Masks: A New Generation of Heroes

Game Master Cwethan

Shayera nods thoughtfully. "Yeah. But it's not very solid. Kaoru's scared of me, Shaun's a loose cannon, I still don't know the magic girl, and Alexandra isn't much of a team player. We'll see, I guess."

Shayera turns her head and nuzzles her girlfriend's neck, liking how her hair smelled. It still bothered her that she didn't feel anything physical. Why could watching her get hurt cause her to fly into a rage but sitting closely with her sparked nothing? "Then there's us. I need to work on not losing control around you. It's different when Bran's there, which is good, I guess."

Ah. Ethnically Scottish. Alexandra says, nodding as if that all makes sense. Though, I gotta say, last I checked, Accents aren't Genetic. She smirks, before mentally chastizing herself No wonder they don't tell you the truth, if you're just going to be an a&~%&@@ about it.

Sorry... sorry to hear your dads an A#*%$&~. she says. But... well, I'm note sure I can be different. Do you know the story of Cassandra?

Shaun wheezes out a laugh. ”You got that right. Took me six years to finally get it passable. Got a lot of extra reps for screwing up when you’re supposed to use ‘ye’ and ‘ya.’”

”I assume you mean the oracle and not our new mage friend?” He asks with a pained smirk. ”Yeah, I know her. Greek character. Gifted with visions, cursed with being ignored. I know the feeling...” For a moment his gaze grows distant. Then it moves to Alexandra. ”Wait, you aren’t prophetic like her, are you? It’d be super cool if you were, but I think if you had powers you’d be lording them over my head by now.”

"You brigand! I should spit on your shallow grave when you perish at the hands of my beloved!"

"Unfortunate for you that I'm fluent enough to get aid from the islanders rowing nearby!"

Alexis was following the plot along with deft attention, only broken out of her trance when she reached for a snack that was no longer there because she'd eaten them all. She looked to Alexandra, but she'd left her seat. Shaun wasn't there either. Bronwyn and Shayera were snuggled together like bunnies. Kaoru and Cassie were still there at least. She moved to sit between them, settling in and watching the romantic reunion of the two leads.

"...I like this movie. It's fun. And no one is really dying," She said to them. "What do you like about it?"

"Didn't say we were done, but you can't run the race without taking the first step. We'll make the rest work too, have faith."

She turned to kiss the top of Shayera's head. "We'll figure out how to keep the Red at bay too."

no, but if I were religious, I would say that the gods had a similar sense of humour when they crafted my family line. Gifted with the ability to see the truth about people, doomed to only be able to change it for the worse. She says

I can look at people, and tell you where they are broken, but I don't know how to fix them... only how to exacerbate the wounds, or use their pain to steer them. and that's why Walkers tend to be toxic to teams. She says. dad's not really all that bad, it's just... well, he's able to see all the little weak spots... and that tends to upset people.

Kaoru was getting more and more uncomfortable as the movie went on. 'Anthony' was leading on the poor dumb damsel in distress who still thought she was a he. All because 'he' was selfish enough to want to be a pirate, and pirates were dumb enough not to let women in even though Tony was clearly the best swashbuckler in the movie. And then the villain knew and was telling the woman and she looked so shocked and hurt and disgusted and it was all 'his' fault for not being a real man and now they could never be together because that was wrong and they didn't have the technology to fix that kind of thing. Why didn't Tony just do the right thing and push her away? Why did 'he' have to be so g*ddamn selfish. Couldn't 'he' see that 'he' was just hurting everyone 'he' claimed to care about? Tony was going to end up all by 'his' g*ddamn self and it was exactly what 'he' deserved. She could feel her pulse hammering in her head as her anxiety continued to climb. She wanted to be sick and was rather grateful that she had declined to buy any snacks.

But...Anthony never really made a very convincing guy in the first place. It's why the villain saw through the disguise so easily. Maybe...

Shut up. Poor writing is no excuse. They *can't* be together. It's *wrong*. Tony is wrong and doesn't deserve it.

She almost jumped out of her chair when Alexis plopped down between her and where Cassie had been sitting. The only response she gave to the girl's question was to mutter "Someone needs to stab Antony in the g*ddamn face already" before slouching further down in her chair to glare darkly at the seat in front of her. Anything to avoid watching the scene about to implode in front of her.

Shayera moves her head to risk a kiss on the lips. The theater was dark and most of the people in the theater were aware of their relationship (and likely not to spill the beans to Bronwyn's parents). It was one of the reasons why she bought out the whole show -- no risk that someone from Bronwyn's church would be in the next row over.

'Where they're broken?' Can she...see what I was?

He sighs and shakes his head. "Nobody likes being called out on anything. But when it comes to reading people..." He pauses for a second, then digs into his jeans and pulls out a small carving knife. "When it came to my training, the biggest lesson was blade discipline. At all times, I had to know where my weapons were, how to access them, and how to control them when they were in my hands. If I lost track or focus for even a minute, I could hurt myself or someone I never meant to. That's pretty easy to learn with just a knife." He points to himself with the weapon. Then he points it towards Alexandra. "With a sword, with a claymore, that's a lot harder. A claymore requires space to move, space that you don't always have." He smiles as he slips the knife back into his pocket. "When I was starting out, I had horrible blade discipline. Got a lot of reps for that too. But I practiced, I trained, and I learned. The thing is, I started with knives. Not even sharp ones, I'm taking plastic butter knives. But, in this convoluted metaphor I'm putting together here, you got a freshly-sharpened claymore right out of the gate."

Comfort and Support Alexandra: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 = 8

"What I'm getting at here is, yeah, it might be in your genes to find everything wrong with people (which it can't be by-the-by), and your dad might not give a f~$~ about his own blade discipline, but you can. Training and persistence can go a long way in fixing something that's broken." He nibbles on his lip. "Trust me. I had a lot of fixing to do before...now." He stands up, his face markedly calmer. "If you want to work on that discipline, I'm all ears. If not, that's up to you. I won't force you. But...I am willing to help you."

The movie continued as Anthony and his beloved Susan escaped from the fell crew of the Obsidian. In their tiny dinghy, Anthony finally has the conversation he was dreading for so long. He admitted being born a woman, that he took to the seas to be who he felt he truly was-

And then Susan, the lead heroine, grabbed his hat and started beating him with it.

"I don't care about all that! I didn't fall in love with your body, but you! I thought you'd died! I was so scared...of being left alone..." Susan sobbed on the screen. Anthony looked at her stunned as she finally collapsed into his arms, and they shared their first kiss.

Alwxis was on the edge of her seat during this. If she had a tail like a dog, this would be the moment it would be wagging furiously. And when the kiss happened, her face erupted into a bright, heated blush.

"Susan...Are you sure? I can't..."

"Oh Susan...look out! They've found us! We must make for that island with haste!"

Alwxis settled back down in her seat, fidgeting around and wondering why she felt so flustered and heated. She reached out in the dark, her hand grasping onto someone else's. Was it Kaoru or Cassie?

Just realized I never said it, but in my head, Kaoru now has her arms folded across her chest defensively as opposed to on the armrests. So Alexis probably didn't grab Kaoru's hand unless she was specifically aiming for it. :-P

Kaoru bit back a snarl. Really? Your body "didn't matter"? How fking naive were these two? If you were straight, you couldn't just flip a switch to be attracted to someone of the same sex even if you wanted to. Let's see how happy-go-lucky they'd be when things moved to between the sheets. Because when it came down to it, isn't that what separated a friendship from a romantic relationship? Susan could speak big, flowery words, but how would she react when faced with cold, hard reality? When layers and loose tops couldn't hide who Antony really was anymore. When 'he' couldn't please her. Couldn't give her a family like any real man could.

If body didn't matter, then everybody would just be bi. If body didn't matter, then society wouldn't shun the ugly or the fat or the disformed. But people weren't and society did. So body did matter, regardless of whatever drivel this movie was trying to spew.

God, she just wanted to punch Anthony in the face.

With as much time as she spends flying into the wind, it is ridiculous that her lips are this soft.

...Not that I'm complaining

"You know, we should really do this more often. Kissing, dating, saving the day, hanging out with people who know we're together...

"I'm gonna tell them when I get home."

Bronwyn and I are united in wanting to hug away Kaoru's dark-cloudy-feeling about this movie.

Shayera shifts slightly, sitting a little straighter, and eyes Bronwyn in the light of the movie screen. Her brow creases a little in concern. She'd been quietly rooting for her girlfriend to tell her parents ever since they made it official between them. Even to the point of (mostly) subconsciously stringing along Devaun as a means of encouraging her to go public with their relationship.

But having just recently met her parents officially and felt their disapproval of her just being friends with Bronwyn, Shayera couldn't help but be worried that this revelation was going to turn ugly.

"You don't-- you don't have to. Seriously. Your grounding will end, then we can do stuff secretly... It'll be fine. It'll be fun, even."

There was a small flicker of fear in her eyes, but Bronwyn smiled through it. "Oh we're still gonna have to do stuff secretly. This will definitely not make me any less grounded for lying and sneaking around.
But I want this. I want to just be with you without hiding it. I'll make sure to let Mary-Beth know I might be sleeping over though. Probably not, but you know, better safe than sorry."

Shayera can't bring herself to smile. "I'll be close by, then."

Feel free to finish up your side conversations. This happens at the end of the movie

As the final scene ends and the credits roll (and after the mid-credit stinger), the lights come on in the theater. Then a huge shadow passes over the screen as a shape moves from the upper level balcony to the screen and lands in front of the theater.

Arguably one of the most famous heroes of Halcyon City, Defender, superhero, and former villainous mercenary, Whippoorwill appears almost larger-than life there in front of the movie screen. Her strawberry-blond hair is long and wavy, and her face is partially covered in a red domino mask, the same red that accents her canary-yellow outfit that is covered in white feather-shaped quills. Her other signature weapon, her whip, is coiled at her waist. She is tall, but made even more impressive by her large, tan wings that frame her figure.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention," she says in a clear voice obviously used to getting attention without having to ask. "There is, as I speak, a large contingent of SCA forces surrounding the cinema and planning on arresting those of you without the proper authorization to do what you all did on the highway on your way here. Don't bother denying it; there were highway cameras and the automated trucks were recording everything."

She holds up her gloved hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not here looking to arrest you. Please believe me. I *did* manage to convince them to give me a chance to resolve this peacefully."

Whippoorwill pauses for effect, though she gives a hand sign to Shayera. The girl steps away from Bronwyn then murmurs something and suddenly her bladed wings are back along with all her blood stains. Wingblade takes a short flight from the back of the theater to land next to her mentor, looking sullen but resigned to do whatever is asked of her.

"Now, I've no doubt that most of you are thinking about running, hiding, or trying to fight your way through the SCA. Those are options; I won't lie to you. Whether they're good options, that's another story. As a Defender, I would be obliged to stop you from being successful.

"I don't like the SIDEKICK laws any more than you probably do. But I've no choice but to uphold them; I don't have the luxury of following only the laws I like. But I can work within them."

She hands Wingblade a number of what look like high-tech magnetic cards. "A team of juveniles can be sponsored by a single Defender, provided that they abide by that Defender's guidance and their field leader submits to the authority of the Defender sponsor."

Shock registers on Wingblade's face as she looks up to Whippoorwill and gives a small shake of her head no. The Defender puts a reassuring hand on Shayera's shoulder, but then gently has her step forward. "You were all in Wingblade's limousine. She's the one who bought all the tickets. She paid for all the food. So clearly, this was a recreation and bonding event. If you declare yourselves a team and that she's your field leader, you can take these Ident Cards and all walk out of here as members of a sponsored team.

"Or don't, and test yourselves against the SCA." Whippoorwill presses her lips together tightly, looking unhappy about adding this last part. "And me."

Wingblade looks about to panic, her head whipping between those in the audience and her mentor as she is clearly considering the prospects of being asked to choose between working with Whippoorwill to subdue one or more of them or directly opposing her mentor. She gulps and looks to the heroes in the audience.

What do you do??

Just realized I never said it, but in my head, Kaoru now has her arms folded across her chest defensively as opposed to on the armrests. So Alexis probably didn't grab Kaoru's hand unless she was specifically aiming for it. :-P

Well then,...

Cassie sat watching the movie. It was kind've OK, even if the plot was just ridiculous and the main characters were,.. well, let's face it. They were just absurd. 'Susan' didn't have two brain cells to rub together and 'Anthony' aka 'Antonia' was little better. At least the scene where 'Anothony' had had to disguise 'himself' as a girl had been kind've funny. And now they were kissing and it was all so bloody obvious! And of course their white shirts were wet,...

"Susan...Are you sure? I can't..."

"Do I have to hit you with your hat again? I love you because you are bravest, strongest person I've ever met."

"Oh Susan...look out! They've found us! We must make for that island with haste!"

Cassie stiffened as she felt a Alexis' hand suddenly grasp her own as a cannon ball exploded in the water, showering the two protagonists who had begun rowing frantically for the island. Alexis couldn't be scared of this. Could she? Cassie glanced over. The other girl was certainly a bit flushed and was breathing heavily, so that must be it. Cassie gave Alexis' hand a reassuring squeeze and lent over. "They'll be OK. Don't worry."

Before the End of the Movie (Also, those who think that women couldn't possibly disguise themselves as men for so long sailing the seas - take a look at Mary Read and Anne Bonny, who may in fact have not only disguised themselves as men, but also were possibly lovers.)

The young girl squeezed Cassie's hand back, smiling at her. "I wasn't worried...just wished I could have that..." she whispered to her. But the grumpy person in the other seat was cause for more attention, the cloud over him even visible for Alexis here.

Alexis looked at Kaoru, who was fuming. Her hand was squeezing Cassie's briefly for a moment, but she felt that Kaoru needed something here. Something to show him that she knew that he didn't like the movie, or something about the movie made him mad. Maybe he hated the romance, or it reminded him of the bad dates that caused him such pain.

Obviously, he hated Anthony. Maybe because he thought that he didn't deserve Susan. Or maybe he hated women who liked women? But if that was the case, he didn't know that Bronwyn and Shayera were together. She wasn't sure what to do here. Hugging was out of the question. Kissing would be too far. She couldn't hold his hand. Alexis thought about it for a couple of moments.

Then she was petting Kaoru on his head, looking at him. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to be upset. I didn't think this was a bad movie for you." She had his attention, but she hoped Kaoru would open up to Alexis about his troubles.

Comfort Kaoru: 2d6 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 0 + 1 = 9

Kaoru can clear a condition, mark potential or shift labels if he opens up.

After the Movie

Alexis blinked slowly. Then she got up to her feet, eyes wide and big. "It's so nice to meet you! I'm Alexis! Can I have my card now? Does this mean I get to be a hero?"

With Shaun

I don't know. A part of the problem is liking that feeling, of being so smart, seeing where people are hurting. Don't tell me you don't get that. She says I don't know what I'm doing... But, I don't think the problem is just "fix it". I think a big thing is that this trait is useful a lot... Knowing a villain's psychological weakness, Knowing when a witness is keeping a secret, knowing when a teammate is about to bubble over with volatile emotion... It's complicated. If you feel that was open enough, I'll clear Guilty, cause that's the least fun to clear the usual way.

With Whip

I'm registered, in good standing. And even If I wasn't, it would be 7 on 1, Unless we wanna say those clowns outside count for anything. And from what I hear, last night, they needed Wing to even try to catch an intruder. She says

Incidentally, Wing, why the f$*$ did you go to those a&+%&!$'s aid? Just to lord it over them they needed a teen to help them against the big bad villain? She asks I'm not getting out of this team thing, am I. Gill will Crucify me.

Before end of movie
Kaoru was distracted from her rage by someone petting her head. God, she really was someone's fking pet. She scowled instinctually, but did her best to curb her withering glare when she saw it was Alexis. She didn't really want the girl to have yet another meltdown on her account. Even if she did really want to tear something apart. In order to avoid glaring at the other girl, she went back to glaring holes in the seat in front of her. "Whatever. Not your fault."

End of movie
Kaoru was oh so very tempted to whip out (ba dum cha) her oh so convincing fake ID stating she was 18 (it admittedly might have been hugely overkill since as it turns out, voting booths weren't nearly as thorough checking IDs as liquor stores). She was pretty confident her earlier hacks had been careful enough not to get pointed back to her. And were they really going to arrest her for trying to get people attacking her off the limo? From the whole incident with Kanga Ronnie, she was pretty sure Silver Shadow would be ok as well. Bronwyn would most likely also be ok because once again, she had acted defensively. Wingblade was probably registered. Alexis wanted to be a hero. Cassie also had stuck to the limo. That mostly left Shaun out in the cold, which she was ok with. Guy was an ass anyway, and this is what he got for aggressively going after dino-people when they should have just let them pass.

But then she made the connection between Wingblade and one of the comments she had made earlier. This was the woman that ass Delphi had apparently contacted. Which meant one way or another, she was under their thumb. Wingblade didn't really seem to know too much about the situation. Did that mean she hadn't been told? Or did it mean Delphi hadn't shared what the deal was? Did Miss I-Totally-Have-A-Domination-Fetish know who she was? Either way, she was pretty determined to be one of the last people to accept. Instead she just stayed put, watching WingWhip.

Though I totally know what I'm doing tonight~

Wingblade smiles genuinely as Alexis comes up, and she hands her a card as soon as she asks.

Whippoorwill also smiles warmly at Alexis' enthusiasm about being a hero. "Absolutely. I'm glad Wingblade is guiding you. It's not easy, and no one gets it a hundred percent correct, but yes. I want you to be a hero."

When Alexandra speaks and mentions the break-in at SCA HQ, Wingblade goes white. Whippoorwill reads between the lines and gives her protege a severe look. Wingblade flinches, then turns to Alexandra to retort, "I was concerned their data might fall into the wrong hands."

Turning back to Alexandra and folding her arms, the Defender glowers at the latest Silver Shadow. "'Good standing'? I think you're putting your standing at a severe risk, Ms. Walker, now that I think I've figured out how Wingblade lost against that mysterious villain that she couldn't describe in any detail." Whippoorwill's voice gets softer, but no less forceful. "You're quickly spending the capital your predecessors have earned. Don't think you're so clever that you're above the law. It would be a good gesture that you joined." Her last words might sound like a request, but her tone leaves little choice for Alexandra.

She's also shifting your Superior down and Mundane up, Alexandra. What do you do?

reject her influence: 2d6 - 2 ⇒ (5, 1) - 2 = 4

Alexandra flinches. Motherf&&*er She says under her breath, then remebers almost everyone in the room has scary good senses. You got me by the short hairs. I'm in

She takes a big swig of her "Creamer", and offers the flask to Kaoru.

AFTER THE MOVIE

As the credits rolled and the winged shape suddenly overwhelmed the room, Cassie shrank back but then relaxed as it resolved itself into the winged form of Wingblade's mentor. She watched as Alexis stepped forward and then
Alexandra spoke up and was answered. Taking her feet off the chair in front of her, Cassie leaned forward, fixing Whippoorwill with a stare. "So these cards." she said, "They mean we don't get in trouble if we help people out... What's the downside? There's always a downside."

With Alexandra

Sorry, but that's a no from me on feeling open enough. :/
Shaun sighs, clears his throat, and speaks again in the Scottish accent. "Truthfully doll, I don't know that feelin' too well. I know enough about me ta' know I'm not usually ta' smart guy in ta' room. But I do know that ta' quack who told my old man ta' give me sleepin' pills thought he was smart, an' his "solution" only made thin's worse f'me. My gran'da' fixed ta' same problem with nothin' but hard work n' whiskey."

He takes a few steps towards the theater doors, then locks eyes with the heroine. "Any blade is useful, but ta' key in masterin' it is learnin' its use. Even a claymore can be beaten by a well-used butter knife. When ye're ready ta' learn that, come find me."

He opens the door to the movie, then pauses. "...I know this probably won't stop ye', but I'll still ask: please don't try ta' look through me. I spent a long time buryin' who I was. I chose a hard road, an' I had ta' change. Change so I could be better. Stronger. Don't undo that." He solemnly walks back to his seat, collapsing back into it as a cannonball smashed into the side of a ship on-screen.

"I warned you laddie."
...I know, Sir.

- - -

After the Movie

At first, Shaun thought he was still daydreaming.

Halfway through the film he'd fallen into a stupor, exhausted from the emotional roll coaster that had been this Friday. His mind wandered excessively and illogically, and by the time Whipoorwill's entrance snapped him out of it, he was nearly asleep on his feet.

The Defender's arrival though got him focused very fast.

"HOLY F$&#IN' SHIT." He turned to face Wingblade. "Ye' invited HER?! Why didn't ye' say anythin'?! I would have brought my autograph book!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention," she says in a clear voice obviously used to getting attention without having to ask. "There is, as I speak, a large contingent of SCA forces surrounding the cinema and planning on arresting those of you without the proper authorization to do what you all did on the highway on your way here. Don't bother denying it; there were highway cameras and the automated trucks were recording everything."

She holds up her gloved hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not here looking to arrest you. Please believe me. I *did* manage to convince them to give me a chance to resolve this peacefully."

Shaun goes sheet white. NO! No goddamn it NO! Son of a b$#!!, I was so close! This can't be happening! As subtly as he can he begins creeping towards the door. I gotta get out of here! Maybe if I book it now they'll be surprised, give me an opening...

"Now, I've no doubt that most of you are thinking about running, hiding, or trying to fight your way through the SCA. Those are options; I won't lie to you. Whether they're good options, that's another story. As a Defender, I would be obliged to stop you from being successful.

He froze, his hand mere millimeters from the door handle. Stop...me...? He swallowed hard, his eyes locked on the winged woman. One of his idols. The greatest hero of his time. His arrester. I am so f$$@ed...

"I don't like the SIDEKICK laws any more than you probably do. But I've no choice but to uphold them; I don't have the luxury of following only the laws I like. But I can work within them."

She hands Wingblade a number of what look like high-tech magnetic cards. "A team of juveniles can be sponsored by a single Defender, provided that they abide by that Defender's guidance and their field leader submits to the authority of the Defender sponsor."

The Defender puts a reassuring hand on Shayera's shoulder, but then gently has her step forward. "You were all in Wingblade's limousine. She's the one who bought all the tickets. She paid for all the food. So clearly, this was a recreation and bonding event. If you declare yourselves a team and that she's your field leader, you can take these Ident Cards and all walk out of here as members of a sponsored team.

"Or don't, and test yourselves against the SCA." Whippoorwill presses her lips together tightly, looking unhappy about adding this last part. "And me."

A waterfall of thoughts rush through Shaun's mind all at once:

Then, a single thought overpowers everything. He looks down the way towards where Cassie and Alexis are seated...with Kaoru. Kaoru was getting the exact same offer. Shaun's brow furrows, and he starts towards the winged duo. "One question, before I say anythin': is this recruitment, or pity?" As he reaches the space between the front row and the stage, he stops and crosses his arms. "Are ye'seein' potential in us, or are ya' just showin' mercy ta' people Wing likes?"

Bronwyn winced at Whippoorwill's big entrance, but stayed quiet, not particularly wanting to bring the whole multiple identities thing into the spotlight. Okay, she's coming in hot. Also probably just telling the truth, but still.

So come on Kaoru. Even if you don't want to join, just wait til she's out of the room.

Alexis jumps for joy as she holds up the ident card above her head, looking particularly happy to have been given this opportunity. She turns to look at her friends...who are all not immediately coming forward for their cards. In fact, they're asking questions that she was sure didn't need to be asked. Whippoorwill had given them all what they needed to know. But other than her, no one was moving to take the cards.

It was confusing. It was also frustrating. Even Bronwyn wasn't coming forward, which was hurtful.

"...I don't want to see anyone go to prison. You're all my friends, and I want you all to be on this team with me. Don't you all want to work together and have fun and defeat bad people and stop their crimes and be recognized for that? Why are you treating her like she's offering us hemlock?" She asks in confusion. "She's a good person who wants us to do good things. It's weird that you're not all accepting," Alexis says, looking at Whippoorwill.

"...Am I weird for accepting right away? Am I doing something wrong?" She asked, suddenly unsure of everything. She holds her hands up to her face defensively, pacing and struggling to figure out why the team wasn't acting like a team here. She needed a team, because she couldn't be a hero by herself. But if they didn't want to be part of a team, what then?

Alexandra, you need to take a condition for that miss

Whippoorwill nods like it was Alexandra's own idea that she's joining, and gives Wingblade a nudge. The protege hands her a card.

When Cassie asks her about the catch, the Defender thinks for a moment. "I wasn't planning on there being one? I suppose it's a matter of perspective, though. You'll need to cooperate, to work together. I hope you don't see that as a downside. And as an upside, you'll have others around you to watch your back," she says with just enough emphasis that indicates she might know that Cassie may need that.

"But it's not a life sentence, or a brand. If it doesn't work out, you can quit -- you just won't be able operate independently if you do so, at least until you're eighteen. Except I'm not going to be okay with you quitting right after you're past the SCA. So I'll need, let's say, at least month's commitment."

As she lets Cassie think on that, Whippoorwill listens to Shaun's questions. She gives Wingblade a look. "I'm trusting her judgment in people." She looks back to him. "And no, this isn't 'pity.' I'm taking a leap of faith, assuming you want to do the right things for the right reasons, and I hate that this law would instead make you criminals for doing it. So I'm offering you all a solution."

After Alexis speaks, she gives her a smile. "No, I don't think you're doing anything wrong. I'm glad that you stepped up right away. Like I said, I trust Shayera's judgment."

She looks again to her protege. "And that's why I'm making Wingblade team leader, at least for a little while."

Shayera shakes her head vigorously. "No, I'll mess it up. I don't want--"

Her mentor cuts her off. "Did you learn from before?"

She slowly nods her head.

"Do you plan on making the same mistakes?"

She shakes her head this time.

"There you go. I'm giving you a chance to get it right." Whippoorwill turns to the ones who have yet to accept a card. "Well, what's it going to be?"

So it's a gamble. She doesn't know jack about us, but she's still willing to stick her neck out because she trust Wingblade's taste in people. Shaun releases a sound halfway between a sigh and a chuckle. "Ye're just as badass as ya' look on TV, Ma'am." The hint of a smile playing at his lips, he steps up and takes a card. "I'm gonna prove ta'ya' I could have gotten this card on my own. I'll show ye'ta' kind of hero I can be." I'll make you proud Sir...

His stance snaps to military-style attention. "Ta' Kilt, reportin' f'duty Ma'am."
SOUND OFF!

Bronwyn looks questioningly at Whippoorwill, but decides that maybe not walking forward would actually draw more attention.

"Didn't want to cut in line, but I'll get this to the big guy. And no, Alexis, you didn't do anything wrong. This is going to be great."

"Oh, okay. But, um, why does Bran need a card? He's not in school like us," Alexis points out. "He also isn't here. Isn't this card for you, Bronwyn? You fought the dinosaurs too. So if you don't join, then the SCA is going to have to take you away. I dont want that," Alexis tells Bronwyn.

"You can be a hero. Even if you don't have powers, neither do Shaun or Alexandra or Kaoru, though he can do amazing things with the computers, so that's a power I guess, but you can't really say no, right? Or else Shayera would have to arrest you. I don't think she would like that."

Provoke Bronwyn to accept being on the team: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 1 = 10

Add a Team if she accepts, and she'll take a condition if she doesn't.

"That's really great of you to say, Alexis. I do think a lot of the best help I can give will be behind the scenes - Like fixing your armor - but I just meant that I'd have to give Bran his card later, I'm absolutely part of the team."

Bran and other inhuman/alien/extradimensional types actually is covered under the SIDEKICK laws under a questionably written part of Article 1.

Cassie thinks for a moment before she smiles and nods. I could probably get out of this with the charm, but a team might be better if Mom's goons manage to find me. "OK, fair enough." Cassie says, "I'm in."

She looks at each of the others. So this is my team? A homicidal maniac, a weird ancient giant, three,.. Four counting Bron who don't have any powers, and me... Great! This'll help if Circe's people show up.

Kaoru takes Alexandra's offered flask without thinking and drinks some in a show of solidarity. She then immediately breaks out in a wild coughing fit at the unexpected burning sensation, completely breaking the analytical way she had been staring at Whippoorwill. Ok, probably should have thought that through first.

She really didn't want to do this. But thanks to Dephi, she really didn't have a choice. And what's worse, she was pretty sure Alexis didn't really understand the situation and would just be happy they were 'all on the same team together.' Whoopie. Which meant that she'd have to explain to her again that she wasn't a fking hero, and she had no interest being part of this g*ddamn team. And then she'd get upset. Again. And Kaoru would feel bad. Again. And why the fk should she have to feel bad just because Alexis refused to respect her decisions? So the best she could do was try to make it as clear as possible that she didn't want to be doing this. And the best way to do that was to be the last fking person to agree to it.

Could be worse though. Shaun could be 'leader'. She honestly thought she'd rather take her chances with legal than submit to that. The idiot was too quick to leap into things and would certainly get the entire team killed if he could.

Face impassive, she finally walked up to the dominatrix and bowed formally to her. The bow was deeper than the one she had given Wingblade earlier, both because you showed more respect to the teacher than the student and because she was pretty sure an adult wasn't about to kill some teenager for no reason in front of a bunch of witnesses, meaning she didn't need to keep the woman in the corner of her eye. Still bowed, she spoke in rapid-fire Japanese, voice directed at the floor.

"このような拙者には価値がないもののための貴官の親切な干渉をありがとうございました。貴官の名前が拙者の価値のない行動によって不名誉にならないように、拙 者は謙虚に最善をお尽くしみします。" Apologies to anybody who actually speaks Japanese. I did my best to keigo up google translate and undoubtedly failed. Assume Kaoru is much better at it than I am.

Still impassive, she slowly straightened, accepted a card from Wingblade, and walked back over to Alexandra.

Marking angry

Alexandra takes her flask back as Kaoru starts coughing. She doesn't say anything, and lets him have him moment. She watches, unaware of what he said, but he took the card.

I figured you'd know. she apologizes, gesturing with the flask.

So, we're a team. does this mean I don't have to have those a+~$&&~s arriving every time we do something?

Whippoorwill formally bows in response, indicating she understood most of what Kaoru said. "どう致しまして," she responds.

She doesn't say anything when Alexis pressures Bronwyn into taking a card for herself, nor when Shaun affects a military stance.

When everyone has a card, Whippoorwill relaxes visibly, though Wingblade still looks ill. The Defender puts her hands on her hips and addresses everyone when she answers Alexandra's question.

"Well, sort of. As an official team, the SCA will be showing up to help with containment of the bad guys you subdue, that's all. They're not cuddly, and I can't promise there won't be some resentment, but don't let them bait you. Your best bet is to play nice with them and take being sanctioned seriously. As in, paying attention to your surroundings, making sure bystanders are safe, keeping property damage to a minimum if it can at all be avoided, and not escalating a situation if the stakes don't call for it."

She turns to Wingblade. "You good with your place being your HQ?"

She blinks in surprise, but quickly nods in the affirmative.

"You're all in luck. Your team leader already has a location well-suited to be your headquarters. I strongly suggest you all go there after you leave here for further debriefing of your two recent fights. Wingblade will be responsible for supplying me with the reports."

Shayera looks even more crestfallen. "I have to do paperwork?"

Whippoorwill gives her a sympathetic look. "It's the law."

Alwxis still didn't seem convinced by Bronwyn. But she was more confused by how Kaoru was responding. In a language that she didn't know, even if Whippoorwill seemed to understand. It seemed strange to her. Maybe even it was rude to speak to someone like that? She didn't understand why Kaoru and Alexandra seemed to be upset by what was happening. Unless they felt that they didn't want to be part of the team.

"...I don't think that everyone wants to be part of this. Why?" She whispers to Bronwyn. Then she turns to Whippoorwill, a terrifying thought occurring to her.

"We won't be on camera, right? I don't want people to know my face. I want to be a normal high school girl. And also a hero. Can we do that? I don't want to be seen by...the people that used to hold me."

Shaun shoots Alexis a curious look. The people who used to what? He refocuses on Whippoorwill. Bah, question her later, history happening now!

”So...how public is this all gonna be? Like, is there a ceremony? Announcement? Newspaper feature? Or is this like a hush-hush, don’t tell a soul sort of deal?” Noticing that the Defender wasn’t really registering his posture, he relaxes a bit. ”An’ when ya’ say “mentorship,” is that a group activity, or are ye’offerin’ one-on-one trainin’ time?” PLEASE be the latter! As he keeps talking, Shaun’s apprehension gives away faster and faster to unadulterated excitement. ”An’ is there some gear or fundin’ pool for this gig? ‘Cause I just wasted a chunk-a-change in that truck fight n’ I’d like ta’ not have ta’ go scroungin’ again. Also about that bastard blockade outside am I allowed ta’ flip them ta’ bird on ta’ way out or that too direct of a “f%$* ye’” ta’ them? Oh, an’ a team name! Do we have a team name already? Or do I get ta’ come up with one? Also also ye’ probably hear this all ta’ time but could I get your signature I’d really appreciate it n’ it’d be awesome ta’ have n’-!”

Any body want to interrupt him? ;)

Kaoru waves off Alexandra's apology with a small smile and a shake of her head. She really should have been able to put two-and-two together herself. It was also good to know that the femme fatale was pretty handy with Japanese. She'd probably need to brush up on her rural dialects.

She was not pleased about this 'debriefing' they'd apparently need to do. She had really wanted this to be over and done with, so she could go home for some 'light reading'. Hopefully it wouldn't take too long, so she'd be able to do that after. Maybe Alexandra would be interested in joining as well since she seemed about as happy about the whole thing as she was.

Uggg, god, was Shaun ever going to shut the fk up? She could practically see the dog collar Whippoorwill had around his neck. He was not only bending over for her; he was all 'yes ma'am, may I have another?' as well. It was pathetic. Gods, did this mean she had to spend even more time around that idiot? She could practically feel her IQ dropping by the second. Maybe she should have had more from Alexandra's flask; alcohol was supposed to help with this sort of thing, wasn't it?

Well, if it gets too bad, the IRA association thing is still on the table. The thought made her feel a bit better, so she induldged in the fantasy a little bit, planning exactly what kind of evidence she would put down and which databases she'd need to get access to.

Alexandra let's shaun continue, hoping he would chatter himself into cyanosis, and walks over to Alexis, hand reaching into her pocket. We will probably end up on TV at some point. she says to they younger girl, her hand drawing a simple domino mask from her pocket, and offering it to Alexis. Whether because we did well, or destroyed something important... well, I'm taking bets. She takes another swig, and sadly empties the flask.

But, that's what costumes are for. so we can be people outside of heroing. We'll figure something out. Just... have a real costume, like mine or Wings, not a... Kilt that I'm terrified will one day reveal itself to be worn authentically during a particularly acrobatic battle. she says

Bronwyn carefully didn't smile in amusement at Shayera's dismay over the extra homework, "I can probably help with the paperwork, Shayera."

Responding to Alexis's whisper, she leaned in, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "It can be scary to tell people you'll be there if they need you. A lot of people can't help but fear the worst when they make a commitment like that. Don't worry, we're not going to make anyone do things that they don't want to. We'll find you a mask or a helmet too."

Cassie rolls her eyes as Shaun goes on and on, and on. Who is this guy? Is he serious? One minute he's insulting everyone and the next he's over the moon to be on a team with us and virtually licking Whip's boots!

"I think we should agree, as a team, that underwear is required for everyone." Cassie adds after Alexandra's words. "Maybe we should get out of here and discuss this stuff back at Shayera's place though? The goons outside are probably drawing a lot of attention and I'd prefer we got out of here before any press, or anyone else arrives... There aren't any out there, are there?

"Absolutely, secret identities are a must and will be given the utmost protections," Whippoorwill says with absolute authority and not reacting to Alexis' mention of her reasons for not wanting her face shown. She quirks a half-smile. "Actually, given that one of the 'punishments' for illegal vigilantism is informing your parents or guardians of your activities, it stands to reason that we can keep your identities secret even from them, if you prefer and remain in good standing."

As Shaun starts peppering Whippoorwill with questions, she finally has to hold up a hand to slow him down. "This won't be secret. Maybe we can do a big announcement if you all agree. I'll see if my time allows for mentoring, but probably not one-on-ones. Ask Wingblade for funds. Please no obscene gestures. And I think you all should agree on a team name, sure." When he starts asking for her autograph she looks much more uncomfortable. "How about later."

She checks to see that masks are on those that want them, then makes the "hurry up" motion. "I'll bet the SCA are getting antsy out there. I need to come out first, but you all need to be right behind me."

We can scene change to Wingblade's apartment if you like, or play out the exiting of the theater, if everyone's ready for this scene to end.

”...first of all yes, it’s authentically worn. I’m not lookin’ta’ get crucified by ta’ next clansman I meet. Second, it’s military grade, and doesn’t restrict my movements like, oh, I dunno, A F*$%IN’ TRENCHCOAT would.” He crosses his arms defiantly. ”...though that actually brin’s up a good question: is there a uniform? I’d like ta’ keep clan colors if I can, but hey it’s your team so up ta’ye’ Ma’am.”

EDIT: Beaten to the post again!

Shaun sighs when secret identities come up. Why do people even bother having those? Why distance yourself from the hero you’re trying to be? Then the Defender mentions the punishments. ”...not much of a punishment f’me. My old man already knows. Hates it, but not like he can do shit about it.” The venom behind is words is all-but actual poison.

”I’m totally down f’a press conference. Or meet-n’-great. Anythin’ like that.” Shaun shares Whipporwill’s uncomfortableness when she mentions asking Wingblade for money. I can’t do that! I’m already crashing with her and eating her food! Plus...God she is freaking out over there... He shoots Shayera a supportive smile before replying. ”Yea’. Later. Later’s good. I don’t have anythin’ f’ye’ta’ sign right now anyway.”

I’m good with either a dramatic exit or screen wipe. I’ll leave it up to you-all.

Bronwyn puts her hand on Alexis's shoulder "Whippoorwill. Not everyone has masks here with them, and that could easily be a problem if we all came out publicly. Now that everyone's in good standing, how can we leave more discretely. There has to be a compromise there, right?"

Good for a screen wipe so we don't have to detail the compromise :-p

Mercy secures her mask, happy to be chosen. Happy that things were finally going her way! She couldn't see any downside to this from her perspective.

Outside the Cineplex

"Confirming SCA on site. Chatter indicates the juvenile vigilantes in question are inside. We've got image captures from the video feeds...confirming four potential targets, yes sir. We'll let the analysts do their work. Moving out."

No one noticed the plain grey SUV that rolled out two parking lots away from the hubbub at the Cineplex.

I'm happy to do a screen wipe here as well. Go Team Shakespeare!

Authentically? Seriously?

"Well, I'm not a fan of uniforms, but if it gets him into some pants I'd be all for it." Cassie says. "If you have any 'wardrobe malfunctions' around me I'll turn it into a gerbil. An angry gerbil. I'm not up for a press conference or anything either. But if any of you want to I'll slip out the back way. There must be one."

Swipe

"I'll take care of it."

And she does.

The majority favors the scene wipe, so let's move to Shayera's apartment.

>Establishing shot of the exterior of the skyscraper containing Shayera's apartment<

The elevator opens mercifully for those without superhuman physiologies to withstand the rapid transit from the basement garage to the skyscraper's penthouse.

Wingblade appears a bit subdued, and somewhat sheepishly introduces everyone to her opulent apartment. She activates Abacus her supercomputer and has it unveil her medical and chem labs. The middle level features the fully-stocked kitchen and dining area, while the upper level has a series of comfortable couches and an entertainment system that can double as a briefing room.

The patio located in the wedge-shaped cut in the skyscraper features several deck chairs and of course the infinity pool. Everywhere you look, there is luxury or breathtaking views of downtown Halcyon.

After the tour, and a brief stop where Wingblade insists that Bronwyn have her arm X-rayed in the medical suite (privately), she clears her throat and addresses the assembled team.

"Yeah, um, I guess we're official now. I mean, I don't want you to feel like I'm going to start being some sort of drill sergeant or something. But, um, you heard Whip; we gotta have a meeting. And you know, talk about stuff. Like the highway fight."

She rubs her shoulders and looks away for a moment. Then she speaks a string of Chinese to Abacus. She looks back to everyone. "Okay, while Ab is pulling all the video feeds from the traffic cams and the truck dashes, let me just say, we should have let them go at the start."

She jams her hands in her pockets, looking deeply uncomfortable. "What were the Saurians after? A truck full of sports cars. Honestly, if they got them, no really biggie, right? No one's hurt except the insurance company."

She sighs. "I fly. Alexandra's got gadgets, and I guess Cassie has magic. They could not get away from us. Rather than engage them on the highway at high speeds and endangering a lot of lives, we could have hit them at their hideout at the time of our choosing.

"So, uh, just saying. You know. Whip's stressed this a lot. What's at stake? If it was a nuclear bomb they were trying to snag? Sure. We go all-out. But some cars?" She shrugs.

Bronwyn wasn't really sure how she felt about Shayera's apartment becoming the whole Team's base.

It wasn't like it felt like they were crowding her and Shayera. Even before Alexis had set up camp in the penthouse, it had left her with exactly the kind of guilty squirmy feeling she tried to avoid when she thought about going to her girlfriends house who lived totally alone. Not that Shayera thought about it like that, or that anything really would have happened, but she was happier spending time out in Halcyon, or just out just below the clouds.

Even if this place is a crazy super-lab, villain given, palace of a place, it's still her home. I just hope it still feels that way for her.

She needs a place that's for Shayera not just Wingblade.

***
At the briefing
That... is a really good point.

Sometimes I forget that she's really learned how to superhero. It's not just the fighting and detective stuff.