Log:Formidable Formicidae

The_Big_Time|The Big Time 2013/05/01 	 Anthony Quinn|Quinn Scrapper Titan Sukeban Lia Ghost-2 Riptide Lorelei Tigress 1

The Princesses' Guard headquarters is no longer suffering from dwarves trudging in and out: whatever they were doing int he basement seems to be finished. But other people, all fae, are now seen on occasion going down there.....

Lorelei is apparently still in Undermoon, and hasn't been seen in over a week.

Scrapper ports into the castle, carrying Titan and looking surly plus a little abashed.

Ghost is seated in one of the comfortable easy chairs in the Guard's quarters sipping a glass of ruby red wine and looking rather pleased with herself.

In general, the castle repairs are largely finished now.

Scrapper says, continuing an ongoing conversation, "I never told you about my mother, did I?"

Titan is effectively dropped from above when appearing with Scrapper, but he lands without much issue since he's used to leaping to get around quickly. He looks up at Scrapper, "No, I don't believe you did."

Lia comes in, looking a bit uneasy and a bit put down. Something seems to be bothering her-but it seems that something's /always/ bothering her, even if she doesn't show it.

Messages are sent, asking for the Princesses' Guard to assemble at the headquarters, those that haven't already, by whatever means is appropriate for their location.

Ghost lifts her glass in a salute to Lia when the diminutive pixie arrives, "You should try this wine. It really is quite excellent."

Scrapper says, "She was a little blonde girl that found a set of magic gloves that activated something inside her, giving her super strength. She also gained a second personality that called herself Jammer. Jammer was over six feet tall, just as strong and had a bad habit of doing what she wanted, damn the consequences."

Sukeban saunters in, "Yo."

Titan nods to Scrapper as the two of them walk inside. "Ah...well, legacies can be strong from what I've seen."

Machina is walking in, seeming to be fairly... Nonchalant. She's interested, but in a passive way. "Hm..." she says, looking about at the gathering, then simply takes a seat in the embassy as she seems to wait to see what develops per se.

Ghost lifts her glass in turn to each arrival. The level of the ruby liquid is lower as time passes.

It is not, however, Lorelei who arrives to address the group, though one might have thought so at first glance: the woman is very similar in appearance, and, if not quite as beautiful, more slender, more regal, and with an otherworldly air only the fae ever seem to display. With the resemblance, there can be no mistaking the ambassador, Princess Liandere, even if one has never seen her before.

Sukeban shakes her head, "I'm too young to drink."

Ghost stands and kneels on one knee when Princess Liandere enters. Still holding her wineglass.

Scrapper says, "The way mom tells it, she used to try and warn people about Jammer, but mom was shy back then and Jammer was the personable one. When a bunch of supers finally took exception the Jammer's antics and captured her, the courts ruled that Jammer and mom were one person. Then ..." Scrapper cuts short her story wen the Heir arrives and bows. "Greetings, your highness."

"I never was one for alcohol." Lia replies, shrugging, and taking a seat. Lia offers a nod to everyone who arrives, except for Machina. She doesn't seem to recognize her, and tilts her head Machina, before she looks to the Liandere, becoming simply uneasy once more.

Liandere surveys the group briefly, then says "Good morning," in a lilting Undermoon accent. She signals to rise.

 Scrapper says, "Who's the new girl? For that matter, does Stephanie's mom have a communicator? I hope not."

Sukeban, having not taken a seat, leans causally against a wall, her arms folded.

 Lia says, "Not sure who the new girl is. Perhaps she is interested in joining the Guard?"

 Ghost says, "No idea, and I most certainly hope so. If the Princesses' parents don't have communicators how do they call for assistance if they need it?"

Ghost rises just a tiny bit unsteadily.

 Liandere says, "We do indeed have communicators - I thought you have been informed of this."

Ghost smirks a little.

Titan smiles slightly to himself and bows briefly. "Good morning, your Highness."

Ghost says, "We were told of the intention, Highness. But were uncertain whether it had been carried out as yet."

Liandere says, "Good morning, Johnathan." She looks about. "Am I to understand that one of you here is not in the Guard?"

Lia remains seated, and offers a nod to Liandere. She doesn't speak a word as of this moment.

Scrapper says, "My apologies your highness. I was always the taught that the point of being a bodyguard is to *prevent* those kind of situations where the client even notices they could be in danger. In *those* situations, hearing bodyguard paranoia would be an unwelcome and unnecessary distraction."

Standing, Machina says, "...I suppose I picked a bad time to visit your embassy, then?" in a fairly neutral tone.

Ghost smiles, "That rather depends on your intentions. I'm Ghost. This is," she points, "Titan, Scrapper, and Lia. If you came to join this is a good time. If you're sightseeing it's a bad time."

Liandere says to Scrapper, "I see your point, but I prefer to be informed of any dangers - and as has been said, the communicators are needed so we can call for help."

Liandere looks at Machina, as if to ask her intent.

"I'm simply here out of curiosity." Machina says, "Nothing more, nothing less. The presence of a group of mystically inclined beings that does not in fact, possess a malicious approach... Intrigues me. Particularly due to the lack of magic in this world in general."

Scrapper says, "And *nobody* stopped you, either at the gate or before you walked into the Guard headquarters?"

Liandere nods to Machina. "In that case you shouldn't be in this building - it's not one of the public areas of the embassy."

"Apologies." Machina says, "If you require assistance with anything, I'd be willing to render such... But I will remain in the public portions until otherwise directed." as she turns to leave.

Titan remains quiet during the exchange, just watching Machina for the time being.

Ghost glances at Scrapper.

 Ghost says, "That has to stop. No more strangers wandering in off the street."

 Scrapper says, "Ghost, you need to check this person out. She smells like magic machinery. I think both Q and Lorelei would have a cow if she got away without being studied."

 Sukeban says, "Shut it O-Chibi-chan. She's just a local meta. You don't get to grab people and 'study' them. Or are ya goin' to punch her too?"

Lia hmms at Machina. "It's not a public area, but if you're willing to help us..." Lia glances between everyone in the room, "I can't see why you couldn't stay-especially if you want to become a member of our group here..."

Liandere wait until Machina has left, and then says, "Now - I have a task for you, but hopefully a very easy one. We have an important visitor, who has a desire to see the city. I was hoping you'd escort him - perhaps 'show him the sights'.

 Ghost says, "Let's get her out of the building first. I'll run a check on her as soon as possible. No net connection here, remember."

Sukeban snorts, "Babysittin'? I thought we were supposed to be heroes."

Ghost thinks. o O (I must find time to perfect the mana-hardening enchantment.)

 Scrapper says, "I deserve that Suke, but Ghost understood my meaning."

"Heroes *and* bodyguards," points out Liandere. "And while out guest isn't actually of the royal family, his welfare is important. And I think he will be safer in the city with people who know this world than with a fae guard.

Titan sets his jaw a bit, having some idea what kind of visitor this might be. But he does a reasonable job at hiding his reactions.

Scrapper says to Suke, "The original job description included protecting the people of Colonial Bay from 'misunderstandings' from the fae."

"And besides," says Liandere, " he expressed a preference for a human escort."

Scrapper's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at that last bit.

Sukeban nods to Scrapper, "Hey, that I can do, no problem. If our 'guest' makes trouble for the locals, I'll blast him."

Lia frowns at the '/human/ escort' part, though, she looks curious as well.

Titan nods slowly, "Who is this VIP who needs the escort, your Highness?"

Liandere says to Sukeban, "You will do no such thing! But he will not make trouble, of that I am sure."

[To Sukeban] Scrapper says, ""Didn't you just get on me for blasting somebody? You don't get it both ways."

Ghost grins, "Well, that's Scrapper, Sukeban, and Titan. The rest of us, the non-human, get the day off I assume?"

Sukeban shrugs, "Unless yer a fortune teller, lady, you don't know that any more than me."

[To Scrapper] Sukeban says, "I ID my targets first."

Ghost says, "Or... maybe I should go along to protect the visitor from his bodyguard."

Liandere says to Titan, "He desires not to be known by his proper title here, in order to keep a low profile. And," she says to Ghost, "I did not mean to exclude any of the Guard."

"He will be using the name of Ellasse," Liandere continues, and sends Alwen to fetch the said person.

Lia frowns a little less as it's noted that none of the Guard members are excluded. Though, she still doesn't speak.

Titan raises a brow. "It might be easier to keep a low profile if there's not a lot of us in tow. That's how a lot of movie stars manage it. Plain clothes. Sunglasses. No entourage."

 Ghost says, "I was joking, Highness. Forgive me. I've had a little too much wine since returning."

Sukeban nods, "Yeah. Just another tourist gawkin' at the sights."

Liandere says, "But a guard is needed. Besides, it's chiefly to the fae he wishes to remain anonymous."

"I'm glad I have invisibility-one being followed by a little pixie girl might raise some...questions." Lia offers.

"Ellasse" proves to be tall, slender and handsome, with dark hair and grey eyes. At his side he wears a sword. He bows, but not deeply, to the princess as he enters.

Sukeban laughs, "Ya have heard of human media, right Ouju-sama? If he walks around lookin' like that, word will get back. Don't ya fairies have illusions to hide yerself with?"

Ghost looks up suddenly as 'Ellasse' enters.

Lia looks to Ellasse likewise, readjusting her seating position to face him. She offers an curious look.

Ellasse says, "Good morning," with a pretty thick Undermoon accent.

Titan nods to Ellasse. "Good morning, sir. Did you have any particular sights in mind that you wanted to see today?"

Ghost says, "Sukeban is correct, Highness. If I may suggest, if Ellasse uses glamour to appear human and travels in the company of Titan, he will be likely free from unwanted attention since such attention will be mainly focused on Titan who is famous on Earth."

"In truth, I do not. I wish to learn about this world, and about human..." he seems to give up and "customs" comes out in better English, via a translation spell.

Liandere nods and Ellasse suddenly appears to be dressed in casual Earth clothes - and looking rather more human too boot.

The sword appears now to be an umbrella - not all that common, perhaps, but better than a sword.

"Isn't it a bad idea for any attention to be drawn to him-or those around him?" Lia asks, "Security through obscurity, after all. Isn't it true that being seen tagging along with Titan will show that he's of /some/ significance?"

"I could cast a glamour on you all," offers the Princess.

Titan shrugs, "People will likely assume he's an actor, honestly."

Sukeban withdraws the flames from her hair and visible eye, "I can look normal too, no problem."

Ghost says, "In part you're right, Lia. Jo is the expert when it comes to bodyguarding. But most of us are known faces. Simply having us around is going to draw attention. So this diverts that attention away from Du.. from Ellasse and puts it on Titan."

Lia suddenly seems to take interest in the Princess' offer. "Sure, it'd be nice to appear to be human for a change..." Lia also hmms at Ghost, and shrugs.

Sukeban says, "How bout this. All off us, includin' Lassie, play Titan's entourage. That way no one pays attention to just another hanger-on."

Titan smiles slightly at that,

Ellasse nods. "That sounds an excellent idea." He seems to be using the translation spell normal now, which helps him seem less foreign.

Titan chuckles. "It'll take a little getting used to on my part, honestly. But I think it's a good idea."

Scrapper says, "I like the mass glamour idea, even if we leave Titan off it. It will remind the rest of us, myself included, not to show off."

"Are you the only man in the Princesses' Guard, then?" Ellasse asks Titan.

"Well then - does anyone now wish the glamour?" says Liandere.

Scrapper says, "He's man enough for all of us, if that is what you are asking."

Ghost nods, "Yes, Highness. I tend to stand out in a human crowd."

Lia nods to Liandere, with a nervous yet excited expression on her face.

 Scrapper says, "You're welcome. Don't let it go to your head."

Ellasse chuckles at Scrapper's comment. "Is he, indeed?"

Sukeban snorts, "Speak fer yerself O-Chibi-chan. I don't need any guys."

Sukeban takes off her eyepatch and shakes out her pony tail. "Just a change of clothes for me, Oujo-sama."

Liandere casts the glamour on anyone who does not decline - evidently it's trivial to her, involving not a word or a movement.

Titan nods to Ellasse, "For the time being, I'm the only man in the group."

Sukeban strolls over to Ellasse, "Hey Lassie, do ya like cats?"

Ellasse takes his "umbrella" in hand, once told that's how to look less conspicuous.

"Cats? Why do you ask?"

Sukeban grins, "I know a cute cat-themed cafe we could take ya to."

Ghost says, "Anyone check the weather on Earth? Might be better to make the umbrella a walking stick."

There are enough dark clouds about for an umbrella to seem reasonable, at least as a precaution.

Titan nods to Ghost, "Or a cane, but I think an umbrella is reasonable."

 Scrapper says, "Start his opinions on human females on a misogynistic bent early?"

 Sukeban says, "Hey! There's nothin' wrong with the Neko Cafe, and they guys there too!"

Lia looks notably disappointed as the illusion is cast, glancing over her body, and sighing. Her expression returns to as it was, unsettled and a bit more put down than previously. She speaks nothing.

Ellasse says, "really I want to see typical place, you could say."

Ghost says, "Not if it starts raining. Then Ellasse will be getting wet with a furled umbrella in his hand."

Liandere says, "But he won't *appear* to get wet. I am, after all, a Mistress of Glamour."

Ghost bows her head.

Liandere says, "I need to attend to other matters now. She him what he wishes, and bring him safe back."

 Ghost says, "Scrapper, how about starting with a ride around the city on the circle Maglev line? It's what I did to get an idea what the various city districts are like."

Liandere leaves the headquarters.

Scrapper turns to Titan, "Well, we are your entourage. Amusement park? Rented limo? Cat club?

"Cats again?" asks Ellasse.

Titan chuckles. "I'm not sure that the Neko Cafe is someplace that I'd go. But I've never been there. I guess we could go there on Sukeban's suggestion."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "good suggestion, Ghost, if he wants to actually learn his way around, but I suspect we will be doing the tourist thing."

Scrapper says, "It is up to you, Titan. Go where you would take a visiting relative"

Titan nods, considering. "Hero Lane, for one. Let

Ellasse nods. "I want to find out the things humans like to do."

Titan nods, considering. "Hero Lane, for one. Let's start there."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Scrapper, you want to quickly talk us through the setup you want, like where people should be relative to Ellasse, etc.."

Sukeban grins, "Well, for normal, there's the campus, the mall, the boardwalk. Chinatown."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Titan and Suke, stay with him. Suke has range and if he gets used to talking to Titan, that will free up the rest of us to work."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Lia, don't be afraid to go invisible and poke around. Ghost, you and I stay a bit distant but on opposite sides of him."

Ellasse nods. "Normal - exactly. That's what I want."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Did someone die O-Chibi-chan?"

Ghost doesn't get the reference Sukeban just used over the Guard communicators.

Titan nods. "I think we'll stick with Hero Lane first, then we can head to the boardwalk area. Get a little tourist stuff in before heading to see how people act on the street."

Lia sighs once more, and becomes invisible. The beating of her wings can be heard, but she cannot be seen.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "As always, I value your input Suke. Ghost asked for a plan and I presented one. Nobody died and made me king."

<Guard> Lia grumbles, "...And of course the glamour spells don't let us see how we're different...""

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yeah? Nice to know my subordinate values my input."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Try a mirror, Lia."

Ghost says, "If you haven't been on Earth before, Ellasse, you'll find the change in Mana level a bit of a shock. Don't worry, it's perfectly natural."

Scrapper grins at Suke as they head out, Ghost and Scrapper on opposite sides and a bit distant from the others.

Ellasse is certainly impressed by the maglev, and with the Hall of Heroes - which he treats with great respect - but his attention seems much more on the humans about him. As such the sights of the boardwalk seem to interest him more.

North Beach

Waves, typically gray and gentle, lap at the dark brown large-grained sand of Colonial Bay's northernmost beach, which runs northeast from the mall for over a mile and a half. At high tide the sea can come right up to the cycle path which runs along the edge of the boardwalk, but at low tide the sea is well out, even displaying a rocky bed where the sand has washed away. The scent of salt water wafts in from the east. During the day in season joyous sounds of the beach-goers lighten all but the darkest mood, but at night the silence of the dark and the call of the seagulls bring a quiet calm, almost chilling, but certainly relaxing.

For the first mile the boardwalk parallels the beach, affording not only views of sand, sea and island but also many other entertainments. Tourist shops, food stalls, icecream shops, a fresh seafood restaurant, rental shops for surfboards or bikes, and even a full amusement park can be found along its length. Each is in a "retro" design to give an old-fashioned seaside feel. Various entertainers amuse the crowds during the busy season, and during the off-season it remains the number-one place for joggers and those who simply wish to breathe the salty air. Benches and, near the food vendors, tables abound. Several ramps and stairways lead down to the beach.

While Ellasse has not been shy of asking questions, his question about a couple is had observed sharing an ice cream- "Are those two courting?" seems to be asked with especial interest.

Sukeban hmmms, "Probably. Unless they're family."

Titan nods. "Umm...yes, that's a way to put it. Though people don't tend to use the word 'courting'."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "I do."

"What word should I use then? I'm... very interested in how such things are done here," says Ellasse.

<Guard> Lia says, "What is this word? I don't recognize it."

Sukeban says, "Dating."

Sukeban grins, "Yep. Generally family isn't involved. Just the people that actually have feelin's for each other."

Titan nods. "It is more informal. The world is...for the most part, pretty informal, unless dealing with something like a job interview or some person of very high standing. There are exceptions, of course."

Ghost is not too close, and observing carefully. She's probably the only one except Ellasse to not be 'Blind' and she understands that the treat to him is likely to be either Fae or Goblin.

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yeesh. I'm bettin' that other than Titan, I'm the only one here that has a significant other. I guess that makes me the Love Master!"

Scrapper tries to appear casual but fails. The way the walks, the way she looks everywhere except toward the people she is with, all scream bodyguard to a knowing eye.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "You'd lose that bet."

Ellasse nods with enthusiasm. "So I understand. But still - I don't know what is involved in 'dating' here. What the expectations are. What is involved - how you go about it!"

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yer magic wand doesn't count."

<Guard> Lia says, "...What do magic wands have to do with having a significant other?"

Ghost thinks. o O (Not in front of the children.)

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Depends on the wand, Lia."

Sukeban shrugs, "It varies from person to person. Generally, ya start with someone ya know, that ya'd like to know romantically, ya ask them out, go somewhere,have dinner, share some experience ya both enjoy. Dependin' on how fast ya hit it off, ya may have sex right a way, or after a few dates, though how fast, if ever, ya get to sexin' varies a lot."

Titan gets a sinking feeling in his stomach as he realizes exactly why Ellasse is asking these questions. "Ah. Well..." He stops himself as he hears Sukeban speak, and then smacks his forehead lightly.

<Guard> Titan says, "I don't currently have a significant other, Sukeban."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Oh? I win!"

Ghost coughs slightly, a voluntary cough that gives her an excuse to hide the smile on her lips with a hand.

Sukeban continues, "Of course, not all people hit it off at all, a lot of dates never lead anywhere."

Lia shakes her head invisibly, sighing quite visibly.

Ellasse glances at Titan, and he frowns. "I think you have guessed the point of my question. I apologize if my approach has been unmannerly. But I didn't know how you would take it if I spoke my interest outright."

But at this point there's sudden screaming from the beach.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Titan, you might as well ask. He's dying to tell somebody about whoever he or she is. ... Oh. It's *you* he's attracted to?"

<Guard> Titan says, "No, it's not me he's interested in."

Scrapper spins, but resists the urge to coat herself in armor.

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Huh. Well, just let him down easy, Titan, never nice to toy with a person's feelin's."

Upon hearing the scream, Lia goes to one of the windows, trying to look to see where it came from.

Giant squid or sharks or the like aren't suggested,however, in that the screaming people are largely running *into* the water.

Titan nods to Ellasse, "No, I understand. I'm...just in an awkward situation. I hope you understand my hesitation." He turns to look in the direction that the screams are coming from.

Several people are pointing toward the boardwalk - or under it.

Lia phases through the train car, then flies, leaving the train behind.

Scrapper is visibly trembling with the effort of *not* charging toward the danger

Titan looks down, trying to sense if there is someone directly under them where they are on the boardwalk.

Titan is the first to see something coming out from under the boardwalk: a giant ant. At least it's not giant-kitten size, but it's bigger than a horse.

Ghost instantly runs a self-diagnostic check on her implants and spetdod, then activates her force armor. Being covert just went out the window.

It isn't so much the screaming that draws Riptides attention, it is the sudden influx of people, some of which are fully clothed and not in swimwear, invading his water. Well, not /his/ per se, but close enough. Something that would inspire that kind of behavior can't be good and the surface people may well need his help! So out of the water comes Riptide, at speed and with a spray of water as he tries to get a grip on what's going on to make people charge into the ocean.

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Hey Oujo-sama, cancel yer illusion on us, except for Lassie. We got to go into battle!"

Alisha was on the beach getting pictures and then swears a bit, "Hope I don't lose my camera." she mutters and then puts it in her back somewhere safe and then turns towards the screaming and heads that way.

Sukeban snaps her eyepatch into place and ties back her hair in a high ponytail.

Well, even though Machina isn't precisely part of the princess' guard... She's certainly nearby, investigating the source of the screaming as she comes flying in on mid-strength thrusters, looking this way and that as her sight focuses and refocuses trying to find out what's going on.

The ant moves in on a fat lady on the beach who has been rather slow to move, its mandibles opening and closing menacingly, it's antennae feeling the way....

Quinn is once again out for an afternoon jaunt in his armor. Swinging wide across the bay he brings his armor in low, the better to watch the beach-goers as they lie about. As the screaming and panicking start, however, he puts on the brakes, jets flaring as he applies retrothrust to bring himself to a quick halt before he flies to position himself between the swimmers and whatever it is that is frightening them.

Sukeban mutters, "At least it's an ant. I won't feel bad about fryin' it."

Lia just stays where she is, invisible and flying, conflicted. She doesn't seem like she's doing /anything/.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Lia, I want the guy with the camera!"

Ellasse, it seems, is not going to make this bodyguard business easy. He leaps over the side of the boardwalk into the sand, and with a battle cry lunges at the ant with his umbrella.

The point of the umbrella finds a gap in the exoskeleton, but it's hard to say if it does much.

Alisha growls now that she has put her camera to safety and her eyes flash. Her body starts to ripple and there is the sound of muscles popping, bones cracking as her body starts to distort and swell. Fur sprouts from her skin as she grows, splitting her clothes, until there is a massive, white and black weretiger standing in her place, panting heavily, torn clothing hanging from her body.

Ghost calls out, in the Fae language, "Duke Vanatherion, we are charged with your protection. You have no need to prove your bravery. Sorrysgate has done that. We need you to stay back so we may deal with this without forfeiting our honor by allowing you to be injured."

Ghost leans to the side to get a clear shot, waits a brief fraction of a second for her smartlink systems to register the range and fires a stinger needle at the giant insect.

The needle actually penetrates the carapace and the ant seems stunned, its leg ceasing their movement for the moment.

Riptide frowns, it doesn't take long to spot a giant ant, thankfully, at least when you are so much taller than the average surfacer. "Do not go into the water unless you are a strong swimmer." He announces, but, really, going swimming fully clothed isn't illegal and all he can do is offer advice. Not that he really knows surface laws, because he doesn't really. Other than what he's learned in movies and books, which, needless to say, is not entirely accurate. Still, giant ants lunging for civilians with pincers can't be a good thing. Not that he knows what an ant is, "Some sort of land crustacean... insect? Is that what it is? Arthropod? Maybe an Arachnid? Wonder if it's poisonous..." He muses to himself even as he approaches at his best speed to try and interpose himself between the ant and it's intended victim.

Riptide adds, "There are two more under the structure there!" In a loud voice and a point to indicate where, under the boardwalk, he spots these things.

Sukeban ignites her flames and flies over the ant, "Great. It'd be borin' if there was only one." Flames spiral down her arms as she blasts the ant.

The blasts smashes the ant into the sand, smoking slightly. Sukeban snorts, "Next."

<Guard> Titan says, "Same culprit who grew the kitten, I'd bet."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Same MO anyway."

As the ants advance towards the water, Machina sweeps down as her thrusters shrink into a more manageable form and a laser cannon appears off of her right arm as well as a holographic reticule accompanied by some cybernetics emerging inside her helmet. Aiming, the laser cannon's barrel starts to glow and heat-shimmer with a hum before it fires off towards one of the ants with a beam of red energy. She's trying to aim for the one that seems closest to civilians at the moment, but beyond that doesn't seem to be picking any out.

This ant too, just emerging from under the boardwalk, stops in its tracks.

Lia flies to the ground and decloaks, fading into view, laying in the sand. She looks highly unnerved, but otherwise fine. Even if she's threatened, she doesn't move. Talking to her might snap her out of it, but there's ants to deal with! And as a note, she appears to be a young child at the moment, due to a spell cast upon her.

But she only looks that way for an instant, for now the glamour, apart from that on the disguised duke, dissipates.

...Which only serves to make Lia's expression even /worse/.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Titan, Lia's down. If I find another cameraman, do I have your okay to take this one out *before* he does his work?"

<Guard> Titan says, "You have my okay to detain him. Not break him."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Just grab a suspect if ya see one. Ya don't have to start with punchin'. . . . Man. I can not be the reasonable one here. That's way too weird."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "I was gentle with the last one :)"

<Guard> Titan says, "No...you weren't. 'Gentle' doesn't break bones."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Okay, *you* deal with the cameraman. I've got some aggression to let loose and these ants won't sue."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "That's the spirit. Stick to what yer good at."

Titan leaps over in the direction of a couple of kids, stopping a good six meters from them or so, and then turns to face back in the direction of the boardwalk.

Scrapper grins as she gets the response she hoped for from Ellasse and zooms forward with a burst of power. A purple blade, angrily swirling with red and black, appears in her hands but dissolves when she spots the additional ants. She lands, *hard*, in the center of all the movement she sees. Multiple force arms punch through the sand and lift everything they find, sand streaming off her octopus-like display.

<Guard> Lia in an oddly calm voice, Lia notes, "I am...unwell...and sorry..."

Somewhere with the mass of sand a giant ant is being squeezed...

With the glamour dropping and heroes popping out of the woodwork Quinn elects to play human shield and interposes himself between the remaining ants and the crazy guy with the umbrella. "Excuse me, sir," he says, his back to the man so that he can face the ants, "Please step back. I'm a little better equipped than you are to handle this."

The ant just emerging from the boardwalk regains its feet. The one held by Scrappers arms tries to break free

... but fails.

The ant Titan tried to block senses him above it and burrows upward to attack Titan with its pincers!

It breaks the surface but misjudges, and its pincers miss.

Titan drives his fist downward, attempting to knock the ant out with a well placed blow.

Titan manages to connect solidly, driving the ant partially back down, causing a bit of a spray of sand.

Another ant runs out from under the boardwalk, heading toward the disguised duke.

Riptide watches as Ant's get taken down, but there is at least one still mobile and since the one threatening the woman he was guarding is no longer a threat, then maybe it'll become a weapon! Riptide reaches out to grab the downed and cooked ant in front of him and goes to try and throw it at the charging Ant to try and knock it aside and perhaps halt it's charge!

The unmoving ants weight drops on the moving one, stunning it before it reaches Quinn.

Riptide dusts his hands off after the throw that sent one ant crashing into another, "Good enough yes." And then surveys the surroundings for more combatants. To the woman behind him, "You should make as much haste as you can to get clear of this conflict." The tall purple skinned Atlantean says to her with a smile.

With the ant that was charging him stunned by Riptide's attack Quinn takes advantage of the moment and rechannels his offensive systems to his Quantum Bolts (tm). "Good enough," he says to Riptide as he lets fly. Rather than a single bolt, however, a rapid series of bolts fly loose, targeting the stunned creature.

The blasts hammer into the hapless arthropod in rapid succession, lifting it off of its feet and throwing it back beneath the boardwalk where it collapses in a heap.

"Ellasse" apologizes in fae to Ghost and makes his way acrobatically back up onto the boardwalk,, and safety, seeing the heroes seem to be handling the ants well.

Scrapper lets the ant drop as her force arms dissolve and are replaced by a two-handed sword

Tigress growls as her change finishes and the feral weretiger is looking for something to fight. She spies one of the ants that is starting to move again and leaps through the air with a powerful jump and lands trying to drive her sharp claws into the ant, with a feral roar.

Tigress hits true, but sadly the ant's exoskeleton prevents serious damage being done.

Scrapper lets the ant drop as her force arms dissolve and are replaced by a two-handed sword

Riptide was surveying the situation when out of nowhere (to him) Tigress is leaping into the fray and clawing with a vengeance against that carapace. He blinks, "Oh no. Another extremely large feline." He cracks his knuckles and prepares for further ensuing combat, but, the cat is attacking an ant, which leaves him conflicted. "You alright Jo?" He asks, just in case.

Scrapper yells back in a happy voice. "Hell yes!"

Scrapper's ant certainly felt that, though the sword failed to piece the exoskeleton. More impressive is that it was batted some 12 meters down the beach to land on its back.

Quinn looks between the two remaining ants, attempting to assess which is the better target. Finally he settles on the one that Tigress is fighting, electing not to get between Scrapper and her target. Given Tigress' proximity, however, he changes to a more pinpoint attack and lets a single fully charged Quantum Bolt (tm) fly.


 * ZCHROW!* The Quantum Bolt (tm) hits the oversized myrmidon like a bolt of lightning, knocking it to the ground where it lays unconscious.

The remaining ant rights itself, but finds itself far away from it's opponent. It seems uncertain.

But then it locates Scrapper and charges!

Riptide frowns when the ant being attacked by the kitty is downed by Q, but, Q didn't attack the cat so it must be not a dangerous animal, no matter appearances. Quite like the giant kitten before in a way, appearances are deceiving. When the Ant moves to charge Scrapper though Riptide is suddenly moving into action again, sand kicking up behind him as he charges over to smash into the Ant hopefully before it can charge into Scrapper!

Riptide smashes into the ant with a loud *CRACK* and sends it flying away as he skids to a halt in the sand some distance away. The ant smashes into the ground and sprays up more sand, carapace cracked and fragmented where the collision took place. Looking back over his shoulder Riptide nods to himself and dusts his arms off.

Meanwhile, Sukeban has joined Titan where the ant's tunnel ends, and by means of conflagration ensures any ants still in the tunnel will not be a threat.

Scrapper drops the sword (which dissolves like everything else), cheers and leaps into Riptide's arms.

"More giant creatures," Quinn says as he heads over to Scrapper and Riptide. "That can't possibly be a coincidence, or a random occurrence."

Tigress growls and howls in fury as the one she is fighting is shot and taken from her. She whirls around looking for something to fight and starts panting as she realizes there isn't any other standing. She eyes the other heroes with a hungry look for a moment, especially Scrapper and Riptide. She sniffs at the air as if trying to see if there are any others as she tries to calm herself down, claws are flexing as her tail swishes back and forth behind her.

"Such creatures are not normal on your world, then?" asks "Ellasse".

Riptide obligingly catches Scrapper though is surprised by the display given the look on his face but he doesn't seem to mind to terribly. "You are probably right... but is that feline safe? It is to large to be normal."

Scrapper sighs as the conversation reaches her ears and looks around for the dupe with the camera. "Tigress, may I introduce Riptide," she says as she scans the area.

As before, several people have cameras. Some may even be uploading video to public sites even without being paid to do it.

The faceplate of Quinn's armor pops forward and retracts with the hiss of escaping air. "Our world?" he asks "Ellasse", quirking an eyebrow curiously.

Tigress turns to look at Scrapper and Riptide, "Could havve leffft some fffor meee." she growls just a little and then she does dip her head. Her voice is distorted by the fangs in her mouth. I should go." she grumbles, and pulls at the torn clothing that remains on her, showing that she might have been someone else before turning into large kitty humanoid.

"Ellasse" just says, "Yes."

Quinn just chuckles a little at that. "Well, I suppose that explains why you would attack a giant ant with an umbrella," he says. He extends an armored hand to the gentleman. "Anthony Quinn," he states.

The disguised duke looks at one of the ants. "I see now. This is not its normal size, but I see no enchantment on it." He shakes Quinn's hand. "I am Ellasse".

"Tigress? Oh! Like the tiger! We have them in murals back home." Riptide says with a smile as he studies the feline, "You are the first hybrid life form I've seen on the surface." He admits curiously, he'll continue to hold Scrapper, or whatever, until she does whatever it is she's going to do. Not like she weighs anything at all to him. He looks over towards Quinn and 'Ellasse'. "I am guessing he has something to do with the Fae to be escorted by so many known associates." No, Riptide hasn't the foggiest that such a thing might want to be kept secret.

Quinn arches an eyebrow once again. "No, these aren't the typical size of our ants," he says, adding as a joke, "aside from Texas." He glances over as Riptide asks what he was thinking.

Tigress nods her head, "Yes I am a weretiger, I change from human to this, can also turn into full tiger though I am bigger than most tigers." her words are still slurred a bit thanks to those big fangs. She follows after and looks at Quinn and Ellasse.

Ellasse says, "Then how did they achieve that size? Clearly they haven't been so large for long!"

"We recently ran afoul a kitten that was truly tremendous in size." Riptide explains, "Likely someone is forcing these creatures to grow in size. If it were my people's tech I'd think they'd use expansion and cellular duplication to fill in the 'holes' as it were." He shrugs, "I am no scientist and my understanding is quite crude in comparison however."

"That's a good question," Quinn replies. "My guess is some sort of intervention. We had an incident last week with a cat that had been similarly enlarged. Once might have been some sort of accident or freak occurrence. Twice would indicate that someone is up to something."

Tigress cocks her head to the side and looks between the them, but she isn't speaking at the moment, just listening.