[From Angel’s Log]
09-19-2005 01:19:25
Pains Pleasure has joined the team of Malichi, KungFuBabe, and Rush.
Malichi Samson: Hello Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Hi Mal. Rush.
Rush 2.0: Please, Sarah, have a seat. Lin and I were talking.
Pains Pleasure: Hello Kungfu Babe, I'm Sarah.
KungFuBabe: Greetings Sarah, I am Lin.
Pains Pleasure: Nice to meet you finally.
KungFuBabe: The honor is mine.
Malichi Samson: Yeah she was the last "babe" I've had the chance to meet myself. The others -- I believe I've met them all, finally.
Rush 2.0: Anyway, Lin... I've been there a couple of times and every time I want to stay, but they always tell me that I cannot. I think it might have something to do with a future version of myself.
Malichi Samson: Where?
Rush 2.0: A far off future, Mal.
KungFuBabe: Please, I do not wish to hear of the future.
Rush 2.0: Sarah, why are you sitting so far from us?
Pains Pleasure: I have a cold.
Rush 2.0: Ah.
Malichi Samson: Yeah, wouldn't need to be around me.... I might make it worse.
Malichi Samson grins at Sarah as he lays a ice patch.
Pains Pleasure: I wouldn’t want anyone to get sick.
[KungFuBabe’s story]
KungFuBabe: Yes, Malichi, I have been away for some time. I decided to go back to Asia for some time off. I recently came back to assume my roles as a hero in the city.
Malichi Samson: Well, welcome back, Lin.
KungFuBabe: Thank you. It was interesting to hear from Lauren to find out that she had us move to a new SuperGroup.
Pains Pleasure: It’s a good group, Lin.
Rush 2.0: What did you think of the move, Lin?
KungFuBabe: I thought of it as interesting for her to make such a decision like that after so long of all of us being in Metahumans Local 181.
Malichi Samson: Mind if I ask what the connection is between you all? I know the connection between MB and Pyro.
KungFuBabe: Well, I can't speak for the others but I am connected to the "Babes" by seeing PyroBabe in action and I thought that if she could have a name like that, I figured I could do the same.
Malichi Samson: Ah, ok then. So it's just a code name for you?
KungFuBabe: When I took the name at the time, I thought it was cool and I could go out like her and do the same things back then.
Pains Pleasure: And now Lin?
KungFuBabe: Now, it's very different. It's not a game anymore to me.
Rush 2.0: It never is a game, Lin.
Malichi Samson: What changed Lin?
KungFuBabe: I had to face my uncle in a fight. Turns out he killed my parents out of spite -- and he was a major member of the Tsoo organization.
Pains Pleasure: I hope you kicked his ass.
Malichi Samson: Oh..... I'm very sorry, Lin.
KungFuBabe: It's okay.....I still have a hard time dealing with it, but I manage to get by day by day.
Pains Pleasure: You can't pick your family, only your friends.
KungFuBabe: And yes, I did kick his ass.......Barely.
Pains Pleasure: Good for you!
Malichi Samson: Well at least I'm not the "newbie" any longer.
Malichi Samson grins. KungFuBabe smiles.
Rush 2.0: <teasing> Nah, kid. You're still the newbie.
Rush 2.0 grins.
Malichi Samson: Not really; look at the roster. There are new recruits.
Malichi Samson sticks his tongue out at Rush.
Pains Pleasure: I heard we have a new girl named Jewel Mystic.
Rush 2.0 smirks.
Rush 2.0: Yeah and Rev sent me a message. That new guy, Sinjin, and Malicious are going to have their asses in a sling when I'm done with them.
Malichi Samson: What for?
Rush 2.0: Catnip.
Malichi Samson looks confused.
Malichi Samson: <realization dawns> OH! Prowl.
Rush 2.0 nods.
Malichi Samson: Well, Sinjin wouldn't know about it; he wasn't a member when you sent out the memos. Nor was MB.
Rush 2.0: Actually, I keep the memo pasted on the bulletin board.
Malichi Samson shrugs.
Rush 2.0: Trust me, y'all would rather have me chew you out about it than have Ban get on you.
Rush 2.0 grins.
Malichi Samson: Honestly, I wouldn't like Ban's "chewing." I’ve already seen how he likes to test powers.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Rush 2.0 pokes Sarah. Pains Pleasure pulls out a little brown bag and hands it to Rush.
Rush 2.0: Ooo! Jerky?
Pains Pleasure: <whispers> Carolly made them.
Rush 2.0: She made cookies and didn't let me know?
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Pains Pleasure: I beat you to them.
Malichi Samson: Not like you couldn't just go back and get ‘em fresh.
Rush 2.0: Wait. Which one made them, Sarah? The younger Carolly or mine?
Pains Pleasure: The younger. She knows I like the cinnamon raisin oatmeal.
Rush 2.0: Contrary to popular belief, Mal, I don't frivolously make time jumps.
Malichi Samson: Yeah, but you could.
Rush 2.0 pulls out a cookie and begins munching. Rush 2.0 holds the bag out to Lin and Mal.
Rush 2.0: Want some?
Malichi Samson takes a cookie from the bag and munches hungrily from working so hard earlier. Rush 2.0 smiles at Sarah. KungFuBabe shakes her head of the offer for a cookie.
Rush 2.0: We're not family?
[Ferros Oken]
A stranger arrives on the rooftop. Malichi Samson looks at the new comer as he munches.
Ferros Oken: Wow, no matter where you go, there you are.
Pains Pleasure: And you were just leaving, so you will be there instead?
Ferros Oken frowns. Malichi Samson laughs.
Ferros Oken: Not entirely sure, I thought I'd enjoy the pleasant company.
Pains Pleasure: If you find some, let us know.
Malichi Samson: Don't be mean, Sarah. Name’s Malichi. And you are?
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Ferros Oken: Ferros Oken.
Rush 2.0: We were just talking.
Ferros Oken: I was actually looking for rampant mechanical creations.
Pains Pleasure: I hear Boomtown has some.
Malichi Samson: Try over around the hospital and magic store.
KungFuBabe: They are located on the roofs near the hospital usually.
Ferros Oken: Oh, I found some a few buildings over, so thought they might like high places too.
Malichi Samson: Nope.
Ferros Oken: Guess the atmosphere is too rarified for them up here. Seems suited to deep conversation though.
Malichi Samson: That it is. When you can get here that is.
Pains Pleasure: I don't think they like the splat.
Malichi Samson laughs at Sarah's comment.
Malichi Samson: I don't I know that much, that's why I keep my belt fully charged.
Ferros Oken: Science for the win! <pauses for a moment> Hmm...I'll have to tell my study group about places like this. It might help them through mid-terms.
Malichi Samson: Maybe. Never thought much about it myself. But then I've never had mid-terms.... though should be getting them soon I'm betting since I'm back in school.
Ferros Oken nods.
KungFuBabe: It's very calm and soothing for troubled spirits here to be in this kind of place.
Ferros Oken: Speaking of calm and soothing, bed sounds calm and soothing.
Ferros Oken wipes the sweat off his brow.
Rush 2.0 keeps munching on the cookies. Malichi Samson finishes off his cookie as his stomach grumbles. He looks at Rush with a grin. Rush 2.0 holds the bag out to Mal.
Rush 2.0: Hey, Lin... you sure you don't want one? Both of my wife are excellent cooks.
KungFuBabe: I am fine. I am not very hungry at the moment.
Ferros Oken: Was nice meeting you all, and yes, all of you.
Malichi Samson waves to Farros, grabs a few more cookies and begins munching.
Ferros Oken: I hope I didn't disturb you too much.
Rush 2.0: Nah, Ferros.
KungFuBabe: Take care, Ferros.
Rush 2.0: Be safe.
Ferros Oken thinks to himself...."there is no spoon....."
Malichi Samson: <mumbles with his mouth full> Bye.
Malichi Samson: Int’resting kid.
KungFuBabe executes an ‘instant change’ maneuver, transforming out of her action uniform. Rush 2.0 whistles at Lin.
Rush 2.0: Nice outfit, darlin. Gotta talk Carolly into wearing something like that.
Malichi Samson: Good luck, Rush.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Pains Pleasure: Good luck.
Rush 2.0: Easy, you two!
KungFuBabe: I finally noticed that everyone is not is Hero mode ... so to say.
Rush 2.0: Y'all would be surprised at some things she's worn for me.
Malichi Samson sticks his tongue out at Rush, then munches some more. Rush 2.0 sticks his tongue out in return.
Pains Pleasure: Tooo muuusshhh innnfffoooo lalalalalalalal.
Malichi and Rush join in a hearty laugh.
Malichi Samson: Not enough if you ask me Sarah, but then I'm a 16 year old teenage boy!
Rush 2.0: Lin?
KungFuBabe: Yes?
Rush 2.0: You ever tried any of Joe's monkey jerky?
KungFuBabe: I haven't really met Joe.
Pains Pleasure: The cookies are better.
KungFuBabe: Though I've been in the SG for some time, this is really the first time I've been around to meet most of you.
Rush 2.0: Here, I've got a bag. Lots of protein and lots of carbs. Great snack after a fight.
Rush 2.0 pulls out a brown bag and tosses it to Lin. KungFuBabe accepts bag from Rush.
KungFuBabe: Thank you.
Pains Pleasure: I don't get out much lately.
Malichi Samson: Since Ban sent me back to school I'm not out as much either.
Rush 2.0: If he hadn't done it, Mal, I would have.
Malichi Samson shrugs.
Malichi Samson: Well, whoever would have done it doesn't matter. As long as I've seen they have my interest in mind, it doesn't bother me.
Pains Pleasure: Shock kept me at the house for quite a while and now ... well, I don’t guess I have a reason to leave. I had to go to internet classes.
Rush 2.0: Really, Sarah? Is that why Chris went out on a date last night with another girl?
Malichi Samson: Who's Chris?
Rush 2.0: Patriot.
Sarah reacts to the revelation, her startled eyes going to Rush’s. She had protected Chris secret for many months now. Then she remembers that Chris had finally unmasked and that the whole world now knew he was the new Patriot. Sarah told herself she’d have to watch those old habits of secrecy. Malichi Samson looks confused as he munchies his last cookie.
Malichi Samson: Sometime you "adults" are more confusing then the hardest books I've picked up.
Pains Pleasure: Tell me about it.
Rush 2.0: Remember a few months ago, Mal, when there was a celebration to honor Patriot at Liberty Island?
Malichi Samson: Yeah, I remember it. I had heard Patriot was almost killed... or was it killed.
Rush 2.0: He was reported killed, yes. Which was to mislead those who were actually trying to kill him.
Malichi Samson: But then I hear from Scorching Chill that Patriot's nothing but a clone. Though I don't count his word for anything -- bitter little man.
Rush 2.0: Actually, SC was telling the truth.
Malichi Samson shrugs.
Malichi Samson: I figured that much when I called city hall with his omega level clearance number.
KungFuBabe: Forgive me for not knowing the people you talking about.....I'm still quite new around in the SG.
Rush 2.0: It's alright, Lin. This is a good chance for you to learn some of what's going on. Like that Patriot is actually Patriot V.
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Malichi Samson: Even though he's listed as Patriot IV?
Malichi Samson: SC is a bitter cold hearted little man. Not worth getting to know in my opinion.
Pains Pleasure: Gnome, more like it.
Rush 2.0: He's not bitter, Mal. He's a mercenary. They're just cold-hearted bastards. Their only interest, typically, is money.
Malichi Samson: No, Rush, he's bitter. About his size. Must be making up for something as well.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Pains Pleasure: That’s what Shock says too.
Malichi Samson winks at Sarah with a grin. KungFuBabe raises eyebrow at the comment. Malichi Samson laughs at the look on Lin's face.
Malichi Samson: What?
KungFuBabe: Nothing, I don't hear comments like that all too often.
Malichi Samson: Stick around, you will.
KungFuBabe: It appears so.
Rush 2.0: Especially from the kid.
Rush 2.0 grins at Mal.
Pains Pleasure: Or SC himself, he's a rude little man.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah, he's rude. He's a lot of things, but he's also quite dangerous.
Rush 2.0: Trust me, Mal. SC isn't exactly a nice person and I'll grant that he's got a complex about being short, but don't underestimate him.
Malichi Samson: After that reactor Rush, I don't underestimate anyone.
KungFuBabe: There have been times when I've seen MB say things like that to Saintly just to get her riled up.
Rush 2.0 and Malichi laugh.
Malichi Samson: Now that is understandable.
Rush 2.0: I could imagine that.
Pains Pleasure: Whatever. I just stay away from him.
Rush 2.0: Smart move, Sarah. Especially since he designed himself a new suit.
Malichi Samson: I like to egg him on myself. One day, I'll take him on in the arena and if he beats me he beats me. I won't make the same mistake I made with Ban.
KungFuBabe: I find it amazing to see that all three of them live in the same apartment.
Rush 2.0: That's odd, Lin.
KungFuBabe: What?
Rush 2.0: The fact that those three live in the same apartment.
Malichi Samson: I can understand MB and Pyro living together. Is Saintly trying to make sure that Pyro isn't corrupted by MB or something like that?
KungFuBabe: Well, Saintly think that MB is out to corrupt Lauren, MB is her servant. And Lauren buys new furniture and TV's to compensate for their fights.
Malichi Samson grins.
Rush 2.0: I've seen some of those expense reports, Lin.
KungFuBabe shrugs. Malichi Samson looks at Rush.
Malichi Samson: Wait.......
Rush 2.0: What?
Malichi Samson: What did you mean by "especially the kid"?
Rush 2.0 laughs hysterically.
Malichi Samson: I'm nowhere near as bad as others.
Rush 2.0: Getting’ slow, kid.
Malichi Samson: Compared to you, well, YEAH. But sorry, I wasn't paying attention to you.
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Malichi Samson: I mean “Hello”? Two cute girls here in front of me and you want me to pay attention to you??
KungFuBabe smiles.
Rush 2.0: Hey, not my fault that you're distracted.
Pains Pleasure: Better stop or I'll tell Julia.
Malichi Samson: What? She's not sent me any emails in forever... Or replied to the one I sent her.
Pains Pleasure: Doesn't mean she isn’t interested, boy...
Malichi Samson waits on it.
Pains Pleasure: Actually Mal she's been a bit under the weather.
Malichi Samson: Oh, I'm sorry I'll have to go see her.
Rush 2.0: But, if you three will pardon me, I need to go do some paperwork.
KungFuBabe: Very well.
Pains Pleasure: Later, Eric
Malichi Samson: Bye, Old man.
Rush 2.0: It was a pleasure, Lin.
KungFuBabe: Same here.
Rush 2.0: Sarah, tell Joss that she needs to lighten up or it's going to cost us.
Pains Pleasure: You tell her.
Malichi Samson looks at Rush who has disappeared – and reappeared in a different outfit.
Malichi Samson: Stop doing that.
Pains Pleasure: Nice duds, Rush.
Rush 2.0: Doing what?
Malichi Samson: Appearing out of no where.
KungFuBabe looks confused.
Rush 2.0: Ah. I apologize. I had to wait for my younger self to leave.
Malichi Samson blinks.
Malichi Samson: YOUNGER?
Pains Pleasure: Age looks good on you, Ole man.
Malichi Samson: I thought he was the old one.
Rush 2.0: Yes. The one that just left is only 6,000 years old.
Malichi Samson:......
Pains Pleasure: Do you even remember me?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. I remember you.
KungFuBabe: 6,000?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Lin.
Malichi Samson: Don't ask Lin. Speedsters don't age like us. Well, really strong speedsters don’t. Or age at all for that matter, if I've heard right.
KungFuBabe: I've seen stranger things.
Rush 2.0: It's been a very long time since I've seen each of you.
Pleasure and Malichi Samson laugh.
Pains Pleasure: I bet it has.
Rush 2.0: Well, it has.
Malichi Samson: You just saw us two seconds ago, technically.
Rush 2.0: He did. I haven't seen most of the Champions in about five thousand years.
Pains Pleasure: That’s why I asked if he remembered me, Mal.
Malichi Samson: That is you, so even though you haven't seen us in that long, you've just left us. Confusing huh?
Malichi Samson grins.
Pains Pleasure: And sad.
KungFuBabe: You're not going to attempt to tell me about the future again, are you?
Rush 2.0: No, Lin. You made your point to me five thousand years ago... or, for you, about 40 minutes ago.
KungFuBabe: Good.
Rush 2.0: Though, I will admit, I am here for someone.
Pains Pleasure: So what brings you here today, Rush? And what are you called "now"?
Rush 2.0: Please, Sarah. Rush and Blur are old names for me. Just call me Eric.
Pains Pleasure: kk.
Rush 2.0 smiles softly.
KungFuBabe: So who are you here for then?
Pains Pleasure: Did you bring any cookies? You ate mine?
Malichi Samson scratches his head then laughs. Rush 2.0 chuckles at Sarah.
Malichi Samson: What I find funny. Is that I'm on the 10 most wanted list in PC, yet I still go to a public school.
Rush 2.0: Don't worry, Mal. Everyone knows those are trumped up charges.
Malichi Samson: Malta sure don't and they hurt.
Rush 2.0: Lin, that is a question I cannot answer, for now.
KungFuBabe: Very well then. I need to head off and run some errands then. Take care everyone, I will see you all again soon.
Rush 2.0 hugs Lin.
Pains Pleasure: Be safe out there Lin. Go kick some ass.
Rush 2.0: It was wonderful seeing you again, dear.
Malichi Samson: Bye, Lin.
KungFuBabe smiles at everyone.
KungFuBabe: Take care.
Malichi Samson: So um, who are you here for, Eric? Or was that what you can't answer yet?
Rush 2.0: I cannot answer, yet.
Malichi Samson nods but gets antsy wanting to know.
Malichi Samson: So, what are you doing here then, Eric?
Rush 2.0: Visiting, mostly.
Pains Pleasure: That's nice.
Rush 2.0: I think so, Sarah.
Malichi Samson: Speaking of which I really should visit Julia, since Sarah mentioned that she was sick. AND, not to mention, that she said she's interested.
Malichi Samson grins.
Pains Pleasure: Actually she fell off the horse.
Rush 2.0: Julia? Oh. Demon's Angel.
Malichi Samson: Ouch! She didn't get to hurt, did she?
Rush 2.0: Oh, I remember her ego getting quite bruised when she tried to steal Chris away from Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Angel said it was her own damn fault and wouldn't heal her. Said she'd be more careful next time and have some respect.
Malichi Samson: Yes, Eric, Demon's Angel.
Pains Pleasure: Looks like it wouldn’t be too hard now.
Malichi Samson: Well I hope it is, since she likes me now!
Malichi Samson blushes at his own outburst.
Rush 2.0: Well, Sarah, to be honest...
Pains Pleasure: Ummm, whatever.
Rush 2.0: I don't know why you ever let your sister demand you leave him… especially when he needed you.
Pains Pleasure: He quit talking to me. Shut himself off completely.
Rush 2.0: As I recall, you and he lived together, so I doubt that.
Malichi Samson keeps quiet.
Pains Pleasure: Not as much as he used to. And he should have understood.
Rush 2.0: That your older sister didn't care that you were in love and was being unfair to you, because of my younger self?
Pains Pleasure: Because my sister thought she was doing her job and trying to keep us all safe. If it gave her peace of mind to have me home, then that’s where I should be.
Rush 2.0: I'm not the one you should be explaining it to, Sarah. I'm not the one who feels you abandoned me.
Malichi Samson twiddles his thumbs not wanting to butt in.
Rush 2.0: Besides, you were used to having dinner with Blur and Rush... unknown to your sister.
Pains Pleasure: Yes, I was. And that’s one reason that Chris should have trusted me.
She didn’t trust you. To her, you were cruel to Angel and she just wanted me safe.
Rush 2.0: Was it cruel for me to show her a future where she and most of the human race died? I suppose one might think that. Was it intended to help prevent that future?
Malichi Samson speaks up a little softly.
Malichi Samson: I considered it cruel, but I understand the motive.
Pains Pleasure: If you had wanted to show her the future, you could have, and not left her there for 3 yrs. That was the cruel part.
Rush 2.0: As I recall, I personally went through that future twice. My intentions were for her to understand it.
Pains Pleasure: Well, it cracked her a bit.
Rush 2.0: Again, though, I'm not the one who felt abandoned, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: I left him a note and I tried to tell him telepathically, but he shut me out.
Rush 2.0: Why did he shut you out, Sarah? Could it have been because he loved you and you were listening to your sister's irrationality and abandoning him? Honestly, Sarah, you are your own person and capable of making your own decisions.
Pains Pleasure: And I made them. I will not abandon my sisters for a man’s ego. He knew how much pain Angel was going though. He's being selfish. I never abandoned him.
Malichi Samson gets up and moves off to have a view.
Rush 2.0: Is it his ego or Jocelyn's ego, Sarah? You have gotten to know both of those Erics. You know that they've never threatened you.
Pains Pleasure: Tell me something Eric?
Rush 2.0: Yes?
Pains Pleasure: Would you ever leave the hurt one behind for the strong one that was fine?
Rush 2.0: I've had to make that choice before, yes. However, Angel was not the one who was facing a possible assassination attempt. Or Circle possession.
Pains Pleasure: So I should have left my sisters alone to face what they though was their greatest enemy? I have done my best to tell them that you mean them no harm.
Rush 2.0: I've never been their enemy. That Jocelyn viewed me as such testifies to nothing more than her own bruised ego.
Pains Pleasure: Of course you bruised her ego!! She was unable to stop you from hurting her little sister. Who only came to PC to keep HER safe.
Malichi Samson: Enough. It was a lose/lose situation. You didn't do anything wrong Sarah. One way or another, someone would have been hurt.
Rush 2.0: No, Mal. The situation was not a lose/lose situation.
Malichi Samson: Even though I moved the wind up here carries. I heard everything, Eric. And from my stand point it was lose/lose. Either her sister would have been hurt or Chris.
Rush 2.0: As far as what Angel experienced, has anyone considered the effects it has had on Sable? Sable handled it in a very different manner.
Pains Pleasure: Well, good for her. I’m glad she came out with her psyche intact.
Rush 2.0: I made the choice, at that time, because Angel refused to listen to me. I was hotheaded back then and I'll freely admit it, but my actions were taken because of my desire to save the world.
Pains Pleasure: You have no siblings, Eric. You don’t know what it’s like.
Rush 2.0: You're wrong, Sarah. I did have two brothers.
Pains Pleasure: I'm sorry.
Rush 2.0: Neither were metahumans. They were both cops, like me. As you know, the life of a hero is hard. Think of what life is like for those who do not have metahuman powers, yet they still go out and put their lives on the line to be heroes.
Pains Pleasure: That takes much more strength.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. It does.
Pains Pleasure: Did they both die in the line of fire?
Rush 2.0: One did, yes. The other, after John died, retired from the police force. It shook him. I did what I could to encourage him, but he wouldn't listen to me.
Pains Pleasure: Did he blame himself?
Rush 2.0: Considering they were partners? Yes, he did.
Pains Pleasure: Ahhhh, then he knew how Shock feels.
Malichi Samson sits down and dangles his legs over the edge.
Rush 2.0: Dan died, two years later. The coroner reported it as heart failure. The truth was that he'd lost the will to live.
Pains Pleasure: I am sorry, Eric.
Rush 2.0: It's okay, Sarah. My point, though, is that heroes have to put their priorities in order. Angel didn't die. Yes, what I put her through was traumatic, but she could have used that knowledge to take more proactive measures to prevent so much death and destruction.
Pains Pleasure: She did. Just not the way you must have wanted.
Malichi Samson: Thing is, Eric, I don't and I'm guessing Sarah doesn't as well, see it as a hero's priorities, it was family and love.
Rush 2.0: Do either of you comprehend your powers?
Malichi Samson: Fully? No.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: I haven't come into my own yet.
Rush 2.0: I comprehend my powers.
Malichi Samson: The point?
Rush 2.0: I know that I could go back and prevent both of my brothers' deaths.
Pains Pleasure: Congratulations.
Rush 2.0: It would save me a lot of heartache and sadness.
Pains Pleasure: That’s messing with the time thing
Malichi Samson: Well, all I can say is you are you, and Sarah is Sarah, we all think and act differently. How you would have done something and how she did are completely different. So how you see it, isn't how she sees it. Plain and simple. They should talk to each other and work out the problems.
Pains Pleasure: YOU haven't spent much time with Chris have you, Mal?
Malichi Samson: No.
Pains Pleasure: Well, that’s easier said than done.
Malichi Samson: If it's something worth havin’, Sarah, it's worth working for.
Pains Pleasure: Mal, he never even tried to talk to me.
Malichi Samson: I know the male pride Sarah <grins> I wouldn't talk to you either, until you came to me.
Pains Pleasure: You think I haven’t been by the apt? He's never home. Hell, maybe he moved out.
Malichi Samson: I see him as feeling that he's the one that was wronged, and shouldn't have to be the one to talk. But I don't know him. Eric, not everyone can be completely responsible. Anyways, I can't tell you what to do, Sarah; it's all a matter of what the both of you want.
Rush 2.0: Sorry. Had to concentrate on the timestream a moment.
Rush 2.0: Mal, the importance isn't about what I do or what whomever does. The fact is that you have to act responsibly.
Pains Pleasure: And you’re implying that I didn’t?
Rush 2.0: Yes, I have the power to change so many things...but I have to accept the fact that I am not God and I cannot always act in ways that I believe to be "the right thing to do". I have to look at the bigger picture.
Pains Pleasure: Well, I don’t have a bigger picture. I have a now picture and now says that I help my sisters try to understand what the hell your trying to do!
Malichi Samson: <sighs> Key thing your missing, Eric: You! This is Sarah and Chris. As I said not everyone can be completely responsible.
Rush 2.0: Malichi, you're talking about Sarah and Chris. I'm talking about Jocelyn, Angel and Sarah.
Malichi Samson: This started as the thing between those two. That's what it leads from and into.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: What?
Rush 2.0: Did you ever stop to consider that telling Jocelyn "no" might have been the most helpful thing you could have done for her?
Pains Pleasure: What? And let her think that not only were you going to take her into the future but that Angel was going to be left alone?
[Something happens, the Editor knows not what. Clearly Eric Lawson has left the scene.]
Pains Pleasure: DAMN IT! Now look what he's made me do. Mal, are you alright?
Malichi Samson: Fine. You missed.
Pains Pleasure: Good. Sorry. I hate it when I get angry like that.
Malichi Samson: Funny I heard Porcelin Terror does that too.
Pains Pleasure sighs.
Pains Pleasure: I will never get him to understand.
Malichi Samson: No, you won't. It's best to just say yes, and move on.
Pains Pleasure: You’re right, Mal.
Malichi Samson: Best thing I can offer for advice, Sarah, is call Chris, get him to meet you some place. And talk. If he won't, well then it's not worth it, if he isn't willing to work. You can't do it all alone, he has to be willing to work as well.
Pains Pleasure: You right again, Mal. Hey, how did you get to be so smart and yet so young?
Malichi Samson: Books.
Pains Pleasure laughs. Malichi Samson shrugs.
The three meet up again in another locale. Time apparently rewinds.
Malichi Samson: Well, I've stated my thoughts and opinions. I can't say to much more on this topic for I'm not experienced enough to fully understand it.
Pains Pleasure: What? And let her think that not only were you going to take her into the future but that Angel was going to be left alone?
Rush 2.0 frowns.
Rush 2.0: I'm not trying to be rude, Malichi, but you are correct. You don't know everything of the situation, but I do appreciate your concern.
Rush 2.0: As for Jocelyn, let her think what she wants, Sarah. You are not accountable for anyone's actions but your own.
Malichi Samson: I might not know the situation completely. But I do listen, Eric.
Rush 2.0: That is always good, Malichi.
Malichi Samson: And you were not around when I was made aware of the things that went on. Don't you remember I was there when your younger self and Shock had it out?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Malichi. I am wholly aware of far more than you might realize.
Pains Pleasure: Well then, I stand by my actions and if Chris thinks it was a choice for me to "desert" him or my family, then he needs to come see me about it.
Rush 2.0: As for who should approach whom, Sarah...
Malichi Samson: Should be a mutual thing, if you ask me. No relationship will work if both aren't willing to work though "any" problem.
Rush 2.0: As smart as you are, Malichi, you're not very wise.
Malichi Samson: Really? It only takes one to tango? Cool, I can dance now.
Malichi Samson smirks.
Pains Pleasure: What was I supposed to do, Eric? Tell my family -- who raised me, who fought for my life -- to kiss my ass?
Rush 2.0: Should I go back in time and apologize to my brothers for having the power, but not using it to save them?
Pains Pleasure: If they loved you they will understand why you couldn't.
Rush 2.0: Then, Sarah, would it not be safe to assume that telling Jocelyn “no,” that telling her your boyfriend is facing a threat far more than mere trauma, would have been wisest? Especially considering the you knew you weren't in any danger?
Pains Pleasure: And just what was I supposed to do for him, Eric? In case you haven't noticed, I lost some of my power.
Pains Pleasure sighs.
Pains Pleasure: I can’t even keep myself safe anymore.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. I know. Statesman, in all of his shining arrogance and stupidity, has decided that adding power dampeners to the war walls would help the city.
Malichi Samson arches a brow and looks over his shoulder at Sarah.
Malichi Samson: You kept yourself rather safe when I was running with you.
Pains Pleasure: I know, Mal, but -- something happened. I can’t even take on an orange anymore, much less a red or purple.
Malichi Samson: Funny, the villains don't seem affected by it.
Rush 2.0: I know, Malichi. That's why it was stupidity. That's neither here nor there.
Pains Pleasure: Oh and do you think they will send their weakest men for Chris? What should I do? Call 911?
Malichi Samson tries not to laugh.
Rush 2.0: Perhaps, Sarah, he needed you more for emotional support. We all know that Chris is still discovering some rather strong powers, imbued by his former Nictus, and that he can mostly take care of himself. But, like you, he's young. Together, I have no doubt that the two of you could take on anything. Apart... you become far weaker.
Pains Pleasure: If he had left our link open he would have had that. And he could have come with me.
Malichi Samson shakes his head.
Rush 2.0: Stop blaming his closing it off, Sarah, and start accepting responsibility for your own actions.
Malichi Samson: Telepaths, something I'm still not use to.
Rush 2.0: Don't worry, Malichi. Your powers will manifest... in time.
Malichi Samson: Oh I'm a telepath too? Way cool.
Pains Pleasure: You know what?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Forget it. I'm though arguing with you. As for Chris, if he won’t stop long enough to hear me out then maybe there want anything left to save after all.
Rush 2.0: And so you will do as your sisters. You will act stubbornly and without any regard for the facts.
Rush 2.0: Joss?
Shock Tart: Yes... <sighs>
Rush 2.0: You're a lawyer, are you not? The part you're not understanding with that time jump...we were gone, from this time, for only a few seconds.
Rush 2.0: Joss, no matter how you feel about me, my goal is to be a hero. Most people do not always understand why I do what I do, but I do it for the good of humanity.
Shock Tart: And we can’t help humanity if we are falling apart or worse.
Rush 2.0: Or worse? <chuckles>
Shock Tart: She might have attacked Carolly. I don’t know what she would have done and that’s what scares me.
Rush 2.0: I'd have protected my wife.
Shock Tart: And my sister might have died.
Rush 2.0: Wrong. I don't kill heroes.
Shock Tart: You might not have been the one to kill her.
Rush 2.0: Who then? Carolly?
Shock Tart: Angel.
Rush 2.0: Angel kill Angel?
Shock Tart: Hmmmm. I told you she wasn’t well. That was why I wanted Sarah with her.
Rush 2.0: You think, if I'd taken you through time instead, Angel would've killed herself?
Shock Tart: If she's dead then Archangel will not exist.
Rush 2.0: Wait. What are you talking about?
Shock Tart: And the world will not be destroyed. All those lives lost because of her.
Rush 2.0: Ugh. Angel sounds like she needs a fuckin’ baseball bat upside the head.
Shock Tart: You think it’s all about you. It's not.
Rush 2.0: No, it's not.
Rush 2.0: Let me explain something... Hang on.
Blur teleports Shock Tart to a private location.
Shock Tart: Man, I hate that!
Rush 2.0: Just a little temporal warping. Please, have a seat.
The two sit down.
Okay, look... No matter what, all life on this earth would have been destroyed, in that future. Be it Archangel or whomever, it would have happened. Why? Because that is how fate happens.
Shock Tart: Honey, you’re preaching to the choir.
Rush 2.0: Didn't know you understood temporal causality.
Shock Tart: Call it what you will. But Angel see it as she is directly responsible for all the pain and suffering she felt while she was there .. at the end. Her offspring caused it.
Rush 2.0: Then kick her in the teeth and quit babying her.
Shock Tart: Well, I've tried everything else.
Rush 2.0: Why do you think I've been so harsh with her and you?
Shock Tart: Cause you’re an ass?
Rush 2.0: Nope.
Shock Tart: Damn, wrong again.
Rush 2.0 chuckles and Shock Tart smiles.
Rush 2.0: Because I don't think you understood why I did it to her and because we both know Angel has it all wrong. Let me now explain myself...
Shock Tart: Alright.
Rush 2.0: I didn't take Sarah because she's too young and she would not have been able to sway you or Angel. I didn't take you because you would have tip-toed around it all, trying to spare Angel and Sarah's feelings about what happened to them. The only logical choice I had was Angel. You try to protect your little sisters far too much and don't give them the credit they deserve.
Shock Tart: They are all I've ever had. I'm the only parent Sarah remembers. What else am I supposed to do, Eric?
Rush 2.0: Be there for them, yes, but not at the expense of letting them live. Cut the apron strings, Joss. They can take care of themselves. If they do something wrong, they need to be accountable for it.
Shock Tart: I'm trying to keep them both alive. Hell, they wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for me.
Rush 2.0: And how many times, Joss, have I saved your life... you never knowing about it? Twenty-six, in case you're actually wondering.
Shock Tart smiles.
Shock Tart: Now, how would I know that?
Rush 2.0: If you can protect them without their knowledge, do so. If not, let them deal with their fuck ups. It sounds harsh, darlin’, but it's the only way they'll learn.
Shock Tart: Well, neither one of these were their fuck ups.
Rush 2.0: I agree.
Shock Tart: One was yours and one was mine. Now we have to fix this.
Rush 2.0: One was mine? To be perfectly honest, the one to blame is Nemesis.
Shock Tart: <sarcastically> Oh yeah, let’s blame him. Yeah, and Hamidon too.
Rush 2.0: One was mine? This I'm interested in.
Shock Tart: You caused Angel's and I caused Sarah’s... because of yours. So actually they’re both yours.
Shock Tart smiles without humour.
Rush 2.0: No. Angel caused her own. Was it because of my actions? Yes.
Shock Tart: You just can’t admit that you were wrong, can you?
Shock Tart shakes her head.
Rush 2.0: For what am I wrong?
Shock Tart: You went too far.
Rush 2.0: Come with me.
They walk over to the edge of the roof.
Rush 2.0: Look down below you. What do you see?
Shock Tart: Cars on the streets?
Rush 2.0: Smart ass. You see a city of heroes, right?
Shock Tart: Yes, of course.
Rush 2.0: In the past two months, how many cases have you had against heroes? How many of us older heroes have left Paragon because the line between hero and villain is slowly being blurred?
Shock Tart: Too many.
Rush 2.0: Do you think, if I'd snatched one of those so-called anti-heroes and taken them to see the future, that they would care?
Shock Tart: No, probably not.
Rush 2.0: So I had to take someone who would.
Rush 2.0: You might ask... why not Statesman? Why not Manticore or Positron or Sister Psyche? I'll tell you why. Because they've become grandstanders. They care more about saving the world for publicity's sake.
Shock Tart: I’ll say. Did you see the latest dime store novel?
Rush 2.0: Which one?
Shock Tart: Oh, that silly comic book they have out about them.
Rush 2.0: Yes. Statesman needs his ass kicked. And, quite honestly, I'd do it if the repercussions would not fall on the Champions.
Shock Tart: I have this friend....
Shock Tart laughs.
Shock Tart: I am not saying that Angel wasn’t the right choice. I’m saying you showed her too much and left her there too long.
Rush 2.0: For it to sink in, Joss, I had no choice.
Shock Tart: Look, what’s done is done. Now we have to fix this.
Rush 2.0: Yep. So quit pussy-footin’ around with Angel. Give her a swift kick in the ass and tell her to wake up. Stop babying her and trying to convince her that it's not her fault.
Shock Tart: What? Tell her it is her fault? That she should have spanked Archangel more as a child? And...?
Rush 2.0: Force her out on the streets. Force her into the sewers. Get her into the Rikti Crash Site.
Shock Tart: She was there the other day.
Rush 2.0: It's about damn time.
Shock Tart: Playing on the ship. She was even in the sewers.
Rush 2.0: Instead of acting all tough and macho and trying to get other heroes to face what's coming, PREVENT what's coming.
Shock Tart: And HOW should she do that?
Rush 2.0: The ONLY way to save Archangel is to prevent that future from ever happening.
Shock Tart: Blow up Portal Corps?
Rush 2.0: A band-aid ain't gonna stop a jugular from bleeding. Besides...
Shock Tart: So you’re saying that she should destroy all the rikti she finds?
Rush 2.0: It's already been prevented.
Shock Tart: What?
Rush 2.0 smiles.
Rush 2.0: Yes. It wasn't even due to our intervention.
Shock Tart: Then you took her there for nothing?
Rush 2.0: No.
Shock Tart: Is worse coming?
Rush 2.0: My taking Angel and Sable into the future was what spurred other actions, by someone far more powerful than I.
Shock Tart: See! You pissed off someone higher than you.
Shock Tart smiles.
Rush 2.0: Pissed off? No. Agitated into action...somewhat.
Shock Tart: So is the future undecided again?
Rush 2.0: Mostly, yes.
Rush 2.0: Do you believe in God, Joss?
Shock Tart: Of course I do.
Rush 2.0: Have you met Rev? Codename: Revelation 6.8. I prefer calling him Rev over "Death".
Shock Tart: I believe I have in passing. Julia’s mentioned him.
Rush 2.0: He truly is an angel. He's an angel of death.
Shock Tart: He’s a man of few words, I'm told.
Rush 2.0: He has come, because of my actions, and it was his intervention that prevented a lot of things that were going to happen.
Shock Tart: Angel was out with him the other day... herding monkeys, I believe.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Shock Tart: She said it was like watching a child in the playground as he rounded them up. She was actually in one of her better moods that day.
Rush 2.0: From what he's told me...he was sent, by God, to prevent the chain of events that would lead to the end of all life.
Shock Tart: Will he be leaving us now?
Rush 2.0: I didn't even know it, but it's true. Rev showed me far more than I would have ever imagined. In the end, Carolly and I were the only two humans alive at the end of time.
Shock Tart: How sad. I'm sorry, Eric.
Rush 2.0: And we're not exactly human anymore.
Shock Tart: Hell, you’re not human now.
Shock Tart laughs. Rush 2.0 sticks his tongue out at Shock then he pulls out a small pocket knife and cuts his palm for Shock to see.
Shock Tart: Stop! I can’t heal that!
Rush 2.0: No need. See? It's healed.
Rush 2.0 holds his hand up.
Shock Tart: Why aren’t you bleeding?
Rush 2.0: Like I said, Carolly and I aren't exactly human anymore. Needless to say, God didn't like seeing the end of time and only my wife and I were there.
Shock Tart: I should say not.
Rush 2.0: So, He took action. He sent Rev.
Shock Tart: Then maybe He'll have mercy on Angel as well. Alright, I'll work on Angel.
Rush 2.0 grins and pulls something out of his pocket.
Rush 2.0: Here. Take this to Angel.
Shock takes it.
Rush 2.0: And, before you give it to her...
Shock Tart: Is there a blue and red pill in here?
Shock Tart smiles.
Rush 2.0: Nah. I like the green ones.
Rush 2.0 sticks his tongue out.
Shock Tart: Horny bastard.
Rush 2.0: Get her out of the family house and back into her apartment here in the city.
Shock Tart: She's never lived in the city; we live at the mansion. Sarah lived here with Chris, and I have an apt in Founders for court -- but I like in the pool house.
Rush 2.0: Ah. So, her Champions apartment is what? Where she goes to teleport home or something?
Shock Tart: Basically. She keeps clothes there.
Rush 2.0: Fine. I'll have Rush turn it into a playroom for Bubba and Joe. Oh. Well, never mind.
Shock Tart: She still sleeps in the bed she grew up in.
Rush 2.0: Cool.
Shock Tart: She's always loved that house.
Rush 2.0: So Ban tells me.
Shock Tart: Speaking of beds I need to find mine.
Rush 2.0 teleports Shock's bed to the rooftop.
Rush 2.0: Found it.
Rush 2.0 grins.
Shock Tart: Sweet!!
Rush 2.0: Want me to teleport you and it home?
Shock Tart curls up in her bed.
Shock Tart: Please. Oh, and can you have Chris meet Sarah at the tram?
Rush 2.0: G'night, Joss. Sweet dreams.
Shock Tart: You as well, Eric.
Rush 2.0 manipulates the temporal area around Shock and her bed.
Patriot VI: I guess I should've told you before now... My birth parents DID abandon me. I was adopted by a couple who worked with Champions International, in Atlanta. When I started manifesting my powers, the obvious thing to do was to take me with them to work.
Pains Pleasure: I didn’t abandon you, Chris. I tried to "talk" to you but you had shut me out.
Patriot VI: My own parents did. It seemed like you did, so I cut off the connection.
Pains Pleasure: I'm sorry you felt like that. Again, it was all my fault. I can only say I'm sorry.
Patriot VI: I forgive you. <pause> You gonna move back into your apartment with me?
Pains Pleasure: Oh, Hell, yes! I miss our bed.
Patriot VI: Guess I'd better tell that redhead about this...
Pains Pleasure: I'll kick her lazy ass.
Patriot VI laughs.
Patriot VI: She might actually be asleep in our bed, right now.
Pains Pleasure: Then she'll be waking up with no hair
Patriot VI pulls out a cell phone and dials.
Patriot VI: It's ringing. One sec, hon.
Patriot VI: Hey, were you asleep?
Pains Pleasure snatches the cell phone.
Patriot VI: Gimme that!
Pains Pleasure: You shit!
Patriot VI: I'm not joking!
Patriot VI grabs at the cell phone.
Pains Pleasure: You had better be or have a very intelligent dog.
Patriot VI laughs.
Patriot VI: Fine. You talk to the redhead. But at least talk to her.
Pains Pleasure: Hello?
A murmur over the phone.
Pains Pleasure: Carolly, go back to sleep. Chris is messing with me.
Patriot VI: Ummm, she's in our bed, hon.
Pains Pleasure tackles Chris.
Pains Pleasure: You little shit!!
Patriot VI: Whaaaaaaaat? <rapidly> She wanted to crash there. Rush and the younger Carolly wanted some alone time.
Patriot VI laughs.
Patriot VI: I was being nice.
Pains Pleasure: Then you'd better be pulling out your wallet, mister.
Patriot VI: Ummm, why?
Pains Pleasure: Because it’s been too damn long!
Patriot VI laughs.
Patriot VI: We can go over to Bubba's apartment. I know Joe sound-proofed his room.
Patriot VI grins.
Pains Pleasure: And have Prowl attack us for sneaking in? Not on your life!
Patriot VI: I'll call him and let him know we're coming in.
Pains Pleasure: She had very sharp claws.
Patriot VI: Besides, Prowl would catch our scents and not attack.
Pains Pleasure hands the phone back. Patriot VI puts the phone back in his pocket the he very deliberately leans over and kisses Pleasure.
Pains Pleasure: I've missed you.
Patriot VI: Missed you, too. Now, if you're gonna take advantage of my body...let's get going.
Pains Pleasure: Now let’s go get wild and sweaty!
09-19-2005 07:06:31
[This happens during the latter part of, the events in “All Good Things”.]
The contents of this site are copyright 2004, 2005 Sheryl A. Knowles unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved. CITY OF HEROES game content and materials are trademarks and copyrights of NCsoft Corporation and its Licensors and used with permission. All rights reserved.