Log:Best of the Best 2006, Scene 3

Best of the Best 2006 2006/03/23 	 Barricade Black Mamba Dancing Coyote Dark Horse David Ciaratara Eel Eleven Exodus Fox Fire Fuzzt Haze Kibin Lady Luck Lorelei Midnight Photon Rebound Shoro Wasp 3

3-23-06. Best of the Best V: Speed Competition: Danger Relay

Coliseum

As you enter the Coliseum, the sheer vastness is the first thing to catch your attention. Thereare seats lining every side of the arena, making an oval shape. Lights shine down on the arena below. There are four twenty foot screens to show the audience images of the competitions below.

The Coliseum is set up for the Speed Competition today. There is a track of three different terrains that circle the field. Each track is approximately 100 meters long, or 50". Each section of the track consists of a different terrain. The first is a large glass like tunnel or tube. The second is a long pool of water. Finally, the third one looks like an obstacle course filled with objects etc. The middles of the track is a turf for running. A medical tent and a refreshments tent is near the entrance tunnel

Characters: Haze Eel Rebound Asylum Objects: Danger Race Rules

Rebound says, "Haze, if you were running while hazed, would the slippery frictionless surface affect you?"

 Lorelei says, "What the competition is is known already?"

 Rebound says, "The rules are here in the colliseum"

Lorelei has arrived. Wasp has arrived. Tara has arrived. Dancing Coyote has arrived. Lady Luck has arrived. Caleb has arrived. Eel is seated on the ground, stretching.

Caleb: The most striking thing about Caleb is his albinism - long white hair, very pale skin, pale blue eyes (usually hidden behind black slimline sunglasses), and a tuft of normally white beard on his chin. He wears four small stud earrings in his left ear (ruby, emerald, diamond, and sapphire) and often dyes his beard to match one of them. The overall effect, though odd, is surprisingly aesthetic. He's in his late teens, 5'10", about 210 pounds, with a wrestler's build. Outside he's probably lounging against a wall, smoking a cigarette, wearing torn jeans, combat boots, and a black leather jacket. Inside he loses the jacket and (usually) the cigarettes, revealing a 5-inch scar along his left forearm and a tattoo of a heart on his right bicep - not a valentine, but an anatomically correct heart.

Lady Luck: Standing only 5'1" tall, this young woman is seldom without a smile on her cherubic face, and her the twinkle in eyes is echoed in the the dancing light motes which always surround her, shifting colours with her mood. She wears her chestnut hair swept back behind her ears, but she is always pushing it back again as it falls forward. She's wearing a bodysuit which is deep purple on her arms and legs as if wearing long gloves and boots, but the torso is silvered and reflects the lights dancing about her. The right "glove" extends onto the chest where it makes a half-star motif with the silver. She has no mask. Lorelei is looking over the rules, and looking quite disheartened.

Dancing Coyote: Although DC can adopt any form he wishes, he is by default a handsome Native American man in his early 20s. He stands 5'10", lanky, with pale reddish skin, dark brown eyes, and long black hair braided down to his waist. He radiates an almost palpable presence: likable, easy to talk to, easy to follow. From time to time he strokes the sleek fur of a large dog that isnt quite there. He wears a red robe made of some durable, well-weathered fabric, stitched through with arcane symbols in many colors. The robe is belted at the waist by a yellow sash, and open in the front to reveal animal tattoos on his chest (bear, coyote, wolf, snake, and raven), so realistic they seem to move as you watch. A large pouch hangs from the sash. The robe hangs down to just under his knees, and a pair of leather sandals wrap around his calves. The outfit seems entirely impractical for wintertime, and he definitely seems to feel the cold.

Photon: At first sight this girl shaped figure seems to be wearing a kind of metallic red and gold battlesuit. A second glance will reveal the apparent battlesuit is merely styling of the figure's costume. Except for the gauntlets. They seem to be real and actively powered. The figure has a undoubtedly Anime appearance. Only the face of the person inside the costume is exposed and that face is nothing more than a luminous outline of a face that is glowing with a ever shifting pattern comprising all the colors of the rainbow.

Wasp: What is it that about Wasp that first draws attention? Is it her size, or more accurately the lack of it? Wasp is barely a foot and a half tall. Perhaps it's the quietly buzzing multi-hued dragonfly wings upon her back. Then there's her eyes, faceted like an insect and gleaming iridescently with all the colors of the rainbow. She is slender, with long light reddish-brown hair falling well below her shoulders. Her movements are graceful and fluid yet somehow indicative of a notable strength for such a diminative figure. She looks young, no more than eighteen or nineteen years of age.

Wasp is dressed in a almost skin-tight costume covering all except her head. The torso and upper limbs of her costume are white, while the arms, legs and vee fronted collar are a sky blue. There's a glowing blue dragonfly silhouette on her chest and back. Being her size makes carrying items tricky. Wasp has pockets sew into her costume on both thighs, no larger than a normal pocket but looking bulky on her. Pinned to the costume above her heart is a silver brooch shaped in the form of a small wasp.

Lorelei: Lorelei's a gorgeous blonde woman, perhaps in her late teens, though the assurance with which she carries herself bespeaks someone older. No part of her shapely 5'6" body is not alluring, but more striking still that almost her every movement seems an enticing pose such as photographers might spend hours coaxing out of a model. Wild shoulder-length hair frames her face, with its high cheekbones, pouty lips and dark sparkling eyes. She's dressed in a skintight shimmering green bodysuit partially cut away: her left arm and shoulder are bare but for her glove, and her right leg but for her boot. Around her waist a light blue sash is tied.

Haze: Haze stands about 5'6" tall with her jet black hair tucked neatly in a bun with chopsticks in the back. She has a slender and athletic build, common of most heroines. Haze's outfit consists of a black domino mask, matching black boots. Her suit, deep purple with black trimming, covers her body.Haze completes her look with nice black gloves.

Eel: You see a masked man in a gray-black costume. He's athletic, standing roughly six and a half feet tall, with a muscular build. His clothing is form-fitting, with a texture similar to that of a wetsuit, and with seams where the boots and gloves end. A yellow stripe starts at the forehead of the costume and runs over the top of the head and down the spine of the suit. The same color is used for the 'E' on his chest. His mask doesn't cover the his mouth and chin -- you can see that he's cleanshaven and darkskinned. A pair of goggles complete his costume.

Rebound: Rebound stands a little over six feet tall in a form fitting uniform that leaves his lanky form on display. The costume is rather pedestrian, seeming to prefer function over form. It's blue in color, alternating with dark blue for the arms and on the thighs of the suit. The mask covers his scalp completely, but leaves the lower half of his face uncovered. He wears a pair of large goggles over his eyes. He's also got a belt on with a couple of pockets and pouches on it.

Rebound smirks. "Don't worry about it, Lorelei. Last week was the tug of war, and I was feeling the same way."

Dancing Coyote joins Eel. "So... looks like it's just us."

Midnight joins Rebound. "So, boss... who's in on this one?"

Eel looks up at DC. "How do you feel about running the first and last legs, DC? I guaruntee that I'll beat my man during the second leg."

 Haze says, "Hrm. I dunno"

Dancing Coyote asks someone appropriate whether teams have to field three separate runners.

Rebound says, "Good question, Midnight... It will have to be you or Photon during the first leg, then you or Photon during the second... and either Haze of myself in the final leg."

Lady Luck tries to remember whose on which team!

The judges tell DC that you need three members.

Lady Luck says, "I guess maybe I could run the last leg... but I'm not very fast..."

 Rebound says, "Any preferences?"

Dancing Coyote shrugs to Eel. "Well, I suppose it depends on how powerful those electrical discharges are. I can fly without defenses, in which case I may be knocked out rather quickly... or run with defenses, in which case I'm fairly slow.

Eel says, "Well, the last stage is also the most unpredictable.. maybe you're the perfect choice."

Haze goes over to Rebound. "Just give us a winning strategy!"

Lady Luck says, "Uh-huh, I figure I'll just run flat out and hope nothing hits me!"

Rebound waves the New Blood team in for a huddle.

Midnight shrugs. "No real preference. Not sure if they'll let me port, though."

Rebound says, "I'll find out..."

Dancing Coyote says, "But either way, I suppose I'm probably our best choice for the first leg. I'll try not to get myself knocked out.""

Haze huddles with her team.

Lorelei smiles to Wasp. "Are you captain?"

Midnight returns to Rebound. "No joy on the porting... judges won't allow it. So I'm not too good on the fast. Just tell me where you want me."

Lorelei asks Black Mamba, "How are you at racing."

Lorelei says, "?""

Black Mamba looks over to Lorelei. He smiles. "I'm ok."

Black Mamba tells Wasp and Lorelei, "Probably be best if I run the last leg. I can take damage pretty well."

Haze waits for Rebound to tell who goes where.

Lorelei says, "I'm not sure what leg to take myself. Maybe the first, then. I can't swim well, and I don't fancy my chances against the squid. Then again, I don't know how I'll take the electricity.."

Rebound returns from talking to the judge.

Black Mamba nods. "Well What are your strengths Wasp?"

Wasp says, "I'll take the second leg. I can swim fairly fast."

Black Mamba smiles. "it's settled Then." He glances over to where the other teams are gathered.

Lorelei nods. "Ok. So electricity it is.... ugh."

 Rebound says, "Ok. Photon, Midnight, Haze. How does that sound?"

 Haze says, "That sounds Good."

 Rebound says, "I'm guessing that while your hazed, you'll be able to sprint flat out."

 Haze says, "Ok."

Midnight shrugs. "OK with me. Ain't partic'larly fast, but I guess we ain't got a lot of choices."

The Best of the Best competion for the Fastest Team is almost coming to the final event. Three teams have made it thus far. New Blood, Spirit of Justice and Black Sheep Samaritans. Looks like SG Gamma is struggling with some unknown group to get the final entry. Oh NO! The New Group wins! The announcer announces. "So here we have the 4 teams! New Blood, Spirit of Justice, Black Sheep Samaritans and Shadow Sitters! Please give them a big round of applause!" The crowd goes wild.

Looks like the Green and SG have to be spectators for the final speed event to determine the champion.

"Would the teams please come foward to read the rules and please ask if you have any questions!", announces the announcer.

Lorelei asks her team, "Whose are these three?"

Black Mamba shrugs at Lorelei. "Never seen them before. Hmm."

Photon curses quietly to herself -- being stuck in hero identity means missing out on some excellent opportunities for action snapshots.

The shadow sitters don't seem to show any emotions. They stand quietly awaiting the event to take place.

Rebound smiles, happy to see new faces. He looks at his teammates. "Goodluck, team. Let's try to win this one!"

Haze gives everyone high fives. "Let's do this!"

Lady Luck says, "I guess it's cheating to give the others bad luck, huh?"

Dancing Coyote nods.

The Judges tells Everyone, "You will be disqualified if you hinder your opponents in the race."

"Any other questions?", asks the Announcers.

Lady Luck says to DC, though good-naturedly, "How come my powers always seem to be cheating?"

The crowd seems to be pro Lorelei today. The male half anyways.

Lorelei can't help but think this ironic, give how useless she'll be at this, but gives them a wave.

"Before we begin the race, we have a special guest who would like to give you a talk.", announces the announcer. He waits for the special guest to come speak.

The audience waves back to Lorelei and cheers!

Marianne Bradford An imposing woman in her late 50s with a military bearing and a no-nonsense manner. You probably recognize her from television as the Democratic presidential candidate.

The audience applauds -- some enthusiastically, some merely politely -- as a fit older woman strides to the podium. She stands ramrod-straight, staring out at the crowd with a commanding presence that quiets them down fairly quickly, with just enough of a smile to seem more inviting than forbidding. This woman doesn't _seem_ like a politician, but she definitely knows how to work a crowd. "Good afternoon. For those of you who don't recognize me, my name is Marianne Bradford, and I'm going to be your next President." A brief burst of applause follows that, from scattered clusters of supporters throughout the coliseum. "But I'm not here today to talk about that."

Haze whispers to Rebound, "Who's that?"

"I'm here for two reasons. The first is to offer my support and sympathy to the residents of Colonial Bay during their time of trial. The thoughts and prayers of the entire country are with you."

Rebound shakes his head. "Not sure."

Rebound blinks and facepalms. "Yeah, of course..."

Haze whispers, "Our Next president? Elections coming up already?"

"The second, somewhat more pragmatically, is to announce an additional sponsor for this afternoon's events. I'm told that for any of the Presidential candidates to directly sponsor an event like this is treading murky legal waters, and I have no intention of doing that. And of course, I can't release Federal emergency funds... yet." "But there's no reason private contributors can't help out. So, in addition to the normal sponsors of the Best of the Best Competition, I'm proud to announce a separate Colonial Bay Emergency Relief Fund donation from various philanthropic societies nationwide. This will go directly to covering city costs related to the current difficulties - police overtime wages, hospital operating expenses, that sort of thing."

Black Mamba stands stoically watching.

"And, in the spirit of this competition, those sponsors have decided to tie the amount of their donation to the performance of your city's heroes. For every meter travelled in total, they will donate five hundred dollars. If all four teams complete all three legs, they'll have earned six hundred thousand dollars in additional support."

Haze cheers! "Whoo!"

"Well. I've talked enough. Now it's time for the event you came here for!" She walks back to her seat as the crowd cheers.

The judges hand out batons to each of the starting racers. The announcer waits for people to get to the start line.

Dancing Coyote perks up a little. . o O (Well, that's one good reason to be doing this.) He takes the baton and prepares to start.

"Please go to your positions!" booms the announcer.

Lorelei isn't sure what to make of that. The contributuon is good new, but mixing it with politicking seems distasteful verging on dishonest.

Haze heads over to the third leg area.

Photon accepts the baton and waves with it back to her mates with a wink. She takes her position on the starting line.

Wasp goes to the start of the second leg.

Lorelei takes her baton though and take her position - with another wave to the crowd.

Midnight stares at the start of the second leg and teleports there.

Eel gets ready to, keeping in motion to stay loose.

Lady Luck takes her position, or nearly - she moves enough she can see what's going on better!

The crowd cheers and then silences. The Shadow Sitters move to their positions as well.

"On your mark.. set.. "

Eel starts to eye up the competitions as well, eyeing Wasp and Midnight in a not-so friendly manner. He's got his game face on.


 * BANG!*

And the race starts!

Dancing Coyote starts out playing it safe, until he sees how powerful these electrical blasts are. He runs along the slippery corridor with Protection up.

Rook turns into what seems like a shadowy flock of rooks and starts flying.. It flies past Dancing Coyote. As it does so it whispers, "WEeeeeess finallly finnnnnndddssss yooooosss Coyoteeeeee"

Dancing Coyote looks at the flock of birds as it flies way, way past him, a little puzzled.

Photon leaps into the air and begins to zip down the tunnel, one hand out in front of her to guide her flight, and the other holding the baton close to her body.

Lorelei runs down the tube, not risking flat out till she knows how dangerous these tubes are...

Dancing Coyote waves to Lorelei as she passes him.

The crowds cheer Lorelei on as she runs past Dancing Coyote!

Electricity sparks in the tunnel and it travels through..

Rook gets a shocking experience and drops back to normal form onto the tunnel.

Lorelei cries out at the shock - more than she was expecting!

The audience cries out as well as Lorelei gets shocked.

Photon smiles slightly as she sees the other heroes knocked about.

Fox Fire has arrived.

Fox Fire What stands before you at 5'0" is woman in a black hooded body suit with a Japanse styled vest over their upper body, the vest seems to be armored as it moves stiffly. On her wrists appaer to be some sort of odd mechinisms as well as around their ankles appaer to be another set of the same bands and mechisim. Over this person's Face is a Japanese Fox mask done in shades of white, blue and red. Her slitted eyes glow a pale red as they stare at you. Her voice is soft and sultry and usally monotone when she speaks. Every now and then though small balls of fire float around her shifting slowly in colors.

Rook A raven haired woman with pale white skin and dark gothic type clothing. She wears a hood and cloak that conceals her features.

Ebony A dark skinned woman in black dress. She has long knotted hair and wears no shoes.

Dancing Coyote watches as his competitors are blasted off their nonfeet, and is particularly startled by Lorelei. . o O (OK... that answers that. Better to be protected and slow.)

Dark Knight A tall man in dark, black armor. He carries a large black bastard sword and rides a black midnight steed.

Rebound cheers. "Go Photon, go!"

Haze cheers Photon on, "Come on.. Hurry up!"

Dancing Coyote continues to run down the slippery tube.

Rook is still recovering on the botton of the glass tunnel.

Midnight starts preparing for his leg as Photon flashes towards him... last thing he wants is to lose time waiting for the darkforce to turn on. A dark platform starts to materialize under his feet...

Haze seems excited as she jumps up and down watching her team head past others.

Fox Fire comes into the colosem, she looks like she tryed to get here as fast as possable.

The competition has already started! Fox Fire can cheer her team on though as a spectator!

Photon accelerates through the tunnel rather fearlessly.

Lorelei proceeds cautiously, if just because she's worried she's likely to slip more if she goes faster. (Another Running 7")

Photon is about 4" from the end of her leg! The crowd woos!

Fox Fire sighs some shaking her head as she moves next to Haze " I was to late! and this was my skill!" She then notices her group is doing pretty good and cheers them on

Haze tells Fox Fire, "Get away! Im running the third leg! Don't get us disqualified!"

Midnight prepares for the handoff, not quite sure how a desolid heroine travelling at full acceleration is going to manage a handoff but curious to see her try.

Fox Fire realizes with a start she is in the wrong area and moves

Rook picks herself up and starts to fly again! //10" half move half to pick self up.

Haze smiles to Fox Fire. "I think we have this one in the bag!"

Photon sails right past Midnight as she tries to slam on the brakes and hustles to double back to her teammate.

Dancing Coyote tries to grab the baton and his hand goes right through it. "@#!@$!@#!"

Yutaka Green eyes are set off by a black mock turtleneck sweater, it seems to be made of the highest quality egyptian cotton. A pair of high end armani jeans, set off by a black leather belt with a square buckle and black casual shoes finish off this chic expensive, if casual, outfit.

Yutaka's hair not spikey right now, but parted for a more conservative look give him the look of a model rather than a security systems specialist, except for his smile. It is a handsome smile, but it does not quite reach his eyes. Even when at rest, his movements are efficient, with promise of power and speed if needed, and unless with friends, he never quite loses the look of a predator..tense and ready.

Dancing Coyote looks at the tube carefully, blinks a moment in uncertainty, and holds.

Lorelei runs on, oblivious to DC stopping behind her but still wary of the shock! (Running 7 again)

Midnight holds on 6 as well, waiting for Photon to get around to making a handoff one of these days.

 Yutaka says, "what leg of the race are we on?"

 Eel says, "First. I'm Second, Luck is third. C'mon DC, what's up? Get the lead out."

Exodus has arrived.

 Exodus says, "Forgive my tardiness.."

Rook flies the baton right to Ebony.. 20"

Yutaka walks in from the outside looking for the team.

Rebound waves Exodus over to where he's standing.

Exodus flies over to Rebound.."What is our status?"

Fox Fire joins rebound shaking her head some "I'm so out of it"

Photon flies the baton right to Midnight. Second time's the charm.

Midnight grabs the baton and gets ready to move.

The Electricity flows through the glass tunnel once again...

Exodus bows to Fox Fire and Rebound. "A thousand pardons, The regent held us up, this is quite like the Olympiad.."

Rebound says, "Looks like we're tied for first. This might be our weakest leg coming up."

Midnight shouts "Hey, way to encourage your teammates, partner!"

Rook squawks as she gets struck by electricity right before she passes the baton over to Ebony!

Rebound shouts back. "I know that you live to prove me wrong, so get to it!"

Fox Fire nods "I had the same problem, as this is my thing too"

Haze shouts over to Fox Fire. "Maybe you can help out with the swimming part then!"

Exodus chuckles, "I am certain the Dark one will do just fine..Who is our third?"

Haze waves to Exodus, "You wanna take my place Exodus?"

 Yutaka says, "Are we set then? Or am I needed?  I will stay to see just in case."

Fox Fire shivers at the mention of water "The best way I could help is by standing at the other side for midnight in some skimpu swim suit to make him move faster"

Dancing Coyote casts a spell and spirit wings spring from his back. He dives into the air and soars

Haze says, "I can cheer with Fox Fire.. Plus I don't want to collapse in the middle of the race..It might be a good idea to get a replacement?"

Exodus looks over to Haze, he has not seen her in weeks and a part of his mind is perculating..."Perhaps.."

 Exodus says, "Does the team feel any objection to me taking the place of Lady Haze?"

Dancing Coyote continues to fly, reaching the finish line and handing off to Eel.

Haze frowns. "Hurry! The Samaritans are catching up!"

 Rebound says, "I'm not so sure... I've seen Hazemove in the junkyard, and I'm thinking her ability is going to be useful in avoiding traps. ( OOC: it's totally up to you guys )"

Exodus heads over to Haze and nods, "I shall relieve you then milady." he swoops by and gives her a peck on the cheek.

<NB> Haze says, "No Objections Ex! (OOC: Lets say Haze got withdrawal right nowIT would be good to get ex in here, )"

Haze smiles and thanks Exodus. She's starting to feel withdrawal symptoms.. Not good for race.

Exodus Exodus is here, a golden glow exuding from his body. He looks like a might angel of vengence. Beautiful and Dreadful. His winged back and well muscled body are perfect in proportions. His eyes are blue hard and angry.

He is dressed in a white loin cloth, a golden belt, and a pair of sandals, and regardless of the weather, he seems comfortable. The rest of his body is perfect..and exposed.

Exodus takes her place giving her a quick hug.

Lorelei pours on the speed - running flat out now, hoping to make it out before she gets zapped again. (Noncombat run, 14")

Haze hugs Exodus and goes to cheer with Fox Fire.

Wasp cheers Lorelei on and gets ready to take the baton.

<BSS> Dancing Coyote says, "Is that satisfactorily unleaded, Eel?"

Rook hands the baton over to Ebony. Looks like the Electricity hurt her some.

<NB> Fox Fire says, "I'd like to do it if it's not swiming"

Haze hugs Fox Fire. "Don't worry! we'll be cheerleaders!"

Fox Fire give haze a cold stare before pointing at Rebound and saying "Not a word, not a single word from you"

Midnight 's body becomes shadowier than normal as his platform coasts into the water without a splash... in fact, without disturbing the surface at all as he slips through the water.

<NB> Rebound says, "Let's give Exodus a shot, see what he can do... (this'll be his first BotB scene)"

<NB> Fox Fire says, "okay if ya want, and not a word from you"

Exodus undergoes a painful transition, he is enveloped in a dark field that bubbles and steams leaving in its midst Khaos, Lord of Darkness.

Fox Fire sees Midnight going and she jumps up down cheering him on!

Exodus nods at Midnight the youngling seems to be doing well. He stands ready to recieve his chance.

Yutaka watches the change from angel to demon in the new hero that seems to be with the New Blood team.

But something goes wrong! Midnight's dark platform bounces off the surface of the water, and he plunges down to the bottom. He lands on his feet and seems fine, albeit furious, and ready to start running.

<NB> Midnight says, "(bleep) (bleep) (bleep) (bleep) (bleep)in (bleep) (BLEEEEEP)!"

<NB> Haze says, "What happened Midnight??"

Eel says, "takes the baton from DC and dives into the water. His force field propels him easily through the water."

<NB> Exodus looks confused.."Aye What happened Younglin?"

<NB> Midnight says, "Not (bleep)in sure, never tried that (bleepin) trick under (bleep)in water before. Figured if I can (bleep)in coast through (bleep)in WALLS, but (bleep) (bleep) (bleep) (BLEEP)! Never mind. I'll get there."

<NB> Fox Fire says, "Who knows he might have the same flaw in powers as I do"

<BSS> Yutaka says, "Go Eel Go!"

Ebony starts stretching her limbs like a tree growing at a rapid rate with the baton.. 10"

Rook recovers and approaches Dancing Coyote. "Yooooos dooo notssss knowwwsss whoooos weeeee arrree?"

Dancing Coyote walks over to Rook at their shared finish line.

<BSS> Yutaka says, "Lady Luck are you ready? He's moving at a good clip, he'll be there in a few seconds barring anything happening.."

Rook glances down at DC's hand. She does not seem to understand.

Dancing Coyote looks Rook over carefully...

Eel slaps his arms tightly at his side and makes like a torpedo, cruising through the water.

<BSS> Yutaka says, "are they the Covington International Team? I had heard they may be entering a team.."

<BSS> Dancing Coyote says, "I have no idea who they are."

<BSS> Dancing Coyote says, "But at least one of them seems to know me."

<NB> Exodus says, "Be careful youngling, there be enemies in the water to worry about as well.."

<NB> Midnight says, "They can't (bleep)in touch me... no worries. Gonna take time, is all."

<BSS> Lady Luck says, "I'm ready!"

Lady Luck gets properly in position to receive her baton.

<BSS> Yutaka says, "Good luck Lady..uh Luck.."

Midnight starts running along the bottom of the water tank, cutting through the water without resistance

Lorelei realises she needs to pour on a shade more speed to get out before the next zap, and pushes harder.... (14" NC Running pushed to 16" to bring my cumulative total to 51" - out of the tube!)

Haze cheers her team on!

Rook waits on DC.

Wasp smiles with relief as she watches Lorelei reach the end of the tube running full out. "Good run. See you in a second when you slow down."

Dancing Coyote shakes his head. "No... I have no idea who you are. Ought I?"

Rook smiles and shakes her head. "Weeess willssss waiiiit fooorss yoooos."

Mechanical Squids swim over to attack the swimmers...

<NB> Exodus says, "OOC Whos in what place? Midnight in first place with Eel close behind or other way around or is this Rook team in the lead?"

Rebound points at Rook and Dancing Coyote. "Woner what's going on there?"

The crowd cheers as Eel is in first place, Ebony is in second, Midnight third and Wasp just getting the baton.

One of the mechanical squids wraps its tentacles around Eel!

Eel prooves to be a slippery fellow as he escapes the Eel's tentacles.

The other squid goes right through Midnight.

Midnight makes an obcene gesture towards the squid

Ebony continues stretching herself out. (10" 20" total)

Rook looks over to Rebound but remains silent.

Eel squirts through the grasp on the mechanical squids and reaches the other side of the water. He hands of the baton to Lady Luck.

Haze shouts to her team. "hurry Midnight! Eel's already through!"

Lady Luck gets all ready to run....

Midnight fails to hear Haze, underwater as he is. Which is probably a good thing.

Midnight accelerates along the bottom of the water tank, cutting through the water without resistance

Yutaka shouts, "Lady luck! Good Luck! becareful!"

Lorelei passes the baton over to Wasp. "Good luck!"

Exodus watches Midnights' steady progress...

Lorelei then smooths down her hair again and spins about, waving to the crowd.

Wasp takes the baton and dives into the water. Her primary wings extend to act as stabilizers and her secondary wings blur into action

<NB> Exodus says, "You are doing well Youngling!"

The crowd cheers Lorelei on! Woo hoo!

Shoro blinks, "The Wasp is fast..." he says to himself.

Ebony continues stretching her self out.. She looks like a gnarled tree underwater.

<NB> Exodus says, "Careful Youngling, the one known as the Wasp is right on your tail."

Midnight thinks. o O (Geez... when did the shadowcritter turn into my cheering section? Didn't think he liked anybody who wasn't sleepin' with him. Guess there's more to 'im than I thought.)

Shoro Shoro stands before you, his black armor seems to absorb the light around him. He stands at 6'2", fully garbed in a next generation suit of light armor. The armor itself seems to be made from some kind of next-generation ceramic or polymer, and seems almost too light to provide any real protection. Yet with a calm confidence, he stands here, and while you cannot see anything of the man beneath, you sense an unusual grace. A grace that promises both Power and Speed. His mask is made from the same material as his armor, and all you can see is his eyes, they are green, angry and dangerous.

Lorelei grins. You've got to love it when you're the most useless person here and the crowd doesn't care.

There are many people carrying signs rooting for Lorelei.

Eel hands off the baton to Amy, shouting, "Go go go!"

The announcer keeps everyone updated on the events. "It looks like Eel has just climbed out of the pool. He's in the lead. Lady Luck will run the final leg of the race. Ebony is in second, but Wasp and Midnight are not far behind!"

Black Mamba waits patiently for Wasp.

Wasp pushes her strength and endurance to close the gap as much as she can, depending on agility to dodge the squids.

Exodus stands ready, "Hurry Youngling..it is getting dangerous.."

Eel blinks, watching Wasp move in the water. o O ( Faster than me? No way! )

Midnight leans into the nonexistent wind to reduce nonexistent resistance and really pours on the speed...

Haze leaps up and cheers. "That's the way Midnight."

One of the squids grab a hold of Ebony!

Ebony manages to shake of the squids.

Exodus nods, "Great work Youngling..you are almost there!"

Wasp slows down as she bursts up from the water into flight and goes to hover beside Black Mamba with the baton extended for him to take.

Haze shakes her head. "Wasp is so fast!"

Lady Luck grabs the baton and then runs straight for the finish line, ploughing straight through any obstacles and trusting to her luck to get her through.

Midnight continues to push himself for speed while slowing down to regain some control as he approaches the finish line. The water around him suddenly splooshes as he solidifies and jumps up, preparing for the handoff.

Shoro watches lady Luck remain in the lead..."Go Lady luck!"

Exodus watches waiting for the baton to be passed he readies himself..but feels a change come on.

Midnight looks thoroughly wiped, barely able to hold on to the edge of the tank.

A black bubbling begins but retreats and the same saturnine figure remains waiting for the baton.

Ebony pushes her stretching abilities to all the way to hand Dark Knight the Baton.

Black Mamba thanks Wasp for baton and takes it! He is ready to anchor the final run..

Dark Knight gathers the Baton and readies to run through the gauntlet.

Lady Luck goes for it! This may be all a game, but she's been a hero long enough to know that things are not to be done by halves. She runs as if assembled supervillainy were at here heels....

Haze cheers Exodus on, "Come on! You can win!"

Exodus nods to Haze, "I am ready!" his hand outstreched to grab teh baton just inches away..

The first one is a fire trap! A gush of flame goes right past lady luck as she bursts with speed. However the second trap is more deadly. A gaseos cloud of green gas evelops her!

Black Mamba leaps into the air as he tries to catch up!

Black Mamba gets blasted by a huge spout of flame! "Argh!"

Lady Luck covers an amazing about of ground for essentially a normal person, but pulls up short gaggling and coughing..

The audience gasps as Lady Luck is struck by the trap!

Exodus grabs the baton!

Exodus grabs the baton from the ailing Youngling and launches himself into the air.

The Dark Knight races onward! 10"

The Dark Knight is blasted by a flame spout! However, he remains on his feet.

The Black Mamba leaps another 10"!

Like Lady Luck, The Black Mamba starts coughing and hacking as the gas hits him.

Shoro gasps as well.

However his constitution seems stronger than Lady Luck.

Hazy watches as the competitors set off traps.

Lorelei watches Black Mamba with some anxiety. Wasp has given their team a chance again, and she hopes he can come through!

Exodus's unfurl as he launches himself at full speed into the air, he has seen the problems and they are on the ground, he should be fine if he is in the air..

The Air seems to go well for exodus as the flame doesn't reach the flier. He goes through the first trap unscathed.

Haze pumps her fist. "There we go!"

Lady Luck puffs and recovers her breath. (Recover from Stun)

The Dark Knight continues on his path!

A pocket of gas is sprung and the Dark Knight is hit as well!

The Dark Knight falls to one knee.

Black Mamba leaps another 10" getting closer to the victory line!

Luckily for the Black Mamba, the ice beam that shoots out, misses him!

Exodus pours on the speed as he is last and goes to NCM flight...

Gas shoots out to strike Exodus at the 20" mark

Haze gasps. "No! Exodus!", shouts Haze as the gas hits Exodus.

Exodus starts to fall from the sky as he is stunned.

Exodus crashed down past the 3rd trap.. An Ice beam is shot out entangling Exodus in Ice.

Haze shakes her head. "Oh no!!!"

And finally the 4th trap is sprun at the 40" mark.. A ray gun of sorts pops out and shoots some mental waves at Exodus..

Finally Exodus skids to a halt at the 45" mark. He's stunned and has a frozen entangle around him...

Haze seems to have tears in her eyes. "Exodus!!! Mm... "

Lady Luck resumes her course, but has lost too much time..... (Running 6" + Desolidification)

As Lady Luck his the 30" mark the ice beam is shot her way!

It seems like it should have hit her but somehow it doesn't.

The crowds gasp at what has happened to exodus.. It grows quiet.

Dark Knight continues to race towards the finish line!

The Dark Knight evades the ice beam easily as he saw what happened to Exodus..

Black Mamba leaps another 10"! He seems to have his eyes set on exodus in front of him.

The Announcer announces, "Exodus is in the lead and almost at the finish line, but he's hits a snag.. Lady Luck had dropped into third place behind Black Mamba and the Dark Knight is closing in, but still in last place.

Exodus summons the Darkforce and attempts to blast himself out, before flying to the line..

Exodus seems to shake his head before he can summon teh darkforce...clearing his head from teh gas.

The Dark Knight continues on! He grins as he sees the finish line!

Unfortunately for the Dark Knight a mental blast strikes his helmet! He groans and falls to the ground, already weakened from the gas.

The crowd gasps again as another contestant falls..

Black Mamba leaps over to where Exodus is. He looks down and offers help. "Heroes can overcome any difficulty if they work together. Want me to break you out or carry you across?"

Haze cries, "Exodus! Exodus!"

Exodus looks up at Black Mamba..."We compete, but you are correct..Break me out? I shall try to finish on my own accord, Thank you!"

Black Mamba nods and strikes at the ice around Exodus.

The annoucer shouts, "We are in the home stretch! Black Mamba and Exodus are tied for first! Lady Luck is right behind Dark Knight! However Dark Knight seems to be feeling the effects of the mind trap!

Lady Luck realises if she treats that mental ray cautiously, she has no chance of winning. So she just goes for it and hopes form the best...

Exodus's wings open as the ice breaks loose arouind him.

Lady Luck throws herself over the finish line with a heroic effort - and collapses into unconsciousness, even before the mental beam strikes her.

Black Mamba smiles at Exodus and leaps towards the finish line. //10" finish

Dark Knight shakes off the effects of the beam.

Exodus flaps his wings mightily and crosses the finish line..

The announcer shouts, "Lady Luck wins the race for the Black Sheep Samaritans! Black Mamba finishes second for the Spirit of Justice! And Exodus flies in for third place for team New Blood!" The crowd cheers!

Eleven has arrived.

Black Mamba goes over to Wasp. "Sorry.. I had to help him."

Dark Knight finishes 4th.

Wasp hugs Black Mamba. "It's what we do, help people. Welcome to the team."

Lady Luck remains collapsed at the finish line.

Eleven rushes into the Coliseum! Security chases after the gunman as he runs in with no ticket and setting off teh metal detecotrs. "Amy! Amy!"

Haze runs over to Exodus. "Are you ok? Man you took a spill there."

Lorelei nods and smiles to Black Mamba. "You did good."

Black Mamba smiles to Wasp. He awkwardly hugs back. "Thanks. We are in good standing.. I hope we do well in the next two events."

Black Mamba smiles at Lorelei, "Great effort you put in there."

Lorelei says, "Yow, if I'd know how much that would hurt I might not have volunteered...."

Eleven fights off the security by kicking their butts! He tends to Lady Luck! (help to recovery!)

More security come in to take Eleven away.

Eventually the sheer amount of security guards smother the gunman. He is taken away...

Eleven gasps, "Amy!"

Eleven has left.

Wasp tells the security. "Eleven is known to us and a friend of Amy. Please let him go."

The security apologizes to Wasp, but tell her that Eleven's actions could set precedence to rioting and looting. They understand he means well but they'll take him somewhere to calm down. They'll let him go after that. Lady LUck is taken to the medi-tent to recuperate.

Exodus smiles at Haze, "I'm fine..but I have to take care of a situation..." he walks over to Black Mamba.

Haze nods to Exodus and watches the interaction.

Exodus walks over to Mamba, "Black Mamba was it?"

Lady Luck eventually comes to....

Black Mamba glances over to the approaching Exodus. "Good race, Exodus.", says the large man.

Black Mamba nods. "Yes. I am he."

Exodus extends his hand, "You are honorable, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Black Mamba grins at Exodus. "Thank you. Heroes should set an example to the people watching. I am honored to meet you as well."

The Shadow Sitters dissapear since they didn't win anything.

The announcer waits for everyone to be ready for the awards presentation.

Exodus nods, "I agree..perhaps we shall meet again." he bows and flies back to Haze.

Haze offers Exodus an affectionate hug when he returns.

Lady Luck rejoins her teammates. "Did we win?"

"Third Place goes to Team New Blood!", states the announcer. The audience cheers. Medals are given out to the New Blood team.

Dancing Coyote and Eel nod to Lady LUck. "Indeed we did! Now we have to decide on a charity to donate our money too."

Exodus smiles but doesn't hug back, "The Regent as told me you fear me..I shall respect your fear, but I thank you for your encouragement."

Shoro smiles and pops over to Lady Luck, "Great job Lady!"

Haze blushes. "Well, I didn't know you at first.. But the regent informed me of somethings.. I think I understand better.. " She smiles and accepts medals!

Exodus wears his medal, "Does it match me?"

Haze giggles. "Definitly!"

Both DC and Eel fail to tell Lady LUck that Jack was here.

Exodus nods, and hugs Haze, "The Regent asked me to give you this."

"The second place finishers are Spirit of Justice!", announces the announcer. Medals are given out for second place.

Haze blinks. "What is it?"

Exodus removes himself from Haze, "The hug."

Lady Luck says, "Oh, uh... I didn't think about that.... What charity do you think?"

Lorelei gives the crowd another big waves.

Shoro says, "I think perhaps the Harrisburg Clinic?.."

Lady Luck says, "Oh, that's a good one!"

Haze giggles. She hugs back happily.

"Finally. The fastest team, speedsters of Colonial Bay.. I present to you.. The Black Sheep Samaratins!", shouts the announcer. The judges award the first place medals to Lady Luck, Coyote, and Eel and the rest of the team.

The announcer asks Lady Luck, "So who is your charity going to be for?"

Lady Luck jumps up and down - getting a medal is pretty exciting, and for speed is funny too. "The Harrisburg Clinic!"

The audience cheers as Lady Luck announces the charity winner!

However most of the audience is still trying to get autographs from Lorelei.

The announcer tells the contestants, "Next week will be the intellect test. We will see which team is the smartest!"

Lorelei signs autographs. :)