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.
welcome back (ish) Im a new member who is re-returning after a year hiatus or so, I think I was a member on and off for almost 3 years Interesting explanation of your power.
"I dont have much choice in the matter, at least for the time being." Lumen replied when he probed into the idea of a roomate. "Hate to inconvenience you, but it was rather coincidental they found me in that church. Too much so. I dont think I'd need much more than a week to sort things out if you could bare it. I'm quiet and clean." you got shot on me buddy, if you weren't there I wouldnt have stuck around and if the shooter did strike I could have fought back.
With that she sat her mug down and stood up to stretch. It was just an innocent stretch, but if giving Paul a little glance of her figure didn't stir up a little more sympathy she'd be damned. "I use the police not the other way around. I choose what jobs I do so it's of no consequence to me what you do or do not do. Especially if I'm none the wiser." she hinted. "I almost became an officer back home but the police are just as corrupt as anyone else. It's just hidden behind agendas and falsehoods much better"
There was a tension in the air. Not an entirely un-sexy one. There was something about escaping death, and letting go of a few secrets that could get the blood boiling. Mixed in with the deliriousness of being tired and losing a little too much power. "You are who you are Paul," she began trying to do that female mind reading thing that was really just women knowing how men think "I can't change that, nor am I interested in it. Im sure I can handle myself on my own though- if it's too much. I might just relocate a little quicker than I anticipated." as in like, right after a nap. Baddies didn't tend to do much skulking in the early rays of morning sunshine after all the skulking late into the night. If she needed to she was fairly confident she could sneak back to the hotel unnoticed to gather up her red web and relocate. She may have to settle for a more expensive flat than she'd hoped but she could make it work.
Lumen sat reclining in the chair with her elbow on the table and her hand propping up her head. Her face was a stern mask that portrayed no emotion as she absorbed Paul's story. It made sense too much sense but she couldn't fault herself for not being able to figure out his mutation. She was mildly annoyed she hadnt figured out he was a mutant. She knew there were secrets from the way he spoke, but at the time she'd been grateful that she wasnt the only one with secrets. They mutually and silently accepted there were secrets. It was nice, for a chance.
>>To start... no, I'm not a vampire. I don't drink blood, stalk virgins, or turn into a bat. I'm just a mutant with the ability to come back from the dead. I grew up while tensions were rising in Europe and my family split apart when World War II started. I've been on my own since I was 24. After I died for the first time, I was stuck. I didn't understand what had happened, I no longer had any papers, and I had no money. I became a thief and over the years became quite good at it. I could handle anything from your basic pick pocketing to more difficult heists. Eventually I was caught and forged into the French military. I killed and eventually was killed. I found my way to America in the 60's and went to California in the 70's. I met and fell in love with a woman named Ashley Sullivan that died from Leukemia. I grieved and tried to take my own life but as always, I came right back. I ended up coming back to New York to get away from the memories. Even now I keep my ear to the streets and along with my landscaping I still work on the occasional... less than legal project."
She was shocked he was telling her so much. A simple explanation of his powers would have sufficed but it seemed Paul, like herself, didn't have much of an opportunity to talk about the trials of his mutation. She was afraid of her mutation. Down to her very bones she was afraid. Nothing terribly bad happened to cause the phobia but she feared irrationally none the less. It seemed Paul had every single reason to feel afraid.
She took a sip of the alcohol infused beverage and it chased down her throat like electric wires. She welcomed it. She felt cool, calm, and calculating. She pondered what to say and do next. Paul obviously had a lot of issued when it came to his identity, and she could just imagine how the IRS would flip finding someone like him. She felt a pang of sympathy for him. How was he supposed to live if not in shadows?
>>"From what little I know, I'm something like a phoenix from mythology. I do and am reborn in flames that come forth from my own body. When I'm reborn, though outwardly I look the same, I seem to have the strength and stamina of a young man."
That made sense now. The whole vibe she was getting from him, young yet wise, a flirt but almost a father figure in some regards. Lumen could appreciate a man with experience though, both in life, love, and mutation. Her mind was whirlling but her face showed no trace.
>>I'm sorry I lied to you. It's become a habit in order to protect my identity. I'm no saint Lumen, never claimed that I was, but I was honest with you when I said that Mary was lucky. She avoided death and didn't have to keep living here on earth."
She inhaled deeply, crossed her arms and pressed the back of one hand to her mouth in a thinking posture. Then, she focused on the mug in front of him. Her eyes began to glow, her pulsed slowed and the mug raised into the air. The lights flickered for a moment in the background before she set the mug back down.
"You lied to protect yourself. Same as I do. Never apologize for self-preservation." She took her own mug and had another sip. Her eyes drifted around the room taking in the sights. "My mutation is annoying at best, it doesn't often help me in my work and causes more problems than it's worth. It would be convenient in my field to withstand bullets and walk away some time later like it never happened. Im not so sure I'd be willing to pay your cost however." They sat in silence for a moment. It wasnt awkward, but it wasn't comfortable either.
"It seems to me you could do with a roomate. Someone who was good with computers, someone who could help you achieve a new identity if needed. Someone skilled at finding and changing information. It so happens, I know someone who probably shouldn't be alone until she discovers and eliminates the threat of a certain unknown shooter. Someone small enough to fit on that couch." she pointed for added emphasis.
Now she supposed it was her turn to tell a bit about herself. But really, what was there to tell? Hi I'm Lumen, I have a borderline incestuous obsession with my missing twin and Im in New York chasing an apparent unicorn man? she didn't imagine that would go over well.
"I started being able to move things. With my eyes." she began "Then the energy became too much and I started to shine, really shine. My mother helped me keep it under control. That was all before my twin was taken. He could move people and objects too but he was stronger than me. I think that's why the mutant terrorist group took him. I think now he must have had the gift of future seeing too because he knew they were coming and knew what would happen if he didn't go along quietly. He was only 6." she paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. "You were right, Im here mostly because of him. but Im working with the boys in blue to get to the bottom of some missing people, mainly kids, and M trafficking." that's all she could share, she couldnt think of anything more. She had no lost love to tell of, no real lost family beyond what he already knew. She hadn't lived for damn near 90 years
She turned her face to him "Im sorry for your mutation. A blessing wrapped right up in a curse. It must be painful to keep living while those around you parish. But I have to admit, Im mighty thankful you came back to life when you did. It still wasn't the worst date I've been on" and then, she finally cracked that smile.
Lumen found herself punching the buttons on her phone. Still no signal, still no signal. Did places like this just come with signal blockers or what? It seriously annoyed her that at the end of 2011 they still had dead spots in the modern world where cell phone reception just didnt happen.
She wasnt sure what she could do, her power wasnt strong enough to do a heck of a lot against Dr Black but there was one thing... she concentrated hard on all the lights in the room. Her heart sped up, skipped, then began to slow. Concentrate. Concentrate.
buzz
The lights went out in the room, every single one. Maybe that would help the hero standing up at the front gain a little advantage with those tentacles while momentarily disorienting Dr Black and the stupid gawkers in the room. Hopefully they'd be smart enough to stay where they were.
The two men came busting out of the door pointing their guns- one a shot gun and one a revolver straight at a young man. "What the hell? Move outta the way kid you wanna get yourself killed?" grunted the bigger man giving him a shove.
"No wait," said the smaller man "You see a blondie boy? You'd talk if you knew what was good for you. Aint smart to be lurking around Nancy's parts. He don't take kindly to trespassing. Be easy on ya if you point us in the direction she went." he snarked.
Lumen meanwhile was doing her best to get us much distance between herself and the two men but when she didn't hear footsteps behind her she stopped to catch her breath and look back. They had both stopped and were talking to another. An accomplice? She'd be real mad if she undershot how many gang members were here. She hid herself behind a pallet of crates and took a moment to examine her shots. Well, the flash had made the bag really stick out so at least she got her shot. She could put these guys away for good.
Now, should she try and get a photo of the third now that her cover had been blown? Run back home? Or call the police?
ooc: lol I love the padre stuff, have me laughing out loud for real
Ic:
Lumen thought Paul did an excellent job portraying the priest but she had an internal belly flop when he suggested they talk. The way he said talk sounded like a parent. Since Paul apparently didnt die, she found herself wondering exactly how old he was. What did she really know about him anyway? Part of her was suspicious he might sparkle in the full on sun.
When they stopped by the hotel she ran inside and up the stairs to find her essentials. A backup battery for a phone, a utility belt, clean clothes and scent free soap, her tooth brush, laptop in a laptop bag, and a good strong book bag to put it all in. She left Stanley on the night stand and took one more longing look at her red string map. Tomorrow she told herself.
When they finally arrived at Paul's home she wasn't surprised to see it looking so sparse. She was a little surprised he lived above the bakery and wondered if the running was all a cover so he could eat as much of the stuff downstairs as he wanted. Again she found herself feeling suspicious. There were no family photos. Nothing specific about the place. All rather generic. She put her belongings except for the clean clothes down on the couch. "Thanks" she replied when he offered the bathroom first.
She slipped into the bathroom and started peeling off her charred and stained clothes. She flipped the fan on- hopefully it would do more than just clear out the steam but maybe the lingering smoke smell as well. Her hair looked grey and black in some places from the smoke. Her eyes were red and blood shot, her skin smeared with ash, and her clothes stinking. She put them directly into the waste basket garbage bag that she then tied up so the smokey smell couldnt get out. She stood for a moment looking at herself nude in the mirror. She looked like she gotten some weird grey tan, all covered in 'tan lines' where the smoke and ash didn't penetrate.
She'd seen Paul naked. At the time, it didn't seem to make a difference. She was so in shock and in such a whirl of emotions. She banged her fists down on the sink. Her behaviour was unacceptable. The melt down, the crying, all of it. If she truly thought Paul dead she should have worked to find a way out of that basement and tracked down the shooter. Now she was going to have to re-open the case with no one footing the bill. Figuring out who he was was all going to come from her own pocket and it needed it be done in order to secure her safety.
She turned the water on and stepped into the shower. The water ran blackish brown for a few moments before turning to clear. She smoothed the water through her long hair and used the bar of soap on her skin and hair. She never used scented products or perfume. She wanted to smell like she did when she last saw her twin, so when they found each other again there would be something familiar.
The hot water felt nice, but it also let her know how tired and sore she really was. Lumen hadn't let off so much power in years and the effort of it left her feeling like a regular old human. There was no power twitching under her skin or fighting for control behind her eyes. It had been reduced to a dull flicker at her core. On the plus side she probably wouldnt have a headache for days.
Finally she stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel. It didnt take her long to dry off and become presentable. She braided her damp hair and it slid down her back like a twisted white snake, longer than it was dry. She cleaned the bathroom up the best she could for Paul. He said she could have the shower first but she wasn't sure if he'd actually need it. He looked as good and clean as he did the moment they started the date. His body showed no signs of surviving a fire or dying. Curiouser and curiouser.
She came out of the bathroom and noticed it was nearly 3am from the clock on the oven in the kitchen. She found Paul and sat herself at the smallish table. "Merry Christmas." she said in a toneless voice. "Are you going to tell me you're a vampire who sparkles in the sun now?" somehow, she didnt think the movies got this one right.
ooc: sorry for the delay, had our last little day with family before they all flew off! then had mega sugar crash, lol IC:
Lumen was slowly retracing her mental steps while Paul searched for something to wear. The shooter. Who was the shooter? She was thinking back to all the work this week... she'd done everything elegantly and the cases she was involved in were either solved or progressing. Unless he was some henchmen of one of the people arrested. That had to be it. Someone in connection with the M stakeout.
She could hear the chopping of an axe as the firemen worked their way through the door. There was only a little smoke seeping through so she had to hope the fire had been extinguished. "This is an old church, it's no wonder if it burnt right up." She commented as Paul rejoined her looking an awful lot like a fryer.
He brought up her captain obvious moment about mutation and suggested they go back to his apartment. Was that really a good idea right now? She furrowed her brows, she couldn't be certain. She felt wired in some respect- she wanted to get back to her hotel room, get clean, and get access to her laptop. But if someone had a hit out on her it wouldn't be a good idea to be alone. Since Paul apparently couldn't die from a bullet wound maybe he would be the best choice to be around despite getting him shot the first time. "Okay, yeah. Maybe we should go to your place. I think they may have been following me. But I still need to stop at the hotel and grab some things. Probably some new clothes..." she looked down at her ash covered threads.
"Hey! There are people down here, hurry up!" called one of the fire fighters as he pulled his body through the door. "Miss, Padre, are you both all right? It was a smart move heading into the basement." he gave them both an oxygen mask. Lumen darted her eyes to Paul to actually take in how he was dressed. She grinned. Yep, a Padre. For sure.
"We're fine, mostly." she explained. "The fire was started by an unknown shooter. He remained in the church after it cleared out while we were... ah.. praying. The Padre here was giving me confession." she motioned to Paul.
The fireman nodded. "Breathe into this please. We've got EMTs standing by to check you over, and you'll need to give your statement for the police. The fire's been put out but there's still a lot of smoke. Please hang on to each of our arms and breathe only through your mask." Another fireman came in behind the first and they both offered arms to Lumen and Paul. Lumen secured the oxygen mask and followed the fireman out.
Once outside Paul and Lumen were sat in the back of an ambulance with EMTs shining lights down their throat and nose, checking for smoke damage, making them breathe into little machines, and patting them down for wounds. Lumen answered all of their questions as well as the police. She hoped Paul had the smarts to stay quiet- this wasn't her first rodeo. Yes, they'd been in confession when the shooter open fired. No, she didn't know who he was and No, he didn't seem like a mutant. Her Padre was not a member of this church but a visiting family friend from France who'd come with her to Christmas Mass. No, they didn't think the shooter had anything specific against them, just a simple act of random violence. (she wasn't about to tell the truth on that one) Yes, they had somewhere safe to go.
Just as she was finishing a fireman came out with an armload of things. Lumen's charred jacket, a surprisingly okay cell phone, and an ash covered little bear.. "Stanley!" Lumen exclaimed surprised to see the little Polar Bear had survived the flame with minimal damage. She took him from the fire fighter and shot a bright grin right at Paul and held Stanley up for him to see. Well if that wasn't something!
It took another 45 minutes but Paul and Lumen were finally cleared to leave. "I need to hit my hotel first." Lumen instructed.
Lumen was slowly succumbing to an unconscious state as she let her power continue to seep. She was barley aware of the momentary burst of flames in front of her. Somewhere in the back of her mind she figured the fire had caught up. She didn't register it was coming from the wrong direction. All she could hear and feel was the slowing of her heart beat. It would stop soon and in this lucid state she was fine with it. The regular Lumen would never given up. The regular Lumen wouldnt have cried, she'd have tracked the shooter down and shoot him back. Regular Lumen wasn't here right now. Leave a message after the beep.
But suddenly strong arms against her shoulders shaking her back to life. Her eyes drifted to the person's face in a dream like state. She didn't register what she was seeing at first, or rather, who. "Paul?" she stood up but the smoke was too much so she crouched face to face with him. "But you were shot. You were dead... I didn't feel a heart beat. Did I die?" the words rolled out almost lazily. Until she realized she could see Paul. Her eyes started to widen. "You're.... you... you are alive! And ... And... you're naked... AND I'M GLOWING!" and with that statement the lights went out for a second.
Before she'd turned herself off Lumen had made eye contact on the nearest light bulb. It was only dark for a second before the light bulb flickered on and she saw just how much smoke really was filling the room. "Holy crap you're right we gotta get down!" she crouched down still shakey from using so much power. She could hear voices outside.
"There's people in there, move the debris we need to break down the door!" She could hear the shuffling of items but knew it would take a few men a bit of time to move the debris and chop down the door. Maybe the smoke would stop soon though, if they made it that far surely they had put out some of the flames?
She sat, half cross legged and was quiet for a moment. Focus, Lumen needed focus. Lumen needed clarity. That's what she got. It took all of 5 seconds but it washed over her like a waterfall and it all made sense. She turned to Paul apparently not very aware of his nakedness. "Paul..." she began "We're both mutants."
ooc: sorry for the typos, I was rushing when I posted, I should have waited! I went back and fixed a few. Hope they make more sense. lol
ic:
Lumen nodded helping Paul to his feet when he suggested the confessional. The shooter was free but lost in the smoke and crossing the church to get to her phone made no sense. At least if they were hiding somewhere someone soon had to come because of the flames. How long could the man try and hunt then when the police and fire department would be on the way?
She could feel her power surging with ferocity with every step she took. It swam through her body like a current and pooled in her eyes. It was all she could do to spread it out again with every step. She couldn't handle a blinding headache right now. She was strong but it was still hard work helping Paul and then before she realized what was happening he was slamming the confessional and pushing her to the basement. Lumen was upset she wasn't on her game! But usually she only had to take care of herself. She couldn't feel bad knowing she was keeping Paul safe.
They stumbled down the steps and she leaned him against the wall. " Oh God Paul... the blood... there's so much blood. I think it hit an artery." she was feeling her face go pale, but not as pale as his. She searched the room to find something to staunch the bleeding. She could hear the person upstairs kicking, pacing, muttering, and slamming things. He fired I warning shot into the air. It lodged in a concrete pillar.
She found an old vestment and brought it back to Paul pressing it into his wound and picking up his cold hand and making him press it. He was babbling about an hour. Something about an hour? Lumen's skin was burning. "We have to be quiet... shhh... he'll hear us my love.". She called Riori her love. She called her mother her love. That's what they said to her. It was intimate- not in the sexual sense, but in the caring very much for someone sense. Right now Lumen cared more than anything that Paul did not die from the gun shot wound so obviously meant for her, and that the shooter didn't make it in.
She was shaking, and Paul's hand wasn't responding. His eyes had drooped, he was slumped. "Paul?" she bit her lip feeling her power surge through her skin. They hadn't turned on the basement light. Why hadn't it occurred to her to turn on the basement light? Why wasn't it pitch black? "...Paul?" she gave his shoulders a shake. She could tell right away he wasn't breathing. "Paul!" she laid him on the floor and began chest compressions. His heart had stopped. "Please Paul Please."
Upstairs the beams of the church were starting to fall. The shooter could hear sirens outside, the police and the fire department. He ran towards a door- likely the basement, but a pillar tumbled and blocked it from opening. "shit!" he turned back around trying to make his way across to the main entrance but he'd be caught coming out that way. He was sweaty, there was ash on his face. He wiped it like it made a difference.
Lumen was glowing full throttle now but nothing seemed to matter. Hot tears spilled down her face. "Please Paul please don't do this to me. Not on our first date." she pounded on his chest feebly but it would not rise. She fell down on her hands and knees sobbing. It didn't matter that she was losing her cool, it didn't matter how light was on full power, she didn't care if anything or anyone saw her like this. Paul was dead, and it was her fault. All because she wanted to go to Christmas Eve mass. All because she reacted too slow. All because she wasn't smart enough. All because she wasn't strong enough. Just like when Riori was taken.
She sat like that- she didn't know for how long- just sobbing. Sobbing for Paul. Sobbing for Riori. Sobbing for her lost childhood. Everything. She was blinded so much by her own light, by her own tears, she could hardly see when she stumbled up the stairs to try and open the basement door. She could hear sirens. Someone was coming, but they weren't coming fast enough. Worse yet the smoke was seeping in. She tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge, so she sat on the stairs just looking at Paul.
Her light had never been this bright before. She just let it out, full cap. Her heart was slow and her body was motionless. Her power was being fuelled by every ounce of her emotions and it felt better to let it all out through her light than to sit there and cry. So she just sat, staring at Paul, glowing, feeling her heart slow. It would be easy to let it all end. Sometimes she flirted with death when she let her power go. It would be easy to just go to that dark place and forget about Riori, forget about herself, and all the things important. Paul was dead. He wasn't coming back. She was trapped in a burning church basement with no phone. Worst. Date. Ever.
The church was now emptied and the priest who'd recognized Lumen from an earlier service gave her a wave to let her know he was heading out but she was welcomed to stay. The church was locked from the inside, so once she and Paul left no one else could get in. She was sure some cleaners would be coming at some point since the candles were still burning.
"Well, Im really happy you came" she started. "I felt the same about his talk. It was nice but I wonder how many people really listen. I can't even claim that I listen all that often but I try." Her work didn't give her much of a chance to practice but in her heart and mind Lumen did want to be a good, balanced person. Sometimes though, she really just came to church for the peace. She'd zone out while the priest was talking and look at the stained glass. Her eyes flickered to one piece in particular and she took Paul by the hand and led him over to show him. She left her jacket, Stanley, and her phone in the pew.
"I think we should keep going." she said with a devious smile. Maybe a little flirt in her voice. "I feel calm, clear minded. I don't think another drink would hurt..." she wondered how to suggest they simply skip all the rest and find a room or maybe his place. She looked up at the window. "I think this is my favourite one I've seen since coming here." she motioned. It was a stained glass piece with mostly blue, violet, and yellow colours. A woman was being pulled into the sky with angels all around. "The assention of Mary." she explained. Catholics believed that Mary didn't die, but rather was taken into heaven because of the great responsibility she did for God. "She's lucky. Really the only person in human history if the Catholics are right, that didn't have to die." Lumen wondered what it would be like to simply walk right up the sky into heaven and avoid death all together. Death frightened her. She'd never admit it, but it was part of the big reasons why she just wanted to run when it came co confrontation. Lumen liked living far too much.
While she stood chatting with Paul trying to think of the next place they would go, the bald man moved from the shadows silent as a mouse. He had to be quiet. He'd seen the white haired girl in action and see was sharp. Too sharp. He'd tried to follow her twice before and she'd caught on so he had to pretend to be an average passer-by. He didn't think she was a mutant- she never used any powers on Charlie. But he should be quiet all the same. So he quietly moved in and out of the shadows edging closer to a tapestry he was aiming to crawl behind. They were talking, he'd have to take the man out. Didn't feel right killing a man he had no beef with... maybe if he could just get close enough to only get him in the shoulder or leg... just enough so he wouldn't interfere with the blond. For all he knew this man could have a wife and kids. He wasnt fond of offing fathers. The blond had no one. Nancy knew that all along. Nancy had little birds too. The blond was sharp, but Nancy was sharper.
"I mean really, the hotel bar isn't so bad Paul. It might be a.. ah.. convenient place-"
BANG!!!!
Lumen tackled Paul to the ground with cat like reflexes before she even realized her ears had just registered a gun shot. In another heart beat she was back on her feet seeing the ripple in the tapestry she sent all her power from her eyes at it as hard as she could. Her heart fluttered in her chest and skipped a second which brought her back to reality and she reeled the power back. It was still enough to flatten the tapestry and Lumen could see the shape of a man struggling with it. She didn't dare take her eyes off him and she reached for her phone but she wasn't wearing it. She wasn't wearing her belt either. Lumen had no weapons, no phone, nothing. "It's just one. We need the police." Lumen barked, eyes darting across the pews trying to identify the one where she'd left her coat and phone. Then she looked down at Paul where she'd just knocked him. "Oh my God... Paul." she dropped to her knees and momentarily forgot the bald man.
The bald man was struggling in the tapestry. He'd tried to hit the man in the shoulder but got him more in the chest. He had to get out of here, and fast. He was too slow on launching the second bullet. Too slow for the blond. She was on to him, she knew where he was standing, and she was planning to call the police. But this damn tapestry had somehow pinned him to the wall and gotten all tangled. Finally he worked his switch blade free and sliced a tear through it. The flap of fabric blew loose and he moved and caught the nearest candle. It must have been old because the thing started going up fast. Yeah, he needed to get the hell out of here but he needed to off the blond first.
Lumen was pressing both hands to Paul's wound and blood was oozing out between her fingers quickly. It was warm and sticky and she could still hear the shuffling of the man trying to free himself from the tapestry. "Paul. Paul. You're going to be okay but we need to get back to the pew and get my phone. Unless you've got one." she could smell smoke and she looked up. Flames. She sat then keeping both hands pressed firmly to Paul as the blood spread across his nice dress shirt. Her eyes were giving off a faint glow she was unaware of as she watched the tapestry. The man inside was almost free and she knew he had a gun. "I've gotta get you up Paul and we need to run."
ooc: Feel free to take over the man and gmod to get us where we need to be, and also to fill in dialogue
"Calling the police, gotchya." Raina pulled out her phone and called 911. "Hello police? We've got a mutant related emergency on the corner of 5th and Munroe. Uh.. a big scary godzillia thing and I think an ice man? ...I am positive we need the mutant division." she turned to the blonde "They should be here soon, no sense calling the regular boys in blue they couldn't do anything against this guy."
She turned back for a moment to continue shooing people when the creature started to speak. She spun around and strained to listen. She suddenly felt very sad for the beast. He hadn't asked to be this way and it was clear he'd been hunted before. But how could he know who was a human and who was a mutant? If he looked at her he'd think she was human. Perhaps he only considered those with visible mutations. She was about to yell out as much when the creature sliced open the throat of a woman. Lumen's hands rushed to her face and without thinking she turned and buried her head in the blonde's shoulder. Lumen was good as masking emotions and even better with surprises but this was a little too much with all the conflicting emotions.
ooc: we may want to consider inviting Jorge or someone else from the mutant division to join us
Lumen was humming along almost silently when she heard Paul chip in his voice beside her. That surprised her. She was thrilled to have him with her but she didn't expect him to participate. She smiled. Paul was turning out to be a pretty all right guy. Or maybe, one seriously desperate for a lady friend. But she seemed to really think the former.
She joined her own voice. She wasn't much of a singer but she could carry a note and a tune. She found music to be almost meditative at many different times. If she was meditating and didn't have a headache she'd often enjoy playing something classical in the background.
Lumen felt completely alive in her senses. The sounds of music and children and people, the smells of incense, holly, christmas trees, peppermint, and cinnamon, even the taste of those things in the air. She took in the sights of the people all around and felt calm and at peace. Yes, after the week she had she needed this. It was even better to have someone by her side.
The mass went by in what felt like the blink of an eye. The music, the readings, the psalms, and an excellent talk by the priest on the importance of keeping the Christmas spirit all year around. Lumen thought he handled himself well considering so many of those in attendance were not usually church goers. Some of them may actually feel comfortable and welcomed enough to come back. Lumen knew she wasn't a perfect person and far from holy but the real idea at the root of Christianity was that everyone was that way, all the same. She liked that.. and even playing field.
The last song was being sung, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and some of the families were sneaking out the back. She remembered those days when she was a kid barley lasting for the whole service and her parents sneaking she and her brother out just a wee bit early. It didn't hurt that they usually beat the traffic that way too. The song ended, and people started shuffling out. "It be nice to wait a minute, if you don't mind.' said Lumen. She always was one of the last people to leave. She didn't like ending church in a big mess of noises and people. She liked to stay and think a moment, enjoy the environment a heart beat longer, and leave at her own pace. "It's going to be such a mess out there with all these people, less of a headache to wait a few moments. We wont get a cab for a while anyway."
She sat back down and invited him to do so as well. "Thanks for coming Paul. How did you find it? A bit long I know..." she stifled a yawn. It was well past midnight.
Meanwhile the bald man was waiting at the back of the church. He was confused that the woman was sitting back down. And aw, shit she had some guy with her. He thought hard for a moment. They seemed to be lingering and the place was emptying quickly. There'd be no witnesses. But this was still a house of God. It was one thing to go out and do his work in the world but he could always come here and be made new every time. So he stood in the lobby, nodded to the Father, the gaggles of kids rushing by. He contemplated.
The dinner wrapped up and Lumen was relieved that Paul was as earnest as he appeared to be. She wouldn't exactly let her guard down, but maybe she could ignore that little voice in the back of her mind for a bit. Secrets were just secrets. They didn't need to dictate everything or every move she made. She had to start trusting in her own instincts to look out for her well being instead of over thinking every little thing.
Once everything was settled and they finally stood up Paul gave her hand a little reassuring squeeze. He was very kind and chivalrous but she sorta doubted he'd be the type to make the first move. So, how was she going to send a clear signal? That's when he mentioned the church. Oh yeah. Might go to hell for trying to pick up a guy in church. She laughed on the inside at that one.
"It's not more than another quick cab ride over. I miss the warmer weather when it was easier to walk places. Just makes sense I guess for another cab ride to be safer and warmed." She led the way pulling up her coat and making sure polar bear was in her pocket. She'd even forgot to argue over paying the bill.
Inside the cab she gave the directions "I wonder what I should call my bear?" she playfully mused. "He looks like a Stanley."
They arrived within moments. The church was a beautiful old building that dated back to when New York was first settled. It had been restored with an extra wing added on about 25 years or so earlier. Outside people were still pouring in but the music could still be heard. There were candles in every stained glass window casting beautiful colour light. The air smelled lightly of incense and holly and wreaths were hanging everywhere. Lumen stood for a moment just taking the site in. It didn't matter where she was in life she always felt different walking into a church. She looked behind her, smiled with the christmas lights glowing at her front, and took Paul's hand "Let's go."
It was paced inside but just as beautiful. White lights peeked out from everywhere, the choir was singing, babies were asleep in their mothers arms. Everyone was mostly sitting in the pews singing or reading along in a hymn book. The choir led everyone in "Oh Holy Night" one of Lumen's favourites. They found a spot closer to the middle.
Behind them a short,balding Italian man spotted Lumen. He did a double take trying to place her, that hair, that face. And then he knew. His boss would want the job done. Christmas or not she'd been snoopin too close to the organization. She'd caught Fat Charlie earlier that week for the boys in blues and Nancy was starting to consider him a liability. He didn't want to admit it was his fault the girl with the freakishly white hair had been tipped off. His own stupid negligence anyway. Leaving evidence behind. Fat Charlie just happened to be the poor putz who'd been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He was feeling sweaty. He always came to church. He felt guilty about his work, that was for sure, but not guilty enough to stop it. It put food on the table. It took care of his lady. Truth be told he was planning on offing the girl in the early week. But here, by some stroke of luck or maybe even God... here she was. Like a lamb to the alter. Maybe it was a sign? He always thought he was a man of God despite his work. There needed to be a balance that was for sure.
But now was not the time. Not with all of these people. Not with all these witnesses. He'd wait for the service to be over... maybe follow her home... maybe have a little fun first. The night was full of possibilities and the bulge in his breast pocket was aching to be fired. Brand spakin new. A Christmas present from Nancy.
Lumen nodded listening to Paul hoping for the food to come. The conversation was pleasant enough but she found her mind constantly drifting to her brother. Now that Paul had engaged in small conversation about him Lumen couldn't get Riori out of her head. She was brainstorming strategies for picking up on a once thought cold lead. She was smart enough to pick up on the key words of conversation with Paul however. She wasnt trying to be rude, Lumen was just excellent at mentally multi-tasking.
>>>"Well let's see... running is probably one of the things I do the most of. I run almost every day, on very rare occasions I even do it twice in one day. I do a little bit of meditating to try and keep my mind calm and adjusted and you already know about my reading."
"Meditation really is wonderful." said Lumen in response. "It's amazing the wonders it can do for the body." learning to meditate had been hard for Lumen, but her mother was an excellent help in the regard before her brother was taken. It was really the one true way Lumen controlled her powers.
>>>"I experiment in the kitchen on occasion and every now and then I even manage to make something that tastes decent. I also occasionally take a kick boxing class down at the Y, but other than that I guess you could say I lead a rather simple life."
That perked up Lumen's interest and for a second thoughts of Riori were put aside. "Kick boxing is it? I've been training in mixed martial arts for years. Another fantastic way to curb stress! . Well there you go, Paul was also a bit of a cook and could kick someone in the head (probably)... noted!
Finally, the food arrived and Lumen felt the awkward tension disappear. She began to feel herself again. It was just hard keeping so many secrets and trying to get to know someone. At the very least if things didn't really work out with Paul she was learning some valuable skills right here. She needed to be able to communicate with people for purposes beyond interrogation. The warmth from the food spread through her and she idly chatted with Paul about general common things. The latest movies, the latest news and politics, a few funny stories about Ireland.
As dinner was finishing she glanced across at him. "Listen, I'm sorry of this isn't exactly going as planned" she put her hand behind her head in a shrugging awkward motion. "I'm not really the kind of person who has an easy time talking about themselves. Not really used to people who want to listen either." she gave a nervous laugh and summoned her courage. "But, I'd like to know you better if you'll give me a chance to stumble my way through a few social courtesies" she reached across the table and put her hand on his.
This was something very common with Irish women. It wasn't as intimate as Americans may consider it, but it was a way to establish a physical connection with someone for just a moment to show sincerity. "I really am having a nice time and this restaurant is wonderful. My food was great!"
She wasn't going to let Riori win this one. This was going to be a good date. The rest of the evening? She wasn't going to let it keep doing down that path. They were going to enjoy the rest of the evening, enjoy church, and as blasphemous as it may sound she might even convince Paul they could get their own hotel room for the night. One night stand reservations out the window! Riori was not taking over tonight.
Interesting explanation of your power. 
