1 Topic by Herbert40k (edited by Herbert40k 2014-05-26 22:29:41)

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Topic: Superhero Stuff - The Adventures of the Auric Avenger (and Gaia)

[spoiler]Just in case anyone was wondering how Lucius and Alice went from being a pair of ordinary, unassuming trainers to costumed crimefighters. This takes place before Lucius' in-universe name change, for reference.

Challenger's Cave - April 22nd, 2014

Kirk: <...Let's just go over this one more time, just to make sure we haven't missed anything. You two... are planning to be superheroes.>

-Herbert nods, grinning sheepishly at the assembled crowd of mons.-

Herbert: Yup.

Alice: I prefer the term "costumed vigilante", myself. If only if it because it more accurately describes my situation.

Kirk: <Like, real, actual superheroes. As in, the kind you'd see in Watchmen or a Crobatman comic.>

Herbert: Both were direct inspirations, yes.

Alice: Again, there is nothing "super" about my own abilities.

Falchion: <...Permission to speak freely, sir?>

Herbert: Granted.

Falchion: <What kind of Shroomish were the pair of you smoking when you decided that this was a good idea?>

-Herbert laughs aloud, and the noise echoes around the empty caverns of the usually-crowded cave.-

Herbert: Listen, I'll be the first to admit that this is a crazy idea, but I reckon we can make it work if we just put enough effort in. Stranger stuff has happened, after all. Up until yesterday, I travelled with a group that get themselves into situations that are quite literally stranger than fiction on a daily basis. The way I see it, this is a way to do our bit to help people and hopefully have a bit of fun in the process.

Alice: And if all goes to plan, we may finally be able to extract some measure of revenge against Titan and his assorted accomplices.

Bishop: <I will confess that I am quite partial to the idea myself. Though vigilante justice is hardly what I would call an ideal interpretation of due process, there is undeniably a certain childish thrill in the prospect of fighting crime from the shadows. Blame literacy skills gleaned from comic books and superhero movies, I suppose.>

EDI: <Our intelligence suggests that both the Illusion Project and Team Neo-Galactic are planning on escalating their activities in the coming months. They should provide us with no shortage of targets.>

Elderberry: <All things considered, this is a most malodorous idea.>

-The Petilil's comment elicits a blink from Herbert.-

Herbert: ...Did she just say that our plan stinks?

Alice: Elderberry has a tendency to use words without fully understanding their meanings.

Herbert: Somehow, I don't think she make a mistake this time around. Perhaps we should put this to a vote. All those who think that this is a good idea, raise your hand. Or claw. Or talon. Or whatever appendage you happen to have.

Belladonna: ~And for those of us who lack any such appendages?~

Herbert: Well, you can just nod or shake your head. Heads. Anyway, voting time! Let's see some hands! Or... ah, you know what I mean.

-Bishop, Samus (who is once again a Tranquill), EDI, Wrex, Arsenic, Belladonna, Cyanide, Delphinium, Elan, Harkness, Kerrigan, Oracle and Kirk all cast votes in the affirmative, though Kirk does so with some noticable hesitation.-

Herbert: Huh, I'll admit that I wasn't expecting quite that much support...

Delphinium: :)

Harkness: <This might be a chance for us to get some action for once.>

Kerrigan: <Yeah! We haven't been out of this damn cave for forever.>

Elan: <Uh, according to the author's notes, you guys probably shouldn't get your hopes up...>

Oracle: <I predict only a nineteen point nine one eight two eight per cent chance of either you or Alice recieving a severe or fatal injury in the line of duty.>

Herbert: -sweatdrops- You're a little Fennekin-shaped ray of sunshine as always, Oracle... Now then, votes against?

-Maul, Falchion, Leia (who is once again a Drizzle Politoed hiding beneath a personal raincloud), and Elderberry all make some form of movment that indicates dissent.-

Leia: <Sorry, but t-this seems k-kind of s-scary...>

Revan: <Don't take it personally when I say that this is dumber than anything Lucanus ever came up with.>

Herbert: Duly noted. And Maul, weren't you on board with this idea when I first suggested it?

Maul: ~Tides change. The future shifted, so I moved with it.~

Herbert: ...You know I'm not entirely sure why I still try to understand you. Anyway, that's a majority in favour, so let's get to work on becoming superheroes!

-He claps his hands together.-

Herbert: Obviously, the first step towards becoming a real-life superhero is finding a costume!

Alice: ...You appear to be forgetting that neither one of us has even a rudimentary knowledge of how to sew, and that any store-brought materials could easily be traced back to us.

Herbert: Not to worry, I know a guy. His name's Ren. Renard Clavis, if my memory hasn't failed me.

Alice: Ah yes, I remember Renard. I acquainted myself with him some time ago.

Herbert: Good, so you've heard of him. Anyway, he's a bit of a dandy, but I've seen him and his Leavanny make some pretty good Contest outfits.

Alice: ...We are going to be finding ourselves in situations rather more hazardous than the average Contest.

Kirk: <Yeah, most coordinators don't have to deal with gunfire, unless the crowd is really rowdy.>

Herbert: I know, but even if it doesn't stop bullets, any costume he makes is still going to look a damn sight more impressive than anything we could put together by ourselves.

Alice: Point conceded. Do you have designs prepared, then?

Herbert: Well, I have a design for my costume. Lyuri helped me come up with it.

-Alice raises an eyebrow.-

Alice: Just how many people do you plan on involving in this scheme of ours, anyway?

Herbert: Relax, only three people know about this so far. And I'm fairly certain that they'll keep their traps shut.

Alice: "Fairly certain" is not a phrase that fills me with confidence.

-Herbert sighs.-

Herbert: Look, does it really matter? We're both already associated with crimefighting, one way or another. Even if our real names get out, it's not going to change much. We're going to be at risk either way. A secret identity is just an extra layer of security for us. Sure, I'm not going to go around letting every Tom, Dick and Harry know that I'm a costumed vigilante, since I want to keep at least some of the authentic superhero air of mystery, but I'm not going to hide it from my friends for no good reason either.

Alice: ...I suppose you're right. I shall start drawing up a design for my own costume, then.

Herbert: Need any help?

Alice: With all due respect to your artistic abilities, Lucius, what I saw of your conceptual designs suggested that they were primarily Lyuri's work. That, and I already have a fairly clear mental image in mind. The theme of adopting motifs based on our respective starters seems like a fairly solid one, however.

Herbert: Hmph... fair enough, I suppose. I'll start thinking up some awesome gadgets and leave you to it, then.

-He gets up and starts walking off, quietly humming the Crobatman theme to himself.-

2 Reply by Herbert40k (edited by Herbert40k 2014-05-28 01:14:12)

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Re: Superhero Stuff - The Adventures of the Auric Avenger (and Gaia)

Challenger's Cave - April 23rd, 2014

-After a night spent with sketchbooks and old Saturday morning cartoon shows, Herbert and Alice have come back together to inspect the latter's work.-

Herbert: So... this is what you want your costume to look like?

Alice: You say that as if you consider this design to be flawed.

Herbert: Well, it's sensible, practical, and provides protection as well as effectively concealing your identity! It's the antithesis of everything a female superhero's costume is supposed to be!

Alice: ...I fail to see the perceived issue here, but if you're insistent on a revision, then I will-

Herbert: Wait, no need for that! I was just being sarcastic. Kinda forgot that you don't really get that sort of thing.

-He gives a rather lewd grin.-

Herbert: Though let the record show that I have no complaints if you do want to fight crime in something more exposed to the elements.

-This remark is met with a withering glare from Alice.-

Alice: ...I suppose some things never really change.

Bishop: <Allow me to point out that you have been separated from your girlfriend for all of two days.>

Herbert: What, and I'm not allowed to make the most of what I have in the meantime?

-The ensuing silence is filled with yet more glaring.-

Herbert: Okay, okay, I'll go make the call. Geez.

One phone call later...

-Herbert triumphantly hangs up his Pokegear (insofar as one can "triumphantly" do such a thing) and turns back to Alice.-

Herbert: Alright, it's done. We've got two costumes on the way. Free of charge, too!

Alice: ...Any offer that suspiciously generous has to come with some form of catch.

Herbert: Well, I'll admit he took some convincing. And insisted on adding some "safety features", as if I was planning on jumping in front of assault rifle fire or something. I mean, did he honestly think I wasn't going to wear a bulletproof vest if he didn't bundle one in? I'm crazy, not suicidal...

-He shakes his head, then continues.-

Herbert: He also offered to put me in contact with a sponsor.

Alice: A sponsor?

Herbert: You know. Someone who'll pay us to run around in tights beating people up. I might be rich, but my money isn't going to last forever, especially if we end up paying for all these gadgets I have planned.

Alice: ...Something about the concept of taking orders from an as-of-yet unknown third party doesn't sit well with me.

Herbert: Oh, we wouldn't be taking orders. He'd just be signing our paychecks and requesting that we do an odd job here or there every so often. And if we don't like whatever request he happens to make, we just go rogue. Like Captain Unova did!

-Alice sweatdrops.-

Alice: I see... you are aware that we will need some manner of operational centre to make this entire enterprise feasible, correct? Requisitioning costumes and other shipments of resources will require somewhere to store them, if nothing else, and our current location is too far away from any Illusion or Neo-Galactic activity to fulfill that purpose effectively.

Herbert: True that. But we're stuck here until we figure out where Neo-Galactic and Illusion have run off to. I'm sure that if we track down one, the other won't be far behind... I'll have EDI start gathering intel.

Falchion: <...Did you honestly just use the phrae "gathering intel" unironically?>

Herbert: Shush, you. Anyway, until we have something solid to go on, we'll just have to make do with what we've got. Gives me plenty of opportunities to brainstorm in the meantime.

-He turns and starts to walk away, but is interrupted by Alice.-

Alice: Lucius?

Herbert: Yeah?

Alice: When you first brought up this whole idea, you mentioned something about it being a chance to reinvent yourself, correct? To leave the past behind as best you can and start anew?

Herbert: I might've said something along those lines whilst outlining things. Why?

-Alice gives a small sigh.-

Alice: ...I can tell that you are undoubtedly enthralled by the concept of crafting a secret identity for yourself, but perhaps you should also give some thought to reinventing your civilian identity as well.

-Herbert raises an eyebrow.-

Herbert: What do you mean?

Alice: What I mean to say is that perhaps you don't need to pretend to be Herbert anymore.

-This remark renders Herbert silent. After about ten seconds or so of this, Alice attempts to fill the gap.-

Alice: ...Listen, I can understand why you chose to adopt his name. I'm certain that you miss him just as much as I do. But rejecting the name your father gave you and taking his instead is simply denying the past, not moving on from it. Far be it from me to suggest that you are doing Herbert a disservice, but I feel that it's time for you to start defining yourself on your own merits rather than attempting to emulate someone you are quite clearly not. And all of this aside...

-She manages a slight smile despite the expression being relatively unfamiliar to her.-

Alice: ...I've grown rather fond of Lucius during our travels together.

-It takes a moment for Herbert to be able to respond.-

Herbert: ...Yeah, maybe you're right. I know you tried to tell me this same thing five years ago, but I-

Alice: No need to make excuses for your behaviour. I understand. I was there, as you should recall. You were having a difficult time adjusting to the revelation that your father was a criminal of the worst kind, and needed something to remind you of good times left behind. Hence your decision. I respected it, even if I did not agree with it.

Herbert: Right... but I guess it was a pretty dumb decision, in hindsight. I've just stuck with it all this time because it reminded me why we were working to take Titan down... but the bastard's given me plenty of other reasons to hate him over the last year or so.

-He nods.-

Herbert Lucius: Lucius it is, then. I reckon I'll get used to it quickly, seeing as you're the only real human company I've got... might take a while for everyone else I know to adjust to it, though.

Alice: Seeing as you are choosing to remain off the grid when it comes to communications, that should be a non-issue for the time being.

Lucius: Yeah, true... I'll need to explain things to my mons, though. In fact, I think I'll go do that now. But before I do... well, I figure I ought to say thanks. For everything, really.

-Alice's expression returns to being as impassive as always.-

Alice: Either come up with a more comprehensive expression of gratitude or dispense with it altogether. I have already told you that I plan to see this scheme of yours through to the end, regardless of whether or not you thank me for doing so.

Lucius: Erm... I'm just going to assume that was a "you're welcome". Anyway, I've got some explaining to do. Later!

-He heads off to his own end of the cave.-

3 Reply by Herbert40k

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Re: Superhero Stuff - The Adventures of the Auric Avenger (and Gaia)

[spoiler]Thanks to Keys for spagging this with me.

Challenger's Cave - April 24th, 2014

-For once, Challenger's Cave is unusually quiet, with most of the Pawniard out stealing matresses and all of Lucius and Alice's Pokemon resting in their Pokeballs. Lucius and EDI are currently occupied with wiring the former's Pokegear up to a monitor which they have procured via unknown methods, Alice watching them curiously.-

Alice: Might I ask what you two are doing over here?

Lucius: Oh, I'm setting up a video call with our new sponsor. I figured you should at least get a good look at the guy who's going to be funding us.

Alice: ...We don't have masks yet. Or costumes of any description, for that matter. A video call would compromise our identities.

Lucius: Relax, I talked a couple of things out with the guy beforehand. He's cool. We can trust him.

Alice: ...What leads you to that conclusion?

Lucius: Does it matter?

Alice: Yes, it does. You have been known to be a rather poor judge of character in the past.

Lucius: I know. Which is why I called ahead and got proof that he's trustworthy before setting up this call. He's not going to sell us out. You have my word on this one. If that's not good enough for you, then the door - well, the metaphorical door, since caves don't actually have doors - is right over there.

Alice: ...Very well then. The responsibility is on you if your "proof" turns out to be faulty, however.

Lucius: Duly noted.

-He finishes fiddling with one last wire, then stands up triumphantly.-

Lucius: Alright, let's see if this works... computer, put Mr. Fox onscreen!

EDI: <...You are aware that we did not actually configure the Pokegear to respond to voice commands, correct?>

Lucius: I can dream, dammit.

-He hits a couple of buttons, and the monitor turns on. A man that can only be described as shifty appears on the screen. His long, dark grey hair with black highlights is a spiky mess. The eyepatch he wears over the right side of his face that is partially hidden by a long plait of hair that hangs in front of his face, only further draws attention to the many scars on all over his body. A particularly prominent scar crosses over his left eye, which is obscured by vulpine-eye shaped, reflective sunglasses. Massive and rather grotesque scars cover over three-quarters of the circumference of his neck and parts of his chest. The dress shirt with the top four button undone along side a immaculately kept pinstriped suit further are at odds with each other. The wide grin the man is shows off his unusually large canines, further emphasizing Mr. Fox's shiftiness. He moves his hands - also heavily scarred - across a keyboard as an accented synthetic voice is heard.-

Mr. Fox: Mr. Cain. Ms. O'Sullivan. It’s a pleasure to see you at last.

Alice: ...This is not filling me with confidence, Lucius.

Lucius: Shush, you. Anyway, good to see you again, Foxy. Even if we did only just talk a couple of hours ago.

Mr. Fox: -the synthetic voice, while still synthetic, expresses genuine curiosity- Indeed, Mr. Cain. So to what do I owe this second call so soon after the first?

Lucius: Well, I was wondering if you had any leads as to the location of the new Neo-Galactic or Illusion headquarters. I've had EDI running scans, but she hasn't found anything yet.

Mr. Fox: I believe you're in luck, Mr. Cain. I've had an associate of mine - don't worry, I’ve ensured secrecy - search various satellite feeds and public image sites. He found something that might interest you both.

-Alice raises an eyebrow.-

Alice: Oh?

Mr. Fox: Here it is.

-Mr. Fox holds up a printed picture of what appears to be an enlarged portion of selfie of a lady with brown hair. In the background, over the lady's shoulder, a slightly blurred figure of a person with turquoise hair in a bad B-Movie space suit can be seen running.-

Lucius: Okay... who's that, then?

Alice: And more importantly, where was this picture taken?

Mr. Fox: The lady? Just your average tourist in Fiore. The figure in the background, as you saw, seems to be wearing what appears to be a Neo-Galactic uniform.

-Mr. Fox smirks.-

Mr. Fox: I assume you can connect the dots from there?

Lucius: Yeah, I got that much. So even if they're not based in Fiore, they're at least active there.

-He returns the smirk.-

Lucius: Thanks for the help, Foxy. That's all we needed.

Mr. Fox: You're welcome, Mr. Cain.

-A knock can be heard on Fox's end.-

Mr. Fox: Apologies Mr. Cain, Ms. O'Sullivan, but it appears I have a guest. I'm afraid I'll have to hang up here.

-As Mr. Fox stands to disconnect the camera, a fur that looks like a Zoroark tail hangs from Mr. Fox's belt and blocks out the screen a second before it goes blank. Lucius turns to Alice.-

Lucius: See, I told you he was a good guy. Now come on, I believe we have a plane to catch.

Alice: ...I still have my doubts about this "Mr. Fox".

Lucius: Then you can share them on the plane. We've already wasted two days hanging around here, I want to make sure that we get to Fiore and get ourselves established there as quickly as possible. Time's a wastin'.

-He starts heading towards the cave exit, dragging Alice along behind him.-

4 Reply by Herbert40k (edited by Herbert40k 2014-06-08 18:56:30)

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Re: Superhero Stuff - The Adventures of the Auric Avenger (and Gaia)

Summerland, Fiore - April 25th, 2014

-Lucius and Alice are now walking along the beachfront, Bishop tailing behind them. The beach itself appears to be mostly deserted, with the exception of a few groups of Pokemon both civilised and wild.-

Lucius: So, this is it. Fiore. Our new base of operations for the immediate future. Whattya think?

Alice: ...The weather is far warmer than I was expecting. Almost uncomfortably so, in fact. I'm accustomed to the colder climates of Sinnoh, not a near-tropical environment such as this one.

Lucius: Maybe this wouldn't feel so stifling if you were wearing something seasonally appropriate? You're still wearing your old winter clothes.

Alice: So are you.

Lucius: Touche.

-He looks out over the ocean, idly picking up a pebble and making an attempt to skim it.-

Lucius: ...You know, I've been thinking. If we want to go the whole hog with this superhero thing and have secret identities and everything, we're going to need new Pokemon teams, aren't we?

Alice: Might I ask what you to that conclusion?

Lucius: For starters, we could be recognised by our Pokemon, couldn't we? If someone I know spots me whilst I'm in costume and sees me using Bishop, then they're going to come to one of two conclusions - either my costumed alter-ego is a Pokemon thief, or it's me under the mask.

Bishop: <Hmm... that is true. As eager as I am to participate in this endeavour, doing so could potentially give the ame away, as it were. And even if I cannot help you with field work, then I should still be able to act as your Alfred, correct?>

Lucius: Of course! Every superhero needs a loyal retainer, after all.

Alice: Are you sure we will be able to put together entirely new teams over the course of our preparations? It typically takes months, if not years, for even the best trainers to learn how to work effectively with new Pokemon.

Lucius: A lot of trainers put together new teams for taking on new regions - which is pretty much what we're doing, really. Besides, we've got plenty of time to become superheroes!

-Alice sweatdrops.-

Alice: Lucius, you really should not be making reference to that so loudly...

Lucius: Why not? Who's going to overhear us all the way out-

-He is suddenly interrupted by a metallic beak poking over his shoulder.-

Skarmory: <Hi there! I heard you two talking about superheroes! Did you say that you wanna be superheroes?>

Lucius: Uh... maybe. Depends on how much you hea-

Skarmory: <I loooooooove superheroes!>

-He flies around in circles a couple of times.-

Skarmory: <Ever since I hatched, I've always wanted to be a superhero, helping to defend justice and truth and all those other good things just like the ones my old trainer used to watch on the big picture box! And one day, I'm gonna find Valiant and become his brave sidekick, helping him to thwart the evil schemes of the Truck! But until then, you two are kinda like Valiant, right?>

Lucius: Erm... yeah, sure, let's go with that.

Skarmory: <Great!>

-Lucius gives Alice an aside glance.-

Lucius: ...Have you ever actually watched Valiant Knight Skarmory?

Alice: No. Have you?

Lucius: Why would I be asking you if I had?

Skarmory: <So, what do you say? Are you gonna let me be your sidekick?>

Lucius: Hmm... you know what, I think I am.

Alice: You are?

Lucius: Well, yeah. Thinking about it, a Skarmory's a pretty great Pokemon for a superhero to have. They're tough, durable, and flyers to boot, giving me a ride that can take a fair few hits.

Skarmory: <Er... yeah, that's right! I'm way tough!>

Alice: That's true. Not to mention that they're also capable of learning Flash and Sand Attack.

Lucius: ...Why would I ever want to teach him Flash or Sand Attack? They're useless.

Alice: It would be more accurate to say that they are normally useless. When building a combat style that revolves around misdirection, however, they could not be more valuable. Temporarily blinding our opponents provides us with a precious few moments of utterly indispensible combat advantage. If nothing else, it saves us the trouble of having to carry the weight of several flash grenades.

Lucius: That's... actually a really good point, now that I think about it. I'm glad I came up with the idea!

-As Alice sighs and rolls her eyes, Lucius turns back to the Skarmory.-

Lucius: It's settled, then. Welcome to the team.

Skarmory: <Awesome! Together, we'll defeat the evil truck and strike fear into the hearts of evildoers everywhere! Do I get an awesome superhero-style name now?>

Lucius: Um... sure. How does "Shrike" sound?

Skarmory Shrike: <...I guess it's cool, but I was hoping for something even cooler. Like, "the Silver Scythe!" or "the Valiant Defender of Justice!" or something.>

Lucius: Well, Shrike's a lot easier for me to say in the middle of a fight.

Shrike: <Okay then. From now on, we'll be the dynamic duo of Shrike and... hang on, what's your name? If you want to be a superhero, then you've got to have a name that leaves your enemies cowering in despair! So, what is it?>

Lucius: ...Um, I'm still working on that. You can call me Lucius for the time being, though.

-He pulls a Dusk Ball out of his bag.-

Lucius: So, you ready to join the team, or would you rather we had a battle first?

Shrike: <We're both allies of righteousness, we don't need to fight each other!>

Lucius: Good. That saves me a lot of time and effort, then... apparently I've got some sort of animal magnetism, considering how few of my Pokemon I've caught through conventional means.

-He tosses the Dusk Ball at Shrike, engulfing the Skarmory. It only wobbles slightly before clicking shut after a couple of moments. Lucius picks it up, sighing.-

Lucius: ...I wonder how long it'll take before he finds out I'm not quite as noble as he seems to think I am.

Bishop: <...Was I the only one who found it curious that he mentioned having an "old trainer" at some point in the past?>

Lucius: Yeah, that was kinda odd... he's definitely wild now, though, else I wouldn't have been able to catch him. Ah well, that's a mystery for another day. For now, we still need to find somewhere to set up shop...

-He starts heading back towards town, looking rather thoughtful.-