is that dude.

Aether is close to what I was gonna pick, so going to pick up with Aether when I get back from the shops.

>>4119761
>>4119762
>>4119783
>>4119804
>>4119838
>>4119858
>>4119882
>>4119913
>>4119931

"Poseidon?" You suggest.

"Would attract Wonder Woman's attention."

"How about Prometheus?"

"Committed to a Greek theme then? That one's already taken."

"Aether."

"I like it."

You clip yourself into the rope and fell yourself being pulled up by some kind of mechanism, watching the castle you'd lived in for the past year get further and further away. Deathstroke watches you go, cold and distant as ever. You wish you knew what went on behind that mask, if you ever earned his approval; or even registered as anything more than a big bag of your father's money.

The minute your boots hit the floor of the jet, the doors begin closing on the side; plunging you into a crimson lit steel coffin. There is a single chair and one workspace consisting of a small laptop and a bolted down desk. The paperwork your master promised you is arrayed on it.

Once you've strapped in, the jet begins going through it's pre programmed course. Making many maneuevers as it climbs to make it almost impossible for you to work out what direction you were moving from the Castle.

> You began researching Star City's underworld.

> You looked at the files on Green Arrow and his associates.

> You began planning to aqquire a base. (home)

> You began planning to aqquire a base (Hideout)

> You decided you were going to announce yourself to the civillians. (Heist plan)

> You sent an email to your father. Letting him know you wouldn't be coming home.

>>4120032
>> You began researching Star City's underworld.

>>4120032
> You began planning to aqquire a base (Hideout)

>>4120032
>> You began planning to aqquire a base (Hideout)
Gotta make outer haven. That and have a place to hide from the titans.

>>4120032
>> You began planning to acquire a base. (home)

>>4120032
>You began planning to acquire a base (Hideout)

>>4120032
>You began planning to aqquire a base (Hideout)

>>4120032
>You began planning to aqquire a base. (home)

Set up shop and get to work.

>>4120032
>You began planning to aqquire a base (Hideout)

>>4120435
>>4120295
>>4120213
>>4120210
>>4120206
>>4120077
>>4120058
>>4120047

Looks like we're going to be finding us a hideout.

Let me try and get one more update in before sleep time.

>>4120435
>>4120295
>>4120213
>>4120210
>>4120206
>>4120077
>>4120058
>>4120047

With the set up of the laptop and your training, it doesn't take too long for you to begin researching warehouses, abandoned properties and industrial areas for you to begin setting up shop. You want something that's under the radar and easy to access in a variety of ways. The Star City Industrial units would allow you access via roof, vehicle or even underground with a little bit of luck. It might even cover for the loud noises that could come from any experimentation with your power or even a wider scale fight.

You know that most villains, heroes, vigilantes or really any metahuman who use warehouses and industrial areas for their bases tend to be of the type who recruit and manage a veritable army of goons. But, you don't think you're the kind for that. At least, you can't imagine ordering people around; that's more your father's thing - you think that training with Master Slade has given you a hand on approach to most obstacles.

After ninety minutes, it's all yours. A lovely former cannery, stripped of all but the central power and heating grid and ready to be refitted into whatever sort of industrial juggernaut you could want. From the internet you've identified a foreman's office that can be reinforced and secure to a small panic room esque fortress. It has access from the city's sewers in the main yard, the Star City Southern Line has it tracks nearby and of course - there's roof access you could exploit.

Excellent.

Before you can turn your attentions to another project, the red light of the jet begings blinking. "Approaching jump zone in sixty seconds. Move to ready!"

The canned artificial voice is feminine and soft - but enough to get you moving to the area you boarded this ride. Sword ssheathed at your hip, equipment stored in pouches, bags and a single ultra reinforced case. Everything your master has given you is on your person; or stored safely in your mind.

The doors open to reveal Star City Suspension bridge stretching out below with their namesake symbols standing on each of the proud supporting struts. You realize that the jet is not slowing down to allow you to fast rope. This, this is almost a HALO jump.

That realisation, coupled with the audible countdown leaves you to make a snap decision.

How will you enter Star City?

> Safely

> Stylishly

> Swiftly

> Stealthily.

>>4120475
> Stealthily

>>4120475
>Stealthily

>>4120456
> Stealthily.

>>4120475
> Stealthily.

>>4120475
>> Stealthily.
Infiltrate and work under the radar until anyone who tries to stop you realizes it's too late and you're too well dug in. Make Slade sensei proud.

>>4120485
>>4120492
>>4120505
>>4120546
>>4120603

As the doors open you step forward, remembering your mentor's final feedback for you. Hesitation Ill suits you.

Like a knife you cut through the midnight clouds, soaring down towards the many lights of Star city. You actually thread the needle between two of the suspensions bridge's cables, managing to stamp down on the temptation to explode into sapphire flames and guide your way around them like some kind of Blue Meteor.

But you do your best to guide yourself towards the city's slums; the triangle. With the alleyways and huge density of people; you'll be able to land in an alleyway and slip away into the night.

And with the wind flowing around your perfectly aerodynamic form, you plunge between two apartment complexes and right into a dumpster. Though you feel about as graceful as a sledgehammer, the impact is smooth and clean with your Master's combat suit.

Almost like he knew you'd be falling from such a height when he had you fitted for it a year ago. You try not to look too downtrodden by the circumstances when you hops out of the dumpster and study the alleyway of Star City.

Nor do you try to look as shocked as you feel when you're face to face with a homeless busker counting his takings for the day with a nice bottle of whiskey.

> I will give you $50 for your guitar case.

> You didn't see anything.

> I really don't want to do this, but no loose ends.

> Hey buddy, mind giving me directions?

> Freakin' Aliens, Am I right?

>>4120612
>> I will give you $50 for your guitar case.

>Tfw A man falls from the sky while staring at your face with wide eyes asking to buy your ratty old guitar case.

>>4120612
>I will give you $50 for your guitar case.

>>4120612
> I will give you $50 for your guitar case.
> Hey buddy, mind giving me directions?

>>4120646
+1
We should also say that " You saw nothing."

>>4120612
What type of sword do we carry? Same as Slade's?

>>4120612
>> I will give you $50 for your guitar case.

>>4120612
>>4120617
>> I will give you $50 for your guitar case.

Why not seems good.

>>4120612
>> I will give you $50 for your guitar case.

>>4121186
>>4121093
>>4121049
>>4120970
>>4120738
>>4120646
>>4120628
>>4120617

You break the tense silence as casually as you can, "I'll give you $50 bucks for that guitar case."

His eyes light up and he pushes the thing toward you as if it has the plague. You hand over the cash and he counts it twice, scarcely believeing his luck.

Your sword fits perfectly in the case, sheath and all. "You stay safe buddy." You tell the homeless man with a nod and smile. Before turning to leave the alleyway.

Pulling back the cowl to look on Star City with fresh eyes, you simply hide the mask portion of your bodysuit in the case and set off in a random direction. While your bodysuit is incredible cutting edge tech, to a layman you just look like a guitarist for some struggling indie band with a weird aesthetic, a surprisingly apt disguise for Star City.

If the guy had a saxophone or trumpet instead of a guitar; you'd look just like that guy across the road. That guy who is making a beeline to the bar. His gait is purposeful and he is focused enough to flag as a threat and you're not going to ignore your master's teachings already.

In the huge bay windows, there's enough heavies to make you think the place is a mob hangout. You could be witness to a hit or the start of a huge turf war.

> Wish the guy luck and go about your day.

> Stop the guy, he's going to get himself killed.

> Well, that'll be a good distraction. Maybe there's something around here worth stealing.

> Stop the guy and leave him for the heroes or cops.

>>4121560
>Stop the guy, he's going to get himself killed.

>>4121560
> Stop the guy, he's going to get himself killed.

>>4121619
+1

>>4121651
>>4121619
>>4121583

With only a second to realise that this could be a bad idea you step over the road. The would be shooter has you made by the time you're on the pavement. But he's too slow, far too slow in dropping his case to reach for whatever weapon is contained within.

You simply put a hand on his shoulder and push him bodily into a side street where you can speak to him. "You're going to get yourself killed." You warn, hissing.

The guy squirms in your grip, resisting you without properly fighting back, "You don't understand. Bonucci has my girl I have to do this for him or he'll ice her!"

Underworld Knowledge Check: Failed

"If you're riddled with holes there's going to be nobody to release your girl to. Who're you even after anyways?" You shoot a glance over your shoulder, the only person to even see you is an lady so old she's halfway to heaven already.

"Bonucci wants to take some of Reordan's turf. And that there bar's where his money's cleaned. He told me to burn the place and kill Fat Mickey..."

"And he expected you to take down a stronghold yourself?" You shake your head. "Unless you have superpowers, he was trying to get you killed."

"That can't be right, he even gave me this Tommy gun of his to do the job! A proper case to hide it in and everything!" He seems to be struggling to keep it all together, "Oh god, Jenny... How am I gonna get Jenny back?"

> Focus, we're going to take out that bar; together.

> C'mon, we're going to deal with Bonnuci and get your girl back.

> Sorry to tell you, but you're screwed buddy. Try and get a hold of Green arrow.

> How much are you willing to pay to get your girl back?

>>4121697
> C'mon, we're going to deal with Bonnuci and get your girl back.

>>4121697
>C'mon, we're going to deal with Bonnuci and get your girl back.

>>4121697
> How much are you willing to pay to get your girl back?

>>4121729
+1
Fuk it

>>4121697
>> C'mon, we're going to deal with Bonnuci and get your girl back.

>>4121697
>> C'mon, we're going to deal with Bonnuci and get your girl back.
Almost took the mercenary option, but we can always ask for compensation afterwards. I'm shooting for the anti-hero for hire.

>>4121697
>C'mon, we're going to deal with Bonnuci and get your girl back.

>>4122088
>>4121820
>>4121791
>>4121729
>>4121712

I'll try to write tomorrow, some friends came into the country for a gig; so not sure when that will happen.

>>4121560
So...what type of sword do we use

>>4120077
Did people vote for Star and confuse it with Jump? Because Star City is Green Arrow territory. Jump is Titans.

>>4123126
Nah. If star city is green arrow then I confused it. Not so good with DC stuff.

>>4122611
I think it's a sword just like deathstroke m8

>>4122088
>>4121820
>>4121791
>>4121729
>>4121712

"Look buddy, this was a suicide mission. We're going to go deal with Bonnuci and get you your grl back."

With that decided you simply tune out his complaints, "Nonono mister, you don't understand. Bonnuci ain't the kind of guy you deal with, he owns most of the lower triangle. He'll kill you!"

He babbles and babbles in fright of this mobster, who you can't help but imagine is fat and Italian. Your brain only picks up the most relevant details; lower triangle, owns most of the stores, isn't afraid to be lethal. In fact, you've worked out something juicy in amongst all of your new friend's panic.

Mister Bonnuci mostly owns the waterfront, which means if he was going to stash a girl in an area she could be murdered and quietly disposed of....

When you reach Star Quay, you take your friend up the last apartment building's fire escape to the roof. At this point he has ran out of breath, reisstance or denial and meekly follows you.

The wind's teeth seem to only bite at the civillian, either through your body or bodysuit - you seem to have some kind of toughness against the elements. Your reluctant comrade just holds himself, "Hey, what's your name?"

"It's Billy." He answers as quickly as he can. At this stage it honestly feels like he's just trying to please you out of some sense of shocked gratitude.

"Alright Billy. Gimme your cell number." He huddles closer and you begin adding each other as contacts. You make sure to give him initials, you might not be a hero but you're sure as hell going to do all you can to keep a secret identity. "Anyone comes in the building after me; let me know."

You wave at him and make your way back down the fire escape; pulling your cowl over your head.

> Go in quietly

> Go in loud

> Bluff your way in.

> Call Bonnuci out.

>>4124015
>> Bluff your way in.

>>4124015
> Go in quietly

>>4124015
>Go in quietly

>>4124015
>> Go in quietly

>>4124015
>Go in quietly

Seems like we're going in quietly, how boring...

>>4124059
+1

>>4124015
>Go in quietly

>>4124291
>>4124156
>>4124073
>>4124059
>>4124055
>>4124043
>>4124033
>>4124028

Blending into the shadows, you creep between parked cars and even a burned out van. The few goons who are supposedly lookouts have mostly resigned themselves to sitting on car hoods and smoking something you've never seen nor smelled before.

It's almost comical how easily you make your way to the back wall of the recieving yard on the pier, without raising even a mote of suspicion among Bonnuci's lowlifes.

The drainpipe is a bit more of an issue, slippery with rain and water blown in from the nearby water. It's comforting in it's difficulty, if you closed your eyes you could pretend that it was the handhold free stones that you learned your trade upon.

But that would be childish, irresponsible and Master would frown upon you limiting yourself.

So you scale the building, as slick and silent as a stalking tiger. The rooftop is flat concrete flooring instead of packed gravel or steel grill, much more difficult to clean for an illegal enterprise. But, much simpler for you skulk across.

There is one figure on the rooftop, talking on a cell phone; he's large. Larger than a muscled man shhould be, so you suspect he is either a metahuman or wearing some kind of technologically advanced equipment.

He could be a problem.

> Sneak past

> Well, Master said your blade could cut anything or anyone.

> Engage using your power

> Lure him away

> Wait.

>>4124639
>Sneak past

>>4124639
> Sneak past

>>4124639
> Lure him away

>>4124639
>Sneak past

>>4124639
> Lure him away

>>4124667
+ 1

Will write tomorrow after my friends leave.

Think that will mean I'll write about 10 hours from now.

>>4125415
>>4125413
>>4125292
>>4125265
>>4124679
>>4124667

The metahuman guard seems so engrossed on his phone call that you're able to hide in the shadow of the Air conditioning unit before his pacing brings him around to look in your direction.

With the distance and lighting now in your favour, you notice what you had taken as a exosuit of some kind was in fact nthing but mutated skin. This giant of a man has the appearance of one of those Mayan statues you see on the history channel. All squared off at the shoulders and cheeks, if someone turned that concrete finish tan; you'd be calling this guy Quezacotl. From the quick glance, you can also pickout the myriad of chips, scratches and wear across his body; this guy's clearly been in enough scraps to learn a thing or two - so if it comes to blows you'll need to be wary. There's obviously a criminal brain under that brutish exterior.

As he continues pacing; well stomping. You leave him to his dinner plate sized communication device and sneak in from the rooftop access.

The narrow corridors have many options, but you use your knowledge of your own factory's floorplan to make educated guesses and come to a catwalk.

Ahead you notice a foreman's office. And just as you wonder if they've reinforced it like you intend to; the door opens. You hear mobsters having a good old time, chatting about some lady they saw at mass of all things.

By the time the duo's shoes touch the steel catwalk, you're in the rafters. A bit less gracefully than Master Slade would have liked; but such a standing leap is much more his forte than yours. It all goes as expected, the duo continuing to their smoke break without any knowledge of the lurking intruder.

Or intruders.

As you lock eyes with a lady in orange and white, similarly clutching a rafter. The powerful gauntlets on her arms don't put you on guard so much as the clearly calvulating stare you're under.

> What are you doing here?

> Aether. You?

> Stay out of my way

> If we team up, we'll be more effective stranger.

>>4128920
>You come here often?

>>4128920
>> Aether. You?
> If we team up, we'll be more effective Ms. Intruder
But there's no way we have her trust. We'll just be using her for our own ends. And maybe have her number if she proves cute enough.

>>4128920
>If we team up, we'll be more effective stranger.

>>4128921
Lol this.

>>4128921
+1

>>4128925
+1

I've just got home. Let me try and pull myself into one piece and write.

Seems like we're defo offering teamup, just might be adding some flirty dialogue to it.

File: Aether by Jeju Coloured.png (267 KB, 950x1050)

267 KB PNG

>>4129033
>>4129029
>>4128981
>>4128931
>>4128925
>>4128921

Charming Trait Gained

In a bid to ease the tension, you behave somewhat unprofessionally. "Come here often?"

"More than I'd like." She responds tersely. Her eyes are still narrow. "I don't recognise you... What's your business here?

"Aether. Bonnuci is keeping a girl here. I need to get her free and maybe deal with him if he makes an appearance."

"I'm shutting this place down. Name's Manhunter. I'd shake your hand, but I don't quite trust you."

"I'd shake yours, but I like not falling." You hiss back. "If we work together, we'll be more effective. Sound good?

"Sounds good. Follow my lead Wonderwall."

Before you can retort, your fellow masked maurauder drops down onto the catwalk and stalks her way to the foreman's office. You drop down and cast your glance around, seeing that neither the big rockman nor the smoking mafiosos have returned from their forays into the fresh air.

"Clear." You tell Manhunter, stacking up behind her. She brings back her fist, silver gauntlets thrumming with energy.

Comic Tech Check Failed

You would guess either kinetic or sonic, but you're far from an expert on tech. All you know is that vibrating gauntlets on a superperson's suit is a bad thing to get hit by. When she punches the door straight off it's hinges to pin one of the idle goons to the floor; you're glad your instincts are rational.

> Rush in and draw your sword.

> Follow Manhunter's lead.

> Try to intimidate the goons into standing down

> So anyway, you started blasting.

>>4130757
>Follow Manhunter's lead.

>>4130766
+ 1

>>4130757
>> Follow Manhunter's lead.

The artist's logic on the design for Aether:

From Jeju
so originally, it was just going to be that gray and blue, sort of mimicking deathstroke's colour theming but with cool colours instead, but it looked too plain, even with the belt...

so i added some black on the belt, but it stuck out because it was the only one with that colour! so i had to figure how to apply it to other places while keeping it pretty balanced.

i got stuck at one point, so i went to teen titan's slad/deathstroke and found he also had some greys to his outfit... so i applied a little bit to aether's costume, just so it looked smoother around the hands and feet.

also, i added that belt because i wanted it to be a homage to deathstroke's... many belts and bag belt things, but only a bit to keep the "weirdo band aesthetic" still plausible but also! i fucking hate when people try to get rid of superman's red undies! they're there for a reason! both to allude to strongmen and also colour balance!
but i don't think blue undies would work with aether, so i compromised with the belt so it wouldn't just be long stretches of grey and also no "look at that crotch" going on.

this is a simple design thing, so i didn't draw it, but i sort of imagine the texture to be a sort of subtle scaled armour thing going on

also i made the guitar case a warmer colour so you can still see the lineart and also to contrast with aether himself

also, i imagine aether's powers would look fucking cool as hell with the tron line things going on his bodysuit... originally, it was just going to run on the outside of his arms and legs, but i added bands around the joints just because it looked better

the problem of "long stretches of uninterrupted gray" was a serious problem when figuring out the colours, but i made it work

and also, this way, he could probably be mistaken for nightwing by someone who doesn't really know what nightwing really looks like haha

>>4130859

Re: The Nightwing Joke.

I mentioned I might do that as a gag at some point.

>>4130757
>> Follow Manhunter's lead.

>>4130757
>Follow Manhunter's lead.

>>4131078
>>4131054
>>4130874
>>4130806
>>4130794
>>4130766

Following Manhunter's lead, you wait for her to charge down one of the remaining goons. She's catlike in her movements, clearly faster than your average human - but there is inefficiency and a sloppy intensity that reveals she's self taught.

But you don't have any longer to analyse her non lethal takedown technique beyond noting she isn't punching heads off. You slide over the head honcho's desk like the good ole' Dukes of Hazzard and ram both feet into the mafioso that was beginning to swing a shotgun towards you.

With a solid impact, you feel his nose break beneath your boots and follow your slide to the ground . With a knee on his chest and a glowing blue fist raised, the man drops his gun and doesn't even try to resist. "Smart move." You compliment before applying a quick choke. He struggles for an impressive nine seconds at the textbook hold before he passes out.

Manhunter has her own mafioso facedown and wearing cuffs on his wrist and ankles by the time you pop up from behind the desk like a meerkat. She raises an eyebrow, "Should I give you two time alone?"

You shrug, "Not my type. What now?"

"Check the computer for your girlfriend, I'll keep watch."

"She's not my... Nevermind."

As you begin typing away on the computer, Manhunter crosses her arms and stares down the rooftop access walkway. She seems a pretty intense person. "So what's your deal Wonderwall?"

> Does it matter?

> I do whatever pays me.

> Well, I'm thinking about doing the hero thing.

> I look out for myself, full stop.

>>4131716
> Well, I'm thinking about doing the hero thing.
> I do whatever pays me.
not saying we want to hero but it's reflective of our actions

>>4131716
>"Honestly, I'm still figuring that out."

>>4132037

Was so close to including that as an option word for word.

That write-in is valid if supported.

>>4132037
I think, this

>>4132037
+1

>>4132128
>>4132070
>>4132037
>>4131801

"Honestly. I'm still figuring that out. And the name is Aether." You say while scrolling through face after face after face. There's prices next to everyone and you can't help ut feel slightly sick at the thought of so many women being traded like cattle. The picture on your phone doesn't match anyone you've seen yet.

"And you decided to take on the Bonuccis? Doesn't add up. Either this is personal or you'e got a huge hero complex."

"Unlike you, this isn't personal to me." You say before thinking.

Like a cornered snake she turns on you, gauntlets vibrating. "What's that supposed to mean. How do you know I'm not a hero?"

Internally you consider saying that she doesn't wear a cape. But you hedge your bets by sayhing, "If you were a hero, you would have backup. A sidekick, another hero." Your voice is calm, despite her tension. "But if I'm honest? It's obvious you're close to this by the look in your eyes eve-"

There's a thud from the rooftop door and you turn to see the concrete man hurling one of the goons at you both like a basball; "DOWN!"

You manage to get the warning out in time for Manhunter to hit the deck, but take a stiff impact to the chest. The poor goon looks like something in his spine is shattered from the sheer impact. A fact that spells disaster for either Manhunter or yourself getting tagged by this guy.

His every step is warping the metal causeway, and when he enters the tiny foreman's office; Manhunter looks terribly small in comparison to him.

Criminal Underworld Check Failed

"You." He says simply to Manhunter. Cracking his knuckles.

She cracks her gauntlets together, the high pitched noise accompanying the vibrations uncomfortable even to you."Yeah. It's me Cinderblock."

Boss fight: Aether and Manhunters vs Cinderblock
Intel: Bare Minimum
Powers: Super Strength and Durability.
Threat Rating: Unknown
Alignment: Bonnuci/Villain

Manhunter and Cinderblock appear to be sizing each other up, which gives you some initiative while he's distracted. If you want to take it.

>>4132526
So just wondering now, what is our power? What can we do with it?

>>4132538

Right now, you're aware of being able to go ham with AOE lasers, exploding blue energy orbs and being able to wrap the energy around fists and legs for extra damage on melee.

As you understand it, it's an energy you can emit to do cool stuff. Slade helped you focus it down to lasers, which you can curve; and in your last spar you discovered your large fist uppercut thing.

>>4132598
>being able to wrap the energy around fists and legs for extra damage on melee
Could we do this for Manhunter, so she can punch Cinderblock extra hard?

>>4132614

You haven't tried applying Sapphire to objects or anyone else.

>>4132627
In that case, blast the floor under him so he falls.

Oh yeah, I forgot to do options.

Mobile posting is shit.

> Wish Manhunter Luck with her fight.

> Use your Sappphire Power

> Wow this looks like none of your business

> Get Manhunter out of there

> Sword time

>>4132690
>Use your Sappphire Power

>>4132695
+1
Try to infuse your sapphire power into your sword (Test), if not use to coat yourself for melee and use laser together.
After this we might wanna test our power.

>>4132690
>Use your Sappphire Power

>>4132690
>> Use your Sappphire Power

>>4132690
>> Use your Sappphire Power

>>4132797
>>4132730
>>4132721
>>4132718
>>4132695
>>4132652
>>4132614

I'm calling this "Sapphire power" With a little bit of improvisation.

>>4132598
Sounds like we might be able to use it defensively as well by wrapping Sapphire Power around us and using it as armor.

>>4132690
> Use your Sapphire Power

Update in like 3 hours.

>>4132797
>>4132730
>>4132721
>>4132718
>>4132695
>>4132652

When watching the two of the metas stare each other down, the laptop lets out a "Ding" as it matches onto Jenny's picture. Excellent.

Raising a hand, you suffused a fist in the Sapphire Power. "HEY!" You shout, causing Cinderblock to turn into a blue lance of power; the conrete skin explodes into a dust cloud. Manhunter coughs and you try to squint through and see if you need to apply more hurt to the concrete goliath.

When you do get visual on the bruiser again, you note a distinct lack of damage on his face. Moreso, he does not seem im[ressed with your power. "Is that it kid? You really better hope God's listening to prayers today..."

Cinderblock raises up his fists, preparing to slam them down upon you, the desk and everything in the immediate vicinity. But you think fast, act faster; just like Master Slade taught you. If you can't destroy the Concrete Brute; you can destroy the ground beneath his feet.

You drown the world in blue, washing over the entire office as you draw deep into your well of power. The Sapphire Power arcs downward, like a catapult projectile in ultra fast forward the blue ball strikes the carpet and epxlodes. Sending your enemy comedically through down to the factory flor itself with a stream of curses.

Manhunter's eyes are wide with surprise but she turns to the windows. "Damnit. They're all onto us and it's going to take more than a shipping container to keep Cinderblock trapped for long."

[Blue] "I know what container they're keeping Jenny in."[/blue]

"Good for you! But if we're saving one woman, we're saving all of them!" Manhunter says before dropping to the ground. A trio of trackuit clad men are firing wildly into the office. And this situation is rapidly approaching FUBAR.

> We need a plan

> We need to get out of here

> Time to stop messing around.

> Keep following manhunter's lead

>>4134364
>> We need a plan

>>4134364
>Time to stop messing around.

>>4134366
+1

>>4134364
>> Time to stop messing around.
I don't know what this entails but it sounds fun

>>4134364
>"I'll give the goons a light show, you find and free the girls."

>>4134364
>Time to stop messing around.

>>4134364
>Time to stop messing around.
Unrelated, but I'm shooting for the mercenary route.

>>4134364
>Time to stop messing around.

>>4134366
>>4134368
>>4134372
>>4134515
>>4135310
>>4135339
>>4135727
>>4136142

"Alright, time to stop messing around!" You stand up straight and bring both hands up at once bathing the entire area in blue as Sapphire Power begins flooding from your every pore, bathing the entire room in blue. Manhunter seems shocked as she goes from peeking over the shattered windowframes to staring at the world around her.

To her eyes, everything was a thousands shades of blue except for you. Your costume, suffused with your power, has begun to glow from the accents and the hail of gunfire slows and stutters to a halt as everyone seems to have the same moment of self doubt.

Then you unleash a devestating salvo. Doing your best to steer the uncountable horde of lasers toward limbs rather than heads and bodies to the best of your ability. Those outside your control begin arcing outward, upward and downward; shredding through shipping containers, support struts, human bodies, the roof and the very ground itself. Only those you control or carefully aim are stopped. And even of those you control, you can't reign them all in. You just hope that Manhunter won't turn on you for your body count.

From below comes a groaning of pressure that is drowned out by the screaming of the Mafioso goons and panic of the women in the shipping containers. Manhunter's senses seem to be able to pick through the cacophony, prompting her to peek over the edge of the hole that you dropped Cinderblock down. She tries to bring you back down to reality, "He's tearing down the office!"

> Handle him!

> Reroute what remains of your bullet hell to cinder block

>Tell Manhunter to start getting the women out while you handle this

> Bring the office down on his head.

> 2 v1 cinderblock with Manhunter.

>>4136228
>Reroute what remains of your bullet hell to cinder block

>>4136238
Support

>>4136228
>Reroute what remains of your bullet hell to cinder block
>Tell Manhunter to start getting the women out while you handle this

>>4136228
>Handle him!

>>4136303
+1
>>4136282
Yo sup Galvan having a nice day?

>>4136596
Heyo! Just enjoying my time on vacation. Hope you're enjoying your day as well.

>>4136228
>>Tell Manhunter to start getting the women out while you handle this

> Archived.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4118836/

Might update tomorrow though.

>>4138276
Nice