The Defenders Renewed (Group Thread Open To All)

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx

Lynx closed up the problem on her computer, then turned to John. "I think, Chief," she said with a hint of a smile, "That I'm tired of trying to solve unsolvable problems, at least for tonight. Let's head down to training."

POV Zuya Wagner

Walking into the operations area, the right corner of her lips tugged upward at seeing Gregory hard at work. "Excuse me, it's Gregory, isn't it?" she asked. "Zuya Wagner. I overheard the commander ask you to find Delen Kelly and Alejandra Fuentes? You may need my help on that. Their parents, well, I've met their parents a few times before. Professionally. Their father was a top counterintelligence operative in the Canadian-American alliance, and their mother was an expert for the coalition on all things occult. Word is the two had decided to retire and drop off the grid and, with their talents, they're going to be next to impossible to find. So maybe I can offer you my assistance in accomplishing the impossible."

POV Wind Hunter

It was no use. No matter how hard she tried, Alya couldn't shake the foreboding she felt over the...whatever it was that had happened to her. Meditation had fail, isolated training had failed.

Alya's musing were interrupted by the coughing sound of a tiger.

She spun around and smiled, seeing that Parkhala had joined her.

"I am very glad that you are her, my friend," she said with a small bow of her head. "And I hope that the Commander does not ask you to leave again. I need your strength now more than I have needed it in the past."

The tiger gave a bow of its head in return, then left the room Alya had been using and headed toward the training area. With a bright smile, Alya caught up and walked by the tiger's side.

 

[silvertongue217]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

SPECTRE POV

"Sure why not" David said rising up at her offer "some honey would be great as well"

He came over to her side watching her pour and then once the honey had been mixed taking the cup "Thank you Ava" He said to her clinking their cups together before going back to sit.

"So has their been any juicy rumors you care to share?" David asked taking a sip and making an mmmmmm of appreciation "Hell I may even have to buy this drink recipe from you?! I never understand how you make it taste so delicious" He told her with a wink.

 

[silvertongue217]

Defenders' Lunar Base

COMMANDER POV

"Excellent" John said smiling at her and oppening the door for her

"Shall we?"

The walk was short and pleasant with both of them chatting about a multitude of topics. They were joined by Orror who after having checked on her sister was eager to get down and see how the training was going.

"Seems your doing well Avery" John said coming in with the three ladies and smiling as he took in the battle going on.

"I think next we should show them what a super hero show down looks like" John said coming over to her and standing next to her "What do you say? Want to do some sparring like old times?" He asked winking at her.

....................

THUNDERESS POV

"I would also like to fight" Orror said her blood boiling at the skirmish going on "The lack of fight with Caliban has leftm e feeling peekish! I am eager to see what the defenders can do!"

..............................

SPIDER POV

Gregory looked up noting Zuya had came in and nodding at her words.

"I have never been one to turn down help" Gregory remarked happily "Welcome to the lab!"

He waved his hand around letting her take it all in. He and Darius were camped out at a work bench going over the data on a flat screen tv. All around were spiders some being assembled and some in various states of assembly. There was a suit of armor to the left that looked half unfinished and a spot clearly marked as Darius judging from all the Graffiti and decals.

"Your guys set up is sick!" Darius said having moved from the data currently being decrypted to the monitors "I can see it all from here"

"Most of them are set to monitor for super hero activity" Gregory said bringing Zuya over to a computer station she can use "I patched in your groups Algorithm to help but so far no-"

Before Gregory could finish the system lit up. News reports and viral videos began appearing and showing off what looked like a super her battle"

"Whoa" Gregory said coming over and watching. The quality on none of the videos were great but they were clear enough to show some thing powered in nature going on.

But thats not what Gregory was saying whoa to

"Look at her" Gregory murmured taking in the hot girl who had taken center stage in the fight. He licked his lips and turned noting Darius snicker.

"Dont say any thing" Gregory growled waving him off and activating the Commanders private COM "John we got a powered sighting how do you want to play it?"

"Why dont you go and roll out the welcome package" John stated his voice sounding busy "You did good today and im sure your itching to get out of the base for a while"

"More than itching" Gregory replied eyeing the woman again "Ill go ahead then commander right away"

 

[KimaniNight]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

POV Doctor Laveau

"For a price, David," Ava said over her teacup, smiling, "I'd be willing to hack into Interpol's database, or tell you where the dagger Carnwennan is hidden. But my secret to making tea is not for sale."

"Now, as to rumors, I've heard Supergirl is moving to the CW, and that Lynda Carter is supposed to play the US President. I've also heard Samurai Jack is making a comeback. But I think those aren't the sort of rumors you're interested in."

Ava took a sip of her tea before continuing.

"Bear in mind, David, that the sort of...individuals...I hear rumors from don't see the world the same as you and I, and we both have a foot in two different worlds. So I will tell you what I have heard, and we can discuss how we interpret what was said. The world is in chaos. This is not unusual, but your Commander and Jane have stirred up things to an extent that has not been seen in more than sixty years, at the beginning of the Cold War, when the East and West had their own set of super powered champions. The old gods are stirring. Some have selected champions, some have decided to seek new fortunes, and some are sowing madness. There are things in the darkness that are holding back even worse things, but that dike could fail. A brume could be rising that would mean the death of many, if not all."

"And that was the international news," Ava said with a dismissive shrug, sipping her tea. "But I have something that might be of particular interest to you. Have you ever heard of the Danjing Yaojue?"

 

[silvertongue217]

SPECTRE POV

"I do not think we have need for the dagger Ava" David said before shrugging "However who knows that this point.... I shall have the commander wire your usual price to the back channels for you"

"You can say that again" David remarked taking another sip "I can feel it through my connection with the spirit realm the word is trembling like never before not for millenniums at least the spirits are restless restless in a way I have never seen them be before whatever this business is with the syndicate it has the potential to change the entire world and I am not sure if it is for the better"

"I do not know or what that is no" David said setting his tea down and leaning in "however if you find it to be interesting to me I would like to hear it.... Why do I feel there is a story to be told about this?"

 

[KimaniNight]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

POV Doctor Laveau

"i said the location, David, not the dagger itself," Ava replied with a chuckle. "And those legendary items tend to be guarded by legendary beasts and whatnots that would be beyond even the grasp of your fabled Commander and his nemesis Jane. However," Ava looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I doubt you'd want to work with that particular thief. Anyway, the location itself would have to be negotiated. I'm not a look it up in the catalog, standard price plus shipping sort of girl. And I would never send a valued customer to certain doom. Which looking for that dagger would be."

"Now, as to the Danjing Yaojue. The Danjing Yaojue was a medical text compiled by Sun Simiao, a doctor and alchemist who lived in China approximately thirteen hundred years ago. Legend has it that this text contained literally thousands of formulas, treating everything from upset stomachs to.." Ava looked David in the eye "...your present condition."

"Unfortunately, after Sun Simiao's death, most of the copies of his works were discovered to be forgeries, which resulted in the deaths of more than a few Emperors consuming toxic elixirs which that they thought would extend their lives. Most of what we know of what was contained in the book is through histories and legends associated with it. However, legend holds that Charles Montagu, the First Duke of Manchester, somehow came into possession of a true copy of the tome in the early 17th century. Learning this, I had a friend of a friend access the current Duke of Manchester's library. Unfortunately, my friend found no copy of the book. He did learn, however, that Montagu family legend holds that the Danjing Yaojue, along with a few other interesting books, disappeared near the end of the 18th century, around the time the 4th Duke of Manchester's sister Emilia also vanished. I'm currently researching that angle, but so far, nothing."

Ava finished her cup of tea, then gave David a somber look. "I will continue searching for this book. I will also contact you if I need to avail myself of your team's resources in my search. And as soon as I have discovered something solid, I will let you know. Until then, mon ami, my strongest suggestion to you is to use your abilities sparingly."

"And also," Ava stood up and took a small bag containing a dozen blue candles off a nearby shelf. "Consider this a gift, mon ami. They give off a lavender smell to hide the more, shall we say, less agreeable ingredients. My own mixture. Burn one while you take your rest. I believe they will help delay the inevitable. But they are not a cure. And you know as well as I, the more you make use of your abilities, the closer the inevitable approaches." With that admonishment, Ava handed the bag of candles to David.

 

[silvertongue217]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

SPECTRE POV


"Like I said no one can really use the dagger or at least no one would want to that I know of" David said shrugging "But it might be good to have handy if you manage to discern the location I would gladly pay you for the trouble"

David took the candles muling over her words. An ancient medical text? A possible cure for his condition? They all sounded to good to be true if he was being honest. However he had in his short career as a super hero and his time as a defender seen far more than his fair share of miracles and secrets. If there was such a book in existence and it did hold a cure.

Well it was worth looking for

"Thank you for the candles" David said taking them and kissing her hand "and more importantly the information.... we defenders arent known for having tons of research and I doubt I will find any thing more than you did however if they disappeared around 18th century...."

He trailed off a sudden idea forming in his mind "Tell me Ava does the family have its own cemetery? If so perhaps one of their relatives might be willing to give me some information"

 

[KimaniNight]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

POV Doctor Laveau

Ava smiled, tapped a few keys into her laptop, then turned it to face David

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Consuelo_Yznaga.jpg/220px-Consuelo_Yznaga.jpg

"Elizabeth Montagu nee Dashwood, wife of the fourth Duke of Manchester," Ava announced. "Still resides at the family plot at Kimbolton Castle, located in Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire. Except it's a school now. The family sold off the castle about forty years ago. Tax burden too weighty and all that. But the family plot is still there, and my sources say Elizabeth is the restless sort, and hasn't passed on. I was going to have a chat with her myself, but you'll do just as good as job as I would."

"A word of caution, though," Ava advised. "There was no love lost between Elizabeth and Emilia. Emilia continued serving as her brother's hostess even after Elizabeth become the Duchess of Manchester. I doubt Elizabeth will know where the book is, but she's our best best of finding out where Emilia might be buried. Just be...cagey," Ava advised.

"And do me one more favor," Ava asked. "See those bars of soap carved like roses near the front of the shop? Go ahead and grab as many as you want. Bought them at discount from one of my suppliers, and I can't sell them to save my life, They don't actually do anything, but they smell nice." Ava shrugged. "Maybe you could use them as stocking stuffers?"

 

[silvertongue217]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

SEPCTRE POV

"Ha perfect" David said scanning the information and taking it all in "I find that most spirits cat wait to have some one to talk to and gossip with!"

He studied the information several times before glancing back at her "You know" he said lightly clearing his throat "If you want you can come with me..... I mean could be fun and I could also use some back up I dont necessarily want the others knowing about this not until I get some clear answers"

He wasnt even sure if the book would have a cure. If John and the others caught wind it would distract them give them optimism and what could potentially amount to false hope..... No he would go with her or without her and hope for the best either way.

"I find most unlike you and I dont like to deal directly with the occult" David said leaning against the wall and watching her "so what do you say?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Training Arena

The fight was nearing an end and the new recruits were putting up such a good show that Avery didn't want to lol away. At least, that was, until John, Lynx and Orror walled in. Avery tore her eyes away from the battle for a moment to look at John, smiling widely.

"These guys are all doing so well! If we keep the training up they should be ready in no time!" Avery said with a decisive nod. "I am glad that both teams returned safely. I'm looking forward to the debrief."

Avery watched as the spiders surged forward, now the first of their swarm was only a metre from the centre sand. Time to see what Improv had been cooking up.

"And yes... I think some sparring would be fun. Just like old times." Avery's voice was lower that time, and as her eyes flicked to John it was with a knowing sparkle.

Avery then flicked a few commands on the spider's contoller.

"Okay little guys, do your thing," she chuckled, watching as the remainder of the swarm dodged the last of Maya's attacks and scrambled forward.

 

[KimaniNight]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

POV Doctor Laveau

Ava almost said no out of habit, but then she caught herself, She'd been shop bound for almost half a year now, only going out to get her normal supplies and visit a few acquaintances and informants in the coffeehouses and vaults around the city. Business would be slow until near the beginning of October. And as for her "valued customers"...

Ava took a small crystal sphere out of her pocket, and peered into it, then went to check her appointment tablet on her computer. Both said she wasn't expecting a real customer for at least four days.

"I will do you this favor, David," Ava said with a smile, "And I will let you know what you can do for me in return in the future. Let me pack a few things and I will meet you tomorrow outside the cemetery gates an hour after sundown."

Ava paused, then said, "Actually, there is a favor you can do me now. The spirits and the other denizens that we talk to, time rarely means anything to them. But as of late, they all speak of the year 1952. But they won't attach anything else to the year. When I Google it..." Ava shrugged. "It was the year of the coronation of the current Queen of England, Dragnet premiered and Mickey Mantle hit his first grand slam. All significant events, I suppose, but not enough to get the other side worked up."

 

[silvertongue217]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

SPECTRE POV

David had expected to get a no back if he was being honest. He and the doctor were on good terms but she had always retained a very strict professionalism with him. Of course that was because he had expressed a more... Friendly want to know her in the past. It was after all hard to find a girl who was comfortable around the cult and the okay with the fact that he was at his core more than half ghost.

So he blinked in surprise when she said yes and made the arrangements. Even if it was nothing more than a friendly time together it would still be nice to venture into the occult with some one instead of alone as was his usual MO.

"I can talk to them if you would like" David said noting the year but failing to find any thing behind it at least off the top of his head "Is there a particular spirit who is talking about it? Or a particular group?"

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Lynx

Lynx couldn't help but smile at the look the Chief and Avery exchanged. It did make her think of her own life. Or lack thereof. But it wasn't like she had any opportunities. Every individual she could be romantically attracted to was on the planet almost four hundred thousand kilometers below her. Or more precisely, inside the planet almost four hundred thousand kilometers below her.

Still it was good to be among friends again. And once Avery got her training session done, it was going to be good just to spar, build up a good sweat, and not think about all the problems that were waiting for her to solve.

POV Zuya Wagner

Zuya couldn't help but smirk at Gregory's reaction at the sight of the attractive young African-American woman.

"Gregory, one word of advise. Just relax," she said with a smile. With that, she turned to the station's computers. They weren't going to be able to tell her where the parents of Delen Kelly and Alejandra Fuentes were, but they might help in determining where they weren't.

POV Wind Hunter

Alya entered the training arena, the tiger Parkhala by her side, her fingers resting lightly on its head.

 

[KimaniNight]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

POV Doctor Laveau

"If it was just one ghost," Ava began, "Or ghosts in a single vault, I could discover the source of their obsession on my own, mon ami. But it's spirits from every era, every background. And not just the ghosts. In the city, the lao, the household gods, they've all spoken of the year. And my friends overseas...everything from the folk under the hill to those who dwell on the peaks." Ava shook her head. "Something has been stirring things up. And the year 1952 figures significantly into it. Though I couldn't tell you how."

 

[silvertongue217]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

SPECTRE POV

"Well then" David said glancing at her "shall we go see whats going on then?"

He turned moving over to the door. New Orleans had plenty of cemeteries to go to but he had always preferred the more underground vault style ones. He knew of one close to her shop that they could go to in a matter of moments.

"Are you coming Ava?" He asked glacning at her and raising an eye "I could use a guide no one knows the cemeteries better than you Mon Ami"

 

[KimaniNight]

The Doctor's Shop of Oddities and Curiosities, New Orleans

POV Doctor Laveau

"Trust me to know the gentlefolk in my own city, David," Ava told him with a chuckle. She waved a hand, and the door to the shop open. "I have all the answers I can get here. What I need from you is perhaps a more scientific perspective that your colleagues from the Defenders can provide."

"I will see you tomorrow, David," Ava said. "And don't forget to take some of those carved soap bars on your way out."

 

[Obuzeti]

The open text of Maspero's "The Struggle of Nations" balanced in one hand, Emilia was muttering to herself, certain that she had brought the copy of Akurgal's "Ancient Civilisations and Ruins of Turkey" down from its proper place.

Emilia's grand library was an eclectic place, with shelves built and carved far underground. It was a collection of imposingly tall shelves and quaint little nooks, like the one she was standing in now, that she used for when a topic became interesting to her.

Just then a nearby clock chimed, and she saw it was a quarter to four. It will have to wait until tomorrow, she thought happily to herself. A guest for tea in fifteen!

Looking down at herself, she tsked. Practically falling out, she thought humorously. Mother would be shocked at how lax I've become. Well, it wasn't hard to understand. Few guest around except the lads, and none of them willing to look at her from the corner of their eyes, for fear of her saying boo, she mused.

Buttoning up her blouse to the collar, Emilia put on a dark gray jacket that matched her skirt and checked her image in a nearby image. A proper modern English lady, she decided. She stepped into a side room where the tea service was already set up, along with a plate of cream colored biscuits.

Emilia had to suppress a smile at the thought of her lads' disapproval of her visitor. They mainly disapprove of him because he doesn't have to go by them, she silently chuckled. But she, for one, always looked forward to their tea together, and the wide ranging conversations they always had. As she looked at the spot where he always stepped out, she considered herself very fortunate to have made such a dear friend as him.

~*~

The wall slides - not physically, but in distance, like a mirage playing with the light. Something black steps into the opened space between realtimes, and courteously turns away, revealing as it did a mild young man with brown hair and pitch-black eyes, who shakes his wrist once then smiled at Emilia with geniune warmth.

"Dear lady," he says, and bows fully at the waist; she alone he accords this to, of all things and wonders he has met. "I come all aflutter."

Temperance is how he has asked her to call him. It is as close as this realm can come to his real name - for "Caliban" is a title a well-meaning but incompetent group of youngsters have chosen to call him, and the true thing is a memory encapsulated of his own travel through the barrier of the Wellspring, a moment of self-definition. He can share this with her, unlike the others, but a true name, a true knowing, is a thing private and weightily done.

Temperance takes in the lines of Emilia's form for a moment - not just the geometry, but the gravitas of her presence - and exhales, a subsonic bass fluttering the air. "Would that the kine learn from you. How do you fare, Emilia?"

~*~

"Temperance, please, be seated," Emilia said, her cheeks turning a bright red. "You have such a way of getting me all aflutter. Gallantry reborn from ages long past," she said with a broad smile. "But please, be seated. You are my guest, and I will see you served properly," she instructed with an air of mock forcefulness. Moving to the tea service, she asked, "As usual, or do you plan to..." she paused, a thoughtful look on her face. "is the phrase 'trip me up' still in usage? Whatever it is, let me be your humble servant here, and then you can regale me with tales of your wanderings in the wide world above, and I will try not to bore you too terribly with the one or two events that might have occurred since I last had the pleasure of your company."

~*~

"It doesn't need to be reborn if one has a care for their own presentation aforehand," Temperance says, one hand making a slight, imperious gesture. "One merely - retains class, indefinitely. A phenomenon you are stunning evidence of, my dear."

That slight, private smile flickers across his face, and he seats himself across from Emilia now that the invitation has been offered. He ascertains the contents of the tea with a touch - one sugar, acacia honey, cinnamon. He directs a pleased nod to his companion and sips, the heat bracing.

"You need not be humble, nor serve," he notes, gentle but firm, and toasts her with his cup. "But accompany me, and I shall find satisfaction forthwith."

He's definitely teasing her, teeth pale and sharp behind his smile, but such is his way. Playful, ever jousting.

~*~

Still blushing at both his compliments, Emilia gingerly pushed the plate of tea biscuits toward Temperance. "A recipe I stumbled across, that I hope will meet with your approval. Just a hint of nutmeg to them does the trick. And I do expect you to be honest if you don't fancy them," she said with an air of sternness that the smile on her face put to the lie to.

A somber look then crossed Emilia's face as she took a deep breath. "I know it's not our custom, and I hope you do not consider it too unladylike for me to offer, but I know you have that business in a few days, and well..." Emilia paused, before looking her friend straight in the eyes. "Temperance, I realize your modesty will not allow you to admit it, but you are very important in the order of things. You are my dear friend, of course. But you keep things in check and...and...and, if you would allow me to accompany you, I believe I might provide some small assistance to you in that business," she added hurriedly.

~*~

Temperance samples one of the biscuits before answering. It is pleasingly balanced, and he offers her an approving eyebrow as he finishes it, once again before answering.

When the polite pause has run its length, he folds his hands on the table and regards her with a steady look. "If you had but asked, lady, I would accompany you anywhere outside," Temperance says, slow. "This acknowledged, I am, by a significant margin, the most congenial of my kind. Discipline is a personal choice they have not made, and I cannot, personally, guarantee your safety should you accompany me."

The caution of his words belies the gentleness with which he extends a hand, leaving it palm up on the table just before hers. "You are no fainting lily, and competent in your own right. If you would so freely choose to aid me in this endeavor, I would accept."

His smile turns wry. "Not gratefully, I admit. I will worry for you. But it seems fair that our anxiety, at least, be equally shared, rather than piled too much upon your shoulders, Emilia."

Emilia happily places her hand into Temperance's. "We both know who and what I am, my friend," she says with a wan smile. "It is why my lads go to so much trouble, not so much to keep the world from me as it is to keep me from the world. Besides," she says with a conspiratorial grin, "It may be wicked of me to say so, but I believe I shall enjoy giving my lads the slip to have a look about. But enough of that. We shall lay about at your unruly brethren and that will be that. But now I must confess my latest sin to you.

"That Jane person---" There was a distinct air of distaste in the way she said Jane "---actually sent one of her men to one of the annexes above," she said with an airy wave of her hand. "He presented no card, and behaved as a common ruffian. My lads would have eventually taken care of the situation, but sometimes the lady of the manor must attend to these matters herself. Once I dispensed of his armor---he wore one of those weaponnized electromagnetic suits that seems all the rage---I gave him a stern talking to, then sent him on his way."

"I was very tempted to write this Jane person a sternly worded letter, Temperance, and send it back with her man, but in the end I decided to bide by my mother's rule of never setting pen to paper in temper or haste. Still, I find myself quite put out that this Jane person should think I would become involved in political affairs. Besides the obvious reason, of course, a lady of my station simply does not do such things," she said with a huff.

~*~

Temperance's hand folds about her own, and his thumb strokes over her knuckles softly as she tells her story.

"Jane is - problematic," he admits, collecting his thoughts. "She represents a not insignificant gathering of resources, and wields them with something not quite the level of wit represented by a toddler. Her benefactor, who I have not yet made aware of, seems to prefer this for whatever purpose. It is honestly befuddling."

The tip of his mouth curls downward. "It also displeases me that she would so trouble you. I have made my positions on their contacting you clear, and this plainly contradicts them. I will have to impress them upon Jane again."

Temperance raises an eyebrow at Emilia. "You do need more interaction, my dear, but not of the legally incompetent kind. That way leads only to exasperation and unsightly affairs."

~*~

"Oh, please, Temperance, I trust in your chivalry, indeed, I feel I am imposed on it once too many times. My only worry about the forces being brought into play, is that neither I nor the world above would want me to be one of those forces." A quiet sadness settled on Emilia's features, before she shook her head, as if shaking off sleep. With a bright smile on her face, she stood up, holding Temperance's hand. "But come, I have another bit of wickedness to share with you. I have another egg in my collection. One of lads liberated from a cartel leader of some substance or another. Oh, it opens to such a delightful scene, Temperance. You simply must see it," she said, pulling her friend along.

~*~

"Indeed," Temperance says softly, but follows without resistance, allowing the conversation to drift away for now. He is patient as she is, and the time will come when he can press his point - but not now.

 

[Zagreus_D]

Training Arena

Romeo/Kid Crux POV

Romeo managed to get clear of the car and make it into the doorway of the nearest building just moment before the swarm overtook his position. From the doorway he managed to pick off a few more. He and Maya had done quite a bit to thin the swarm, but the number remaining was still overwhelming.

----------

Improv/Imogen POV

Her first thought was "Holy shit! I went and pissed them off." Then she realized that of course Avery had control of them. Improv retreated stepping over, under and through the invisible barrier of steal wire she had woven at the far end of the street. She could hear the vibrational hum as the first of the spiders hit the barrier, and turned to look back, still crouched low amidst the edge of the creation.

The spiders were tall enough that the low horizontal patterning seemed to do little to slow them down, but as they got the higher level, vertical lines the stalled, unable to proceed. Those that hit the web fast enough, seemed to ricochet backwards, others just appeared to stop. They massed along the barrier spreading out, still attempting to move forward even when they failed to make progress. A second wave began to climb over the first, and managed to clear the vertical barrier. "Shit," Improv whispered. She didn't really have the means to extend her barrier any higher than she could reach. The first few tumbled over clumsily, but the ones that came after managed to climb down keeping upright. Improv rolled the rest of the way clear of her creation. There was still one more vertical barrier before they were clear to attack the circle, but at this rate they looked like they were bound to breach her defenses.

Improv conjured a quarterstaff, and prepared to fight the spiders that made it past, in close combat.

Romeo/Kid Crux POV

He couldn't tell for sure what was happening from this angle, but the spider's forward progress seemed to be halted at least. He continued shooting, picking off as many as he could from the rear.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Training Arena

Even though the spiders managed to scutter over whatever invisible barrier Improv had created, the team had done well. Avery was grinning from ear to ear. She powered down the spiders with a swipe of her finger and walked towards the urban sector.

"Well done!" She called out, eyes raking over the three heroes. She took in the spiders that she had deactivated, as well as the impressive number of spiders with blinking red lights that they had defeated. "Not every scenario is about beating the enemy. You aren't going to be able to destroy every foe you come across. Sometimes it is all you can do to hold them at bay while you wait for reinforcements, or distract them until you can escape. You all did well."

Avery pressed her finger to her earpiece.

"Attention: Defenders to report to Arena for group training session." Avery's voice echoed through the arena, as well as through all of the halls and rooms is of the base. "Except for you Gregory. Take whoever you need with you. Be safe."

"Okay guys, why not take ten, grab a drink and chill, and we'll resume training when the others arrive?" Avery announced to the new recruits.

Avery then walked over to Black Ant. It was odd seeing a feminised version of her old friend's costume on this young woman. It was nice, knowing that his legacy had lived on, but it was also emotionally stirring.

"Black Ant, shall we talk?" Avery asked, gesturing over to the forest that the woman had just repaired.

 

[KimaniNight]

Defenders' Lunar Base

POV Zuya Wagner

Zuya looked up at Avery's notice, then back down at her search.

"Don't know if that announcement means 'honorary' members," Zuya chuckled, "But I probably should at least poke my head in." Zuya typed a quick email to Jasmijn De Vries at InterPol, explaining her search, then headed to the training area.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Greenhouse

Cloe couldn't stop moving. If she did she would start thinking, and if she started thinking then should would start feeling. At first, when she had scrambled into the trees, poor Caro had come fluttering over. He chirped and buzzed about her as she moved, clearly concerned. After a few minutes Cloe felt bad and told him she was fine, that he should play elsewhere, and he flew off with an indignant chirp.

By the time Avery's call came across the PA, Cloe had worked up a sweat. Her limbs were starting to strain and her breathing was laboured. She had felt the sweet rush of endorphins and focused on that instead of the mess she had made with Peter. Cloe knew that she would have to attend the training though, and so she slowed her movements, allowing her body to slide down the trunk of a tree. She gave the canopy of her home one last, longing glance, before growing her flora into her bark armour again and making her way from the greenhouse.

As Cloe's breathing returned to normal, and her body started to warm down, she found her mind was free to return to her time spent with Peter. She tried to tell herself that it wasn't as bad as she thought, that he hadn't outright said no. She told herself that the poor man had just been released from five years as a prisoner, that he had a right to be shocked by her advance. But despite all of her attempts at positive self-talk, she couldn't help but feel as if she had screwed it up, just like she always feared she would.

When Cloe walked into the training arena she made a bee-line for the center sand; their old meeting point for training. She got there to see that there were already a number of heroes there, mostly new recruits, so she made her way over to where John, Lynx and a few others were standing.

"I take it Caliban didn't cause a fuss?" Cloe asked John, looking at him and making a concerted effort not to glance around to see if Peter was there.

 

[Armphid]

Defender's Lunar Base, Training Room

Makoto stiffened when Avery approached her and gestured to the forest. This was her idea of privacy? She almost said no...but it was only fair to allow Avery to choose the setting. Considering what she was about to say...it would also give her room to flee if she had to.

But Avery wouldn't do that. Of course, she hadn't thought Hiro would either...

She licked her lips and nodded, "Nn, I mean, yes, Avery." She had to get back into the habit of speaking just English, not peppering in Japanese. It was hard to keep the languages separate when she got nervous, difficult not to slip back into her native tongue.

Kuroari walked away, wanting to pick an area as far away from the rest of the assembling group as possible. "There are many things I would actually want to talk to you about," she started as they were walking. More to have something to say to fill the time and to work up her courage. "Most importantly among them the matter I brought up at the briefing that was...discarded by the Commander." John and his blindspot for that woman. She glanced back and hoped they were far enough out of earshot that he wouldn't hear her. "He thinks he is the solution to Jane but he has never defeated her, he always lets her...she always escapes. He does not think clearly when it comes to her. We must find a solution for her together."

The two women moved to the rough center of the forested area. Makoto sighed and stopped, hugging her arms around herself under her breasts. She let a ripple of nanites go and a wall started to build up between the two of them to block them from sight and more importantly, provide a block to the sound of their conversation. "I am sorry I did not ask about the wall. I...I don't want anyone else to hear. No one must hear, must know. I...I don't even want to tell you, Avery. I'm so afraid..."

She shook her head and turned to face her old friend. She was so beautiful and so noble; it made her feel so guilty for lying this long and being so much a coward. "Please let me speak in full. If I stop...I do not think I will be brave enough to keep going."

Makoto lifted her hands and pulled off the control crown and let it drop to the floor. She wanted to be able to look Avery in the eyes without it. "I have been lying to you. To everyone. Only John knows what I am about to tell you. Well, there is one other but he will tell no one." Her arms gripped tighter around her body. How...how could she even start this? "I am not the protege of your teammate, your friend. I...I am Kuroari, the Black Ant. There has been, is, only one. Just me. Makoto; once Umizu Makoto and now Tansui Makoto."

She went on, the words almost tumbling over each other, "When we had that adventure with that damn magic sword, The Veritas Razor, the one that forced you to see the truth about yourself when you held it...it...it showed me, made me see the reason why I never felt comfortable in my own skin. Why I was never right. I was born a man but I am a woman in mind and in spirit. I...I didn't know what to do, what to think after that. You might have noticed I grew withdrawn, pulled away...I was afraid to face it." Her eyes darkened and she shivered. "Then it all came tumbling down. We were betrayed and the fight...Jane found me. Sh-she...broke me." If she thought about it, she could still feel her bones breaking in on themselves, smell her own blood in her nose, hear Jane's scoffing dismissal and her calling out for John...

Makoto shook her head, trying to banish the memories. "I was dying. Somehow, the nanites overrode their programming. They set about repairing me...but they were, are, linked to my mind now. And dying, I had no filter, no confusion, I knew the way I was supposed to be, and so...." She spread her arms to indicate her body, "So that is how they rebuilt me."

"It was days before they finished. I had already been tagged, bagged, and was being transported for my funeral." Makoto's eyes were distant. "When I came to, I was so startled, so confused, still afraid and hurting, so...I ran. And after...I didn't reach out, I didn't talk to anyone who was left. I was...I am so afraid. Afraid you will hate me. Reject me." Her voice fell to a near whisper, "Hurt me."

Her eyes stung from the tears blossoming in them. Damn it! She didn't want to cry now! Why couldn't she be strong at all? She was speaking faster now, the words almost slurring together, not quite hysterical but close. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hid, that I lied. That I will keep lying. But I can't face that, I just can't. I, I told a man, a man who was my boyfriend two years ago, and he, he attacked me when I told him. Called me a freak, he hit me, broke a wine bottle over my head, if not for the nanites, I'd be dead again."

The tears were sliding down her cheeks now. "I'm sorry, so, so sorry. I understand if you are angry. Or disgusted. I know that many would think I am...a freak. An abomination. As monstrous as Jane or Caliban or anything else. The world hates transgender people like me."

Makoto shook her again, more forcefully, "And if you do....that is your right, and I will accept it. I will even leave if you can't stand to have me here. But...John forced me to tell him and he said he would tell you. He clearly hasn't. S-so I wanted to try and be brave enough to do it myself."

She sniffed, "Onegai, please, whatever you say or do now...don't tell anyone. It's better this way. And...and I couldn't stand them hating me too." The Japanese woman swallowed and took a deep breath, "I...I'm done."

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter walked from the greenhouse, shaking his head to himself as he walked. Inside his head, he was kicking himself for not handling what transpired between he and Cloe moments ago. Looking back on their history, he should have known how she felt. Should have known when she was the only one of the main Defenders roster to hang out with him when he was a mundane pilot. Still, what happened did happen and now he had to make sure that he hadn't ruined things between the two of them. As Peter walked, he was slowly realizing that he wasn't sure how to do that.

His mental wrestling match was interrupted when Avery's clarion voice spoke through the speakers in the hall around him. Peter was still thinking like his old self; he was content to walk the halls toward the training area rather than fly there. It was probably safer to do it that way, he told himself. He still didn't have the greatest control given the mechanics of how he was able to fly in the first place. Sharp direction changes weren't easy when a ball of heated air was all that was keeping you aloft.

Cloe must have taken another route as he didn't see her in the halls as he neared the training area. It was probably for the best as he walked into the room. Most of the new people were there, but he didn't see Avery right away as he looked around which gave him pause for thought. 'She might be taking a minute between sessions,' he thought to himself as he walked up onto the platform.

The New Defenders were quite the mixed bag of individuals. His comrade in captivity seemed to have made it through the first round of exercise without a scratch. From what he had seen, her speed an agility probably saw her through. His eyes lingered on the wolf-man standing as naturally as anyone else there. Peter told himself that he had to be used to animal hybrids by now after working with Lynx for such a long time. Speaking of her, he saw the scientist of the old Defenders waiting like everyone else.

"Lynx!" he called out to her, hustling over quickly. "Wow, that was more than a little heart-stopping when you up and disappeared on us down there. Are you good? Everything where it's supposed to be?" He asked, giving her a visual pat-down as he stood before her. "Could you share how that even happened? Do you even know how it happened?" he asked, his questions tumbling out a little faster than normal. His excitement was also palpable in the slowly rising temperature around him. It was clear that his sub-conscious was more tied to his powers than most others. It was yet to be seen if that was going to be a problem.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Defender's Base, Training Arena

Avery

Avery joined into step with Kuroari as they made their way into the forest. The poor woman stumbled over her words, and Avery gave her a reassuring smile. She certainly was a nervous one, this Kuroari.

Kuroari's mentioned that there were a few things that she would like to discuss, but as she brought up Jane and John, Avery felt her shoulderblades tense and the bicep muscles of her wings flex as she bristled at the words. She bit her tongue though, trying to take the woman's point as it was intended. The more Kuroari said, the more Avery realised that her indignation was twofold. It existed in part because she didn't like hearing such criticisms of John's actions, but also because the woman had a point. Avery would be lying if she said that those exact thoughts hadn't clawed their way into her own mind before. It was true; for someone who should be able to defeat Jane, John's battles with her had destroyed almost everything around them except her. And Kuroari's mentor had been one of the causalties.

So Avery took a deep breath, nodding along as she listened to Kuroari's concerns. It wouldn't hurt to make a concerted effort to continue research on something that could bring down Jane. Avery was just about to reassure Kuroari that she would do her best to act upon those concerns, but then she had something else to tell her. Avery nodded as they stopped, keeping her lips sealed just as the woman had asked.

When the wall started to build around them Avery's entire body tensed, her eyes widened. First the speech about John and now-

But then she was speaking again. The anticipation and pain in her voice was so real, so fresh that Avery made an effort to relax. This was her old friend's protege. She had enough trust in his memory to know that he would never pick someone who would wish any Defender ill.

Except... She wasn't Kuroari's protege.

She was Kuroari.

Tansui Makoto, previously Umizu Makoto.

Avery stood, stunned, blinking as Tansui spoke. The woman needn't have requested her silence earlier. Listening to her story and trying to process it was more than enough to keep any coherent thoughts from forming, let alone words. The pain in the woman's voice was evident, fear dripping from every syllable she spoke. It clenched at Avery's heart with a taloned fist, making her eyes prickle with sympathy. She felt rage swirling deep within, mixing with the confusion and the concern.

"I...I'm done."

Avery took a few moments, trying to gather her thoughts before speaking. She reached out, gently placing her hands on the woman's shoulders. She looked deep into Tansui's eyes, her own widening when she saw something familiar there, hiding behind the terror and apprehension. She didn't know why she hadn't noticed it before.

"I... I don't hate you," Avery said, the cogs in her brain finally clunking into place. "God, Umi- Tansui-"

Avery pulled the woman into a bone crushing hug, tears trickling from her eyes. She couldn't believe it- Makoto was alive! She then pulled away, eyes raking over her friend's new form.

"It's you Makoto- it's still you! I- I can't believe you're alive!" Avery gushed.


Cloe

Cloe stiffened when she heard Peter's voice behind her.Then, hearing his words, she realised just how caught up in her own mind she had been. She felt terrible for not checking on Lynx, but now Peter was there talking to her... well, she wanted to give him some space. And herself. The white blooms were out in full force now, a testament to her shame, and she cursed herself for her lack of control. Even from this distance they she could feel the slight increase of warmth radiating from him, the dastardly leaves of her suit instinctively curling towards it. The thought of looking at Peter now and having him see through her terrible 'poker face' was unbearable. So Cloe stubbornly remained facing John, despite her curiosity at what Lynx had to say.

 

[Armphid]

Defenders Lunar Base - Training Area - Forest section

Makoto almost flinched when Avery reached out and laid her hands on the shorter woman's shoulders. Part of her wanted to look away from the winged wonder's intense, scrutinizing gaze. Those eyes bored into her own teary violet ones, looking deep. Looking for what? Perhaps for some flicker she recognized or simply to test if she was being honest.

Then she was pulled into her friend's arms in an embrace that nearly stole her breath away. She didn't hate her. She didn't! Makoto felt her heart lurch and swell in her chest and her arms moved to return the hug fiercely.

Damn it, she was crying again! Tears streaming freely down her cheeks like she was in a shoujou manga and senpai had noticed her.

She was beaming despite her tears, her cheeks a bit flushed, "Yes, I'm alive. Alive and whole, in a way I never was before. I...I know it will be strange to see me this way, and I'm sorry for that. But I truly feel like myself now."

Makoto sniffed, reaching to dap her face with a handkerchief the nanites assembled from the dust in the air. "I kept my name because Makoto is a boys and girls name, but...my family is so conservative, and so is my country, so it's better they think their son dead." It hurt to think that but she knew it was true.

"Thank you. For...for just being happy I'm alive. It means so much, I can't put it into words, so much that you...accept me. This me, the real me." The Japanese woman inclined her head, "I thought about reaching out to you before, while you were doing your political work. But I was too afraid. Please, forgive my cowardice. I should have trusted you more. Your heart has always been so open and strong."