Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Jul 19, 2016 16:44:48 GMT -7
Bloodbath let his mind wandering as he got a taste of Big Martin's attitude, no wonder his cats talked like this if he taught them!
Bloodbath shrugged guiltily, at least understanding why Big Martin was so upset. He tilted his head when Big Martin asked if there was a reason he wouldn't tell the rest of Pandemonium, "Um...b-because I w-w-won't?" He seemed to belive this was a genuine reason, even if his tone held a questioning demeanour, "N-nobody is going-going to ask...s-so I won't t-tell."
He looked around at the big cats, sucking in breaths to try and calm his heart, which was hammering like crazy as all those eyes stared him down. His arms were shaking like crazy, it took all his self-control to take Big Martin's hand and not attack, "I-I didn't want t-to fi-fight, and I-I still don't w-want to fight" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he leaned forward slightly, "Please t-tell th-them to stop s-staring please." His bound arm was twitching, looking on the verge of breaking itself again.
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Post by Arthur Shale on Jul 20, 2016 21:31:49 GMT -7
Great, now the kid was completely terrified. Big Martin squinted, trying to make out Bloodbath through his cracked and dirty glasses. Was he a kid? Hard to tell how old the other super was, but he was certainly acting like younger teenager might. With a sigh, Arthur adjusted his glasses and ran one hand through his hair, his fingers catching on tangles and snags. His own injuries and all the wounded cats were already plenty of trouble, and now he had a potentially dangerous super breaking down on him. Why couldn't things ever be easy?
He sent out a silent mental order to his cats. Stand down. Disperse, stay away from the human. He's scared, so no snuggling with him, okay?
A little reluctantly, the cats turned away, spreading out in all directions to leave Big Martin and Bloodbath more or less alone. There were a few glances here and there, but none of them were looking directly anymore.
Looking back at Bloodbath, Big Martin lowered his voice. "There. No need to worry. You're safe, dragon's dead, I just want to make sure things work out smoothly." He sighed. "Didn't mean to frighten you, I promise. I mean honestly, you're pretty scary yourself... still, we can help each other, right? You keep my identity secret, I can let you stay here, if you need to rest. Oh! And I have a car as well, if you'd rather just get back home. Or we could take a tiger." He smiled. "It's been a hard day for both of us, fighting against that thing, and there'll be more hard days ahead- but we can look out for each other. Easier for me to trust you that way, and I can lend you a few of my friends here when you're in a tight spot."
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Jul 21, 2016 16:31:48 GMT -7
Bloodbath's feelings slowly winded down as the cats disbursed, leaving him at his usual state. He let his arm fall to his side, trying very hard to not scratch or tear his palm, "T-t-thank you."
A shaky smile emerged at the comment he was scary, he'd never heard that but he supposed it was true, considering the faces of anyone he fought.
He nodded seriously, completely intending to keep this secret. The offer to go home flew right over his head, he didn't even try to process it. As far as he knew, his "home" was smashed, his family would try to find him, but wouldn't try too hard and Pandemonium would be loud and crazy at the moment. Right now, resting right here seemed like the most peaceful choice.
He sat right down, only moving to lean against a wall, "I'm s-staying here." He looked up worryingly afterward, as if somehow this was something he wasn't supposed to do.
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Post by Arthur Shale on Jul 21, 2016 22:43:37 GMT -7
In response, Big Martin simply nodded. "Very well. Stick around if you want. It's not exactly a fancy hotel, but it'll work as shelter for now, I guess. There may be cats coming and going, don't get in their way... oh, and if you need to go to the bathroom, try and find somewhere outside. This place is smelly enough as it is." He scratched his head. "I think that's it. Welcome to Cat House Two."
There were still dozens of felines around, and the big ones took up a lot of space, but it wasn't particularly crowded. Compared to the huge armies Big Martin had unleashed against the dragon, this was nothing- perhaps a squadron or two. Occasionally, cats would come and go, slipping in and out for reasons unknown. They were organized, but relaxed, no longer suspicious or concerned about Bloodbath.
Big Martin was still hurt, and standing up was difficult. Carefully, he sat down, stretching his legs and then crossing them, before sending out a quick order to a group of three cats nearby. There's a first aid kit in the back, for humans. If you could bring it here, I'd be grateful.
While his minions trotted off to fetch it for him, he looked wearily back at Bloodbath. "So, you're a Panda- I mean, a member of Pandaemonium, yes? How exactly does that work? From what I've seen it seems like a pretty loose organization... but you must know a few others, right?"
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Jul 22, 2016 10:18:02 GMT -7
Bloodbath pulled his knees up to his chest, letting his bound arm hang off to the side, and rested his head. It was kind of uncomfortable, but he found it to be his resting stance.
More Pandemonium members? Yeah, he knew a ton of them. Except most of them were people who'd try to stab him, Big Martin would want the people who would talk first, or at least wouldn't kill on sight.
"Er...t-there's Aurora...s-she is k-kn-known everywhere, you-you have to k-know her...There's Gilgamish, h-he is mean...but-but he's fine, he d-didn't try t-to fight me y-yet!" He paused as he thought about how Pandemonium worked, "Pandemonium i-is pretty fun. You-you look out for each o-other, I-I heard others c-call it a-a...family..."
He neglected to mention how greetings usually involved being beat up, he was pretty sure the fact everyone there had some...unique scars would reveal that detail better than words ever could.
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Post by Arthur Shale on Aug 4, 2016 12:53:05 GMT -7
Aurora and Gilgamesh. Big Martin remembered those names, the titles of two very prominent Pandaemonium members. If they were somewhat reasonable, as Bloodbath seemed to suggest, then they could make valuable allies in the days to come. He and his cat legions had already proven their strength, and the time would soon come when they'd start really throwing their weight around.
As for the rag-tag group of villains being a 'family?' He brushed off that detail, deeming it insignificant to his plans. However, the word wormed its way into his head regardless. That kind of closeness to others wasn't something Arthur was familiar with, and the thought of a group of supers sharing such a bond both frightened and fascinated him. Pandaemonium, such an odd bunch. He really did need to find out more about them.
He nodded to Bloodbath. "Thanks. I'll admit, in spite of my age, I'm a bit of a newcomer to this whole supervillain business, so information like that is helpful." His gratitude was honest, but at the same time he eyed Bloodbath a little warily. Ties like family... valuable, but also dangerous. If and when Big Martin began messing with Pandaemonium's business, this boy might become his enemy.
Two cats came trotting over, carrying a white box together on their backs. They walked up to their leader, and he gratefully accepted it, relieving them of their burden and opening it himself. Bandages, disinfectant, some weak painkillers... most of what he'd need to dress up his wounds.
He glanced back to Bloodbath. "You have any injuries that need patching up? I stocked up on medical supplies early on, so there's plenty to go around. Otherwise... you may want to look away." He gestured at his shirt. "Dragon messed me up pretty badly, and I need to take a look. Don't think it's going to be pretty."
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Aug 4, 2016 19:40:17 GMT -7
Bloodbath giggled softly at Big Martin, "S-supervillan? W-we're not bad-bad...we're i-is just st-stronger than e-everyone." He had never got to tell someone this and even felt a warmth in his chest right before he felt it was smothered by his usual blankness.
He blinked at the familiar white box, he had to use the supplies within way too many times, his powers certainly never helped. He peered under his clothes, except for his arm and general blood loss, he wasn't too bad.
He inclined his gaze slightly away from Big Martin, feeling a dreadful curiosity of whether he could help him.
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Post by Arthur Shale on Aug 14, 2016 13:29:41 GMT -7
"Stronger than everyone." Big Marting nodded slowly to himself. "Except for damn flying whales, apparently. Still, not a bad way of putting it." Looking down, he slowly began to unbutton his suit, tossing the scorched jacket part aside before working his way down the shirt.
He winced as the damage to his midsection began to show itself. The skin there was red and raw, and exposing it to the air felt like rubbing it with sandpaper. To make matter worse, his clothing had stuck to it in places, held tight to the seared flesh by dried blood and other such fluids. With a look of disgust, Big Martin grabbed a small pair of scissors from the first-aid kit, and started cutting away at his shirt. Within a minute, it was in tatters, but at least he was able to tear it off him.
Next came antiseptic bandages, which he slowly would around his chest, covering up the burns bit by bit, cringing with every round as the pain crawled its way up his body. This wouldn't heal his injuries by any means, but at least it ought to keep them from getting worse until he could get proper treatment. Taking deep breaths he finished the job, before laying back, stressed and exhausted. Numbness was gnawing at the back of his mind, beckoning him into the sweet embrace of sleep- no, stop it, he still had things to do.
Blearily, he looked over at Bloodbath. "Huh. Don't feel stronger than anyone right now... can you help me up? Need to get out, find something to eat. Can't keep food here, the cats'll just eat it..." His voice dissolved into muttering. The immediate problems were dealt with, but it seemed he wasn't in a state to get shit done. Biting his tongue to force himself to stay awake, he rambled on. "Need to make sure... everything's in line. Like I planned it." Leaning forwards, he fumbled for the first aid kid. "Gotta have some painkillers or something. Freaking Keepers, hogging the healer all to themselves..."
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Aug 14, 2016 19:28:03 GMT -7
Bloodbath barely reacted to Big Martin's injuries, he couldn't even summon a flicker of emotion, he didn't cause the injuries after all.
Help him up? He tensed his arm, confirming it was useless. He couldn't help him, not normally at least. His wounds were still available, but he wasn't convinced what would be a safe amount. Well, whatever.
A beast made out of blood quickly formed to life, moving to support Big Martin. It was surprisingly small, but even then Bloodbath felt his body cry out in plain protest.
As his creatures got to work helping Big Martin, he shuffled back until he reached a wall, pushing himself to his feet. "R-ready to go-go?"
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Post by Arthur Shale on Aug 24, 2016 18:21:18 GMT -7
The blood-beast drew a bleary glance from Big Martin, who winced at the sight. Scary thing. He probably should have been more frightened, except that after seeing a flying whale fly around with its flaming guts hanging out, he doubted anything could faze him any longer. With a quiet grunt, he grabbed the summoned creature and leaned onto it, letting the weird, gooey beast carry some of his weight as he limped towards the door. "Ready. Let's see if there's anything left out there." With a deep breath, he pushed it open.
Ash and smoke had stained the sky a dark grey, and several of the buildings around them showed clear signs of damage, but overall this area of the suburbs seemed to have survived the Dragon's assault. He took another couple shaky steps, glancing at the skyline. Some of the taller skyscrapers had fallen, but overall, downtown was still intact. By the look of it, they'd succeeded after all. Emerald City lived on.
Some of the cats wanted to follow him out, but he mentally rebuked them, ordering them to stay behind. Don't follow me. You all need rest as well, and it could still be dangerous out here. Sleep, and be ready to move come the morning. The losses they'd taken during the battle still pained him inside, and he wasn't about to rely on them at a time like this. If they ran into trouble, he could probably rely on Bloodbath to protect him- timid though he was, the little super would be strong enough to take on any thugs or police they might run into, and the other supers were unlikely to be out and about after the beating they'd taken. There was some risk, in going out like this, but they had to eat, and check on the state of things.
"Come on." He waved, gesturing towards a silver car parked some distance down the road. A small vehicle, but a surprisingly fancy one, which fortunately hadn't been hit by flying debris. Digging into one pocket, Big Martin pulled out a pair of keys, and pressed a button on one of them. The car beeped in response, and he smiled.
"Let's see if we can't find ourselves a fast-food place or something- if anyone's still serving after today, it'll be them." He glanced back at Bloodbath. "We can swing by the docks too, if you'd like. Check on the rest of your... uh... family?"
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Aug 24, 2016 19:22:58 GMT -7
Bloodbath waited up until he was certain blood was actually moving to his legs before pushing off the wall, stumbling forward in a drunken fashion as it looked like his body was on the verge of just calling it quits. He even found himself raising an arm toward his own blood beast, if only to make sure he wouldn't pitch forward right on his face, it would just ruin whatever impression he had just made.
He slipped closer as they emerged into the city, instinctively seeking cover as he expected some shattered no man's land. In actuality, it wasn't that bad. Sure, there were a couple of sights that he was absolutely sure he wasn't going to forget. Thankfully, the world spiraled into swirling colors and he blinked away the sight, but it still lingered in mind.
His eyes focused in time to see the car. Momentarily, he paused. Was it even possible for him to take that with Big Martin. Of course not! Your a broken little boy and- He cut off his thoughts, holding himself up on his blood creature.
Food. Now that was a tempting thought, he felt empty and exhausted, like if he slept he would sleep for days. But Pandemonium was hit by the dragon. He had to be useful, what did it matter what he needed right now?
"Pandemonium n-needs help." He whispered, "I-I have to go...do you w-want to-to go t-too? T-they might like y-you."
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Post by Arthur Shale on Aug 28, 2016 20:16:19 GMT -7
Bloodbath spoke so quietly that Big Martin had to strain just to hear him. There really was something weird about that kid, other than the whole making-monsters-out-of-blood thing. Being around him felt a little unnerving, and yet at the same time Martin felt a little sorry for the kid. Getting powers and having to fight Dragons at that age... rough.
He nodded slowly. "I think so, yes. I haven't really met many of them before, but seeing everyone working together against the dragon gets me thinking. Maybe it's about time I reached out, found some other supers to fight with. Who knows- maybe I'd find a cause worth fighting for." He smiled. "Besides, I've met you, and you don't seem so bad."
They made it to the car together, and Big Martin unlocked the doors and then pulled open the one next to the driver's seat. He looked inside, and several small pairs of eyes stared back at him. The vehicle was filled with kittens.
He groaned. "Not again. I told you, no sneaking into my human places!" He pointed to the warehouse. "Out! All of you! Go back to your parents!"
A chorus of high-pitched voices piped up. "But Big Martiiiiin-"
"No, you can't come! People will notice if you follow me everywhere. Now shoo!"
Mewling disappointedly, the kittens piled out of the car and made their way back towards the rest of the cat horde, while Big Martin turned to Bloodbath, sighing. "Sorry about that. The little ones don't always listen to me. They're difficult that way." Letting go of the blood beast, he carefully got inside, sitting himself down in front of the wheel. "O-kay! Off to Pandaemonium we go!" He paused, looking again at the younger super. "Where do I head, exactly? Do we just drive around the docks until we find someone, or do you guys have some kind of HQ?
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Aug 29, 2016 17:00:55 GMT -7
Oh? Big Martin was getting a group? Bloodbath clearly perked up a bit before his face promptly reddened at the comment he wasn't so bad. Thankfully, his face was previously so white it wasn't that visible before he turned away.
He glanced over Big Martin's shoulder as he spotted the kittens, blinking in surprise as they all obeyed after a second of complaints, he didn't even know they could disobey. He danced back as they swarmed out, catching himself on his creation as he nearly tumbled on one. He glanced after them a second, eyes swimming in confusion, "C-can they even do that?" He mumbled as he pushed himself to his feet, commanding his own creation to break apart and to return to him.
He made every effort to not touch the car as much as possible, almost jamming his injured arm against the walls in his efforts. He sat carefully, eyes darting around frantically.
An HQ? He curled his lips as he thought about it, "Um...k-kinda?" He shrugged, scratching his head, "We-we-we don't have a HQ...w-we have The Horde...it's r-really loud and-and in the middle of t-the docks." He paused for a second before waving his hands frantically, "W-when we're there, d-don't drive right t-toward them...they might make it-it theirs." He sunk lower as he finished, eyes half-lidded as he talked more than he ever had.
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Dead
Posts 113
Power Level 28
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Post by Big Martin on Sept 4, 2016 17:04:48 GMT -7
With a quiet nod, Big Martin started the car, and pulled out onto the road. "Thanks for the warning. No need to worry, I'll be careful." There were plenty of stray cats around the docks, so he could just order some to scout ahead for him and make sure they didn't run into a trap. Even if they did somehow get caught, he was Big Martin, and there were few people in the city capable of taking him on in a straight fight.
Still, Bloodbath was a fairly strong super as well, and he seemed scared. Was it just shock after the Dragon fight? Or did the boy have something else on his mind? For a moment, he glanced at his passenger, wondering if he should say something to try and reassure him. But what was there to be said. He couldn't claim that they were safe, because they never truly would be in this city, and he couldn't address whatever was bothering Bloodbath without actually knowing what it was. Reluctantly, he turned his eyes back to the road, focusing on getting them to the docks intact.
Fortunately, the roads Emerald City hadn't been completely wrecked, and driving was still possible, provided one was careful not to run into any large pieces of debris. Several times, they had to steer around improvised camps for evacuees and areas where the destruction was too thorough to pass through, but thankfully they never ran into anything they couldn't simply drive away from. In fact, it was strangely quiet- much of the population had left the city entirely, although they'd doubtless come flooding back once things had been rebuilt.
The Docks had been hit quite hard by the Dragon, however, and from the huge columns of smoke rising up from them, Big Martin could tell that parts of them were still on fire. He slowed the car, turning to Bloodbath.
"Seems you were right about them needing help. This place is in a bad state, and I expect the slums are even worse." He fell silent for a moment, while his mind searched for cats in the area, issuing them quick orders to take a look around and report back to him what they saw. "We should steer clear of the Horde, if it's still around here somewhere, but maybe we could do something to put out some of the fires." He wasn't sure if his cats would be much help in that regard, but it couldn't hurt too much to try. Better to figure out how to deal with flame now than to get caught unawares at some point in the future.
Tires scraping against the rough old roads, the car rolled forwards into the ash-filled air of the Docks.
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Pandaemonium
I need a gingerbread man, the one I'll eat
Posts 154
Power Level 28
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Post by Bloodbath on Sept 5, 2016 9:27:45 GMT -7
Bloodbath froze as he spotted the familiar Docks, pressing himself close to the window as his eyes darted around the landscape, heart and breathing speeding up. "...N-No..." He mumbled, clasping at his hands. He wanted to scratch, pace around, something others than drive past what was supposed to be Pandemonium's home.
Fires, could blood smother flames? "I-I can try to smother th-them." He offered, "Or-or I can m-make something e-else fall on i-it."
He blinked as various stray cats were visible running around and disappearing into shadows, Bloodbath paused a second before he realized what they were doing, "D-did your cats f-f-find anything?" He asked cautiously, peering at the rubble or devastation in an attempt to find people...dead or alive would both be fine.
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