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.
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 15, 2020 12:42:47 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
Akshay had to admit, he didn’t always like his abilities, but when they upgraded a little a few years back, they were just a bit cooler (no pun intended). Being able to craft words from thin air, embodying properties as he understood them was pretty interesting. Again, not the most useful, but still something that made him smirk in thought, especially as he wondered where else his powers could go from here.
Then again, maybe what made powers “cool” was just the perception. After all, the way Andrea looked at his abilities, it was almost as if she were looking at something as interesting as the powers that he coveted. She didn’t say much, other than marveling after the uniqueness of his gift and vaguely musing after its applications. It was enough that Akshay smirked, watching her expression, until she blushed and set the word back down. It didn’t matter where she put it, eventually the word would just fade away into nothing.
”I once used a word to balance a wobbly drawing table?” he added with a shrug and a laugh. ”Don’t tell anyone but very, very briefly I thought of being a vigilante.” He shook his head, chuckling at his younger self. ”Lasted one night.”
He rather not think on that night. Or the fact that he had barely survived it. Needless to say, it was enough to prove to him that the superhero life wasn’t for him. He would rather draw or write about lives in peril than actually be caught in the middle of it. Safer that way. Though, according to Andrea, just living in New York meant being caught up in the craziness so where did that leave him?
However it would seem that Andrea had more to show than just her wild looks. As if truly stepping out from the pages of mythology, Akshay watched as she pulled a glove from her hand, held out a small flower and pressed her finger against it. He watched in awe as the item began to shift and change color, moving from something more vibrant to a dullish gray. Before long she held it out to him, which he carefully took between his fingers.
Stone. It was stone! It wasn’t that when she first pulled it out but now it was actually made of stone! Like a real gorgon! He smiled wide, thoroughly impressed, trying to find the words to say before he looked upon her in awe. He shook his head chuckling before he gulped and soundlessly apologized.
”Forgive me for saying, but that is just the epitome of cool,” he grinned. He then looked at the gloves she wore and a thought crossed him before his smile turned more sympathetic. ”You always have to wear gloves?”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 14, 2020 23:09:40 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
The marvel with which she looked at the word he created was...infectious to say the least. He couldn’t help but smile as he looked upon her, moving the word between her hands, her gaze slipping over the smooth surface. Akshay always wanted to have a more impressive power: moving buildings with his mind or creating fire with a snap of his fingers. Instead he got creating his own close caption whenever he wanted. When you live your life reading comics, it’s really kind of a let down.
But the way Andrea looked at the product of his mutation -- it honestly felt like the coolest thing in the world. He could only shake his head in appreciation of this woman; no wonder he found her so inspiring.
And the way she spoke about it. He had to grin a bit as she painted lovely, romantic scenarios where he would speak his summed up feeling in a single noun and hand it to the person her cared for most. Whether he was going away, or they were, they could hold onto this word for as long as it would last before dissolving into thin air. It was truly a lovely motif -- and something that he now wanted to use in a movie if he could swing it.
However he blinked those thoughts away when Andrea inquired further after his abilities, questions that he had heard before but didn’t mind answering. He shook his head a little embarrassed.
”Nah, just the word,” he said, then giving her another look. ”Unless I add an adjective to it. Watch…” thinking for a moment he smirked and said, ”Cold ice.”
Sure enough there appeared in the air between them the letters I-C-E, formed together like some Meme in the open space. Plucking the word out, he shuddered a bit before chuckling and handing it off to her. When she touched it, even through her gloves, it would certainly feel as cold as a small bag of ice.
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 10, 2020 17:30:30 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
Akshay had better control than this. He grew up for a certain part of his life not talking because he was scared of this happening, of his powers revealing themselves in this kind of obnoxious, scary way. Over the years, he earned a bit of control, having a better understanding of how they worked, even so that he could live his life without revealing his gift to, well, anyone. But times like this were what snatched that control away from him.
Scared. Excited. Inspired beyond belief. Those were instances where he knew he needed to be more vigilant. Sometimes the things he said would just appear above his head, crashing down into the earth without warning. They’ve been known to ruin a couple of his favorite work-in-progress drawings or set him back a brand new laptop. In this instance he had enough foresight to look up just in time.
He pulled it from the air, apologizing, and attempting to set it upon his lap. However it wasn’t as if this was something that could easily be missed. Andrea’s eyes were widened, she was looking at the spot where it was, and back at him, and she had to comment. Immediately she began to ask about what she had just seen but, almost thinking better of it, she recoiled, blushing, and added he could answer only if he wanted.
He couldn’t help the smirk on his lips. She really was the sweetest.
”No, no, it’s fine,” he said with a smile. ”Honestly I probably should have warned you before it happened. Sometimes, if I’m not careful, they just...appear. And, it’s exactly what it looks like…” He pulled up the word “IRON” and handed it off to her. ”Sometimes when I say nouns, the word just appears if I’m not careful. Not really harmful or anything, little blunt. But you can hold it if you want. Doesn’t bite.”
The word itself was about the size of a paperback book, but rigid as if it were made of plastic. With a sheen of red across the surface, and the letters scrunched up together, it looked almost diabolic...if it weren’t for how comical it came into being. Akshay sighed. He knew he should count himself lucky in the mutant department. He could be a terrifying, twisted beast, but in the back of his mind, that was still cooler than being a walking, talking speech bubble generator.
”I know,” he said with a snort. ”Kinda lame, right?”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 10, 2020 0:43:53 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
”I get that,” he confirmed with a nod. ”Gotta be comfortable with what you’re reading.” He shrugged. ”I still won’t read any of Stephen King’s books. Don’t get me wrong, I love fantastical horror but…” Shrugging, ”...last thing I want is nightmares.” Visibly shuddering, he smirked and continued with his drawing.
He wasn’t doing it to be impressive. Really, he wasn’t. It was a habit that he had yet to drop in his so many years on this planet. He was a victim to his muse, a puppet for which strings were pulled would force him to draw or sketch or write until that compulsion was satisfied. Especially potent was when he was in the presence of inspiration, which was what he had been referring to Andrea this whole time. There was something about her that just got the juices flowing.
Not in that way. Sicko.
So he sketched, capturing an artistic impression of her (heavily comic book themed) but definitely her. As she spoke the words merely spurred on his pen until he draw that last, heavy line, and slipped it across the table to her. The expression on her face brought a smile to his. Smirking, he slipped his pen back into jacket and merely shrugged his shoulders.
”Thank you. I appreciate that a lot,” he said. He knew there were better artists out there and he was one of those that constantly picked out his own flaws, but when it came to receiving compliments from others, he learned to just close his mouth, smile and nod. A powerful Hollywood lesson right there. ”Like I said, when inspiration strikes gotta strike while the iron is red...”
He slipped. One side effect of being inspired was just how quickly he could lose control of his abilities. The was the one thing he forgot to mention to her...he was a mutant too. Though he wasn’t physically mutated, he powers did have an odd way of manifesting. As soon as he said both the noun and the adjective, it was too late. Above his head, the word “IRON” began to form in bubbly, comic-like letters, and were cast in a ruby color. Feeling that tingle, he looked up and immediately blushed.
”Oops,” he gaze shifted between both her and the word. ”My apologies.” He snatched the word from thin air and held it sheepishly between his hands. ”I...ugh...guess we have more in common than I let on.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 7, 2020 2:11:14 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
He snorted. ”You have no idea how much of a pain it can be,” he sketched another couple of lines before looking up to her. ”One minute you have all these amazing thoughts that you just want to get out on paper...and the next, it’s like tapping into a dried up well.” Shaking his head he turned back to the paper. ”Definitely not a fun time for artists.” He then paused, gave her another look, and grinned. ”You’re definitely a big help.”
He returned to his sketch and asked her a couple of basic questions. They were getting to know one another, after all, so why not? Who was her favorite author and which books did she enjoy the most? It was probably the most telling question anyone could be asked. It offered a glimpse into them that few can anticipate, therefore it allows the asker to glean a good amount from them.
Mary Shelley and Romances. Those were pretty amazing answers. Though he was surprised to learn that she hadn’t read ‘The Modern Prometheus’ yet. That was like an introduction to that author. Practically everyone reads it in school. Akshay himself had read it, even derived a character from it for his comic book. But there was something endearing about the fact that Andrea hadn’t read that classic yet. And it spurred on more questions.
”I loved ‘Pride and Prejudice’,” he said. ”The romance is amazing but my favorite has to be the dialogue between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Some of the best writing I’ve ever read.” He paused. ”You’ve really never read ‘The Modern Prometheus’? Don’t get me wrong. Not a bad thing, but certainly surprising.”
He started to add a few more dark lines and finishing touches to his sketch. As he did, he began to regal her with his own favorite reading materials. He loved fantasy, especially works by J.R.R. Tolkien. Depending on his mood, ‘The Hobbit’ or ‘The Lord of the Rings’ were his favorites, but his most cherished book was a beat up copy of ‘The Faerie Queene’ by Spencer. And, as if to accent his choice, looked back to up Andrea, smiled shyly and held out the slip of paper he had been drawing on.
It was her. The pen sketch of Andrea was just a basic bust from her midsection and up. She was dressed in flowing, fairy-like robes and there was a serene, peaceful smile on her face. At the bottom was his signature, and the date underneath it.
He smiled, waiting for her to take it and shrugged. ”See? Inspiring.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 6, 2020 22:38:21 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
Akshay smirked as he listened to Andrea talk. Again she was the pillar of modesty but he didn’t say anything in an attempt to change her mind. He knew people like her before, and they were often hard to convince otherwise. But at least she wasn’t wallowing in self-pity like so many were want to do. She was actually making a difference in this city, working in one of the toughest jobs he could imagine.
But what was most impressive to him was that through everything she went through, she still managed to keep her head together. She had thriving friendships, saw herself and others through hard times, it was all so admirable. And, best of all, he could feel the sparks of his muse coming to life. Maybe Destructica needed to meet a new friend. A fellow, saintly heroine to balance her rage and anger.
He smiled. An idea was forming. However he wouldn’t get too deep into it until he was back in his condo, in his office, either in front of his drawing pad or his computer. But it certainly seemed like he had something here. He just needed to flesh her out a bit more. Something to think on later.
Another sip of his coffee and he smiled to Andrea as she held her own mug between her two hands. She agreed that this was a good meeting but that she would have preferred it without as much...bumping. Back in Hollywood that would have certainly prompted some rather colorful responses from his “friends” about how “bumping” was the ultimate goal. Mentally he rolled his eyes at them, even though they weren’t here. God, he was glad he wasn’t in California right now.
He didn’t make any such racy comment. Instead he took another sip of his coffee before he spoke up. ”I’m happy to help! And I have to admit you are an inspiring individual yourself. I think you’re actually getting my creative juices flowing again,” he chuckled, running his fingers through his hair.
After a second he pulled out a small paper pad from the inside of his jacket, and a pen. He started to sketch a few shapes and connecting lines, looking up at her every few seconds, smiling, then looking back to the paper.
”As we’ve established you’ve never heard of my graphic novels,” he held his heart in faux pain before smirking and going back to his pad. ”Who is your favorite author? Or what is your favorite genre of book?”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 3, 2020 18:16:23 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
It was difficult to tell when Andrea was blushing but his eyes caught the slightly darkening color of her cheeks. She really was adorable when she blushed, and clearly so modest. After everything she went through, he could see that she wanted to argue about her interest but instead settled for admonishing him for adding a ‘Miss’ in front of his name. Akshay smirked, dipped his head in apology, and then lifted his cup of coffee to take a well-deserved sip.
It was as good as Andrea made it sound on their way over here.
He listened intently as she further explained her apparent luck. She survived all these ordeals because of the friends that she had developed. People whom she trusted who would dive into the lion’s den after her. Certainly sounded like she had a tight-knit group of people she could rely on. That was something that, as sad as it sounded, he knew he lacked.
Hollywood was good on the career, but poor in helping to make any lasting friendships. That was why he came back to New York by himself. There was no one back home he even considered asking to come with him. He had his fair share of boyfriends and girlfriends, but most never lasted more than a month or so due to his work schedule and his fear of getting close to others.
After what he went through, there was a reason that he kept people at arm’s length. But, still, he was a natural charmer and always willing to follow his heart into the bed of another, for however briefly that passion would burn. Admittedly his beliefs made finding a travel companion, who wasn’t hired by him, difficult.
But Andrea certainly made it sound nice. In many ways he was actually pretty jealous. Yes she went through some atrocities but through that it was proven that people she trusted and cared for pulled through. That was a feeling that, well, he hadn’t felt in quite some time.
”Well, I’m glad you have those friendships,” he nodded. ”Otherwise we wouldn’t be here having this amazing coffee and croissant!” He smirked, looking down to his plate and at what was left of his pastry. ”Jeez, never tasted one so fresh.”
Though he didn’t really want to point out anything about her, the writhing movement in her hair made that difficult. But rather than ask in some freaked out, inappropriate way, he asked if her serpentine friends had names. Immediately she apologized for being rude and let her hair loose, pointing out the names for the various snakes. It didn’t take him long to understand the name choices, and he had to smile, especially when she got to the last and largest, Sloth.
Watching those eyes look back at him, he smirked a little at sloth who stared intently at him. Anyone else may have been terrified but Akshay was geeking out a little bit inside. Clash of the Titans, Greek Mythology, he loved that stuff growing up and seeing a real life Gorgon in front of his eyes was just so absolutely awesome. Andrea seeming took all this in stride so he wasn’t going to overly fan out in front of her, but his appreciation shown through nonetheless.
Raising his hand, he gave Sloth, and the rest, a little wave. ”Nice to meet you all.” He then turned to Andrea’s gaze and grinned. ”Fitting name choices. I probably would have been far more lame and named them after Santa’s reindeer. But you had to go the far cooler route,” he smirked. ”Gotta admit, you are one surprise after another. I’d glad I bumped into you today.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Jan 1, 2020 1:42:44 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
Akshay was all smiles as he spoke to Andrea. He felt a little silly after what he had just said, knowing it could easily be taken as a bit of a come on. He wasn’t opposed to the idea, of course, she was an attractive woman, but they had literally just met and while that kind of thing worked in the movies and in the media, he wanted a better gauge of her before he would even consider such an idea.
Besides, there was more he wanted to know about her. She certainly seemed like an interesting sort, they were in a coffee shop, they had time to talk, why not learn more about this woman living in the city he hoped to gain inspiration from?
In all fairness, he held it together fairly well. As she told him her story, he was utterly enraptured. Every word, every syllable, he completely soaked up. His mind went wild as he pictured her in each scene as she described them, marveled by the impossible odds and grinning at her own tenacious will to keep going. Anyone else would have crumbled if they faced what she did, but it seemed that she had this unbelievable strength that she constantly pulled from.
It was...inspiring. The only thing that really broke the spell of her words was the sudden intrusion of another party. He blinked and shook off the fog, turning to see a nice woman bringing them the food they had ordered. It was then that Akshay realized that he had been holding onto his cup of coffee the whole time. He set it down, offered the woman a warm smile, and set his warm hand into his other.
He pulled his chocolate croissant in front of him, his eyes settling on Andrea again as she chuckled about hoping that she hadn’t had bored him. Really? REALLY? God he was already geeking out but he knew better than to unleash that all at once. Instead he just shook his head as he smiled at her.
”Wow...just...wow…” he said. Chuckling he ran his hands through his long hair and looked at her again. ”I...I don’t even know where to begin. You are in no way boring, Ms. Andrea. Far from it.”
Shaking his head, still smiling, he cut off a small piece of his chocolate croissant and popped it into his mouth with a nibble.
”Just the fact that you are still standing here after all of that,” He swallowed and watched her. ”It’s just...inspiring. How did you do it? How did you make it through all that?” he eyed the snake that was peering from her hair again and waved. ”Also, if I may ask, do they have names?” he asked, referring to the snakes that writhed in her hair.
Posted by Akshay Malik on Dec 31, 2019 0:52:55 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
He beamed wide when Andrea pulled out her notepad to jot down the title that he had given her. In all fairness he didn’t think she would be that interested but he was glad that she was. He loved converting new fans, especially when he was there to witness it. There was still that fear that maybe she wouldn’t care for his work but, he would hope for the best.
”Good!” he grinned. ”Librarians are the absolute best resource.”
Would his comic be in a library? Maybe. Some of them were beginning to branch out their collections. If anything he could see a couple of his graphic novels in the New Book sections. That would be a trip, to walk into the New York Public Library and see his work on display. Why hadn’t he done it before?
He smirked, taking a sip of his coffee, then watched a bit of movement from the underside of Andrea’s hair. He tilted his head, watching as the beady, yellow eyes of a large snake peeked out to look at him. Again, he found this absolutely fascinating, to the point that he didn’t fully hear her comment about how inspiring New York could be. That was fine, however, he did already know that, hence his return.
He did snap back to attention when she mentioned The Blue Flame. He knew that hero name from forever ago. ”Really? The Blue Flame was in your hospital?” he asked in astonishment. ”Wow. I’m such a big fan, at least from what I’ve read. I’ve been following a few blogs,” he smirked.
He then watched her, smirking a little. Truly this wasn’t what he came out for today but it certainly seemed as if he found an interesting person. Andrea had an strange mutation but seemed like such a grounded individual. Her’s was a story he would love to hear more about.
”You must certainly live an interesting life,” he said. He then quickly clarified with an almost blushing smile. ”I mean from your job in the hospital,” he cleared his throat. ”You must have seen quite a few things. Especially in this city and everything that happens.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Dec 26, 2019 12:39:36 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
He was going to have to pick out some choice titles for her to read. He wasn’t sure just what, yet, but that was what this conversation was for. As they chatted, he would learn a little more about her and manage to get some ideas of what kinds of comics she would like to read. Off the top of his head he could imagine she’d enjoy some of the more indie, literary graphic novels. But he wouldn’t make suggestions until he spoke with her more.
This was a happy accident, though. He hated that he ruined her coffee in such a slapstick manner, but at least he was making up for it now. Who could say no to free coffee? Especially in New York?
When it came to his own work, it wasn’t something that she would know. Destructica was his baby and the film that came out of that series was absolutely awesome, but it was for a very niche crowd. If she recognized the name, it was by a passing thought and little more than that. But that was of no offense to him. He was happy that anyone watched his movie or read his comics.
”Oh I’m sure you can find a copy in just about any book store,” he said with a genuine smile. ”Just check the Graphic Novel section. There’s a couple of collected volumes that are out. But, between you and me,” he whispered. ”I would go with the ‘Tales of Brightlands’. One of my favorite arcs.”
He really was proud of his work but he knew that it wasn’t for everyone. But he had been surprised before, by fans he never expected to have. Maybe Andrea would fight into that mold too? Guess he’ll have to wait and see; that is, if he ever saw her again.
But now was the time for sitting. She had agreed to keep him company. He really didn’t want to keep her from anything important but he wanted to get to know her a bit more. It wasn’t often he met a woman of her beauty, intelligence, and mutation; that certainly warranted more conversation. However he wasn’t going to keep her if she had other things to do. but once she agreed, he was ecstatic.
Ordering their meals ( he paid, as promised, even though he saw her remove her wallet out of the corner of his eye), they then slipped away to a nearby table where they could sit and enjoy the cozy space. She inquired what it was he was doing in New York again and he sighed with a small, sad smile.
”Oh, looking for inspiration, I guess,” he explained. ”Starting to run dry on some ideas and the last time I wrote really well, I was here. So…” he shrugged. ”...figured I would return and see what New York had to offer in the way of muse.” He smiled warmly towards her before taking a sip of his coffee. ”So far I seem to be on the right track.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Nov 30, 2019 0:53:27 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
He used to love his old comic shop. Truly it was heaven for him. It even allowed him the chance to craft his own piece, the title that would grant him his own acclaim in the superhero world. He would never be able to thank “Destructica” enough for opening the doors to life he was leading now and would always hold her in his deepest heart.
His gaze drifted to Andrea again, smirking when she mentioned that she didn’t read comics. That wasn’t an off-putting phrase for him. As a matter of fact, it was something that he had heard often enough. And it was understandable. Before the popularity boom a few years ago, most comics were just thought of as nerd fodder and nothing more. He couldn’t blame her.
”Textbooks are a great and worth use of time,” he smiled. ”But you should let me pick out a couple of comic titles for you. I bet I could make a comic lover out of you.” He then shrugged. ”You may not have heard of my creation,” he said. ”High fantasy, ‘Swords and Sandals’ like comic book called ‘Destructica’. Female barbarian warrior killing monsters. Fans seemed to like it.” Enough to earn him a movie deal -- or so it seaemed.
Really he couldn’t be more thankful for her help. He was away from New York for at least 10 years and already so much has changed. Though she was modest in his hope of her navigational skills, she did accept that she knew a few of the good places -- including the one they were going to now.
It didn’t take them long to get there. Akshay looked at the out of the way coffee shop and he smirked. Certainly there was a homey feeling about it, the kind that would draw in a cold, drenched wandering looking for a bit of hot, caffeinated salvation. It was the kind of place that Akshay would have called home in his younger days. These days he often relied on assistants or more mainstreamed locales because they were literally everywhere. But this place, it would be perfect for today.
”Cup of Kopi…” he parroted. He nodded in thanks to Andrea and stepped inside, though he did turn back around and hold the door open for her in return until she crossed the threshold. Once she was in he closed the door and turned back to face the interior.
Comfy. Warm. Home. That is what the inside felt like. He smiled a bit to himself and looked when one of the occupants inside immediately addressed like a doting, yet teasing, family member. He chuckled a little, his eyebrow lifting as he shifted his gaze to Andrea once again. Her blush didn’t escape him and he had to stifle a chuckle at the effect the woman’s words had on her. Seemed this was a common place for her.
With his nod of thanks to the employee, he turned back to his guide when she explained a little bit about how things worked and asked if he wanted to sit or stand. After a moment of thought, he nodded to the tables.
”I certainly wouldn’t mind a seat,” he beamed. ”If you are not in a rush, that is? I could use the company.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Nov 30, 2019 0:52:56 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
So...Akshay wasn’t entirely sure what he was expecting when he returned to New York. Don’t get it twisted, he wasn’t imagining that it was going to be some perfect utopia or that it would be any safer than it was when he left. But admittedly, a kidnapping was least likely on his list of shit he was going to have to contend with today. And yet, here he was, in the back of a dark van, bound and bouncing about. Sigh, what a life.
When they first caught him walking down the street, Akshay panicked. He had thought, however unlikely that it was, that Chrysanthemum sent them. When he had been kidnapped by her, it was clear that she had access to some amazing wealth. The highrise condo, the works of art, the food, the clothing, the devices of torture, all of it was a testament to the amount of wealth that she possessed. It wouldn’t have been beyond her to have a gang of mercenaries collecting people for her.
But Akshay didn’t have to wait long for them to reveal that they weren’t such a group and Chrys had nothing to do with this. They were thugs. Just thugs who happened to get extremely lucky. They apparently had no idea who he was when they picked him up, just figured he would be a bystander in a nice suit to hold for ransom. But it didn’t take long for one of them to realize that he was more than just a suit and a nice watch -- he was Hollywood.
He rolled his eyes as they bragged back and forth and then set his gaze on the other newcomer, a young girl. He shook his head. There was no reason to pick her up. If anything they had it made with him. Why bring her into this? It was just greedy.
They continued to go on about the prize that he was so he turned to the young lady who was inchworming over to him. He had yet to introduce himself, namely because this was a completely screwed up situation. Were introductions truly required? Well, maybe. if they wanted to thwart their attackers, it would be best to work together. Best way to do that was with a kind greeting.
Keeping his voice low, he spoke to her. ”Hello,” he said with a slight dip of his head, struggling against his tied hands. ”I see New York hasn’t changed much since I was last here.”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Nov 9, 2019 17:55:57 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
He smiled thinking about his old comic shop. He really used to love it. Sucked that he had to give it away. But with everything that happened with…her...he didn’t regret the decision either. He needed space between himself and the place that had offered him so much grief. And now, assured that she was gone and disappeared, he felt a little more at ease walking through the streets of New York. Not fully calm, but better...and enough to allow him enjoy a reunion with the city that he loved.
Staying at Andy’s side, Akshay made sure to pay careful attention to where they were going, hoping to avoid another run-in like they had just had. He gave her a bright grin at saying it was nice to meet him, and bowed his head in reply. He loved making new friends. Especially when they seemed as interesting as her.
As they walked she gave him the lay of the land. Essentially he had been away for quite some time and a lot had happened. That wasn’t surprising. It was New York City, chances are that if something strange were going to happen, it was going to happen here. What he wasn’t prepared for was the mention of bots. He had thought he heard something about that but figured it was little more than a robot or two planted for the sake of publicity. Seemingly he was wrong.
He remembered reading about the METAbots and their obvious defects, but a refusal to remove them from the streets. A few innocent people were attacked but luckily it seemed like it wasn’t anything too severe. Still, he knew people were just waiting for the day when that headline appeared.
But, that seemed to be a calmer situation, something he was thankful to hear.
He nodded. ”California is beautiful. Also a lot warmer,” he smirked. ”Wouldn’t believe how crowded the beaches can get during the summer time.”
Andy asked about his shop. What he used to sell, or what kind of comics at least. He was surprised by how many people didn’t know about comic books. The movies were all over the place, some of which he even worked on. “White Leopard”, “Captain Goldfish”, even “The Revengers: Homestretch”. Though he guessed he couldn’t blame them. Comic books had been around for a long time and only recently were exploding onto the scene with cutting edge movies that can capture the true feel of them.
”Oh the usual mainstream ones...B.C. comics...Visage comics...couple of indie ones...usually superhero, horror, and some literature based ones,” he shrugged his shoulders. ”It was a good living. I afforded me the chance to write and draw my own so I loved it.”
But he wanted to know more about her, about her time in New York. It seemed that they had just missed one another as she arrived here around the same time that he had left. That made him grin a bit as they came to a stop at the sidewalk, waiting for the light to change. Though originally from Greece, she came here and now has so much attachment to this place she hasn’t been able to leave.
”I can understand that. New York has a way of getting into you. You know originally I was born in Buffalo, but moved out here when I was 12. Been here ever since. Grew up on these streets. Loved it heartily.” He sighed deeply, his gaze turning to the towering buildings again, before returning to Andy. ”But seems if you aren’t here 24/7, you’re liable to miss a few things. So much has changed. Thank goodness I have a guide, right?”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Nov 7, 2019 22:55:56 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
There was a small breath of relief. He was glad that she had agreed to a new coffee. Even though it was really neither of their faults (or both if you wanted to be cynical), he was happy to have the chance to make up for it. Besides, there was nothing sadder than seeing a lovely woman having lost her caffeinated beverage. Truly it was the bane of modern society and it was something he wouldn’t stand for.
She seemed to momentarily pause concerning the notion but agreed that they could go for coffee. At least she gave her name, Andy. Very nice. Locking that bit of information away in his head, he moved to her side as they moved down the sidewalk to the coffee place she now had in mind. He was up for anything, really.
”Lovely to meet you, Andy,” He repeated her name to commit it to memory. ”Akshay,” he said, gesturing to himself. His eyes quickly caught the little orange gazes he was getting from the woman’s hair and he had to smirk. Gorgon? Was her mutation really based after the fabled Gorgon from Greek mythology? Now that was certainly interesting.
He turned back to the conversation, now walking by her side, as she zeroed in on the fact that he was fresh into New York and was looking for some advice concerning his surroundings. He nodded as he moved his hands back into his pocket to stave off the chilly, Fall air.
”Only a few days,” he admitted. ”Used to live here when I was young but, oof,” he squinted in thought. ”Last time I was here was ten, eleven years ago?” he said with a soft smile. ”Used to run a comic shop before I moved out to California.”
Ah, One Comic to Rule Them All. He wondered if it was still standing. The person he sold to before leaving didn’t seem all that interested in keeping it a comic book store and instead muttered about it becoming a regular book store. He would have to wander by and check one day while he was here. But, until then, he shook his thoughts away and returned his attention to Andy.
”And you, Andy?” he asked. ”How long have you lived here?”
Posted by Akshay Malik on Nov 6, 2019 23:05:06 GMT -6
Haven
Member of Haven
whitesmoke
Bisexual
Single
738
32
Sept 18, 2022 19:05:19 GMT -6
Jorge
AKSHAY MALIK
-------------------- 2011 --------------------
DECEMBER
[/url] *COMPLETED* While working Akshay meets the woman of his dreams...and doesn't know she has a boyfriend. (Akshay/Muse) Early Morning Watchi-- Errr...Exercising *COMPLETED* Akshay takes in some morning jogging and meets a very interesting woman... (Akshay/Emerald) Ka-POW! Let's Dance!! *DIED* A night out clubbing is rewarded with the impressing of another young lady with his moves! (Akshay/Lydia) Intoxicating New Year *COMPLETED* During a New Year's party, Akshay gets a little drunk without meaning to and things go...a little far. (Hokee/Aedus/Akshay) [/ul]
-------------------- 2012 --------------------
JANUARY
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay meets an interesting new friend with a passion for comics. (Koga/Akshay) Lunch with a Werewolf -- Not Lon Chaney! *COMPLETED* Akshay's date with Emerald...begins! (Akshay/Emerald) [/ul]
FEBRUARY
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay attends Comic-Con and meets and old rival! (Solo) Don't Judge a Comic Book By Its Cover *COMPLETED* Akshay meets a new friend, and young apprentice, in a young shapeshifter named Chase. (Chase/Akshay) Two Superheroes Walk into a Comic Store... *COMPLETED* Promotional day at One Comic to Rule Them All! And that only means one thing...COSTUMES! (Akshay/Rebecca) [/ul]
MARCH
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay is mistaken for a vigilante. (Akshay/Saph) Talking In Your Sleep *COMPLETED* Akshay runs afoul of a tiny princess. (Akshay/Celeste) [/ul]
APRIL
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay helps Emerald out of a werewolfy jam. (Emerald/Akshay) We The Slug People *DIED* Enter the People of the Slug! (Andrea/Akshay/Allison/Michael/Skydancer/Werecat) The Photoshoot of the Damned *COMPLETED* Photoshoots with super hot models = awesome! (Akshay/Riley/Aurum) Heroic Inspirations *COMPLETED* What better place to get inspiration than a mansion full of mutants? (Akshay/Mirror) Rainy Day Blues Akshay meets a pretty chameleon! (Akshay/Dahlia) [/ul]
MAY
[/url] *COMPLETED* *sigh* Guy just can't go out to a movie premiere in costume and not get hassled, can he? (Shane/Akshay/Skydancer) American Gods *COMPLETED* Akshay meets a living god...AND a Bollywood actress!!! (Mahadevi/Akshay) Chance of a Lifetime... *COMPLETED* Akshay takes the chance of a lifetime to own his own comic shop. (Solo) [/ul]
JUNE
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay realizes his destiny...to be a hero! (Solo) [/ul]
JULY
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay meets a new friend at the park! (Akshay/Sarah) The Find of a Lifetime Akshay makes a fantastical discovery! (Akshay/Guglin) Howl *COMPLETED* Akshay has a night in with his girlfriend. (Emerald/Akshay) Don't I Know You? *COMPLETED* A chance meeting with an oooooold friend! (Alma/Akshay) [/ul]
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
[/url]*COMPLETED* Post Emerald breakup Akshay's friends take him out for a night of dancing. (Solo) A Goddess Among Nerds To further feel better, Akshay dresses up for a new Con! And meets an old friend/goddess. (Akshay / Mahadevi) (Bad) Girls Just Wanna Have "Fun" Akshay goes out for a fun night...bites off more than he can chew. (Chrysanthemum / Akshay) What to Expect When You're Exp--WHAT?! Akshay wakes up to a surprise. (Solo) [/ul]
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Age of Sebastian
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay dies in the service of protecting the mansion. (Solo) [/ul]
---------------- 2013-2016 ----------------
-------------------- 2017 --------------------
JUNE Posts: 611
[/url] *DEAD* Akshay gets sent on a new mission with a new team mate. (Akshay/Graft) [AV]The Hunter is Stalker Akshay tracks down a new target and is surprised by who he finds. (Akshay/Primal) [/ul]
JULY
[/url] *COMPLETED* Time is broken... (Akshay/Trace) [RIP/MRO]He Came In Like A Wrecking Ball *COMPLETED* After the incident in Madison Square Park, Akshay finds himself in strange new surroundings. (Akshay/Sveta) [/ul]
AUGUST/u]
[/url] *COMPLETED* Akshay meets up with Sveta after she's been captured. (Akshay/Sveta) [/ul]
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
-------------------- 2018 --------------------
-------------------- 2019 --------------------
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
[/url] Akshay has returned to New York! And he's seeking some inspiration! (Akshay/Andrea) *COMPLETED* Oh This Again, Huh? Akshay finds himself kidnapped and meets a fellow hostage! (Akshay/L) [/ul]
DECEMBER
-------------------- 2020 --------------------
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
[/url] Akshay meets an old friend and makes a new contact. (Akshay/Sveta) [/ul]
