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 Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
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.
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
Oh how he loved to tease this creature. She wasn’t a human, after all, so he didn’t see any particular cruelty about it. She was simply another tool, a diversion that he utilized whenever it was necessary. Steadily her usages continued to evolve, changing from hand-to-hand, person-to-person, until she was practically little more than an all-purpose object for him to breakout whenever it was necessary. Some would say that there was indeed a particular cruelty about the way he treated her -- to which hiss response was “Do you wish to trade places?” Few continued the argument.
Would he ever take her away and finally do what he teased for so long? The answer was deceptive and unsure. Jorge was a sexual being, his appetites seemingly unquenchable. What was to really keep him from taking Stephanie by the hand to one of the back rooms of this massive hotel and sample what he’s been handing out? Well, while the possibility was there, Poseidon kept back for one, single purpose; it drove Stephanie mad.
He kept her on the edge. He kept her wondering just when and if it was finally going to happen. There was something in holding that kind of power over someone that Jorge actually appreciated far above the momentary bliss that came with release. No, the man was drunk with power and he would stay as such.
Fingers continued to trail across the gorgeous woman’s back. For a moment he could feel her shrink away but that moment passed as she replied with her practiced, purring voice.
>>”I wouldn’t think to deprive these fine people of their lord and master.”
He grinned. She was full of **** and he knew it, but there was still such satisfaction in hearing the words come from her. His hand moved to her side, stroking her hip as he did so. He paid no attention to anyone else who may be watching them, or trying to get his attention. Rather he just leaned down, his lips near her ear. For anyone observing it would seem as if he were whispering sweet nothings, but that was far from the truth.
”Ooo, you’re so full of it…” he whispered. ”But, I do love it when you call me that.” A slower song came through the speakers and the old god grinned as he set his drink down on a nearby counter, taking Stephanie’s from her and setting it nearby as well. His hand then slipped into her’s. ”Please,” he started, his voice charming to anyone who passed. ”I’ve seen you stand still in that dress for far too long…” One hand slipping over hers and the other resting on her hip as he pulled her to the dancefloor. ”...I must see it motion.”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
>> ”Yes, Tío,”
Jorge was not in the mood. As he stood before his niece, looming over both her and her friend, the grizzly detective merely gave the young woman a firm look before he grunted a firm command. They were getting out of here. The smell of alcohol still in the air, the detective wanted to push past this night as quickly as possible. He didn’t relish being the bad guy but there was looking the other way and there was being completely negligent. He wasn’t going to let Marisol slide under this one. Not one bit.
The other girl took him a second. She was familiar. The officer he spoke to gave him her name and it sounded familiar then, but when he saw her face he instantly knew her. She was from the Mansion, one of the students staying there. Great. That was all he needed. Oh well, at least it meant that there would certainly be information on who her parents or guardians were. And if not, he was certain that Gemma would be more than happy to fill in that role and dole out an appropriate punishment.
Once Marisol was up (he caught sight of her holding the hand of the other), the detective turned on his heel with a grunt and made back towards his car. It was taking a lot to keep his composure right now. He loved Marisol. She was his family. To see her making a mistake like this just pissed him off. Fuming all the way back to his car, Jorge opened the door for Marisol and Skye before he returned to the officer.
There was a quick conversation where Jorge thanked the other for calling this in. He was glad that something worse didn’t happen but the disappointment, the frustration, and the annoyance were hard to forget.
Returning to the car, both girls were in the backseat. Ensuring the doors were closed appropriate, Jorge slipped into the driver’s seat without a word. The silence was probably the worst part of it. If he were shouting or displaying any kind of forward anger then that was progress towards eventual resolution. The fact that was he was quiet, a stewing storm waiting to erupt, made the future all that much more terrifying.
He pulled the car into the road and headed away from the scene.
The silence was deafening. Jorge didn’t bother checking the rearview to see what the girls were doing, but instead kept his gaze forward, watching the road as carefully as he could. The silent cocoon was destroyed, however, when the new girl spoke up.
>>"This....this was all my idea, sir...I talked her into it."
A glance into the rearview. He didn’t linger his gaze long upon her but instead shifted his attention back to the road. He didn’t say anything for a few moments but when he did reply with was with a low, growling voice. The kind that made the criminals he faced every day wet their pants. The effect of teenagers he wasn’t sure yet, but he didn’t imagine it would be any better.
”I don’t want to hear it,” he said, firmly squashing any further explanations from her. His gaze returned to the rearview to glance at Marisol before shifting back to Skye and to the road. ”But make no mistake, your guardian will hear about this from me the second I get back the mansion.” A pause, again he glanced at the reflection of his niece before returning to the road. ”As well as your mother.”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
The long shift. It was finally over. Jorge didn’t mind staying at the precinct when there was a tough case to be cracked or someone had called him in for assistance with one matter or another, but these days it just seemed to be weighing on Jorge. Maybe it was the fact that there was an evil version of himself running around New York, or maybe it was planning the impending nuptials with Gemma, in either case, the detective was certainly a wick that had been burned at both ends -- and now there was only the shortest of fuses.
But, his day was over. That was all that mattered. Now all he had to do was finish writing up this report, collect his things, and head out of the building. It was a simple enough plan that it couldn’t possibly be derailed.
The final period added and the report was submitted. That being done the older detective breathed a hefty sigh of relief. Carefully he craned his neck, feeling the vertebrae crack with ease. After running his hand through his hair, he stood up and began to bid farewell to his colleagues. It was time to go home and kiss his bride-to-b--
“Wait! Cervantes!”
He cursed under his breath. So close. Looking up, he spotted an officer Bridget Grant trying to flag him down. As the blonde came up to his side he gave her a tired look. ”Grant. Unless someone is dead, I really think I’m done for the day. I’ve already done two double shifts, I haven’t seen my fiance in at least sixteen hours, I just want --”
“Jorge. It’s a 10-64D. A house party with a lot of underage drinking.”
Jorge shrugged. ”So? Patrol can easily handl--”
Bridget edged closer. “Your niece was there.”
***
The car pulled up to the house. Already there came with it a cloud of tired-fueled irritation and disappointment that could be seen from several blocks over. The door popped open and there came the grizzly, tired, and mostly angry police detective. Though he looked a little haggard from his long hours, he certainly didn’t carry the aura of being a pushover. Rather the man that strolled towards the front steps of the house, dressed in hi darkened jeans and his brown leather jacket with the badge hanging from his belt looked to be anything but an easygoing time.
He eyed Marisol, hard before he turned and spoke with some of the responding officers. It wasn’t that big of a bust. Just a lot of underage drinking and a lot of parents being called. They did inform him that there was at least one guy that who was certainly not a teenager and had been making moves at unsuspecting party goers. The thought of that had only served to annoy him further.
After thanking the officer for directing the call to him as opposed to elsewhere, he sighed as he broke away. Head up, he looked over the house, glanced at anyone else whom he passed, before he came to a halt directly in front of both Marisol and the brunette at her side. His lips formed a thin line as he peered down at them, eyes boring into their souls with practiced intensity. Finally he looked away, shaking his head.
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
It was going to take some used to to having a second son, especially one who was essentially an alternate version of the one he already had. Toby was a good kid who had been stuck in a real shitty situation. His powers were favored by SUPER because they allowed him to infiltrate practically anywhere with precision. To imagine his own son, Chase, being used in such a way was terrifying enough, but to see it actually happen was quite unnerving. He would never want Toby to experience something like this again.
Jorge accepted the boy with open arms but he still needed to be careful. The boy’s powers made touch outside of Gemma’s field a bit difficult. But the detective was skilled enough with Chase to ensure to not touch his bare skin and to avoid lingering on his clothes for more than a second or two. He was sure that the kid’s abilities were trying to reach through the fibers, to siphon whatever memories or appearance that he possessed. So he would tread carefully.
With the instruction that they should press on, Jorge moved towards the building and the elevators within, only stopping to glance down when Toby bopped his head against his side.
>>"I think your normal clothes look fine...But I will accompany you nonetheless."
He smirked.
The two eventually made their way into the building where Jorge tried to explain some of the particulars of what they were doing. It all seemed strange to Toby so the older man would do what he could to explain. He went into as much detail as he could about the tradition of dressing up nice, of having a party to celebrate, about spending your life with someone who you cared very deeply about. It was a heavy subject so he tried to explain it as best he could but he was by no means an expert.
Making their way to a private men’s room, Jorge proceeded to step into a stall while Toby waited just outside. When he came out he had on his sleek black trousers and was starting to button up his nice white shirt. Next to him, hanging on a hook, was the casual attire he had on moments ago, as well as a small bag with everything else he could need, including cufflinks and a tie. As Jorge moved to step in front of the mirror and was buttoning his shirt, he glanced to Toby and smiled before gesturing to the bag that was hanging.
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
NOTE: Jayda will be the new, NPC leader of the Syndicate. She will be open for most anyone to use. The only thing that I ask are for a few simple rules: A.) please don't kill her off, B.) please don't defeat her just to try to rule the Syndicate yourself (it's still my creation), C.) no imprisoning her or anything like that. This is to give the Syndicate a chance to flourish like the X-Men who have an NPC leader and will help to keep me from being the only one running everything. So please treat her nicely.
Individual
Character's full name: Jayda Cervantes Alias/ Nickname/ Code name: Hera Gender: Female Age: 50 Date of Birth: June 11, 1968 Birthplace/ Home/ Place of origin: Long Beach, California Nationality: American Ethnicity/ Cultural Heritage: Mexican-American
Appearance
Hair color and style: Long, black, and hands in loose waves. Skin Tone: Healthy caramel hue Eye Color: Dark Brown Height: 5’2 Build: Well-toned, Curvaceous with an eye-catching chest, and full, wide hips. Visible mutation: Lilac colored eyes and fangs when powers are active.
Uniform: Fine, expensive business suits and attire. Jayda only wears the best at all times of the day, for all occasions.
Character Personality: Cold. Smart. Calculating. For as much as her brother is a mutant supremacist, Jayda is even more so. She will do anything for the mutant cause but she isn’t as brash as some. Rather, some would say that she could even be the smarter when compared to her brother when it comes to tactics, business, and manipulation.
Mutations
Mutation description: Psionic Vampire- Jayda is actually a powerful psionic. Her abilities manifest in a variety of ways, both offensive and defensively. However whenever she uses her abilities, she must “recharge” and she does this by feeding off the psionic energies obtained from a victim’s blood. Much like a vampire, Jayda has to bite into her victim, tasting their blood, and pulling psionic energy from it. The list of her abilities are as followed:
Psychic shields (protect herself or others from psychics)
Psionic Spikes (physical and/or mental damage)
Telekinesis (depends on how much psionic energy she has stored)
Memory Absorption and Retention (by feeding from enemies she gains their memories)
History Of Your Character The story goes that Jayda Cervantes died in the concentration camps. The older sister of Jorge Cervantes, she was the first to be take into the camps and put under hard labor for her continued attempts to use her abilities. She had always been the vicious sort, using her powers freely and with abandon. But the camps did everything they could to break her -- until she had seemingly died within their care. It was an event that would send Jorge down the criminal path that would lead to the creation of the Syndicate.
However, just when Jorge was ascending to power, he was surprised to find that Jayda was still alive. She had managed to escape the concentration camps and fake her death. For the most part she was fine with leaving her brother alone to make her own bloody way in the world. However news quickly reached her about the growing fount of power that Jorge was amassing and thus she had to visit.
The meeting did not go as expected. While Jorge had always had a strained relationship with his sister. She was psychotic but she was still a mutant, hence his mad quest against the world for “killing” her. But now that she was back he knew that if there was one person who could interfere with his plans, it was her. So he bought her off. A hefty salary and she would live out her days in Europe, far, far away from him. Jayda feigned hurt feelings but readily agreed. He would never hear from her again so long as the money kept rolling in -- or she felt otherwise.
The day has finally come. The news of a “new dimension” and mutterings of the Syndicate pushing into a new realm only means that Jayda now has to pay her little brother another visit. This time with far higher demands.
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
NEW YORK CITY -- THE SAPPHIRE HOTEL
It had been several weeks since River gave her life to do the impossible. In the new universe, the main base for the Syndicate had found a new home. Thanks to months of planning, swindling, and dealing, Poseidon had managed to secure the space he needed to literally transplant his operations from one side of the rift to the other. It cost River her life but the sheer magic and power that she was able to accomplish was utterly astonishing. Truly it was an inspiration for all mutant kind. Now, instead of starting all over again, Jorge was going to begin where he left off, more than enough to stomp SUPER into the ground.
Standing in the penthouse of the Sapphire Hotel, her personal quarters, the watermancer took a deep breath, smirking a little to himself. Their worlds were identical but Jorge could taste the difference in the air. It was subtle, of course. Most would argue that it was just a figment of his imagination. Maybe. Jorge wasn’t about to split hares with this idea. All he knew was that he was home and he would have a chance to ensure that he and his people had a chance against the humanities desperate attempt to survive.
Dressed in a suit, sans the jacket, the man with the ivory dress shirt and black slacks sighed as he took a sip from the drink he swirled in his hand. As he did so, he surveyed his new home through the tall, clear windows. Oh this city was just begging to be taken by someone like him. It was defenseless and filled with an oppressed society that was needed a leader. Poseidon was that leader and he believed it with every fiber of his coming.
Come tomorrow, it would be time for them to begin their operations. Soon enough the Syndicate will have it’s grip wrapped tightly around as much as it can get. This would be the beginning of something absolutely beautiful. A sharp smile pulled at his lips, a gratefulness for everything that was coming together. River was...a loss. Truly. But there would be time enough for him to mourn her. And besides, she gave herself for the single, most important cause. Mutants and their supremacy were all that mattered.
Another sip and Jorge sighed. Life was good to those who throttle it.
He turned, heading towards to kitchen to set his glass down and retire to bed when there was the sound of knocking on his door. His eyebrow perched in confusion. His guards knew better than to knock on his door unless there was something of dire importance. Briefly he wondered if there was something he needed to worry about and made for the door. Grabbing it by the handle, he pulled it open…
He blinked at the visage that awaited him. A woman, a little older than him, much shorter and with a sickly grin on her lips. Her raven hair cascaded down either side of her face and her eyes contained all the malevolence of a viper. He was dressed in a simple, darkly colored pant suit, a pristine white button-up shirt underneath. Casually she wiped the corners of her lips and sighed as she looked him over. Jorge didn’t see the look she gave him at first, but instead glanced at the splotches of crimson upon the lapels of her shirt.
Another glance and the two guards that were usually at his door lay dead on the ground, one having clawed at his face and the other bleeding profusely from the neck. Shaking his head, Jorge turned his gaze back to the woman, grumbled under his breath and opened the door wider for her to enter.
”Jayda…” he sighed in greeting. ”...you’re supposed to be dead.”
”And you, dear brother, are supposed to be in another universe,” she grinned, watching as he closed the door behind her. ”And yet, here we are.”
Jorge rolled his eyes, closing and locking the door. Jayda Cervantes, his wicked sister, was supposed to be dead. Actually there was a time where he thought she was dead, hence leading him to the life he led now. But a few years ago, Jayda had revealed herself as living this whole time and came to him wanting a cut of the action. She was bloodthirsty and psychotic...and brilliant. He couldn’t risk her being in the operation so he paid her a rather large salary to stay in Europe, in their home universe. And yet, here she was, crossing the border and now invading his newest venture.
Shaking his head he moved past her, marching towards the kitchen. He needed a new drink now. ”You didn’t have to kill my people,” he said with a grumble.
”You mean...your pet humans?”
Another shake of his head. ”You were always so unyielding in your ideals,” he smirked. Pouring her a drink he slid it across the counter to where she appeared, waiting. As she took it up, she sipped and he turned to his own drink.
”Without ideals, we’re no better than they are.” she purred, taking another satisfying drink.
Poseidon just shook his head. ”Well, I know you didn’t just come here to discuss moralities, sister,’ He opened a drawer, pulling out a check book. ”Let me guess, you’ve run out of playmates and glittering things over seas? Want to take your hand at the debauchery this world has to offer? Or are you just giving me your forwarding address so you can keep getting paid in a new universe?”
Jayda sighed heavily and purred, shaking her head.. ”Oh, mi hermano…” she sighed patronizingly. ”...you can’t pay off everyone. No, you misunderstand.” She stepped away, swirling her glass of scotch and peering around the large penthouse. ”I’m not here for a pay off. I’m not some leech, suckling at your blood.” She paused, smirking at the irony of her statement. ”No, Jorge, I’m here to become a useful member of the organization!”
With an eyebrow arched, Jorge stared at his older sister for the longest time. The only greater mutant supremacist than himself was Jayda, but she also was a bit more wild than he was. That was why he had sent her off. He needed subtlety in the organization, not the madness that Jayda could incur. So, after a second, the man snorted and shook his head.
”That’s a bit out there,” he said with a sigh. ”So that’s what this is?” he asked, moving out of the kitchen and making his way to the window that looked out over the new, and yet familiar, city. ”A job interview?”
Jayda footfalls were silent as she stepped up next to Jorge, wrapping her arm around his shoulder (no easy feat considering how much smaller she was by comparison). ”Uumm…something like that.” She replied.
Poseidon sighed. He looked at her reflection and then back to the window to look outside. The city was sprawling. He had his plans, for each and every section. He didn’t want to jeopardize any of it, especially not by giving Jayda a role. Hrm, he guessed he could pretend to think about it and buy himself some time. Jayda was...flighty. She constantly changed her mind and there was every chance that she would forget about this and simply go off on her own without giving it a second thought. A few days in the hotel shouldn’t hurt too much. Surely he could figure a distraction for her.
A gave her reflection a slight smile the lifted the drink to his lips. A small sip followed before he spoke. ”I’ll...see what I can arrange. Give me a few days?” he asked. He looked at her reflection. She was smirking, staring at him, but not talking. After a moment passed, Jorge turned to look at her directly...and found that she wasn’t there. Her reflection was, but she wasn’t. As his mind quickly made the connections, his eyes widened as he spun -- but it was too late. ”SH*T...URK!!!”
The fangs dug deep into his neck. Jayda was behind him, psionic fangs digging deep into his flesh and spilling his blood into her mouth. She tightened her grip as Jorge flailed, trying to untangle her from him. When he finally gained some sense of who he was, he quickly began to melt down, turning into water, but he only managed to disengage from her before he felt a sharp pang in his head and immediately reverted him back to his human form. Jorge fell to his knee, holding his neck and limping back.
Jayda, meanwhile, just sighed and smiled as she stood above him. ”Silly man...” she cooed. ”...did you really think I was going to let you be the ****-of-the-Walk for much longer? You’ve done an okay job getting the cause forward, but you seem to lack the conviction to take us all the way there. You use humans, you pay off humans, you need to be ruling them.” She sighed, watching Jorge as he struggled to put distance between them. He kept trying to shift into water but his efforts were fruitless as every time he tried, a sharp migraine knocked him back to his natural state. ”You can stop trying that too…” she said. ”My psionic bolts will keep you pinned…” she knelt down in front of him. They had made their way to the kitchen. ”Like a bug on display. You’re not going anywhere, baby brother.”
She sighed as she advanced. She knew well enough where to bite him, the exact spot that would eventually lead to a bleed out. Oh but she wouldn’t let that happen, not yet.
”You see, I’ve been dismantling your organization for months now. Missing shipments, members vanishing from your employ, I even handled that piece of mutant *** that you were lending out to clients. Stephanie, that was her name. You’ll be happy to know,” she teased, ”that she and her sweet little cherub of a daughter are enjoying the time of their lives now, away from you. Not that I care. Honestly, I could ground the child into bone meal and keep her mother as a personal plaything, but...I knew just how much it would piss. You. off.”
Jorge could feel his life fading. The blood was spilling out of the gaping wound she had left on his throat. He gulped, still trying to put distance, trying to get to something, anything that could help. He struggled onto his feet, leaning back, weakly, against the kitchen counter, his hand blindly reaching back for anything to give him the advantage. If there was one thing he knew about his sister...she loved to monologue.
Jayda licked her lips and cooed again. ”Mmm, tasty. You see, my powers have grown. By tasting your blood, I get all your memories.” He grinned. ”I know exactly what you know, including how to run this organization and how to turn it into the lean, mean, human-grinding machine it needs to be.” She then paused, stroking her chin. ”And...with that…” he grinned wide. ”...I guess that means there’s no room for you.”
Closing the gap, the she-devil sighed as she leaned up next to Jorge, her lips near his ear as she muttered softly. Jorge gulped, feeling more life fading from him. It took him a moment but, eventually, he managed to zero in on the words that she whispered to him.
”Poseidon’s time is done…” she said. ”...long live Hera.”
”F-F-F***...you…”
She gave a hardy cackle and moved to deliver the final bite.
An arch of silver caught the air. Jayda hissed, feeling the slash of a kitchen knife cut across her chest and sending a spike of pain throughout her body. With a growl of disbelief she touched her palm to the wound and immediately snapped her eyes back to her brother. But all she saw was him shifting back into liquid, going for the drain. But she wouldn’t make it easy. Her hands snapped outward, curled into claws as she immediately caught him with her psionic grip. Painfully she held on, until, finally, she swept outward with both arms and scattered the droplets of water to all corners of the room. Water tinged with blood lay everywhere and Jayda sighed. She stood there, catching her breath and rolling her neck. There was nothing left of Poseidon now. Stepping away from the mess, she would call room service to come up with a dry cleaner to steam everything before her brother had a chance to reform.
”****er,” she grumbled. ”Let’s see how you come back from a good steam.”
As Jayda grumbled at the mess of water, she didn’t notice the small, insignificant amount that slunk weakly into the sink and down the drain.
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
Everything was running beautifully. As Poseidon sipped at his flute of champagne, the man’s eyes roamed every inch of the room, falling onto people who carried with them an interest that only a true god would appreciate. The Syndicate was coming together. Mutants from this side of the rift, those who passed through from the other, they were all finally meeting. This was the day, the day that would go down in history as the one where true, clear thinking mutants united. And it was the most beautiful sight to behold.
As the crime lord mused to himself of the coming plans, his eyes briefly fell onto the slinky, sensually dressed form of Stephanie Graves. His lecherous eyes locked onto her, following her every curve. He would be lying if he said he never wanted to take her back to his bedroom and sample the wares, but there was more satisfaction in knowing how much power he had over her.
Still, with the way things were going, she would eventually be a liability he couldn’t afford. Moving dimensions was going to be tough and there were going to be a lot of people who saw her and would ask one too many questions. No, he would need to make the eventual, tough decision. But, it was certainly a good thing that Stephanie contained with her a consolation prize; one by the name of Malia.
She approached his side and Jorge grinned in a serpentine manner. He sipped his drink again as she hung close to him. He didn’t fool himself. He knew that she despised him, but she was loyal pet so long as he had the leverage he did. So there was no problem in playing along.
>>”Having a good night, sir? I know you like to appreciate what’s yours.”
His hand dipped down, finding the small of her back. ”Mmm, it’s certainly looking up…” he teased. His hand moved up, finding a spot of bare skin. Their skin met. Stephanie had seen him before. She knew what power he had over water -- including what was inside the human body. He teased her, though. He didn’t exert any control, but the threat was very real, and possible, as he stroke her bare back with his fingertips. ”You look amazing, by the way…” he whispered, his voice in her ear. ”...almost makes me want to take you away and forgo the rest of the party.” He smirked. ”Do you think the guests would consider that rude?”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
>>"Alright then...Let's get to it."
He smirked and bowed his head. ”As you wish.”
***
They were at city hall before they knew it and with plenty of time to prep for the occasion. Maybe they should have spent the extra money and reserved some room in the park or in a hall somewhere. Downtown City Hall was probably not the most ideal place but considering how much time was wasted trying to make this happen, it seemed only necessary that they make it happen with as few complications as possible. So, with no regrets in his heart, Jorge found a parking place, and followed Gemma and the twins out. All the while, he couldn’t help the goofy smile on his lips.
This was it. It was happening.
As Gemma struggled to remove the bagged dress from the back of the car, Jorge pulled out his hanging tuxedo. They needed to get dressed for the occasion. Luckily there were plenty such private rooms in City Hall used for this kind of thing. At least that was what Merle had told him and, secretly, he hoped the old codger wasn’t referring to just the bathrooms.
>> "I'm going to need some help, Chase...I can't put on this dress alone... Toby, stay with Jorge so that he doesn't wander off, okay?"
Jorge smirked. Toby being in charge of making sure Jorge didn’t wander was amusing but he would play along. Reaching down he patted his newest son’s shoulder and nodded. ”Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to stay within eyeshot.” He grinned and hefted up the tux, setting it over his shoulder. ”Okay, Merle will meet us on the third floor. He says there are changing spaces up there. Once we’re done, we’re ready to rock n’ roll.” A beaming smile and he clapped Toby gently on the shoulder. ”Let’s go, kid. Time to make me look somewhat respectable for your mom.”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
ALT-VERSE
It wasn’t that Poseidon was unaccustomed to keeping strange hours or that he was not used to getting late phone calls, but it seemed that River was trying to beat her personal record. As opposed to just sending him emails or text messages to get her point across, she seemed almost rabid these days to get ahold of him. While he was usually flattered by such advances, River was quick to immediately drown out any possibility the second he came onto the phone and unloading a harsh series of data points and scientific knowledge, enough to make his head spin. There were times that he would have been fine firing her -- but she always made up for it by bringing him the best possible news. She was ready.
Sitting up from the couch in his office, Jorge sighed as he rolled his neck. The young couple who were curled up on the ground, next to his sofa, momentarily caught his eye. They were a newlywed couple, mutants who wanted to experience the Atlantis Club before they shipped out on their honeymoon adventures in Wisconsin (a heavy eyeroll was inserted). However, their foray into the club had quickly earned Poseidon’s wandering eye. Some chatting, some drinking, and soon enough the pair were convinced to join the older man in his back office for an evening of debauchery that they wouldn’t forget.
It had been a hell of the night. Both had found things about themselves that they didn’t know and, quite frankly, would require some discussion -- just not hear. Standing from the couch, Jorge made his way across the room, pulling a silk bathrobe around his naked frame. As he slipped a cigar between his lips, lighting the end, he took a long breath before he suddenly clapped his hands and turned on the lights. Both the beautifully curved blonde and her dark-haired, bearded beau immediately woke up in confusion, then surprise...and finally a tinge of shame. He smirked, watching them reaching for clothing.
Another clap of his hands and he thanked them for the evening, bid them a fine honeymoon, and kicked them out his office just as they managed to pull on their underwear. Once they were gone, he returned to his desk and to the offending device that had awoken him -- his phone. Picking it up again, he spied the message from River and smirked. If anyone could have cracked this mystery, he knew it was her. Now it was time to change the world.
***
The halls of the Syndicate headquarters buried deep under the Atlantis Club were a sight to behold. When construction had first started, Jorge would traverse the halls with Charlotte and Helena, overseeing everything to ensure that it was being done correctly. He didn’t cut corners when it came to his own ventures and he wanted to ensure that what he created would last centuries. From those beginnings, he watched as workmen and mutants pieced the headquarters together, slab by slab, until it turned from musty, dank halls filled with equipment, into the smooth, almost sterile pathways that he walked now. Truly it was a testament to his people and what they could make when properly motivated.
Making his way down, he turned a corner, adjusting the cufflinks on his ivory dress shirt and brushing lint off the lapels of his suit jacket. Deft fingers brushed through his short, salt-and-pepper hair as he marched towards the only other doorway in this hall. Few people came down here, mainly because no one but one other person had business down here; this was River’s lab.
River was his most trusted lieutenant. Her her abilities manifested, the young woman was driven by unseen urges to continuously upgrade herself in new and more frightening ways. It was probably why she sought the founders out when news was spreading that there were people out there going above and beyond for mutants. Jorge immediately saw he potential in River and, promising her safety and salvation from the outside world, she dedicated herself solely to the ideals of the Syndicate.
And now she was making even further leaps forward. Because of her, the Syndicate would to break the laws of physics and transcend the shackles of this plane.
The palm of his hand pressed to the reader on the side of her door. Instantly it dinged with a bright shade of green, sliding open to allow him access. Jorge stepped in and was immediately caught by the scent of melting metal -- River was working hard on her soldering.
Inside her lab, Jorge took a second to appreciate the surrounding. The lab was cavernous and filled with what one would expect to see in a science fiction wonderland. Machine beeped and whirled, lights flickered between shades of red, green, and blue. In a corner Jorge could see the workbench that was laden with wires, metal, and circuit boards. But it was the noise of a woman muttering to herself in a corner that drew his attention. As he stepped further in, against a back wall, he could see River, disheveled and maniac, pouring over a large, interactive glass screen. She tapped at it, pulling up menus, swiping, making notes, and shaking her head as she looked over a variety of equations. Jorge was a smart man but this, this was far beyond his understanding. So he stood, waited, then grew impatient enough to clear his throat for her to hear.
River jumped and snapped towards him, a crazed look of irritation at having been interrupted. But, upon seeing who it was, she breathed in relief and gave him a firm look of understanding, nodded her head, and turned back around to finish her formula. It was another few moments before she finally sighed in satisfaction and stepped back.
“Thousands of simulations. All successful.” She nodded, finally turning to face her employer. “Now’s the day. It’s the only day that we can pull it off. After this point the unstable energies surrounding the rift will become too chaotic to accurately control. It’s like I predicted a year ago, the rift is closing...and soon.”
Jorge nodded, slowly walking up and glancing over her screen. He couldn’t make much of it but he had learned over the years to trust River’s calculations. His arms crossed over his chest, he sighed as he looked over the rest of the information around the lab. What grabbed his attention the most were the Gravity Pikes that she had developed when she first discovered that the rift would be closing. The pikes were smaller, about a foot long, with a point at one end and the dual red and green lights on the other. The one he picked up was just a prototype, inactive. The rest, well, River had been busy this last year.
River had been diligent. When tasked with figuring a way to ensure the Syndicate would continue, she worked herself to exhaustion. Always she kept him informed. Planting the spikes in the other universe, in the exact space he had bought out, River was excited to let him know she was successful. Everything was in place and now it merely awaited his word.
”Has base been evacuated?” he asked.
River nodded. “I contacted Duke. He moved everyone out of the building in prep for this.” She sighed and turned to face him. “Sir, I don’t question you. But...are you sure you want to do this? What we’re doing...there’s going to be effects. I don’t know what but we’re essentially breaking the laws of physics.”
Jorge scoffed. ”Oh my dear,” he sighed. ”Those were already broken. We’re just...taking advantage of the situation. Besides…” A look of pride and excitement swept over his face. ”That world needs us more than this one. SUPER’s roots are too deep here. But there, we can strike the weeds at their root and ensure that it never forms.”
“So, we just abandon those mutants who needs us here?”
He turned to face her. ”The Syndicate will live on here. Not everyone will want to cross over. And I’m sure that those that stay will be able to continue on in our name.”
For Jorge is was actually a hard decision to make. He didn’t want to leave his universe but the opportunity to advance the foothold of his species was far too great to pass up. In all honesty, despite grand speeches and promises to the populace...it was a losing war on this side. SUPER had too much control, too much power, and were rooted far too deeply. At least in the other universe, there was a chance. A real chance, not just worthless hope. Of course, doing something like this was not just going to cause ripples throughout the known universe, but a sacrifice will be required.
Reaching up, he placed his hand on the back of River’s head, running his fingers down through her ebony hair. River tensed up, holding onto her resolve before she dipped her head down. Softly she nodded her head in understanding, but not before Jorge spoke.
”Are you sure today has to be the day?”
A nod. “Yes. The conditions are optimal.”
”If there was another way, I’d suggest we do it.”
“But there is no other way.” A beat. “It’s a honor...” she said firmly. “...to give my life for the cause.”
Jorge clenched his jaw but nodded. Wrapping his arm around River’s shoulders he leaned down, kissing the top of her head. The only words that escaped him were soft and tinged with remorse. ”My sweet girl…”
It was a moment. A moment where River actually felt her human side lean encourage her to lean into the kiss. Both relief and regret began to sweep throughout her form at the same time. And for a second she toyed with the idea of saying no. But it was only a second. Logic and the passion for her cause filled her again and after a single tear rolled down her caramel cheek, she paused and leaned back once more. After a pause, she gave Poseidon a resolute nod.
“I’m ready.”
His head down, the watermancer nodded. He blinked away the remorse from his eyes, stepping away and pulling out his phone. He let River move herself to the back of her lab and he followed, but not until he checked with his second in command.
”Duke. Everyone clear?”
“Everything under the Atlantis Club is empty.” A pause. “Boss, you sure you want to be in Ground Zero?”
Jorge turned. His eyes fell on River who had removed every scrap of clothing from herself. Her body was both young, supple, but a horror show of metal, wires, and gears. She began to climb into a pod of her design, pulling readily available cords from slots and plugging them into very specific ports in her arms, spine, and the back of her head. The crime boss sighed but nodded.
”Yeah. That’s the least I owe her.”
“I understand. Tell River goodbye for me,” the older man said. “I’ll be across the rift in a few days with those who want to come. The rest I’ll get them started with running the Syndicate remnants. They want to change names. The Order.”
Jorge rolled his eyes. ”I’m certainly glad I won’t be around to see that fall.” A breath. ”See you on the other side.”
Hanging up his phone, Jorge made his way over to River who was staring at a screen hovering in front of her eyes. Her fingers moved fast, typing in commands on special keys at her sides. When she had reached optimal levels, she stopped and began loading the program. Jorge took the opportunity to slip closer, noticing the slight tremble his River’s arms. Reaching down he placed his hand there, pulling up a seat. He would be with her to the end.
River, never one for silence, tried to explain. “The coding for what I need to do is too vast for any computer to process correctly. My mind, my body, it should be enough to decode, process, and ensure a successful outcome.”
He nodded.
Another pause. The program run was almost complete. She looked up at him again. The two locked eyes for a second as her lip trembled. “I’m glad I found you when I did. You gave me a purpose.”
He smiled. His eyes glistened. ”You made me proud.”
River closed her eyes as the tremble on her lips grew worse. It seemed that whatever technological facade she had wrapped herself around earlier was quickly melting away. “Stay until it’s over?”
Poseidon, in a rare show of humanity, carried a mask of sadness as he nodded his head. He leaned in and gave her another small kiss on the forehead. ”I’m not going anywhere.”
A soft sniffle as River sighed and laid back in her tube. The program was nearing completion. “I love you da--ARRGHHHHH!!!!”
Light raced through the pod. River’s body arched painfully as yotta bytes of information flooded through her body. Every fiber of her being raced to process the data. Truly it was both the most horrific and beautiful sight to ever behold -- the combination of woman with the highest levels of science to ever boggle the human mind. This was the apex of mutantkind, the moment where a mortal became a true and omnipotent goddess.
And Jorge could only close his eyes.
MRO-VERSE
In a small corner of New York City, where an intrepid pair of ladies managed to get a deed to a parcel of very important land to the Syndicate, there stood a building. The building was on the waterfront and looked to be an idea space for a number of projects. It was a good area, ripe for revitalization. Most people were actually saddened that the land was handed over to new, mysterious ownership. It was surely going to be a gold mine for someone.
It was in this corner of the city that was a small tremor occurred. Not one that was grab attention about swarms of earthquakes attacking New York, but rather a small, indiscernible quiver, the kind that could easily be mistaken for flopping into bed or a large truck rolling by in the night. No one would pay attention to what actually happened in the earth below this strip of the city.
To anyone who looked at the building that sat at the epicenter of this strange occurrence, all they would see is a plain structure with a flapping sign proclaiming: “Future Home of the Atlantis Club! Follow us on Speedigraph! #AtlantisRising”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
A smile on his lips, he listened to the sounds of the twins as they began to discuss the literary masterpiece about destroying evil jewelry and he couldn’t help but feel completely and utterly blessed. He had always wanted a family of his own. Sure he had his sister, his niece, and his mother still with him, but that was the family he was born into. He wanted a family that was dcrafted with his own two hands. He didn’t think that was something that would ever come to him because of his career and the danger that it entailed, and yet here he was. This, right here, was the perfect moment, the tableau of “family” that he kept framed in his mind.
And he couldn’t be happier.
Gemma turned and began to speak to the kinds, entrusting them with the rings that they would need to hang to them during the ceremony. Jorge kept his eyes on the road but he loved listening to the exchange. Before long, with promises that they could handle this together, Gemma turned back around so that they could face the road. After only a moment his lovely bride-to-be drew his attention with a half-joking, half-serious admission.
>>"This is the last time I'm gonna ask... Are you sure you don't want to do the whole big wedding thing?"
They had had this discussion before. When they were in the midst of planning the big thing, they had finally decided that they were spending too much time trying to plan for every eventuality, every guest, every surprise, and it was becoming more work than anything else. That was when the notion of just eloping was tossed around and Jorge was immediately on board with it. Not because he didn’t want to spend the money or because it would be easier, but because they would finally be together as husband and wife. And he didn’t need a big gathering to tell him that.
After a pause, Jorge reached over, taking one of Gemma’s hands and giving it a tight squeeze. In that moment he wasn’t thinking about his job, his obligation to the X-Men, or Poseidon running around his city. The only things that mattered to him were all sitting in this car.
”Gemma, for me, this is the whole big wedding thing,” he smiled. ”And that’s all I need. Just you and the kids. We’re doing this for us. So long as at the end of the day I get to call you my wife and the twins my kids, that’s all that matters to me.” Pulling her hand up he kissed her knuckle. ”You and me, all the way, Love.”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
Jorge smirked when he heard both Toby and Chase collaborating in the backseat. It was certainly an adjustment having a new kid in the fold but given the life that Toby lived, Jorge was happy with the outcome. He wouldn’t have wanted to separate him from Chase, especially now that the two of them were getting along so swimmingly. Jorge was never one to put limits on family. Gemma was his love, Chase his kid, and there was plenty of room to add more there. Besides, it wasn’t as if he could really tell Gemma no; not that he would want to in this case.
Smirking when the pair of kids settled on this being a covert mission, he turned his attention back to Gemma. If she wanted out, now was the time. He only said it jokingly but he wouldn’t have held it against her if she tried to take him up on the offer. Thankfully, the smile on the lips and the twinkle in her eye said that it wouldn’t be the case.
>>"I waited six years for this, you are not getting out of it now...Oh, and I love you. Drive."
He chuckled out loud. With a final cursory glance to ensure that the boys were properly placed in their seatbelts and Jorge pulled off into the road with a cheery, yet gentle, ”Here we gooo…”. Soon enough they were on the road and were making their way towards the heart of the city.
A smirk and he sighed feeling the breeze slip in through the windows and ruffle up his hair. There was something almost about sneaking away to get married that quickened the pulse. They had friends in the mansion, relatives all around the country, but they would all understand. With how insane things have been, with their luck in trying to get away for private time, it was only natural that they would try to take this by the horns.
>>"Are you guys okay back there? I didn't have time to ask before, but we might need you two to help us out with the rings..."
”That’s right, buddies,” he said with a smile and a glance in the rearview mirror. ”We’re making you bonafide ring bearers.” He then smirked. ”But don’t worry, you won’t have to throw the rings in a volcano.”
Lord of the Rings had been watched a few times in their home. It was a reference that Jorge couldn’t help but utter. Leaving Gemma to explain the situation to the boys, Jorge kept his eyes on the road and soft smile on his lips. It was happening -- finally. Come hell or highwater, he was marrying this woman by his side, no matter what evil dopplegangers or broken physics said. This was their day and it was going to stay that way.
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
The world was crazy. The rift was still open, dopplegangers were running wild, suddenly he and Gemma had another kid (an exact clone of their first), it was enough to drive anyone mad. As a matter of fact, he had seen that happen a few times. Working for the MRC, they were getting calls left and right and not all of them were good. People were freaking out about meeting dead relatives from this dimension and the unit could not have been busier these days. But, through all that, there needed to be some light, the only thing that could pull Jorge through this madness and come out on the other end -- and that was keeping a promise.
2012. It was six years ago that Jorge had asked Gemma to be his wife. They had plans for the future until Jorge went missing at sea for several years due to a desperate decision that backfired. But he was back now, he was among the living, and he wanted to keep his promise to the woman that he loved. The world was descending into insanity but Jorge wasn’t going to let that get in his way; he wasn’t going to let anything get in his way anymore.
They tried to make plans. Gemma worked hard but with everything going on, both in the world and at home, she eventually came to Jorge with an idea -- a great idea. They had a history of plans going awry. And it seemed that the more precautions the more likely something will go wrong. So why not take the choice out of fate’s hands and back into theirs?
Elope. They would go out, get married, and not tell anyone except for their kids. Some people may have hurt feelings about not seeing the ceremony, but it wasn’t supposed to be about what everyone else wanted -- it was supposed to be what they wanted. This would make them both happy and it would mean that, finally, they would be married. In the end, that was all that mattered to both Jorge and Gemma.
So this was it. They were doing it. Sneaking out of the mansion. The small, makeshift family made their way to Jorge’s car. Gemma was sitting in the front seat, her dress folded in front of her on her lap. Jorge’s tux was hanging in the back seat, guarded by both kids. He smirked to everyone as he climbed in, closing the door behind him and sighed.
”Alright guys, seat belts,” he said with a grin. Pulling his own seatbelt across his chest, he snapped it into place and turned, smiling to Gemma. She already looked amazing. He could only imagine what she would look like in the dress.
>>"So... uh, where to?"
He nodded. ”Merle will meet us in city hall,” he explained. Merle worked at the precinct and was a licensed officiant. Her readily agreed to marry both Jorge and Gemma. ”Once we’re turn, we turn the paperwork, and...voila.” He smiled, watching her. He then picked up her hand and squeezed it. ”You sure you still want to marry this old goat?”
Member of the X-Men Mansion Swim Teacher MRC Detective
Seablue
Heterosexual
Married to Gemma
2,231
469
Sept 9, 2024 10:46:38 GMT -6
Jorge
Poseidon wasn’t a stupid man. He prided himself on his abilities to read people. It was helpful for running a criminal empire as it assured him that he always knew whom he could trust and who was getting ready to break. While Khalil shared with Jorge all the whimsical smiles that he wanted, the crime lord had a sharp enough eye to spot those hairline fractures spider-webbing along the demon’s crimson exterior. He was trying to keep things together, to remain as mirthful and sweet as always. But Jorge knew. He knew of the festering questions and doubt that was bubbling just underneath the surface. It was the same look that others gave him right before he “retired” them for good.
>>"Boss, you worry too much! I'm just outta sorts because the healer took care of the kid, first--I mean, I asked them to take care of the kid first. But she only took care of me part-way. I'm still sore."
Jorge grunted in reply, taking another sip of his drink. While he was feigning believing Khalil, there was clearly another wave of scrutiny that swept over the demon before he sigh and looked back out over the dancefloor. There would be time enough to comment on the arsonist’s recent behavior. For now, he just wanted to enjoy his party -- and subtly send a text to River to start stockpiling all surveillance footage containing the winged man.
>>"Nothing a little more alcohol and some good company can't help."
A smirk and the man nodded, patting the demon on the shoulder. ”Truer words have yet to be spoken,” he chuckled.
>>"To your health, sir, I'm gonna go see if I can't find some... lucky lady... to inflict myself upon."
Holding his drink up in reply, Jorge watched as Khalil sauntered away, the sway of his tail following him as he started to lurk throughout the dance floor in search of his prey. Poseidon’s smile faltered until it vanished into a small, contemplative line. Khalil wasn’t all right, that much Jorge was sure about. And while he didn’t care for the dropping of mutant blood, the man also wasn’t going to risk the shadows of his organization to someone whose commitment was clearly on shaky ground. Pity.
Another sip. A turn of his heel. And Jorge was one again milling through the crowd. He would have his fun tonight but he would ensure that he set enough time for River. It seemed that final preparations were being made.
