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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 8, 2010 12:24:32 GMT -8
Wealth. Ambition. Strength.
Control.
Remedial tasks designated and designed to form and reform the thoughts of individual perception. The world was ever changing, full of men whose only thoughts were on themselves. It blotted out everything- wars and death being caused because others felt too cramped inside their countries. Because the world didn't respect them. Or simply because they felt their race to be greatest. Guns, swords, bombs; tools of destruction. None ever considered the possibility of mutation in combat. Normal people refused to take into account those people whose fighting prowess exceeded super-human abilities. Living Supermen. Anthony Femp was no normal individual, however. He saw the possibility of bringing them under control. Children of another world. These kids could throw cars, punch holes in walls, even light thier entire bodies aflame.
He would have thier allegience.
An assembly gathered before him, addressing the problem in California. A school of these "mutuated misfits" was listed at the top, the premium discussion topic among the men of power and stature. Millions, nearly billions had been poured into the repairs of the city, buildings collapsing, power outages. So much sorry and injury. Something had to be done. It was suggested the school be closed down, that the students be institutionalized, and we give up all hope of thier reformation.
But he wouldn't have that.
It took him over an hour to convince those cockroaches that he was capable of handling those children. He knew it wouldn't be easy, for they had placed their faith in many others before. But he was special. He was the best at what he did, and none could stand before his Captain. He snapped his fingers, looking over his shoulder at the boy who emerged from the shadows.
"Daniel. Your going on a road trip. Pack light."
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His feet crunched into the earth, the soft gravel of this small city giving way to his light, easily molded sneakers. His hands were in his pockets as he made his way slowly through the city, his eyes glancing around him. It was cleaner here. Crisper color. The people seemed afraid- huddling against the wall as he walked back, refusing to look him in the face. He was just a kid, but people cowered. He reached up, using his middle finger to push back the light, thin black-rimmed glasses that were present on his face. He could see clearly through them, but it strained his eyes, so he let his vision blur only slightly, using his ears and touch and sense of smell to pick up on what his eyes could not. He wore a blue dress shirt with white slacks, his sneakers simply and light blue. His hair, black and soft, hung gently over two horrifyingly blue eyes. Hawk like, seeing everything.
Terror. It was palpable here--he could literally taste it. He coughed- people jumped.
He smiled.
These students must really be something.
He checked his watch.
It was ten thirty.
He was late for class.
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 8, 2010 16:35:25 GMT -8
"Hmm."
A soft sigh split the heavy silence, crunching footsteps approaching the spectacled boy at a casual, almost lazy pace. They stopped just short of his right shoulder, feet belonging to a tall, slender girl about the age of seventeen. She had long blonde hair that was pulled back into a ponytail, disheveled bangs obscuring her bright brown eyes slightly. She was dressed in a faded red tank top and form fitting jeans, ending in a pair of well worn and cherished converse sneakers. A slight jingling of metal harmonized with her movements, a string of dogtags wrapped around her left wrist. The impressions were faded, hardly readable.
Her gaze fell on the boy in front of her. Her eyes saw his back, but her mind saw his face. Calm, even, wise, with a spark of danger that everyone seemed to fear for some silly reason. Her captain, well, former captain. But he was still her leader, she would follow him into a blazing battle if he asked her, and he knew this.
Nessa felt no particular need to speak at this point in time, in fact she was quite enjoying the vibrating tense silence around them. It was like sound itself was afraid to make itself known to them. The corners of her mouth twitched upward at this thought.
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 8, 2010 17:18:31 GMT -8
His hands trailed from his pockets as he stopped, the people around him leaving in a hurry. Alone, without sound. Cars, birds- nothing made a move. He turned, his left side facing the female. Light reflected off his glasses as he examined her. She had been the only one not to inform him of her plan to follow, for he knew nothing of her appearance here in California. the only pillar of his whose trust he relied on the most, and whose physical prowess he deemed closest to his own.
Reasons for this was simple- she had never had the obscene, obsessive nature to her, and never showed that she wouldn't blink at killing for his safety. It was the most calming experience, being around her. It let him know that, while she trusted his judgement and followed him in complete totality, he needn't worry about incessant questioning or scraping to his ever whim. She simply followed him, and would do as he asked when he asked it. Otherwise, she was just there, as a companion and friend; possibly the only one he actually had. Owen and Chelsea were friends, but not in the way she was. He appreciated her in a way that was both different and the same to his other two pillars.
"When did you arrive, Vanessa?"
He spoke calmly, but his irritation showed through- he had asked Anthony to tell her to stay, as the students here were particularly ruthless and loved combat, which he didn't want her caught up in. Now, don't go mistaking that intent- he wasn't trying to protect her from them.
He was trying to protect them from her.
'Too late now, i guess. Accepting the fact will only make things easier on us.'
Unfortunately for 259, things just got a bit tougher.
Hopefully, though, that would be utterly unnecessary. Violence was always his last resort, and this occassion would be no different.
Even though it was the last, though, it was still a resort.
One he would turn to if diplomacy failed.
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 8, 2010 17:29:35 GMT -8
She would hear the irritation in his voice, she could feel it in every pore of his body. It was mild, but it was there all the same, mixing in with the rest of the readings she felt from him. Though instead of putting her off, it made her lips smirk even stronger.
She emitted a humored, closed mouth laugh, the laugh few hahs clearing the air as her lips parted.
"Now, Daniel. You didn't think you could go on a fun outing without me, did you?"
She asked, feigning a sense of innocence, though her tone was laced with a silky smoothness she was infamous for. Her brown eyes glinted, reflecting the light reflected from his glasses. If she hadn't been asked to go, Vanessa would have found a way to come to California anyway. Daniel was the closest person her her that she could call a friend. The only one she actually gave a shit about. Sure, she liked Owen and Chelsea, but she wouldn't take a bullet for either of them. She wouldn't even take one for her family, even if they were on speaking terms with her. But Daniel...she would walk through the fires of Hell and back. Without asking.
"I arrived yesterday."
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 8, 2010 17:41:22 GMT -8
"Hnnh."
Yesterday. So, she had come only a day or two after he left, which means she knew about it just after the Supervisor got back to the school, which means it was likely she was told by the supervisor himself. He intended for all of them to go, and he likely set up his sudo-hierarchy in their place. Those kids were tough- far weaker then himself, but they could run the school good enough for his liking. Not to mention Anthony himself was there, and none would or could stand against him. Even he...
He used his middle finger to push his thin framed glasses comfortably back up his nose- an old habit. They were special, made by his father to be totally indestructible, and with abilities that surpassed those of normal eye-wear. His eyes shone as he stared into her face, acknowledging her commitment to staying with a simple nod of his head. Only slight, but enough to show respect for her decision. He wouldn't ask her to go back because, for one, she wouldn't listen, and for two, she would see it as an insult to her strength, and to her will.
Now, if he asked Chelsea or Owen to go, they would without thought, because they were so far deep into his fold. She, however, held her own individuality while remaining steadfast--she would follow his orders whether she knew the outcome or not, but stupid, petty things such as that would only get her irritated, and thats why he liked her. She had personality without distaste, and it was refreshing to once again know they were side by side again.
He turned, not saying anything, and continued walking, knowing she would follow.
"So, i take it the supervisor filled you in on our mission?"
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 8, 2010 18:08:01 GMT -8
As his feet began to move, so did hers, she followed him but not blindly. She would do anything asked of her, except when she found it stupid. If he asked her to leave, she would refuse. Straight to his face, because she knew that he knew that it would be a dumb idea. Nessa wasn't belligerent, she didn't start things just for the sake of starting them. She used her strength wisely, and was his greatest asset. He could certainly hold his own without her, but why would he want to?
She his second set of eyes and ears. She was his doubled rationality. His right hand. His better half. His sixth sense. He was also the only one that Nessa confided her deepest thoughts in, and spoke bluntly and clearly. Every time else, it was unclear as to whether her words were sarcastic or not, truth or lies. She had no problem lying to anyone on the planet, but she did not lie to him.
"Yes."
Her reply to his inquiry, and she stepped up so that she was even with his shoulder. She generally walked slightly behind him, not far enough behind that her position looked submissive and inferior to him, but that it was clearly established that he was the leader. Their supervisor hadn't waited long after Daniel left to summon Nessa to his office. He knew how valuable her skills were, and he wanted to play with a full hand here in California. He also knew that if Daniel were to leave without her, Vanessa would have simply taken it upon herself to go anyway.
"Have you seen them yet?"
She asked, indicating the targets. Vanessa had not been to school yet, and wasn't particularly worried about them as one look would give her all the information she needed (another reason he needed her around). She was simply curious if he had anything to begin with.
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 8, 2010 18:30:02 GMT -8
He glanced to her from the corner of his eye. Was she sad to leave her old school? Likely not. She was hard to predict, and even harder to read. But she knew him, better then most, though still not in totality. She knew lying to him would be a mistake, one he would not hesitate to make known. He never punished his Pillars physically, as most did; instead, he broke new ground with them. They were loyal, all of them, even to death. It was a loyalty he had earned, and he used it to his advantage. Telling one of them, even she, that he was disappointed in her and that she failed him would be a strike harder then any blow he could ever muster.
But he didn't need to worry about that, this he was confident in.
"I see."
He knew the answer before she gave it, still he was unnerved that the plot held so many twists and turns. It was unstable, but then again everything with Anthony was unstable. The supervisor looked so far ahead that even Daniel was amazed by everything he took into account. He shrugged it off- it was simply another possibility he lived with. Telling her to stay would only have provoked her to come anyway, but he hoped it would take more time. Perhaps he could get the job done in a week or two, and she wouldn't have to be unleashed upon the masses. Of course, her being here would likely make things all the clearer and cleaner. His arbitor- hell, his hands wouldn't even have to get dirty.
"No, i've only recieved reports from Owen and Chelsea, who i sent here a day or two before my arrival."
He faced forward, the glare on his glasses blocking his ice-colored eyes from view.
"I hear told they are stronger then expected, and the Captain has a high resistance probability. The other pillars are nothing to really bat an eye at though."
He checked his watch. He would skip going today, instead opting to show up on wednesday so as to give a few days for the rumors to stir. He flipped open his phone, giving a small "tch" before replacing it back in his pocket. The text he just read said things simply.
Keep watch, and make the transition quick. Remember what happens if you fail.
Like he needed reminding. His brow drew down in thought, words coming from him that would only ever be spoken to her-- for though he did not reviel all thought to her, he told her far more then any of the others, and would occassionally let her see behind the mask.
"You are ready, Vanessa? This won't be pretty, and i won't blame you if you wish to stay out of it, at least in the beginning."
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 8, 2010 19:17:34 GMT -8
"Hm."
She made a closed mouth sound of acknowledgement at the mention of Owen and Chelsea. She had seen them leave a few days before Daniel left, and that was another reason Nessa found it reasonable that she join her fellow pillars. Surely, if he had wanted to, Anthony could have arranged it so Vanessa was then new School Captain at #311, and allow her to hand pick her own hierarchy to run the school with while Daniel, Owen, and Chelsea were off in California. But, Chelsea was a ditz, and Owen a little foolhardy. They were strong and loyal, but not consistent enough to guarantee success.
When he spoke again, Vanessa snorted, making a slight 'tch' in feigned disgust at the mere thought of his implications.
"When have I ever sat on the sidelines, hunny? You just focus on keeping up with me, hm?"
She cooed, winking at him. Vanessa was calm and cool, but on the inside she was buzzing with adrenaline. This mission was unpredictable, possibly dangerous, but most certainly exciting. It was things like this that she lived for, where she performed her best. She knew that he knew she wouldn't let him down, hence the teasing in her tone.
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 8, 2010 19:32:46 GMT -8
He gave a small grunt, which was as close to laughter as he could come. She was right, of course, but he was still a little unsure about it. He didn't know what webs Anthony had spun in this city or what challenges awaited him at this school. He looked forward to them, of course, but he hated to think that others would be hurt for the ambition of his supervisor. Still, he had dedicated himself to the furthering of 311, and this was an extension of that promise. He would do as ordered, whether he felt them extreme or uneventful being nothing but a side-note.
He put his arms behind his head, staring skyward.
"This isn't going to be easy."
He continued to walk, letting out his breath.
"The students here have wrought fear on this city, and the pillars are hardly even recognized. People just shrug off their authority without care. It will be interesting to see what happens when we arrive and do what we were assigned to do."
This was close to the most words he had ever said at one time, so he closed his mouth and listened to the breeze, breaking through the alleys behind and to the side of him. Though it was deadly silent, he almost welcomed it. Nothing but the sound of his own breathing and the footsteps of the one walking next to him. He could really think, and not have to worry. He knew people would see him as evil, and he accepted that. Regardless, he still had a loyal following, and though most everyone here would despise him from here on out, it was good to know that some still believed in him, and knew him to be a good kid despite things he had been forced into doing.
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 8, 2010 20:24:14 GMT -8
"If it was going to be easy, he wouldn't have felt the need to send all four of us. As it stands, it may still be overkill."
She shrugged nonchalantly. Inwardly, she was pleased that it was going to be a challenge. Frankly, Nessa was growing bored of the lack of opposition. At PHS #311 there were a few challengers, but most of the school population were scaredy cats. It made their job easy, but boring easy. She was glad to get out here to California where possibly someone could pose a challenge or, heaven forbid, a threat.
She fell silent, listening to the slight rustle of wind the tugged at her clothing, her ponytail moving ever so slightly. In the distance, a bird chirped. Once. Everything else had fallen still.
"It looks like it's about time someone brought proper discipline to this city. Any pillars who let their students walk all over them are no pillars at all."
She shook her head, indifferent face smirking again. She was much more open with her expression than Daniel was, but at the same time she used it to her advantage. She was an actress, a persuader, a manipulator. One of her finer qualities.
"We'll be doing them a favor, if anything."
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 9, 2010 20:18:10 GMT -8
"Mmm, i guess."
She was as steady minded as always, and even his own apparent fears didn't hinder her at all. He was glad, for though he sounded unstable, he was really just testing her mental waters, and was more then satisfied with what he found. He wondered at the why of his supervisor, for she had made good points. Just sending one of them would have been sufficient enough to get the job done, but he sent them all.
Perhaps he anticipated more resistance then he did, or perhaps he just wanted to make sure everything was thorough. Still, he couldn't help but wonder of the point behind it all. He didn't trust Anthony- not as far as he could throw him. He peeked at Vanessa, looking at her with a smoothe, disconcerting stare.
"Do you trust me, Vanessa?"
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 9, 2010 20:37:21 GMT -8
At this, Vanessa looked at Daniel straight on. Her blonde hair blew slightly in the wind, her disheveled bangs fluttering over her face, though her sharp brown eyes were focused on him. her expression was pointedly unconcerned, and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly in a 'are you serious?' kind of way.
She tilted her head ever so slightly.
"What do you think."
It wasn't a question.
He knew that she would do anything for him, literally. And it wasn't because she was an empty headed moron of a lackey that jumped when he said jump, but because she loved respected him to the highest degree. They had similar goals, complimentary demeanors, and made a good team. She hadn't found that kind of relationship in anyone else she'd ever met.
"Why do you even ask."
She shook her head, letting her gaze stray to the California skyline. It was beautiful here, she had to admit that. Perhaps when taking a break from all this nonsense, she could snap a few pictures, maybe even take a little trip. But that could all wait. The former pillars of PHS #311 had a job to accomplish here, and Vanessa was determined to see it through to the last.
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 9, 2010 20:52:27 GMT -8
He could feel her cold stare on his face, his hair covering his eyes as he walked, the edge of his glasses barely visible. He knew the answer, but wanted to re-confirm it through her vocally. He wanted her to hear herself say it- she never admitted it aloud before, because he never asked before. He felt no need, because he always told them they served him through their own free will, that if they felt they could serve him that he would need their trust. Sure, they HAD to be pillars. It wasn't a choice for them. But under his command, it was their choice to follow. And he had bonded with them each in separate ways, helping them, speaking with them, and forming bonds that would gain their undying and most deserving respect. He looked at her this time, his voice a little more serious.
"And do you trust Anthony?"
He would wait for her to stop and stare at him, for he had stopped. He wanted to see what her response to this sudden question was- anthony was the supervisor, and held a little piece of each of them under his control. Once she answered, he would then ask the question he had truly been trying to get to. So far from home, far from anything and anyone who could know. The streets were empty, they were the only two within several blocks. He would be quiet after her response before he gave his final question.
"And if he told you to turn against me, what would you do?"
This...this was important. She told him almost everything, but she had never told him why she served Anthony, what their relationship was. She never told him what Anthony had that she could possibly be scared of losing. He would never force her to say that, but Daniel did not plan on serving Anthony forever. He would find a way out, and when he did, he truly needed to know whom he could trust to be on his side when the moment came.
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Post by Vanessa Wolfe on Feb 9, 2010 21:17:20 GMT -8
Walking, slow meandering, purposeless steps. Vanessa loved walking, it helped her think. She and Daniel often took these walks, sometimes with Owen and/or Chelsea, sometimes without. And sometimes Vanessa just walked alone. There was some sort of relation between her mind and the moving of her feet that made things move so smoothly and clearly.
"And do you trust Anthony?"
Silence fell had fallen over the office, silence except for the nervous swinging of feet. A sixteen year old Vanessa looked up from a dark wooden chair situated across from a desk, hands pressed against the seat of her chair. The room itself was rather dark, blinds filtering out the light from outside. A small bright light shown from the desk into the girl's face. A shadowed man sat behind the light, steepling his shadowed fingers.
'You will do as I propose, Ms Wolfe. It is...in your best interest.'
A voice spoke, deep and cunning, a slight sneer at the end of his words. The junior frowned.
"And what if I don't want to?"
At this, the shadowed man stood from his chair. Footsteps came around the desk and around the side of her chair. A polaroid fell into her lap, and she picked it up, examining the subjects of the picture. She gasped.
"No.."
'Yes."
Tense minutes passed as the girl stared at the photograph, ingraining the image into her retinas. Her fingers tightened around the edges of the photo, creasing the plastic coated paper. The man remained still, posed behind her chair as a reminder, and a source of intimidation.
Finally, she sighed, her head slumping on a clear sign of defeat. She had no other choice.
'...Fine.'
"As much as I have to."
Even though he had forced them into this arrangement, he was still the boss. She had to do as he said (within reason) in order for bad things not to happen. So far he hadn't required anything of them that she was flatly against. It was a job, and one day it would be over and she would be free to do as she pleased. Anthony also knew that she was an orphan, her only other known family member died before she could clearly recall him. She had no back up, no safety net. Anthony had given her money to come out here with, to live. A loan, something she would have to pay back. Something for him to hold over her, but none of her teammates knew of this arrangement. She wasn't proud of it, but Vanessa was determined to find a job out here, pay it off, and once the job was done, she would break free from all of this and just look after herself.
When Daniel spoke again, Vanessa's expression turned to what could only be described as anger. Her nose scrunched slightly, lips pressing together as her eyes narrowed. She didn't look at him, rather she glared at the skyline with an intensity that could cause it to burst into flame. Her fists clenched at her sides.
"Never."
A moment of tense silence as she continued to stare down the horizon before she finally recovered her bearings, reigning in her emotion until she wore a look that was mildly irritated. Exhaling, she turned her gaze from the the scenery to look back at her friend.
"I would die first. And you?"
She was mostly certain he would do the same for her. Mostly. Vanessa didn't know what odds Daniel faced with Anthony, or how he would react if Anthony truly threatened tem to turn on each other. She was confident that he respected her, Owen, and Chelsea, but she didn't know for sure. Like any human she had her doubts, but stronger than her doubts was trust. She trusted him with her life.
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Post by Tyr Odinson on Feb 10, 2010 19:09:16 GMT -8
Daniel gave a slight hum in his throat, his eyes having snapped immediately to her face as her eyes stared in hatred at the sky. She seemed passionate, adamant, furious. The implications made her skin simply crawl. He knew, of felt he knew, the truth behind her words. He turned away just before she looked at him, his gaze returning to the exact same spot as before. He brought his head up, facing it forward, his hair billowing backward to reveal his face. He looked young, full of life, but his eyes seemed very aged. His mouth quirked in a small, almost unnoticeable smile. He looked around a bit before looking her between the eyes, meeting her gaze at last. He leaned against the wall, propping up his left leg flat footed against the wall behind him, hands in his pockets.
"I never told you why i serve him, did i?"
His gaze went to the horizon, birds flying gracefully in the distance as the clear-aired breeze stroked his face with an amazing gentleness.
"He has my sister."
His voice was most quiet- he was vulnerable to her right then, to her looks and her thoughts. He shared information he was forbidden to share, to the one person he knew strong enough to resist the tortures- they had all been through the stages, the tests of pain. None of them would like to repeat it, but if anything was suspected...
He looked to her, eyes gleaming.
"I trust you with this information, Vanessa...but know that if you tell anyone, i will never forgive you."
He took a deep breath, looking back to the ground a moment, his hair hanging down around his face. He laughed a little- almost unheard of for him.
"He has her- but not for long." He closed his eyes, resting the back of his head against the wall. "After this mission, i plan to take her back, and run, never looking back. I am strong enough, now."
He removed his glasses.
"Touch me."
He had never, ever, revealed his power to her, and when she had touched him, he knew what her precision perception felt like, for he had the item made for her. He clouded her vision, blocked his full power to an extraordinary extent, so while he appeared only a little stronger then her, he was actually far beyond.
He would show her everything, now.
He took off his necklace, placing the ring of his sister on his pinky, fully unlocking everything.
"This is everything, and i will use it to destroy Anthony, once i see everything he has and i am certain of his strength."
He waited for a reaction- her views may change when she sees it all, or she may simply shrug it off. Either way, he was anticipating a reaction, and he hoped she would follow him in his endeavor.
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