Below are the different Army branches of Mare Del Forte

Thálassa Ochiés

Like their name-sake, Sea Vipers are the deadliest of the Mare Del Fortean Millitary and trained primarily in hand to hand and melee weapons. Schooled vigilantly in a myriad of martial arts such as pankration, muay thai and BJJ, those inducted into this branch are incredibly fast, both on land and in sea, capable of moving at speeds that would appear as blurs to a standard human, and reacting to slower bullets. Their arsenal includes almost every conceivable and practical melee weapon, and changes based upon the task at hand. What is a common trait among them however, is the usage of toxins. Indeed, their weapons have micro-capsules that release a variety of toxins upon contact with flesh; one of these being Tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin is a powerful neurotoxin (1200 times more powerful than cyanide) that inhibit nerve impulses, which causes death through respiratory system failure. ( This is only one of the hundreds of Toxins employed by this branch)

Beyond extreme martial art skill, speed and toxin use, they are each outfitted in Mare Del Fortean Stealth armor. Composed of lightweight carbon-nanotubes and arcane pseudo-technology, they are capable of becoming completely invisible from all means of detection, and have goggles that can point out nerve clusters and crucial arteries in beings that are not human.

Megaladons

Members of this branch are massive beings with incredible power beneath their fingertips. The ocean is a massive place, filled with thousands upon thousands of different species and individuals, and those who find themselves with great stature are usually placed in this branch. Most standing somewhere between 10 - 14 feet tall, these giants are living tanks, with incredibly dense hide-like skin and muscle, they are able to withstand incredible force. To even further this insane durability, they are given secondary carbonadium armor, a more malleable and cheaper version of True Adamantium, a substance which is nigh-unbreakable. Though carbonadium is known to be incredibly radioactive, members of the Megalodons are wholly immune to its effects. Despite their size, they can move great distances through jumping.

Megalodons are typically armed with rocket and grenade launchers.

χέλια

The standard soldiers of the Millitary. They (The Eels) are skilled in both projectile and melee weapon use, and are typically as martially skilled as their venomous branch cousins. Possessing well rounded physical capabilities, they are the most commonly deployed branch due to their overall usefulness in a variety of situations. Some of their projectile weapons include plasma cannons, EPM's, and standard "guns." Plasma cannons are just that, weapons capable of emitting powerful beams of plasma, though theses beams shoot plasma that are almost entirely ionized. The difference? Typically, plasma exists as what is commonly referred to as "cold plasma" in that it isn't ionized on an extreme level and it is typically only several thousand degrees celsius. The plasma projected in this branches weapons however can reach hundreds of thousands times hotter. EPM's are electric pulse emitters, which are capable of destroying a target's nervous system on contact.

-more weapons coming soon

Beast Tamers

Magus

Iron Wardens

It is anointed and inscribed with prayers and wards, ritually consecrated and psychically-charged. Working in tandem with the Grey Knights' formidable psychic powers, the Aegis warding within the armour protects the wearer from psychic attack

Cosmos Ranger (Jason T. Carter)

Name: Jason "Tommy" Carter

Age: 900 years old

Height: 6'0" ft.

Weight: 214 lbs.

Synoposis

The White Cosmos Ranger is a galactic warrior/defender, seeking justice throughout the galaxy. Being given the power of the cosmic deity Zordon through his Power Coin, Jason Carter can tap into the power pool of this entity to turn into the White Cosmos Ranger, greatly enhancing his physical capabilities. With this upgrade, he is able to meet challenges head on with his new found power.

Personality

Jason Carter is extremely focused. From his upbringing, high morals, and teachings from Zordon, he has become extremely tasked with defeating evil, fighting it wherever it may be. While not wanting to kill mortals, he will usually slay monsters, demons, and some number of cosmic beings if it comes to that decision. But despite all of his seriousness, he is surprisingly lighthearted with the suit off, and even on at times. He does have a tendency to say really cheesy things, but, if you need a hero, look no further than him.

Powers

Do to his cosmic nature, and because of his cosmic armor, Jason Carter has been given super powers, such as enhanced strength, speed, and durability. With these powers, he is also capable of teleportation. More importantly however, is his armor. The armor is devised of a cosmic material, with nanites binding over the suit to protect against diseases, toxin, etc. The crest on his chest is able to reflect energy attacks, and can absorb high impacts from area effect attacks.

Standard Equipment

The Observatory-

This is Jason's personal station, created eons ago by the cosmic god Zordon. The Observatory is massive, easily surpassing in size to the largest cities on Earth, and used as a sort of base for Jason, where he keeps Megazords, Armors, and works on new projects. This station is portable, traveling along with Carter wherever he goes. The base contains multiple docking bays that double as launching pads. From these posts zords are launched through the atmosphere of whatever planet Jason T. Carter happens to be on at the time, making sure that he is always prepared if the situation requires it.

As a last line of defense, the station has a massive, high concentrated beam of pure cosmic energy at the bottom of it, ready to fire. At full setting it can tear a country in half, and destroy islands, and at minimum completely decimate a skyscraper. The beam that is fired is adaptable, and capable of adjusting its energy type to get the job done. The down side is that it uses massive amounts of power, so it is only used when absolutely necessary.

This place if ran by an onboard A.I. called Siri.

Event Horizon-

Jason's primary means traversing the galaxy, this ship is a highly advanced piece of technology, supplied to him by his cosmic god, being powered by cosmic means, and solar powered.

The vessel is able to jump into hyperspace, allowing it to travel across the Galaxy much faster. It also has an extremely durable Magnetic Field, acting as shielding to defend from attacks on the outside. It's weapons system, however, can bypass the shielding from inside the field.

The ship does not have to be manually piloted, and is usually controlled by the A.I. Siri.

But, whenever a high level threat, or if there's an emergency that can't be attended with another option, this ship has the capabilities of transforming into the Max Solarzord.

Zord Mode:

Height: 55 Meters

Weight: 9,500 Tons

Abilities: The Solarzord is capable of absorbing light rays, cosmic and solar radiation to power itself and its weaponry. It has a several batteries, and a back up within it to store these energies.

This emergency Zord is different than most of the other Zords as it was created technologically, without any means of empowerment from Zordon. However, this does offer much versatility, such as the inclusion of the previously mentioned magnetic field, which will protect the Zord even in battle mode. It encases the robot in a dome to keep it safe in all directions. However, since this is powered by standard energies, this shielding, despite its advancements, is much less stable than others cosmic shields, and will run out quickly.

Its main weapons is the shield it wields, with twin ion cannons attached, creating a powerful blast capable of disrupting organic material.

Shorter and lighter than most of the others Zords in Jason's arsenal, it makes up what it lacks in size with speed and extreme agility.

Agility: 6

Strength: 7

Speed: 4

Durability: 7

Energy Projection: 6

Fighting Ability: 6

Siri

Synopsis

Siri is a highly advanced A.I. who helps Jason Carter on his mission of protecting the Galaxy.

She is based off of the mind of her creator, Dr. Kimberly Hart. Hart was obsessed with her creation, going to unimaginably great lengths to complete Siri. Upon actually completing her, she was forced to hide her creation, as shortly afterward Hart was killed by those who were extremely interested in Siri, and wanted to steal the A.I. for themselves. Having watched the death of her creator, Siri quickly snapped, disrupting the ship and destroying its oxygen supply, suffocating those who were inside, so they would suffer the same fate as her maker. Now, alone and drifting in the remnants of the ship, she went into a sleep mode, waiting to be useful once more.

Decades later, Siri was discovered by Jason, who had searched the wreck of the ship to see what had happened. Siri, relieved to have actual contact with the outside world, quickly became loyal to the Galactic Knight, and allowed herself to be his A.I. unit to help him on his eternal mission to bring peace to the Milky Way Galaxy.

Personality

Siri has a witty and playful personality and a small sense of cryptic humor laced with some sarcasm. She has neither arrogance nor false modesty about her immense capabilities, and her statements about her abilities have an objective perspective that beings typically cannot achieve.

She is extremely loyal to Jason,but exhibites devotion beyond that which her programming or mission required. She seems to be most loyal to him and is willing to help him with any task he requests of her.

Abilities

Siri, as an A.I., as the innate ability to access computer systems, and in fact is extremely excelled in that field. Despite having no knowledge, she has been able to hack completely alien (as in foreign) tech within a matter of nanoseconds. It is with this gift she has proven to be a vital asset on the field of battle, and running any and all equipment in general. She can run the ship, the Observatory, the zords and other equipment at once, showing the ability to multitask with complicated functions.

Along with this is her ability to both replicate herself in order to spread out her necessary functions, and her ability to teleport within a system, both proving handy while on missions.

On top of these abilities however, is her Technopathy. Having advanced to a ridiculous degree, she can manipulate technology and technological constructs, computers, robots, hardware and other devices that can be termed as "technology". Manifested as a special form of electrical/telekinetic manipulation, a special form of "morphing" which allows physical interaction with machines, or even a psychic ability that allows mental interface with computer data. Siri can control the flow of intricate machinery and can allow them to assemble or disengage their programming at will. Can operate most technology just by touching or looking. A variation on Electricity Manipulation, the user controls specific electrons and instructs them which items to engage or disengage. She is even able to use the electric impulses to gently control smaller metal parts.

Cosmos Ranger

If Siri is needed in close quarters combat, she will transfer herself into a physical body in the form of the android, the Yellow Cosmos Ranger. Like Jason, she has superhuman stats across the board, but is based more around speed and agility.

White Cosmos Ranger

Theme

(You're just jealous of my awesome theme song)

Power Grid

Equipment

Saba-

Saba is a sentient short sword wielded by Jason,. He is a cosmic blade made of unknown material empowered by Zordon's own power, making Saba nearly indestructible. He is capable of flight and firing cosmic beams of varying properties, such as explosive, concussive, heat, or all of the above. Jason relies heavily on Saba's input and tactical information in battle, and always keeps him at hand.

Tigerzord-

Height: 60 Meters.

Weight: 10,000 tons

Speed: Sonic Speeds+ if more cosmic energy is added

Abilities- With its sword it is capable to firing energy blasts, along with from its chest, it can fire plasma balls. All Zords have target lock on capabilities, as well as shielding to add as extra protection.

An extension of Zordon's power, the armor that the Zord is composed of is magically cosmic enhanced, technologically advanced material, giving it extreme resistance and power. He can radiate this cosmic force from his body, as this is the same energy that powers his shielding.

A special design of the Zord is its capability of mimicking the actions of its pilot. This means that the Tigerzord is just an extension of Jason's body, capable of doing what the pilot can do.

Additional Zords

After the creation of the Power Rangers, each were given their own individual zord. They typically join together to form the Lightning Zord. However, with the fall of the previous rangers, Jason keeps them in the Observatory for safe keeping. However, should he need their help, he can call upon their help. Using them, he can create the Mega Tigerzord, one of his most powerful zords.

The Red Dragonzord, Rising Storm, is kept out of this however. As his original zord, he usually only uses him as a last resort. It is a powerful zord, but brings back painful memories, and is a little hard to control.

Hey there, Mr. Megadeth here, and boy are you going to be happy about it, cause I've got the best deal that you'll never hear! So, Mr. Suit'n Tie, ever need help with some kind of "pest control", but you an' your sorry be-hind aren't able to get up and do it yourself? Well you lazy piece of &%^$ have I got some good news for you! We, Heavy Metal, are just the solution you need to eliminate you and your undesirables, and all for a low low price!

Over here at Heavy Metal Inc. we pride ourselves in getting a job well done. I, Mr. Megadeath, try my best to run a respectable business model that's by the #%^hats, for the #%^hats. The men and I conduct our work in a quick and thorough manner. Quiet-Riot, Disturbed, why don't you tell them just what we do?

Why sure Mr. Megadeth. Me and the boys begin a quick survey of the landscape, getting a good read on all vantage points and conveniently opened and/or closed stores. Afterwards we of course get in and get out, making sure to leave no stone unturned, no grave undesecrated, no store unlooted, and no household undemolished! What do we do next Disturbed?

Well Quiet-Riot, when the target is found, we make sure to use only the most new and advanced, state-of-the-art technology to take care of situation at hand, as well as maximizing collateral damage to the best of our hellish demonic abilities.

Once the coast is cleared, we make sure to take anything that the target may or may not have on it and return said item to our pockets, and dispose of the remains quietly, and in the most explosive manner as possible.

That's when we call in the cleanup crew. Dio, Sodom, and Helloween. These guys are professionals, making sure to tidy up the place when we're done, and get rid of anything that may look unsightly.

Gallery

And if you ever have any questions. Common questions include but are not limited: missing items, lost possessions, fire hazard, and insurance. In any case, please direct all questions and comments to Iron Maiden, who deals with legality issues. He will tell you-

Aasdfqweryioutnmhgpousdnlwkejoip!

Exactly, so we cannot be held responsible for any and all missing and/or damaged items, even in the case of death.

People, we understand your problems, there are metahumans pests everywhere these days, and in these hectic times of panic and mayhem, we wish to help in the best way we know how. Murder.

We'll take any job!

We'll take every job!

We'll take your job!

So call us up today, you sorry sack of she-dogs!

OOC: So yeah, things were going a little slow, and I just kind of thought this up earlier yesterday, sounded like a good way to pass the time. Hope to use these guys eventually.

Red Star

Name: Jody Malcolm

Aliases: Red Star, The Detective, The Barracuda

Age: 32

Weight: 124 lbs. (No Armor) 152 (Armor/Equipment)

Height: 5'6"

Hobbies: Journalism, prostitution, detective work, scavenging

Origin

Like many people who now live in the dead city of Grim, Jody Malcolm was a tough girl before the place went to shit. She had to be in her line of work. Journalism. Growing up in Grim City to a middle-class family, she always had a knack for getting into trouble. Jody would never stay put, or do what she was told. To her, rules were limits that were meant to broken, put into question, and looked under scrutiny. She never knew the hardships that the lower class people had to deal with in their day to day lives. But she fully intended to.

Whenever she had the chance she would go out, observing the city and those who inhabited it. Jody put on elaborate disguises, dressing up as a street rat and pick-pocketing everyone who seemed to have something to hide. She was natural. So much so that she wanted nothing to do with the boring life of normality. She wanted to be as close to the action as possible, and in order to do so she came into contact with people at the papers, picking up a job.

Jody loved every second of the job, the thrill of adventure, of going against the establishment exactly what she had been searching for. For Ms. Malcolm, the story meant everything, and she would do whatever it took to get the scoop. Work for some gangs, steal a couple items, collect protection money, even "favors", it didn't matter to her, there was no high or low that wasn't worth it. When given the chance to be promoted she wouldn't even consider, not wanting to stuck behind some desk at the office.

But good things never lasted very long. Eventually, as all have come to know, the city experienced battle after battle, countless deaths afflicting the city until eventually, one bath of fire and kinetic bombardment later, Grim became all but a wasteland. And in this wasteland, only the strong survive. Honing her skills from days long gone, Jody Malcolm was too stubborn to leave. And in her mind, she didn't need to. In this kind of society, she would thrive.

A person willing to do anything and everything? They'll go far in a world like this. Kill, steal, sex, survive. That is what Jody Malcolm does.

Weapons (Of note)

Jody Malcolm is first and foremost a scavenger, a master of slipping in and out of situation depending on its dangers. In her line of work however it is best to be defended, and what better way than to be fully armed and loaded with some cool technology that was just "lying around."

Deadshot: A long range weapon, unleashes armor piercing rounds of depleted uranium.

Oxygen-Blade: Arguably Red Star's most dangerous weapon, the sword she wields is an experimental tool, and for good reason. The Oxygen Blade was designed to destroy every molecule of oxygen in living tissue. It is like acid when touching flesh, and quickly rusts and dissolves metals, bypassing normal materials and durability. Also helps with healing factors.

May & Day: Dual sidearms that Jody keeps on her at all times, these weapons has been modified to punch through high grade armor.

Lite Sword: Typical plasma sword, she carries this in conjunction with the Oxygen Blade. It doesn't have the same properties, but this weapon has a far longer reach, much like a Great Sword. The sword is hot, but only when it comes into contact with other materials

Led Zeppelin: An encrusted Tommy Gun gifted to Ms. Malcolm, it is heavily modified version of the 1920's design. It carries incendiary rounds, magnesium rounds, Full Metal Jacket, hollow tipped points, etc. It is her most adaptable weapon, able to be changed according to the situation at hand.

Power Glove: Now you're playing with power! This hydraulic empowered gauntlet that allows Red Star to give a striking power that is comparable to superhuman. Used whenever she deems threats are too close for comfort, the punch is powerful enough to launch a car through the air.

Miscellaneous: Flamethrower, Grenades, Pain Killers, Pipe Bombs, Molotov Cocktails, lots of drugs.

Powers

Now, Jody Malcolm is a "normal" human being. She has some combat knowledge having survived as long as she has, and her gear is top notch compared to many of other people of Grim, but she is still flesh and bones. That is why she has the finest materials in combat to keep her alive.

Jody wears a large duster with a state of the art vest for protection. An aramid tech-weave combines ballistic and thermal protection that lines the duster, and a kinetic gel lining the vest for all-purpose impact absorption. With a carbon fiber thread for sewing armor enhancements together, it is all topped off with the helmet. Made from the listed substances and a tough titanium alloy, it allows for air purification so she is able to go through any extreme environment, and a survive direct blows to her head.

And, most importantly, there are the drugs. Pain Killers, testosterone, steroids, morphine, cocaine, you name it, she's got it. Some is for pain, others are for pleasure, whatever gets her through a battle is fair game. She's even come up with her own elixir which gives her a second wind of sorts, putting her into a murderous frenzy for about 3 minutes.

Theme

Alright guys, after this one, there's only one more NPC to talk about.

Kane Karloff

Name: Kane Karloff

Nicknames: Hockey-Puck, Slasher, Ghost of Grim

Birthday: June 13th, 1946

Age: 71

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 313 lbs.

Nationality: American

Affiliations: Himself

Backstory

In a rundown hospital within the now dead Grim City, a baby boy was born to the Betsy and John Karloff, a poor, desolate family. Named Kane by his mother Betsy, he was doomed to live an abnormal life from the very start. It wasn't just being born to a poor family, or that his father was an abusive alcoholic, it was also that he was born legally mentally handicapped. His mother did the best she could to give her one and only son the life needed, caring for Kane and taking on two jobs to help provide for him. His father, on the other hand, was too drunk to do much of anything. With no job, the only thing he did was abuse his child and spouse.

On one particular night, Betsy was forced to miss work, as Kane was getting seriously ill, worrying the mother. John, in his drunken state of mind, grew upset, quick to accuse her of being lazy for taking care of their good for nothing son. She should be out there, helping to support the family. In the midst of beating Kane to prove a point of how useless he was, Betsy snapped. Grabbing the firearm of the house, she fired, killing her husband. Telling Kane everything was going to be fine, she buried the body in the back. Not wanting to stay in the same old house, Betsy had them move south.

Years went by, the John's body was never found, and, by age 18, Kane had been in enough decent schooling to get by in life. Especially when, a few weeks after his birthday, Betsy was murdered by a local street gang, her body discovered in an alley way. When told this news, Kane fell into a depression, unsure of where to go in life from that point on. But, that changed when he was drafted, and had to answer the call of duty. More specifically, Vietnam. It was here where Kane found a new family.

Despite being bullied early on, Kane's monstrous physique and clueless attitude changed that. While out on the battlefield, the man quickly garnered a reputation for being a ruthless fighter, tearing the enemy apart. But it was in one battle that Kane shined the most. When his unit was captured by Viet Cong forces, Kane forcefully infiltrated the campsite and, wielding a machete, cut his way to his brothers in arms. Through this bravery, the man won the Medal of Honor, which he accepted. Tragedy struck suddenly however, when he was killed in a punji trap. His body was reportedly cremated, and placed by his mother's grave.

That is not what actually went down though. In reality, his body was never cremated. Kane did die, but it wasn't from a punji trap, it was on an operating table at the States. For the US, Karloff's record and monstrous physique made him a prime candidate for tests, to see if they could increase the physical attributes of their soldiers. Kane was never told why he was taken back to the America, but once there, he was subjected to several tests. Still unaware of his overseers true intentions, he was put under for an operation. While knocked out though, problems went array, and the soldier was killed.

When his body was buried, it was done so in secrecy, and his grave was hastily written. However,fate had its own plan. Almost a year went by, and on a clear dark night, a lightning bolt of mysterious origin struck the remains of Kane Karloff. Within seconds, the dead man rose. But while it was Karloff that rose, it was one filled with supernatural vengeance. He broke into the institute where he was buried by, and found that tests were still being carried out. Rage filling his mind as he realized what had happened, he destroyed the lab, burning it to the ground. Carrying with him the tools he was supposed to be outfitted with, he now wonders the country, a hatred, a madness taking over what was once the naive Kane Karloff.

Equipment

Kane wields a large assortment of tools and weaponry, and often includes the environment as part of it, using any and all tools to his advantage. However, there are multiple items he keeps equip with him at all times in the form of a utility belt. It is a standard version of said belt, and not very technologically advanced, but what it houses should not be underestimated.

At the time of its conception, High Frequency technology was pretty much just a prototype. So they decided that it would be best to test it in the hands of their soon to be super weapon. While that didn't go as planned, Kane still took what was originally supposed to be his. The weapons main advantage over other tough metals is that it is designed to counter these other metals. Due to its old design, the vibrations that emanate from the blade tend to spark every once in a while, causing it to ignite. Typically a bad thing, unless you're an undead immortal being.

With the HF technology still being a prototype at the time, they went with a more reliable idea as part of Jason's next tool. A 12 inch Bowie Knife, it is made out of adamantium, a resilient material, making it nearly indestructible.

Kane Karloff doesn't just specialize in close range combat, but long range as well. He wields a bow equipped with specialized arrows. Once they make contact, nano spikes appear, embedding themselves and latching on to a degree where near superhuman strength is needed to get them out. It doesn't help that he also holds electric arrows, capable of unleashing 1,000, to 100,000 volts of electricity into a target.

And generally he uses just about anything he has on him at the time. He also owns an ax and a spear, mulitple throwing knives, and an assortment of bear traps, all of which are made out of high grade steel.

Powers

Immortality

Kane Karloff, as of being resurrected, is effectively immortal. It is a supernatural power, the origin of which is somewhat mysterious. However, it has been proven to be effective. If he is somehow put down, whether it be through conventional force or absolute disintegration, he will always come back. The time it takes varies, but it can take minutes, days, weeks, months, or years before any occurrence happens.

Regeneration

Backing up his immortality, Kane can regrow limbs, organs, entire chunks of his body in seconds. It isn't absolute however, and can be taxed.

Teleportation

He also has the uncanny ability to teleport long distances. He uses this ability regularly to increase his mobility, and helps to cover large areas. It can be used while in combat, but mostly to give surprise attacks or retreat. When under pressure, stunned, or trapped, he is unable to slip away, and must take care of the obstacle with brute force.

Electricity

One of the more odd attributes of Kane Karloff is his relation to electricity. For some unknown reason, he is drawn to it, and can even empower himself with its energies. He himself cannot generate the electricity, nor does it electrify his attacks, but it does enhance his striking power, stamina, and so on. If need be, he can call down a bolt of lightning, but it is a defensive technique first, and he cannot direct it, only act as a conduit.

Superhuman Stats

Strength- Before his resurrection, Kane was already of a massive build and girth. He was one of the tallest people around, and despite being such a big target, somehow managed to avoid getting pumped full of bullets during the war. After his resurrection though, he has become a monster, a beast incarnate. He can tear buildings apart with ease, the force he generates with every blow would threaten entire cities. His herculean strength is boundless, with no clearly defined limit, with those who know of him unsure if such a limit even exists.

Speed- Kane is...slow. Very, very...very slow. Or at least that's how he's perceived. Against most targets, on any normal run-of-the-mill day, he can muster a fast walk, at the most a brisk jog. However, if he's in the mood, or if he needs to, he can bull rush like a freight-train, but he also has a hard time controlling the direction of his charge. In reactions, he's decent, faster than any normal human, but it's most due to the force of his attacks. His wind up time for attacks is slow, but the execution is like lightning.

Durability- Mr. Karloff is a tank, able to survive extreme conditions of all kinds. Set him on fire? He doesn't even flinch. Freeze him in a block of ice? He'll shatter it within at most a couple seconds. Explosions are like milk duds, and an extreme amount of pressure is needed to even breach his outer skin.

Mind- Now Kane is not by any stretch of the words, smart. If he were ever to take a math test, he's not getting an A. But, he is somewhat cunning, and is able to cleverly set up traps and separate groups of people to pick them off one by one. When he needs to get out of a bind, he can come up with a quick solution.

Theme

"Oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap!" Korra Lěng shouted as she rushed to her self-made bunker, alarms blaring at the sound of an intruder. Although, to call it a bunker would be doing it a diservice. It actually looked more like a genuine house, and was about the same size as one. But it was still not to be messed with. Inside were the collections of scrap Korra had obtained in all of her travels through the ruins of Grim City.

Korra had lived here, Grim City, all her life. She'd been around to see it alive, bustling with noise that wasn't gunfire and painful shrieks of death. Korra would admit that Grim City was never a perfect place, at least not in her life time. It had always had its own problems, a sense of corruption and the threat of supervillains always prevalent. But it seemed more controlled. There was at least always some form of order and law to the land. But now?

It was killed or be killed.

And apparently that's what someone had in mind at her compound. Rushing through the entrance to the building Korra kicked the alarm switch, turning the sirens off. Korra didn't need anymore uninvited guests. Reaching forward she swiped her bulletproof parka. If someone was breaking into her little home, they would be armed. Luckily she kept her ice gun on her at all times when she went out, otherwise she would be in serious trouble. The ice gun strapped to her back was of her own design, that utilized liquid nitrogen, and an extreme cooling unit that would effect the substance on a molecular level, making it near absolute zero temperatures.

On a regular human, they were fatal. Personally Korra didn't enjoy killing people, and it was really something she had never had to do before. It was something she was proud of. "But the things in the lab, I can't let anyone get to it." If someone got a hold of her own technology, they could be unstoppable. But her words were cut off when a charge caught her in the chest. Stumbling back, Korra dove for cover without skipping a beat, the parka absorbing the blow from the plasma round. From the corner of her eye, she saw the attacker...and in their hand-

"Oh crap." The intruder, a someone with a female figure wearing a ski mask, and who appeared armed with two blaster styled weapons, had grabbed the little freeze drone she had been working on. The little machine was still visibly off, but Korra didn't know what to do if it was activated. Weiss wasn't finish, and if acted on prematurely...it was a thought Korra didn't want to think of.

Rushing forward the lone gun-woman opened fire on her position, each blast seeking to melt down Korra's position and make short work of her parka. The thing could sustain damage, it was designed to last. But it wasn't invincible. Thinking fast Korra aimed her weapon towards the ground, adjusting the setting on her gun. Firing, a massive wall of ice shot out of the ground, with Korra on top of it

The action had been a little too sudden for Korra though. Shooting up at high speeds, her head spun around, stars filling her vision. The blasts colliding with the wall however managed to break her out of the daze. From the higher position Korra switched her weapon to a more offensive measure. Cold icicle's shot forward from the gun, lodging themselves right beside the attackers feet, and one even managing to knock one of her pistols out of her grip. "YES!" Korra shouted, too excited for her own good.

Her premature victory was met with a the other woman's gun firing off at Korra's feet. She dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the shot, but the ice wall wasn't wide enough for her action. Slipping off the side Korra fell not so gracefully onto the opposite side of the wall. That was the fortunate news.

The bad news however was that the ice wall was weakening "No!" Shouted Korra , aiming her gun at the wall to reinforce it. She needed more time to figure something out. But the intruder wasn't having it. On the other side of the wall a sticky grenade latched the side, and after a few short warning beeps, it ruptured.

Flying backwards from the explosion, Korra skidded across the ground, rolling uncontrollably from the momentum of the blast. Not willing to wait, the intruder charged forward, reloading her weapons while closing the distance. Eventually the ice queen screeched to a halt, a small bookshelf "cushioning" her stoppage. Shaking her head, she looked up and-

Ducked down, a plasma shot fired from less than four feet away narrowly avoiding her. Again acting on pure instinct the ice queen lifted her endothermic weapon, this time the weapon set to arguable its most dangerous setting.

A mist of coolant sprayed forward, and within seconds the intruder's hand and gun were frozen in place. Korra would have done another cheer if the attacker hadn't used her other gun to pistol whip her across the face. Falling to one knee, the snow enthusiast lifted her weapon again, freezing the girl's foot into the ground and keeping Korra from getting her head smashed in. Getting to her feet, Korra swerved around another attempt at her skull. Her free hand clenched, ready to retaliate...very hesitantly. The Ice-Woman closed her eyes and threw her fist forward.

*CRACK*

It connected with...something. Slowly she opened one eye, scared to see what she had done. This was really the first time she had had to resort to such actions. Apparently, her punch had broken her opposition's nose, as revealed by the blood drops trickling down to the floor. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry," Korra freaked out, unsure of how to react. The intruder, however, seemed to know exactly what to do.

A grenade found itself planted on Korra's chest, sticking to the parka. Korra practically squealed, frantically tearing at her own clothing to distance herself from the device. Why did I make this thing so freaking huge?!

There was no way to remove the parka in time, so Korra did the only thing she could. Aiming the gun at herself, she pulled the trigger and froze the bomb, hoping it would absorb most of the impact. The intruder, by the time the bomb went off, had already freed herself from the icy constructs. Lifting her foot she kicked Korra away to distance the explosion from herself.

The Ice-Woman rocketed backwards once more, again getting the comfortable feeling of rubble digging into her skin and leaving her face scratched and bruised. Swollen eyes lifting up, Korra watched as the attack slowly got closer and closer to her position. I need time, time to think! Korra, her muscle's burning and her body aching, reached down and adjusted the ice gun again. This time, to dome. Right before the attacker could get the drop on her, Korra encased herself within a protective barrier of ice

Korra eyed the attacker from within the ice dome. Staring back, the attack tapped the shell of ice, seeing how thick the structure was. Whoever the girl was, she didn't bother shooting it. Instead she just stared...waiting. The construct wouldn't last for much longer, but it still gave Korra some time to think. Time to plan. But what can I do on such short notice?

It was then that the Ice-Woman remembered her little drone. Her eyes glanced towards Weiss, still strapped to the woman's chest. I've got it. And just like that, Korra had a plan. "I only have one shot at this," Korra spoke aloud, but due to the nature of the ice dome, no noise was actually made.

3...2...1...

Ice shards flew out in all directions, blinding the intruder and forcing her to shield her eyes. Reaching forward, Korra's hand connected with the little drone on the mystery woman's chest, and holding in her breath, Korra waited.

The little drone activated to life, zipping through the air and bashing against the intruders head, knocking her face first into the ground. Korra squealed, amazed and excited that her creation worked. But she didn't have time to let her happiness get the best of her. "Weiss, FLASH FREEZE!"

A series of beeps and squeaks followed suit, Weiss staring at its creator. Processing the command , the drone got to work, and within seconds the whole area surrounding the girls' was covered in ice, the intruder herself frozen in a shell. Korra lifted her gun into the air. "Wooohoooo! Yeah that's what I'm talking about." Whipping around she patted Weiss, showing how proud she was with the little guy. The drone happily whizzing and beeping in reply. "Now, to see who you are." Reaching forward, she ripped off the attackers mask.

Korra's blood froze.

"Nancy?"

Nancy!? How? Where? When?

Why?

Korra didn't have the hardest time living in the city. Honestly, she felt kind of blessed by her circumstance. But she also had very few people to talk to. One of those few, however, had been Nancy, a girl she'd pass by on the street every so often. She would sit by a small market, using what little money she had to buy food. She wasn't homeless, as Korra had found out in their idle chitchats, but she was desperate, for money and for work.

I guess I didn't realize just how desperate. Examining Nancy closer, Korra's eyes widened. There was an emblem on the front of her shirt. It was Bloodshot emblem.

She's a scout. Korra deduced, ,looking at the frozen girl with alarm. The intruder's eyes followed her with every movement, a permanent frown stuck to their face that rightly captured the situation at hand. Korra felt tears begin to well up in her eyes as she figured out just how bad this situation really was. She couldn't allow Nancy to leave, she knew the location of her lab, of her tools, and she clearly meant her arm. If Korra simply left Nancy frozen, she would eventually either break out or die. Korra couldn't rightly maintain a prison for her, she had proven more than resourceful enough to feasibly break out, and Korra had nothing around to keep her locked up. The ice constructs wouldn't last long enough.

And that left only one option.

Sighing, she allowed an absolute-zero icicle to form within her weapon. The tip of the crystal would act as a bypass, the icicle itself stilling the particle's it came into contact with, and passing in-between the molecular bonds between atomic particles.

It would be a quick death.

Korra pressed the tip of the barrel to Nancy...the thief's head. "I'm sorry."

Thanks for reading guys! This is the third NPC tale, click here to see the first tale with Alayla Nightshade, and here for a rundown on Kane Karloff. Three down, two more to go...

"Damn it! Can you not do one %&*#ing thing right!" The gang leader cried out in exasperation. The dimly lit room of the fort echoed with his rage, each word resonating loudly enough for the others not within the room to hear them. In the center of the room on a lone chair sat one of the gang leaders informants. Sweating profusely at his interrogation, he didn't dare to meet his boss's eyes, in fear of the punishment he would receive.

"Bull, we didn't even know she was there! Never stood a chance, they ambushed us with our backs turned-"

"I don't want to hear it!" The gang leader named Bull exclaimed. He ran his hands through his hair, aggravated with his subordinates. "It was YOUR job to ambush them! Was it really that hard, you had the %&*#ing drop on the blimp, and you couldn't even get that right!" Bull snapped his fingers, and the two people who had also been standing in the room took turns pummeling the informant. Within minutes, his teeth littered the ground, and his face bloodied.

"Please...I'll try again, I'll do better! Just stop."

Bull looked down at the informant, an amused look on his long face. Bright and mischievous eyes fell on him, and the informant realized things were about to get much, much worse. "Oh I know you will. We have so much more to talk about."

Unknown to Bull however, just outside of his fortresses defenses, another force was in preparation for an attack. The informant had done exactly as they had planned. Like the coward he was, the man ran back home, tail tucked between his legs and screaming. A pretty easy track to follow. After that, all that needed to be done was getting the troops ready to storm the keep.

About a dozen members of the Iron Legion stood in wait, ready for the signal to attack the fortress.

A figure in obsidian black armor observed the fort from afar, eyes hidden by darkness judging the best course of action to take down the rival gang. Beside them, a lieutenant approached. "Master, the charges have been placed, and the exits cut off. The men are ready, all they wait for is your signal." Slowly the figured turned towards the man. Whatever thoughts lied within were concealed by the armor, no face visible behind the mask.

"Do you trust me Kerrigan?" Alayla Nightshade asked. Her cold voice and odd question froze the lieutenant in place.

"Of course Lady Nightshade."

"And what of the men?"

"They would follow you into any battle, no matter the cost."

"Good."

Metal plates shifted as they brushed against one another. Alayla turned away form her lieutenant, making no attempt at stealth at all. Without any pause she continued her walk up towards the fort, under no cover. Her subordinates looked on in abject horror, as well as awe. Unimpeded, Alayla's eyes roved over the two watch towers, the turrets still inactive. She knew they would open fire when she got too close, but continued anyway.

It was then that she noticed the red laser sights aimed at her. The turrets had activated, right on time. Alayla thrust her hand forward, directed towards the the walls. The signal had been sent.

A loud explosion ruptured the silence, the resonating boom heard throughout the city. Flame followed suite, billowing out of the fort in a torrent, and consuming those within. Screams that otherwise would have filled the air were silenced by the fire and smoke. Within the watchtowers, alarms began to ring, and the turrets revved to life. The bullets hailed down, and Alayla sprang into action. The first projectile bounced off of the flat of her sword, and ricocheted into the second turret, forcing it to short circuit. The other turret was swiftly dismantled with a throw from her obsidian sword, piercing through the machine and lodging itself.

"Whoever retrieves my sword, gets the first of the spoils!" Alayla's voice rang out, followed by an approving applause as the forces charged the keep. Along the roof, more turrets began to activate, and quickly two of her men were hit by the hail of bullets. But the Iron Legion had prepared for this. Their armor was thick, and the two men continued forward. From the far back, two grenade style weapons were lobbed. The orbs, which were EMP's, ruptured directly above the machinery, knocking the rest of them offline. The effects were only temporary, but left a big enough window for her men to dismantle them.

By the time her men got to the front doors, there were men on the roof as well, ready to snipe them down. "Launchers!" Alayla shouted, followed by a barrage of rockets rupturing the guard towers. Men rained from above, hitting the ground in dismantled limbs. Running forward, one of the two Iron Legion members shot up the door, before kicking it down into flaming splinters. A bullet passed right through his head visor, and his corpse hit the ground.

Outrage burst from the ranks, and they charged forward, with Alayla spearheading. Bullets bounced off her armor as she charged. Not a complete idiot however, she ducked behind the first thing that looked like it could cover her. The men meanwhile forced their way forward, automatic weaponry tearing holes through their inferior foes. While outnumbered, the Iron Legion had the advantage in tech.

Alayla watched as they set up a position just beyond the gates, taking the open courtyard. But they were still deterred, bullets from the sides still meeting them. If they weren't dealt with, they would eventually be overpowered.

Charging from her position headfirst, she crashed through one of the opened windows that were being fired from, headbutting the gunman and knocking him to the ground. She wasted no time dispatching him, crushing his windpipe with an elbow strike. Averting her attention to the others in the room, Alayla picked up his gun and opening fire. Before any of them could react, she had already gotten off five shots, with five dead bodies following. Going with the flow of combat, she picked up the first dead man, and lifted him up as a human shield. Bullets began to riddle his corpse, several of them passing through and hitting her armor. One managed to fix itself into a chink, lodging itself into her undercoat.

A forceful grunt escaped her lips as she hefted up the body and threw it towards one of the gunmen. The other two observed the action in awe, but were unable to do anything else before she had already closed the distance. Bashing one with their own gun, she spun around to slap the other man, following up with a hay-maker. Knocked on his back, she returned her attention back to the first man. Grabbing the arm that held his gun, she placed pressure onto the elbow joint, snapping it like a twig.

The man had little time to say anything else, as again Alayla used the Bloodshot gang members against one another. Dragging him in front of her, he was shot by the second man, who had regained his composure.With one of them dispatched, she threw the body aside, swiping his pistol from his holster. Lifting it, she fired one last round, the bullet passing through the first man's skull and killing him.

The man from earlier met a similar fate. Just as he got the corpse off of himself, he was met with a boot to the head.

Walking out of the room, she witnessed as what remained of her Iron Legion clear up the Bloodshot's. All the corpses were laid out, the ones on the higher levels thrown down into the courtyard.

"Lady Nightshade, your sword." Turning, Alayla was met by Kerrigan, who held out her sword to him. "Thank you Legionnaire," Alayla replied, gripping the hilt of the blade. "Status report."

"3 dead on our side. We've rounded the outside forces, but some of them still remain. About 10 of them are trapped within the bunker down there," he pointed to a solid cube of stone with a steel door. "It's pretty tough, we haven't broken through yet. Master they're pretty fortified down there. What's your plan?"

Alayla turned to her men, each of them looking at her expectantly, waiting for some kind of harrowing speech...and who was she to deny them such a right.

"Men, their walls were over 20 feet, their turrets surrounded every corner, and they were over 40 strong! We have been warring with these Bloodshots for far too long, and today it ends. Some of you have died, but you have all fought bravely! On this night, we are wolves! She raised her high to the roars of her audience. Beneath her mask Alayla smirked. The power she held in her hand, the influence over the masses, it was the ultimate high. Continuing, she pointed her sword at the bunker. "They lie in their like sheep..."

Dramatically turning towards the door, she began to walk forwards, hefting up her sword onto her shoulder, "waiting for the slaughter." She thrust her sword forward, cutting right through the stone walls, and creating her own entrance. "I'll take care of this, alone."

"Sir," an enforcer charged through the door, slamming it shut behind him. Bull sighed in relief, thinking that it had been one of the Iron Legionnaires. In the middle of the interrogation, he had heard the explosions, the sounds of gunshots. Not wanting to meet the force outside, he had ordered the rest to retreat into the bunker with him. "They've taken the fort, but it appears the bunker has held them off."

"That's just fantastic," sarcasm seeped from his words. "I called on reinforcements, so hopefully we can rap this up in time." Bull turned towards the informant, a newfound anger rising. "So you dumbbutt, tell me, how much money did she offer? How did she bribe you to breach our walls!"

The informant looked up, words escaping him. He'd lost to much blood to fully comprehend the situation. Bull lost his patience. "HOW!"

"Oh he didn't."

Alayla Nightshade's obsidian sword cut a hole in the ceiling, the stone slab falling down and crushing one of the men.

13

With an air of theatricality she dropped down, a pillow of dust rising. "I'm just that good."

A flash of her sword, and a head rolled across the floor.

12

Like an armored titan, Alayla charged. More bullets rang, and she managed to ricochet several off her blade, connecting with two more men.

11

10

She swept one off of his feet with her blade, grabbing him and planting him into the ground and severing his spine from the force.

9

She cut off another mans arm, spinning in a circle and killing another with a slash across his chest. Coming back around, she lobbed off amputated man's head.

8

7

The pommel smashed into the face of a gang member, and a kick to another, before she swung her blade to knock aside a third man, cutting his gun in half. She came back around, slicing the stunned men in half, before spinning once more. She flipped the blade so that she was holding it in a reverse grip. With almost unstoppable momentum she smashed the guard into the man's neck, and dragged him to the ground.

6

5

4

The two enforcers from earlier charged. Alayla however rushed forward. One of her armed hands ripped a throat out, the other just grabbed it. Lifting the last enforcer up, she shoved her blade into his gut.

3

2

Bull angrily rushed forward, and by some miracle, landed a blow, shoving a blade in a chink. The blade passed into her back, lodging itself. With a violent howl, Alayla turned to look Bull in the eyes, before headbutting him to the ground. Turning, she looked at the informant, who had already surrendered.

"Please, spare me. I can serve you well," the man pleaded.

"A sniveling coward like you?" Alayla towered over the informant, the dark lidless holes where her eyes should have been looking into the man's soul. "You offer nothing, and as such, ARE nothing." The obsidian blade flashed in the dim light, and his head rolled across the floor.

1

Turning she looked at Bull, the man who had resisted, and had dared to lay his hands on her.

"Welcome to the Iron Legion."

Kicking down the doors, Alayla was met a roar from her comrades. Kicking down Bull, she gave instructions to several of her men, who quickly walked over to Bull and had him restrained. While the applause from her soldiers continued, Kerrigan walked over to her. "Lady Nightshade, we just got some messages over the comms, a large regiment of Bull reinforcements will be arriving soon, we should head out immediately." Alayla didn't bother turning to face her second in command, still looking out over the fort they had just conquered.

"Why?"

A hush fell over the crowd, and Kerrigan regretted the words he'd spoken. However, Alayla turned calmly towards her second in command. "Why should we retreat? To leave the local populace alone with *this*" Alayla nodded towards Bull, who dejectedly looked at the ground, a grimace on his face, "scum? These senseless bloodthirsty psychos have offered Grim City, all her glory, nothing but death. They aren't doing their job in keeping what little peace there still is. War is okay every once in awhile, the people are tough, and it incites change. But senselessness? THAT, I will not tolerate." Alayla put a hand on Kerrigan shoulder, to comfort him as a friend and as a leader. He had to understand what they were doing.

"We do this for the people, and to keep the memory of Grim alive. Alayla turn towards her men, her hands reaching up to take off her helmet and directly address her men. "Prepare for battle!"

Thanks for reading guys! This is going to be the first of several stories I'm making for NPC's I plan on using. Lucia's got some pretty big plans for Grim City, can't wait to get started...

"We can't...we can't keep doing this!" The voice within cried out, desperation lining every word with indignation and disgust. They were the words of someone who knew what was wrong, and wanted to do the right thing, but had no power to stop it.

"Funny, you didn't seem to have this much of a problem with it at the beginning. In fact, I think you kind of liked it." The knife dragged along the skin of the boy, a trail of blood following closely behind. The superficial wound wouldn't have been a big deal, had it not been preceded by dozens more. In the dimly lit warehouse, deep within the mud-hole of whatever city they were in, no one could hear the boy's cries for help. And even if they could, why should they answer the call? Why should anyone help those who can't help themselves?

In the corner lied the body of the father, his chest ripped open, skinned and cleaned as if he were little more than the kill in the hunt. The life-giving fluids that had once empowered him splattered the floor, and dripped from the edges of my lips. His organs were a pile of pulp, laid out near the kids. Except the heart, the bits of flesh stuck in between my teeth still fresh.

The mother? Oh, I got a little carried away, her bones were somewhere around here.

"I NEVER liked it, I-"

"Oh please, what about that hero? On that rooftop, "protecting" the city? Or how about that little girl, the first one? In the park, all alone? She was sweet." The voice...she was silent for a moment, a look of outrage on her face.

"I was confused, and angry! I didn't know what to do, you forced me to do this!"

My eyes widened, my blood freezing. The knife sunk into the boy's chest, a quick, decisive strike straight to the heart. The shockwave of the blow killed him within seconds, the life escaping from his eyes. A quick death.

What a waste.

"I. Forced you. To do. NOTHING!" I reared at her, snapping with an intensity that threatened to destroy the building. Around me the ground quaked, and the daughter squirmed, her expression of horror mixed with confusion.

"I was not the one who started this, I didn't make the first cut. They suffered from your knife. All I did was give you a bit of encouragement, and you CHOSE to listen. Your pain was my pain, and we shared it together!

The other looked at me with despair in her eyes, a helplessness seeping through every word she spoke. "But I never wanted this!"

"Then why did you start, huh!? Why did you go through with it?!"

"BECAUSE I DIDN'T THINK I HAD ANY CHOICE!"

I quieted at that, glaring at her. She was on the verge of tears, every vein on her body popping out, crying out for action. But she refused to move, her terror freezing her in place, the look of despair enough to keep her still. I almost pitied her for that. We'd been together for awhile now, I had gotten used to her, thought I knew her well enough. This, however, was new. Trying to do the right thing?

She lost that privilege long ago.

"We all have a choice Lucia, and you made yours long ago." I took a step towards her reaching out towards her. She flinched, shriveling at my presence. But she didn't move, didn't take a step back. She stayed her ground.. My hand cupped the side of her face, and she recoiled at the touch. "You think you're above this?" My voice quieted down into a gentler, softer tone, like that of a mother lecturing her child. And that was what Lucia was to me, someone who needed to taught a lesson, a hard truth of the world. "You think you're above consequences?"

She looked back up at me, my towering figure putting a shadow over her. Even still, I saw the look in her hazel eyes, the look of grief, of guilt. Their was so much of it, so much she knew she had to answer to, to pay for.

"I don't know." She responded. But with all of that, she continued to look me in the face, unwilling to back down now. She was determined. "But I think I know who I am. I am Lucia Aurelius!" She roared with a forceful shout, a surge of anger brushing past me. This was the girl I had first met, the hero, the silver haired warrior who fought for the weak, and sacrificed everything to do so. And this same girl sneered now, her eyes filled with determination.

"Who are you?" she spat in my face. "This is my life to live, I am the master of my fate."

I reached up, using the sleeve of my shirt to wipe away the saliva. Brushing it onto my pants, I looked back up with a plain look on my face, neutral and unreadable. She continued to look at me, waiting, demanding an answer to her question.

"Oh, you must be mistaken."

My hand smacked the side of her head, catching her by surprise and knocking her on her butt. Instinctively she reached up to counterattack, a fist poised to hit my face, but with my other hand I caught her by the wrist. Her bare white knuckled fist trembled in my grip, a fierce struggle to break free from me, to regain control. I saw her expression, the feeling within her to rid herself of the sins crawling on her back. Blood began to drip from her closed fist, her nails breaking her own skin. I lowered myself down to meet her at eye level, a glint of amusement in my pupils.

"I am the demon who answers when their name is called."

I squeezed with my hand, my grip tightening. She wriggled a bit, in a vain attempt to wretch her hand free, but she wasn't strong enough. She knew the truth, where this was all headed. It was the same road that all things must come across eventually. But Lucia, she thought she could take a detour, she thought she was bigger than this. But deep down she knew she wasn't..and she never will be. I just needed to show her that.

"And when you called out into the abyss, you said "Lucia."I threw her wrist aside, standing erect and turning my back to her, while she clasped her wrist, examining it for damage. "And I came. Together, we have slain the enemy,"I made a sweeping gesture towards the pile of flesh and bones, "and become stronger. And together, we shall continue to thrive."

There was silence afterwards. Lucia stared at the ground, it's wet surface a result of her tears. Her confidence shattered, and her will to stand up gone. All she could do was sit there, dejected and defeated. "For WE are Lucia Aurelius, and we shall erase the world," I held her chin in my hand, raising her face to look into mine. "Won't we, partner?"

Solemnly, she looked down with a slight nod. She didn't verbalize her response, but she might as well of just said yes.

"Wh...why are you talking to yourself." A squeak came out from the corner of the warehouse, and like that I was taken out of my thoughts. In the corner was the little girl, looking bewildered at what had just occurred, rather that nothing had occurred at all. At least not to her.

"Oh, I'm never talking to myself," I responded, dropping down onto the ground. Thrusting my fist forward, I tore open the boy's corpse and ripped out his now cold heart. Without skipping a beat, a devoured it before her eyes, never letting my drop gaze as I ate her brother's heart. With the light snack over, I approached the girl, every step ringing throughout the dimply lit warehouse, adding to the tension in the air. "For I am never alone."

My knife plunged into her foot, eliciting a cry of agony from my last victim of the evening. I didn't look to give her a killing blow. No, now her death was going to be extra painful, slowly drawn out in recompense of her brother's swift demise.

"Are you ready partner?" I whispered within my mind. The quiet sound of tears dropping to the floor was my response.

"Good."

"Please...someone help me!" I don't know who it was that had called into the abyss, but it didn't matter.

"You called for help..."

"So thirsty..."

I walk down the dark alley ways of Gothic City, the lunar light from the moon failing to reach me, stranding me in darkness. My stomach twisting, demanding sustenance. I stagger forward, my left foot tripping over my right. Arms outstretched to catch myself, I'm dimly aware of a sharp pain in my hand. A sprained wrist. My hands scrape against the ground beneath me, cutting into the pale, cold skin. Panting. My lungs barely able grasp the air around me.

"So, so thirsty..."

Lazily, my eyes drift over to my injured hand, my brain beginning to perceive the flicker of pain running through it. Trickling down from the small cuts, scarlet fluids catch my gaze. My eyes widen so slightly, the sight of the blood intoxicating. Sluggishly, my hand touches my parched lips. Suckling on my wounds, my eyes closing...

"No my child, do not lust for yourself. Your own blood is not what you seek." Words not my own trail from my mouth, an unearthly voice resonating. But I do no question. I do not falter. Merely nodding, I obey. The blood of my body unsweet, impure. But I must be quenched. Trailing my tongue over the remaining blood, pain leaves my hand. I force myself up, picking up where I was before. I continue my ceaseless journey, searching.

My boots tramp onto the open sidewalk, exiting the alleyway. I'm in a small, run down section of the city. Old failing buildings, warehouses littering area. None of the lamps work, leaving the moon. Now, outside in the "open" air, I was bathed in the white light of the moon, a hauntingly beautiful red gem in the dark backdrop of sin. But there was no one to see that. A long abandoned section of Gothic City, and those that were here were scattered, indoors. My red cloak shielding me from the bleak image surrounding me, I continue me walk down the lonely road.

Thud-um, thud-um

I freeze, my whole body becoming alert. My sense flare, becoming sensitive to all activity. I hear something, something faint in the distance. Tuning my ears, I concentrate, my tired state making it hard to discern the noise.

Thud-um, thud-um.

My mind searches through my memory, trying to make sense of the distorted sound. But it doesn't take long for realization to dawn on me, the tune being one I knew all to well. It was the sound of a beating heart. Suddenly, I feel an urgency in my movements. They were more deliberate, each limb seeming to have a mind of their own. Along the broken road I traveled, my boots resonating on the stone ground beneath me. The red hood lifted over my head, covering my face and keeping identity safe from the world.

Would they remember me? I was here once, I had saved them. No, how could they know? Even if they did, why would they care?

I'm close. I can hear the heartbeat drumming in my mind. It's more than that, I can feel it.

Thud-um.

Stumbling forward, I here. Placing my hand on the wall beside me to hold my balance, I'm at my destination. Staring into darkness, I'm standing between two old town apartments. Worn out, crumbling, it was no longer fit to house anyone, or anything for that matter. The heart, it's calling me, between the buildings. But now, I over the heart, I hear something else. The sad sob, the mournful cries of a child. Creeping forward, I follow the source of the sound.

Cradling herself at the dead end of the alleyway, a frightened seven year old girl has her hands covering her eyes, tears freely flowing from between the fingers. Her clothes are old, tattered. Whoever she is, she's been out here for some time. Starving, scared, alone. 'Where are her parents? Are they dead? Is she lost?' From here, I can make out the sound of her heart. It's racing, the beating rhythm hypnotic. I step forward, but trip on a break in the ground. Face first; I fall, breathless and unable to move.

The little girl jumps, startled as I crash against floor. Raising my hood, my eyes half-lidded, I see her face. Muddy, full of cuts. On her neck, I see bruises, as well as along the cheeks. Looking at the broken girl, I almost feel a twinge of regret within me.

Almost.

“Hello?”

Less than a whisper is what her voice amounts to, her questioning tone coming from a child who has been through more than anyone should.

“Are you okay?”

Shakily, she creeps forward. I hear it again, now more than before, her heart. But now I can hear the life giving fluids flowing throughout her body. With the incentive, I find the power to rise to my knees. Pulling down my hood, I meet her eyes. They’re a beautiful shade of blue-

“Yes, I’m fine little one.” My voice hoarse, I reach out for her with a single hand. She stops, her arms tucked around her. “Don’t fear me, I’m a friend.” Hesitantly, she grasps my hand into her own. Gently, I pull her closer, getting a better look at her features.

With her in my grasp, I brush hand past her cheek before resting it on her shoulder. My other hand rests on my chest. “I’m Lucia.” My hand drifts down her shoulder and rests on her chest, hovering over her heart. “What’s your name little girl?” I ask her. My voice is soothing, a tone to help calm her down. “I’m…..I’m Ma...Mary.” Are you alone?” She nods, no longer hiding her face from me. Apparently I’ve gained some trust. But my attention starts to diminish.

“It’s okay now.” I can feel her heartbeat now, my hand lying over it, its alluring music drawing me towards her. “I am here.” The hand on my chest glides over to the back of her head, gently pulling it back.. “Everything will be alright.” The rhythm is louder now. It is the only thing on my mind, drowning out all other thoughts, except those that linger on the flowing blood in her veins.. The child begins to feel uncomfortable, starting to squirm. She opens her mouth, and in that moment, all reason leaves me. My hands jerk forward, blood paints my face, and everything cuts to black.

...............

My head spinning, my vision blurry, I awaken from my crazed state of mind. I don't know where I am, or what-

Energy coursing through my veins, memories flash. Looking down, I see my handiwork. The girl is scattered over the alley, a puddle beneath me. The crimson backdrop contrasts the darkness, and looking down at my hands, I see that I do as well. The blood splayed over my own body, it was as if I had bathed in the liquid.

"Oh wait," a smile, one of pure madness makes itself known. A chilling, cold laugh builds up in my belly. “I did!” A deep laugh escapes from me, blood and pieces of flesh flying from between my teeth.. It feels good to just let it out. Bouncing off the walls of the alley, the laugh is hidden from the eyes of the world, much like my artwork. As I laugh, I hear a new sound, a voice far away. But not far enough. My red cloak draped over me, I run towards the sound. The girl did not sate my hunger.

I’m still th-

Lucia nearly jumped out of her, her dream rousing her from a restless sleep. Lucia took a shaky breath. The images from her dream were displayed in her mind. The Wanderer couldn't stop thinking of them, the terror on the little girl's face, the smell.

She wished she could just relive the dream over and over.

Sighing, she rose from her bed, lifting the blanket off of her to reveal the dried blood on her body."Good work my Red Reaper. Good work indeed..."

The ancient voice pierced her mind, cutting through the clouds to clear her thoughts. Her first idea?

"I need a shower..."

Lucia - Light of the Family (Under Construction)

Name: Lucia Aurelius

Alias: The Prodigy, The Light of the Family

Identity Status: Secret

Occupation: Warrior/Soldier (Freedom Fighter), Anarchist

Species: Deviants

Birthday: January 23rd, 1993

Age: 23 Years, looks 16 to 17

Birthplace: Rome, Italy

Marital Status: Single

Sexuality: ?

Alignment: Aurelius Family

Hair: Silver/White

Eyes: Hazel

Height: 5'6"

Weight: 147 lbs.

Family: Dante Aurelius (Father), Kai Aurelius (Brother)

"Warriors are not made, they are born. The path they travel, between Murder and War, is a hard one."

Origin

The second Lucia was born into the Aurelius family, she showed promise. Born with shining silver hair, she was given the name Lucia, meaning light. As the light of the family, and born from the Patriarch, much was expected from her, and at an early age she was taught the way of the warrior. It was during this time that it was soon clear that she was a prodigy in the ways of war. Picking up on the ways of the blade, and in hand to hand combat, she excelled early on. But for Lucia, there was no limit she could not overcome. She trained, endlessly, war and combat are what she hungered for, and she did all in her power to achieve perfection in this art.

But it was not enough, never enough. For her, she needed to be better, stand out amongst others. Lucia, decided to wield a sword of unnatural size. Heard of in tales, she went out in search of this mysterious sword. Upon finding it, she placed her hands on it, and on contact the blade emanated a green glow, runes blazing on its surface. Along parts of her body, these runes burned themselves as a permanent mark of their connection.

Forcing herself to master the blade and its weight, she developed as a true fighter, her prowess growing. But while she was ruthless and efficient as a warrior, her true strength lay in her conviction. She entered a battle without any trace of doubt in her mind: no ethical pause, no fear of death.

She lives to serve the family, and any who oppose them will taste the might of her blade.

EDIT* After an attack on Gothic City, Lucia had been slain by the Brahma Beast. News traveled to her family, and in mourning, she was laid to rest...but not for long.

Powers

Heart of the Warrior- Once bathed in the Lazarus Pit, Lucia was gifted with a unique power which she herself named. This gift allows her to see her through a new perspective. It is through these eyes that Lucia gains true clarity in battle, and sees what her opponents are truly capable of. Looking at her opponents skill, recognizing muscle-movements, and predicting actions attempted by her adversaries. This effectively gives her a form of precognition in fights. It isn't a perfect system, but it allows her a faster reaction time, and enables breathing room when in the heat of battle.

It has other uses as well, such as the ability to look at ones own will to fight, the amount of heart they put into it. It gives her an idea of how her opponent will think throughout the battle, and to hopefully manipulate said will.

There is one other form in which the Heart of the Warrior comes into use however, and that is enhancements. In battle, if she ever needs to, Lucia can temporarily boost her stats by tapping into her power pool. Safely, she only uses it to boost one stat per use, as using it on all is extremely strenuous on her body. But, she is capable of doing it. While this occurs, a green, aura like glow will emanate from her body.

Gear

Armor- With Lucia's already impressively large sword, she wears a suit of armor. However it is mostly just a precautionary measure, and while devised of tough Titanium laminated with Kevlar, it is made for mobility and speed, letting her natural durability and Heart of the Warrior take care of the rest.

Bloodbane (Sword)- At over 5 ft. long, this monstrous single-edged blade is the sword that Lucia has claimed as her own. On the blade are engraved runes, representing Lucia's warrior mentality. The sword, which she has named Bloodblane (Working title), is deeply rooted to Lucia, going as far as being bound to her, so that, if called to, it will come to her. Also, as she herself does, Blood Dawn can be infused with the Heart of the Warrior, allowing it to emit its own green aura, signifying its deadly intent.

EDIT*

Gauntlet- In combination with her blade, Lucia wields a large gauntlet. This gauntlet was first used by Lucia to help create more balance between her and the blade she wielded, increasing the strength of her grip to ensure more control. But beyond that, she also uses it as her primary defense, using the round surface, and the energies of the Heart of the Warrior within it to help deflect blows.

EDIT*: After an attack on the Eagle's Nest, Lucia's gauntlet arm was severed from her body, unable to be reattached. So, to replace her missing arm, she opted for her gauntlet to be reconfigured, to now act as her replacement. Made out of a tougher material to avoid incidents as before, metal arm is basically the same design as before, but with several enhancements

With a powerful hydraulic system, Lucia's grip is one of Iron, capable of crushing tampered steel with an ease. Other mechanisms make up the device, such as the capability of a grappling hook built into bottom of the wrist, and small, compact arrows within the fingers, each tipped with a powerful drug, capable of killing even the largest of animals with a scratch. It is designed to immobilize meta-humans, or to outright kill. Each dart can be enhanced with her powers.

EDIT*

Warrior Prowess

Fighting- Since her younger years, and as with most, if not all family members, Lucia was trained hard, pushed to the limits one could be forced upon, and then even further beyond. At peak physical ability before the Lazarus Pit, she made her body a living weapon, studying rigorously in many different martial arts to develop up close combat skills to complement her mastery of the blade. With this combination, she was made into a deadly adversary, even more so than before.

Style- Often, is coming up with a plan takes up too much time, Lucia will go onward to battle. In battle she uses her blade to either keep distance, or hook the opponent into a closer range to fight. With the ability to bring her blade back to her, and the option of beating her opponents head in with her metal gauntlet, she uses her variety to all exploitable advantages, even using Blood Dawn as a projectile weapon at times, lobbing it forward like a spear.

Her cloak made from the shards of her blade, and a blood red scythe infused with demonic might, Lucia's battles up close and afar.

Personality, Goals, and Allegiance

Lucia is not cold, despite her upbringing. She is not very social, especially in comparison to others, but she knows how people act, and their mannerisms. It was important to know in order to fit in with the crowd if need be. She is, however, somewhat brash, and extremely bold, leaping into action if need be without a moments hesitation. This can be seen as either a strength or a flaw, but to her, it is simply a matter of what needs to be done when and where. She often believes she mean to follow, not lead. But, if need be, she will take charge of the situation at hand.

Lucia is loyal to the Aurelius cause, defending all under rule, and against dictatorship and tyrannical figures. She is a freedom fighter through and through. However, while with the family, she is loyal to what they stand for. This means that if a member sways to far from that path, she is willing to set them straight, or take them down. Despite this, she loves the family, and her allegiance lies with her father, Dante, whom she insistently tries to make proud of her through her actions.

After resurrecting, Lucia's priories have changed DRASTICALLY! She is a vengeance seeking warrior, with a bloodlust that is insatiable. Her old morals and beliefs corrupted, she seeks to control others through power, rise on the totem pole of authority. Ultimately, she just wants to see everything burn...

Power Grid

Intelligence: 4

Strength: 4 (Normal) 5 (Heart of the Warrior) 7 (Post-Resurrection)

Speed: 3 (Normal) 4+ (Heart of the Warrior) 5+ (Post-Resurrection)

Durability- 3 (Normal) 5 (Heart of the Warrior) 6 (Post-Resurrection)

Energy Projection: 2 (Heart of the Warrior) 5 (Post-Resurrection)

Fighting Ability: 6