The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Welldrinker Cult
A shadowy group is gaining power, drawing in people who are curious, vulnerable, or malicious, and turning them into Mystics. They are recruiting people into their ranks to spread the influence of magic in the world, but for what end goal?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
"Say again dispatch, I think I misheard." Cafas refused to believe his ears. Peace protests or no, what was being said made no sense at all. Late June heat was stifling, and Cafas found himself wishing again for a uniform that breathed. It was a huge oversight on the part of the X-men. He closed the door on the police cruiser, gave the room a couple thumps, and watched it drive off with his original reason for being in that part of the city firmly cuffed in the back seat.
"You didn't. We had a request for an NYPD rep to visit the Sanctuary and speak to management there."
"Alright, I copy. I'll head over." Cafas released the button on his communicator and shook his head, a much appreciated gust of wind billowing his hair out behind him. "As if being in Brooklyn wasn't bad enough." The X-man sighed, feeling like he couldn't breathe past the hot smog. Alone in the forest, and he was being asked to walk right into the bear's cave. It was pure madness. Wasn't there some nice protest he could go keep an eye on instead?
They'd never send an actual officer to do this.
Brooklyn had a reputation. Not the good type of reputation, either. The type where people disappeared, the police never went there if they could avoid it, and the local government was under the control of nefarious bodies. Even Cafas felt threatened there in his uniform. He kicked his motorcycle to life and pulled a questionably legal U-turn in a gap in traffic. It seemed he'd be taking a trip to the pearly gates by way of the golden doors.
He pulled up with a degree of uncertainty. Apparently the request had been rather open ended on the date. That also didn't sit too well with him. Cafas eased his helmet off and locked it to his bike, eyes flicking around the street, looking for threats. Finally his eyes came to rest of the golden entrance, relatively satisfied his ambush wasn't to come from outside. With a silent prayer he strode towards the doors, working the handle and pushing them open with his power rather than his hands.
Same old receptionist. That can't be good.
"Hi, NYPD sent me, apparently someone requested a rep come down to discuss something?" Dispatch had been mum on the who and the what. Lisa did not seem happy to see him, so he doubted it was her, somehow.
Jul 23, 2016 7:53:07 GMT -6
Cafas: Apparently I forgot we have opposing seasons here in the south.
Lisa Wilson looked up from her desk in that her pupils rose to the top of her eyes. Her chin remained declined until of course she lifted her head to keep her reading glasses from sliding down her nose. Instead, she looked down it at the officer while she stood.
"Good afternoon, Officer Johnson," she said with such a flat tone it had to be rude in its welcome. "I did not but I know who likely did. One moment please." She picked up the phone at her desk and type a couple digits.
A phone not far away, some office half way down the hall-like foyer, rang. A male voice muttered something while Lisa said, "Yes, Mr. Hadden. An officer from the NYPD is here. He said that someone requests a representative?" She nodded, "Yes of course. I recall, thank you." Her attention returned to Cafas as she said, "Yes, he did. He'll be out in a moment."
It really was only a moment before Devon stepped out of the office he shared with a few volunteers. He was dressed in a dark pair of black denim jeans and a loose, v-cut gray shirt. It was typical attire for him especially in a New York summer. His attention went immediately to Cafas, appraising his attire. It was impossible to miss an eyebrow raise in curiosity even as they then narrowed.
Still, Devon threw a smile on as he took a deep breath while approaching. "Hi, I'm Devon Hadden. I'm glad someone finally came down," he nodded slowly and offered a hand in greeting. "Officer, thank you for coming." He glanced to Lisa, "Thank you, Ms. Wilson."
Ah, the same old infamous Lisa. Supposedly oblivious to the Order's doings, as if anyone would believe that. She had the same distaste for the X-men and Police as every other Order member. "Thank you, Lisa." Cafas smiled, because the person that smiled was in charge. He had enough power to not be intimidating in demeanour. Or something like that, he'd only read the website briefly.
The man that came out to meet him did not seem impressed with the uniform. That was fine, Cafas didn't wear it for fashion. That was Ghost's uniform. His was built protection. It needed an update badly. Whatever, Cafas didn't need the fashion approval of someone wearing a V-neck that loose.
That wasn't very fair on him. Well, I'm stressed by being here. Not really a good excuse, he could be a great person for all you know. Yeah, yeah, I'll be nice.
[The bulky X-man accepted and shook the offered hand with a well practiced handshake. It was one of those things he'd been taught in Hollywood. He'd known the generalities before, but his agent had actually given him training in the matter, which was a weird thing to have training in. Apparently it mattered for first impressions at auditions. "Mr Hadden, thank you for your patience. The city sent me at the first availability." Or more accurately, as soon as he'd been too close to refuse.
Whatever, I'm here now.
Walk and talk? Oh, was this the lead in to the ambush? Seemed like a lot of effort when they could have just killed him when he walked in the door. What ever happened to the big red guy? Cafas wouldn't have stood a snowball's chance in hell. Not that he was complaining. "Of course, and please, call me Cafas. I'm an X-man first, police deputy second." Actually he'd rather put actor second, police deputy somewhere right down the bottom, but that wasn't the official line.
It was a strong handshake. The X-Man's dad would be proud, so Devon assumed. Devon had to hope the man's dad was out there somewhere. The X-Men had a tough job, and not one Devon was sure he could fit into the mold of. The suit certainly seemed tailor made at least.
"Thanks, Cafas," Devon said in a pleasant tone, gesturing down the hall. "Please, call me Devon. I'm just a kid who volunteered enough that they're paying me some for my time." He chuckled and nodded at Lisa. She'd been the one to hand over that first check.
"Your positive influence is appreciated, Mr. Hadden," Lisa said matter of factly.
"Thanks," Devon smiled but started on the walk. "And thanks, I'm sorry if I was gruff. I'm glad you're here. I'd been hoping to talk to someone for a while since Odessa. Considering our open support of mutants, I was concerned of copy cats but we've started to make some positive steps both internally and externally for a number of reasons."
"Oh," he turned his head abruptly as they passed a rec room of kids and teens playing games and billiards, "I meant to say I did recognize you. I was at the rally at Times Square..." Devon nodded slowly, "I like the shield. Sends a 'we're here to defend' message I guess. But yes, as I hope you can see we are actually encouraging the shelter and the community aspect here..." He gestured but kept walking.
"I'm actually aware of the... history... of this place," Devon frowned slightly, "A few interesting events and I learned of the previous managers here. I came on a couple months ago and Lisa said she was happy for the help. I and the new volunteers we met quickly," they passed the dining room of various individuals eating, "and thought besides some community outreach like cleaning grafitti and first aid classes, we might talk with local government..."
His blue eyes ran over to meet Cafas', "And the NYPD to get an understanding, like hopefully some more patrols in the area." Devon laughed quietly and shook his head, "Sorry I'm rambling on."
Posted by Cafas on Jul 29, 2016 15:06:22 GMT -6
Tempest likes this
X-Men
Team Leader of the X-Men Member of AV!Haven
Hetero with notable exception
Cafaya
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Mar 7, 2020 21:43:37 GMT -6
Cafas
Devon was a politician. Or a publicist. One of the two. Cafas couldn't quite decide which, or if they were in fact appreciably different in demeanour. Both made a living by using the right words at the right time to cultivate the image they wanted people to have of them. Cafas could fall for it easily, if he weren't already being so vigilant. No matter what reassurances the blue eyed man gave, Cafas still felt like he was standing in an enemy headquarters.
So, he didn't particularly believe his good guy, volunteer, only here to help, going to make the Sanctuary great again line. Even Maya making it out of the place unscathed didn't put him at ease. Maya was friends, somehow, with Isabel. Last he'd heard, even people in the Sanctuary were scared of the busty murderess. He did not have the advantage of Isabel's protection.
At least she won't be the one to kill me.
>>"...like hopefully some more patrols in the area."
"You have to be kidding. Look, Devon, I'm sorry, but most of our officers refuse to set foot in Brooklyn thanks to some of the residents of this building." Aside from the initial exclamation, Cafas' voice was apologetic and understanding. It just wasn't a request he could see the NYPD going with. "This entire area was gangland for years, we lost more officers a month around here than we lost in entire years among every other jurisdiction. Any officer asked to patrol here would consider it a death sentence."
Because it is.
"Now, you've said that's all in the past, and I'm not beyond believing you, but the NYPD is going to need much more reassurance than the word of one man before they send officers within a mile of the Sanctuary. Hell, they sent an X-man to speak to you, that should tell you something." Even as an X-man with police backup that could be there in a matter of minutes, he wasn't comfortable or happy being there.
Devon immediately frowned at not the Officer's response. No, this didn't sound like a police officer anymore. Now it sounded like Cafas talking directly. He wasn't surprised at most of what he'd heard but it was still troubling.
"Yeah, the fact they sent you wasn't lost on me," Devon smirked, his tone defeated. "I'm learning more and more about what used to go on here. Suffice to say I was already volunteering here when Odessa happened but at that point I had only heard a rumor of a group once operating out of here. I wanted to move past that. And while you put on a good speech at Times Square, I admit I didn't very much like it. Too much talk of peace and not enough what we're going to do to assure it. I and other volunteers, it's not just me, are trying to do so here. The people, the kids especially, need it."
He stopped his walk and rubbed the back of his neck, glancing over at the office door. "Maybe we could get you the numbers of some of our neighbors? They can tell you and your precinct about the good stuff we've been doing. Heck, maybe a few of your fellow officers might be willing to come volunteer in plain clothes? See it for themselves? We do background checks on the volunteers so I'm sure they'd come up clean," he chuckled slightly uncomfortably.
"I'm not here to force anyone to do anything, Cafas. But, we do need a police presence in this neighborhood again. It's their job, right? Maybe they sent you as an X-Man more than as a cop, but Sanctuary is still whatever the Order pretended it was in the past. These kids are scared and we're doing everything possible to make this more of a community house than merely a shelter," Devon said resolutely. He pointed to the shield, "We need more of that shield and less sword or gun around here."
Devon shrugged his arms as he opened his hands in inquiring gesture, "Do you have any ideas then how we make that happen? I mean, not just as a police officer but as Cafas the X-Man?"
Cafas let Devon speak, though he'd much rather not. Unfortunately he was representing the X-men and the NYPD so he probably couldn't afford to tell the guy where he could stick all his metaphor and grand ideas. Deigning to condescend to Cafas by telling him what the city he'd spent more than half a decade defending needed. It needed to be free of the empty promises of the politicians, the corrupt influences of the gangs, and the murderous rampages of those too powerful for the police.
"I would suggest getting those numbers, and I will make the suggestion for some plain clothes volunteering on your behalf. However, I would avoid telling them what their job is, especially when asking them to do something that mere months ago would be considered suicide." Cafas' tone was flat, and did not offer any suggestion that anything he was saying would be up for debate. He held eye contact with Devon, expression making it clear the man had overstepped.
He continued. "As for my speech, I apologise that it wasn't to your taste. I wrote it on the plane trip back from Odessa. I didn't have time to confirm any promises for action with Cold Steel, as such I felt it best not to make them. I am not a politician. I am, however, someone who has seen more than you could imagine trying to protect this city. You want more shield? Then pick one up, put your money where your mouth is." Cafas was not abut to be told they weren't doing enough for the city. The police, or the X-men. Their resources were already stretched thin. You couldn't become rich being a cop. You didn't make a pay cheque in the x-men. People just weren't willing to take the risk simply because it was right.
"I respect what you're trying to do here. I respect your goals for this place. I will speak on your behalf to the NYPD. I will not stand here and have you accuse me, or the others putting their lives on the line every day for this city, of not doing enough. I'm sure it's very simple from the outside looking in. It is substantially less so from where we stand." The X-man's eyes were hard, an effect somewhat marred by how purple they were. He waved a hand to let Devon know he was done. He had nothing further to say on that matter.
Devon blew out a breath, eyes widening, in exasperation. This was not going well. He had folded his arms over his chest, brow narrowing as Cafas spoke, but now his arms opened, hands up in a defeated gesture. "Hey, wow," he said quickly. "I think you're reading me wrong. I guess I'm not being clear. I'm not trying to say anyone's not doing enough, I'm just trying to say what we're doing and the kids here need."
"I did not say you or the police weren't doing enough, but I was honest how I felt about the speech... It needed more action and I think people need to hear that, hear what you are doing. I did anyway and I guess I figured you'd appreciate that. I know it's not nothing. And we do need more of a police presence here. I'm not condemning any cop for not coming here before. It sure sounds like the Order was hostile, but I figured you would understand what I meant, X-Man and all."
Devon shook his head, "Look, I'm sorry. You sound unappreciated. I didn't mean to anger you but I don't appreciate words being put in my mouth either. I'm already trying to step up, take some initiative for the people here. That involves getting the police back in the area and coming up-"
The young man was interrupted by a beep of Cafas' comm and the deliberate voice of dispatch, "Officer Johnson. Code 37 in progress near you. 82 Brookline."
"That's the apartment building across the street and two buildings over," Devon whispered. "Run down but some older folks live there."
Cafas sorely felt like replying, but both he and Devon were cut off by his radio. Great, just what he needed. Dispatch caught wind that someone was actually in Brooklyn and suddenly there were crimes and requests for police all over it. Technically the crimes had been there before, but either no one called them in, or there was never anyone available to respond.
That's the official line anyway. META bots for everything around here.
Cafas squeezed the button on his radio. "Aren't we meant to be phasing the ten code out dispatch? Either way, that one makes no sense in my jurisdiction, so can I get that in English?" Seriously, the non-universal nature of the radio codes was pretty much the most infuriating part of being a cross jurisdictional officer. Cafas rolled his eyes at the scoff that he was pretty sure hadn't been intended to come down the line. "Burglary, Johnson. Possible assault, too. Priority response, so if you're still on hell's doorstep, the interview is postponed."
"Sanctuary management's listening right now dispatch." Cafas released the radio. "Sorry Devon, gotta run. Two doors down and across the street you said?" He didn't wait for confirmation, he knew where he was well enough to find the place. Chances were it was a resident of the golden doored death trap. Other people just didn't commit crime on the Order's turf last he'd checked.
They might actually be out of business. God that'd be a load off.
The X-man turned and started jogging, adjusting his grip on his shield. It was starting to get heavy from carrying it around all day. He'd usually have left it behind, but Brooklyn made him want any advantage he could get. "See ya later Lisa." The woman didn't even look up to respond as Cafas jogged past and out the tacky golden doors. He scanned either way up the street for number eighty two.
That's odd, something's missing.
Cafas frowned and spun around. Why hadn't the door closed behind him?
Devon frowned, quieting quickly. He was hoping he could work something out with Cafas - and at least repair whatever impression he'd made - but someone actually needed help, so Devon's bad delivery could wait. He frowned at the reveal of what the code meant. Burglary and assault? There were trying to clean up this area but there were still desperate types out there.
When Cafas said 'Sanctuary management' Devon's eyes widened again. He shook his head slightly, opening his mouth to say something, but he blew out another breath. Well actually, he was sort of. He, Lisa, a few other volunteers were all that they had now. A quick nod confirmed the directions.
Then the X-Man and officer took off down the hall. Devon had decided he was going to - that he was going to help - long before even the code explanation had come down. Even if Cafas hadn't called him out to step up and help more. Devon didn't have a shield but he had plenty of other ways to help. Granted, he recognized an officer wouldn't want a civilian in the mix but Tempest was more than that when it came to it.
Devon's eyes went black as pitch as he charged out after Cafas. Who knew what he, Cafas, the people in that building would need so he immediately gathered power. He pushed for storm clouds to begin building, the humidity to increase out a mile to the near extent of his power. A simple gesture kept the doors open as he hurried out, mindful it'd be a couple minutes before the storm was truly ready to give him what he might need. This was a burglary and assault after all, not some MetaBOT army attack.
Cafas turned about abruptly, dark eyes meeting those of whatever hue the X-Man's may have shifted to. "I can help in a few ways and I'd rather not fight with you about coming or going," Tempest said in earnest. His voice echoed with a deeper tone as he concentrated on the possible need of thunder and lightning. "But I will listen to what you say."
Tempest continued running, a fair breeze stirring up in his wake on that once sad street.
His eyes hadn't been like that before, had they? Cafas was pretty sure he'd have remembered that. Huh, must have powers in use. Whatever, Cafas didn't have time for it. "Fine. keep up, and don't get in the way." If Devon wanted to put himself in the path of danger, that was his business. Cafas wasn't going to feel terribly responsible if something happened to the man. (Except for the fact he would, but he was happily denying that to himself.)
Pink hair bobbed and streamed behind him as he ran across the curb and onto the street. The X-man was grateful for the lack of real traffic around the Sanctuary. Crossing a street in more densely populated parts of the city was a hell of an ordeal. Out in Brooklyn, it was essentially a matter of timing a gap and hoping people were paying enough attention to brake. If they didn't, Devon was going to have a hell of a time following him.
The building door was luckily open. Cafas ran in to find several people gathered in the hallway, phones in hand, all looking between each other, waiting for someone to take charge and tell them what to do. "Back into your homes." The metal manipulator could hear the commotion several floors above. No-one there but him really needed to be involved. Some eyes turned to him, then several nudges were given to those that hadn't bothered to look at him. It had been a long while since any of them had seen an X-man responding to a crime, and typically that meant the perp was from across the road. None of them wanted any part in a fight like that.
More sensible than us by far.
The X-man strode through them as they dispersed back through open front doors. He could see stairs ahead. An elevator too, but the keyhole next to it didn't suggest he'd be able to use it. He jogged up the stairs two at a time, waving for the Sanctuary rep to follow. His heart rate was starting to get properly elevated by the time he reached the landing of the fourth floor, where all the noise seemed to be coming from.
Not Isabel. Or Aura. Please not either of them. I like living.
"Show time. No idea what we're going to find on the other side of this door, so be prepared." Adjusting his grip once more on his shield Cafas melted the latch and hinges off the door and planted his boot into the space the handle had once occupied. It spun inward and crashed to the floor...
Tempest merely nodded at Cafas' acceptance. He slowed his run, falling back and putting about five feet between them. If there was a problem in his neighborhood, he wanted to help. The people that lived there needed to know they weren't forgotten. Devon was thankful the X-Man didn't want to fight over the idea.
He paused and charged after the policeman, dodging traffic as he had to here numerous times. Meanwhile the skies overhead continued to darken. Devon inhaled, watching the shifting patterns in the air around him as the moved down the other side of the street. The storm would be on their side, even within the building.
Cafas urged the residents in the lobby hall back into their homes and Devon nodded. "Yes, please. This officer is here to help," he said encouragingly. Some gave the Sanctuary volunteer a quick nod, even a smile, but others said nothing as they retreated into their apartments. His dark eyes drew new fear even if they'd thought him possibly a mutant. Now they knew, though working with an X-Man might possibly win him some points. Devon had been here before and promised them that he and Sanctuary were on their side, wanting to be something more for this community.
Up the stairs Cafas charged and Devon followed swiftly, moving sometimes two stairs at a time but not as often as the police man. He ran; he worked out, but stair challenges weren't his thing. Every deep inhalation made Tempest consider raising winds in his assistance, but it wasn't yet necessary. Oh to one day ride them...
They stopped at the four floor, only two more above them before the roof. Tempest could hear the noise too. He gave the officer a quick nod as dust began to stir in a swirling pattern from beneath Tempest. The defensive winds he commanded began to rise.
Something was off, however. Tempest couldn't see into the room but there was definitely something strange going on. Things weren't shifting; the air currents weren't moving as much as he'd expect as Cafas lifted his shield and melted the door off.
Thunder boomed outside as the door fell inward, crashing as intended though perhaps harder than expected. There was a small entry, a broken mirror fallen from the wall as the door had come down. Part of dining room table was visible, and maybe a door to the kitchen as they proceeded in quickly.
Now Devon could see it, the air flowed easier near the floor than at the ceiling. That which rode upon it - not that he could easily see what might be in the air - moved slower. The humidity he'd drastically increased was there but the water vapor hung increasingly toward the floor like... "It's heavier in here," Tempest said as the rounded the corner.
A woman nearing 60 lay on the floor. Part of her couch and coffee table looked crushed like she'd fallen on it or something... A dinner tray table lay aside, broken into pieces. And a man in close-fitting street clothes stood near an open window, a bag held to his belt with one hand and the other gesturing out at the woman. He looked grizzled but unafraid, in fact he looked furious and that might have had something to do with the dinner knife jammed into one bicep.
Tempest gave the woman credit. She'd fought back or at least tried. These people had learned a long time ago they had to fight. Almost as important Devon was thankful he didn't recognized the man. Unfortunately, it wasn't air pressure keeping the moisture or air currents from stirring normally. It was as if gravity was pulling them down or was it that they suddenly weighed more?
Cafas had turned the corner first but was also farther ahead than Devon, feeling the mutant's power sooner and stronger. He was nearly twenty feet away and clearly had heard them coming. His hand and his power had turned toward the oncoming X-Man and his would-be back up. Still, there was worry in his eyes now.
Devon immediately began to crumble to the floor, thankful not to be as large or as bulky, or as close to the mutant, as Cafas. Wind didn't care about gravity of course. A large gust started near a bedroom door, picking up a table and a lamp and flinging them toward the man as it went. Tempest didn't know if they'd get caught up in the gravity (or whatever it was) field, but it was his first idea.
Situation, FUBAR. Cafas cast a glance around the room, taking in the scene. One civilian, incapacitated. One enemy combatant, still fighting through a pretty nasty injury, and rather obviously a mutant, if the odd gravity of the room was anything to go by. Cafas had no reason to assume the guy was alone either.
"Police! Don't move!"
Someone was clearly bad at listening. The injured burglar cast a hand over Cafas and, behind him, Devon. It was an unpleasant sensation. Luckily, Cafas had already set himself in a firm stance. In his line of work, it always payed to assume someone was going to fight. His muscles took up the increasing weight as Cafas fought to stay upright. It didn't sound like Devon was having the same luck. The strangest part was the way it dragged on his face.
Movie tactics, don't fail me now.
The criminal frowned and looked like he might be stubborn enough to push the issue when Cafas stayed standing. The X-man planned to dissuade him with a Captain America tribute. Mustering all the strength he could under the circumstances, and backing it up with all the assistance he could eek out of his mutation, the pink haired mutant threw his shield straight into the burglar's chest. Combined with a wind blown table and lamp, it might have been overkill.
The burglar lost his footing trying to dodge the incoming projectiles. Cafas yanked the shield back to himself, weight returning to normal as the man tumbled out the window. It pulled up just inside his reach. He wasn't quite confident enough to try and catch it in flight.
"Check the civilian." It was more an order than a request. Cafas, for his part, ran over to the window to check on their friend. He was greeted by a volley of gunfire as he stuck his head out. The bullets turned to gas in mid air, and the X-man turned to glare at the very confused looking shooter. Looked like three of them in total, similarly dressed, standing on the roof of the abutting building. The gravity manipulator looked no worse for ware after his ten foot drop. Hardly surprising.
"Think they're gonna run. What's the situation over there?"
Devon was impressed by Cafas. He was professional, seemed to work by the book, and his strength training was clearly intense. Sure, the X-Man was a walking brick house but to stand up in place under that gravitational pull was impressive. Devon had crouched behind the man after tossing out a gust, but he leaned back and to the side finding it easier to manage back to his height while he watched Cafas at work.
The shield flew at the burglar. The burglar flew out the wind. The table flew to one side. The lamp flew into the couch. Everything got to fly except Tempest. One day...
Tempest was already moving to the woman when Cafas ordered the civilian check. He had to wonder if that's how he spoke to fellow X-Men too, or was that purely a police response. Either way, Devon didn't care. Clearly they had to check on the old gal. "Are you okay?" he asked quickly, offering her hand.
"Yes," she started to rise weekly. "He hit me and when I stabbed his leg he knocked me down and did something to keep me there..." She frowned, but she looked more angry than upset as her eyes met the dark ones of Tempest. "Are you that boy from Sanctuary? Is that an X-Man?" Her attention went over to the open window.
"Yes, miss," Devon nodded as he helped lift her up. She moved to the chair with ease as the gravity had returned to normal. He looked back at Cafas abruptly when he heard gun fire but then nothing. "Think they're gonna run. What's the situation over there?"
"She's-"
"I'm fine. Thank you. Don't you worry about me though. You go catch that little bitch," the woman snapped. "I'll head downstairs in a moment."
Devon chuckled briefly, giving her an approving nod, before moving behind Cafas. He followed the X-Man's gaze up to the next building but didn't lean out the window. "I can get up or down the building with ease, and outside they only make it easier," Tempest said firmly. The skies had truly darkened now with thick, potent black thunderclouds. It had grown hotter, humid, and there was a faint smell of ozone in the air now.
"If you can take care of the bullets, I can at least send them tumbling. Otherwise, they'll be dodging lightning," Tempest's voice deepened. "I'd prefer some answers though. I've never seen that guy before."
The burglar and his buddies seemed to take the hesitancy and were backing away from the top of the roof. Faint footsteps became louder on the gravel and concrete. Were they honestly going to try and get away?
Yup, they were running. Why did they always have to run? It just made the whole process take longer. "Glad you're alright Ma'am. Devon, non-lethal force unless they force your hand. Come on." Cafas yanked the window open to its fullest extent, and vaulted through. It was a squeeze at his size, but he made it through cleanly. The X-man rolled off some of the momentum, and set off after the party of thieves.
Except, they were no longer running. They'd pulled up sharply and turned. Gravity picked up again, and Cafas, mid stride, was forced to his knees by the sudden influx of weight. The handgun was once again levelled at him, and despite being under quite a lot of pressure, Cafas rolled his eyes. Some people never learned. Liquid metal dripped out of the plastic frame onto the roof. "Drop your weapons and get on the ground."
"I don't think you understand the gravity of your situation." The injured mutant chuckled. Cafas was unimpressed, his face a mixture of contempt and disbelief. The gunman sighed and shook his head, but said nothing. The third member of their burglary posse was eyeing the edge of the building, busily planning to use the distraction to flee. It looked like he hadn't even noticed the joke.
"Damn dude, I'm a superhero and even I don't use a catchphrase." The X-man pushed to his feet with some difficulty, waiting for someone to make a move.