Log:The Fate of Crystal

2010/11/23 	 Aoi Bard Crystal Devil Dog Himinglaeva Paragon 1

''Paragon and Triple Sec have been trying to rehabilitate RACE member and former superhero Crystal, but Devil Dog is pursuing her relentlessly, wanting to question her about her teammates. A meeting has been arranged.''

Paragon's temporary home is a large, multi-roomed beachside home; the former vacation home for the Guardians. It's former in that the home looks like it's been through an epic superbattle and was left derelict for months. There's various holes, scorch marks, and other scars from a villain ambush of the publicly known home. It's been under slow repair from the ever-busy Paragon, and only some sections are liveable. Waiting in the living room is Devil Dog, who has helped himself to a beer from the fridge despite Paragon offering soda. here's a large, L-shaped blush couch, a coffee table with glass-top finish, and an entertainment system with the most recent gaming systems set up in an entertainment unit beneath the television. The kitchen is still within view. There's a newly set skylight in the kitchen (since the villains were nice enough to knock a hole in the roof) that still has to be sealed up to finalize the instalment. Paragon has just gone upstairs to see if Crystal is ready to talk to Devil Dog. "I promise, I won't let him hurt you. But I also promised to keep him protected, too, so...I hope the two of you don't start fighting. Okay?"

"I won't start a fight," Crystal assures Paragon. "But I'll defend myself it attacked."

Paragon nods, finding that agreeable. "If he attacks, I'll step in," she promises, fully intending to position herself carefully between the two once they get downstairs, just in case. "Let me know when you're ready."

Devil Dog seats himself on the sofa and takes a long drink from the can of beer. He was starting to get used to this eating thing, he'd have to do it more often. The beer is held in just the fingertips of his left hand, he doesn't want the overheated temp of his palm to heat it up.

Crystal takes a deep breath. "Now seems as good a time as any."

Crystal starts down the stairs.

Paragon turns her back to Crystal and leads the way out of her room and down the hall towards the stairwell. Many of the doors in the hall closed due to repairs, but there are a few rooms that don't have damage. The kitchen, family room, and three of the bedrooms are clean, well-kept, and free of holes.

Devil Dog is seated watching the stairs as the two come down, calm and collected as ever. His right hand does, however, unconciously come up as if to grab something from off his head. His stocking cap is gone and he covers the move by simply ranning his hand back threw the long black mess as if that were his plan the hole time.

Crystal pauses at the bottom of the stairs to look assessingly at Devil Dog.

Devil Dog stares back at Crystal impassively, then takes another gulp of beer.

Paragon continues walking forward as Crystal pauses, only stopping when she's in a good position to step inbetween the two should things get hostile. Her helm turns towards Devil Dog, then pans down to note the beer in his hand. o O (Ohhh boy...should've locked that stuff up!)

Paragon clears her throat. "Aren't you a little young to be drinking?" she prompts kindly.

Crystal goes to sit facing Devil Dog, her face largely expressionless.

Devil Dog lounges back on the sofa and glances up at Paragon briefly. He can't help but smerk as he replies in his soft raspy voice, "160 too young to drink, these days?" That being said he turns his attention back to crystal, "Miss Andersen." he says softly, "Thanks for taking the time to talk with me."

Crystal replies, "You were most insistent."

Paragon remains standing, acting mostly as a mediator should things go south. The glowing orbs in her helm grow a little in size as Devil Dog reports his age. No wonder he acts so grizzled! "I suppose not," she replies, gullible enough to not ask for ID. She takes his word for it.

Crystal replies, "You were most insistent."

Devil Dog smerks again and starts to toy with the empty beer can, "I'm sorry about that, but you have information I need. You've done a lot of bad things, miss Andersen. I think that the heros of this city are cutting you a big break, and you know it. You owe them. Are you willing to pay that debt with information? I'm willing to vouch for you as a new hro of the area or whatever your after if you tell me what I want to know."

Crystal's eyes narrow. "What sort of information?"

Devil Dog unconciously starts to heat up, the beer can the only sign of this, "Ace, and Race, mostly. Your team mates Vector, Gatekeeper, and Conviction. Mostly Gatekeeper though. I'm not one for betraying my old team mates and won't blame you for saying no to this. That's why I figure you would be uncooperative."

Behind the expressionless mask of her almost featureless helm, Paragon's face betrays a look of worry. She had almost hoped Devil Dog would ask nicely, as he said he would. Already, she's not sure she likes where this is going. She shifts her weight onto her left leg casually, but she's tense, trying to pick up on the body language of the others.

Crystal says, "You're right. I won't say anything about them that they wouldn't want me to say. And starting out with poorly veiled threats is no good way to make me change my mind."

Devil Dog sighs and shakes his head, "I'm not threatening you." he says softly. He stands, slowly to make sure noone freeks out on him, and walks around to a open spot of the floor to pace back and forth, "You have to understand where I'm coming from, yeah? You expect Paragon to help you, even though you are not a hero, and then you won't help us back. It's frustrating, and I'm not the best with conversation or being polite." He stops and starts to try and calm himself down, hands going into his pockets empty beer and all, "I never planned on being nice to you at all, but it just so happens I have some respect for the person watching over you. So, just this once, I'm going to ask and ask vary nicely. Will you please give me all the information you can, or are willing to, about Ace, Race, and the members of it?" His voice remains calm and controlled, face carefully blank.

Crystal stands up too, eyeing Devil Dog coldly. "I expected no such thing. I expected no hope from Paragon or any other 'hero' of this city. Paragon surprised me, offering me a second chance. No conditions were mentioned. And now here you are, attaching conditions. I suppose I should have known better."

Paragon holds up her hands in a "hold it" motion. "Now, wait. There are no conditions for my help. Well, save for not turning to a life of crime. But other than that, I don't expect any sort of repayment." She turns her steely gaze to Devil Dog.

Devil Dog stares back at Crystal, one hand coming out of his pocket to push his Bandana back up, "Nothing in life is free. Life isn't fair. You can cry and throw a fit about it, you can help me, or you can make everyone's life more difficult including your own. I don't want to string you up like a smoked ham, and I don't want to have to go threw Paragon to do it, but I will. Last chance." he says, still softly, and flames start to lick along his back and up around him.

Paragon steps into the interceding space between Crystal and Devil Dog. "I'm not liking where this is going," she says with a voice twinged with concern.

Paragon cringes as Devil Dog starts to ignite. o O (He's going to end up burning the house down! Captain Amazing is going to disassemble me! It's bad enough I disobeyed the "no guests" rule..)

Crystal hesitates, but only briefly. "It's like that is it? You're allowed to make everyone else's life difficult, but everyone else has to do what you say? I won't be bullied!"

Devil Dog continues to stare at Crystal, his hands slipping from his pockets, "You think I like having to beat people's faces in to make them stop acting stupid? Besides I've already served my time in hell, so stop wining." He turns his glowing eyes on Paragon, "Five seconds, and then this is a fight, I'll try to take it out of your house, at least."

Crystal takes a step closer. "Yes. I think you do like that. And I think you should get back to hell, where you belong."

Paragon looks over her shoulder. "Crystal. You should probably run. I'll hold him back as long as I can." She turns back to Devil Dog and says calmly, "Outside. Right now."

Devil Dog nods his head and turns to walk for the kitchen, and the hole that is still there, but stops once he is about 5 meters away and says, "One problem." his long flaming whip snakes out from his right hand, "I have to take the girl with me."

"I'm not going to run from him," says Crystal, steadily, not taking an eye off Devil Dog.

Devil Dog snaps out his whip in one quick motion of his hand, it cracking loudly as it sweeps out in an attempt to wrap around Crystal's lower legs.

Glass splinters fly off Crystal as she's grabbed.

Crystal snaps, "I knew you couldn't be trusted!" Snapping off one of the fingers of her left hand she hurls it at Devil Dog.

The jagged finger sticks into Devil Dog, even as a new one begins to grow back to replace it.

Paragon is too slow to react as the conversation suddenly erupts into a bloody battle. "Hey, now this isn't how heroes are supposed to act!" she snaps once blood is drawn. She quickly leans down and yanks at the whip entangled around her legs, trying to free her. Glancing up at Crystal sternly, she reminds, "Heroes don't kill or aim to maim, Crystal. I want to see you stand down and sit out if that's how you fight.

Crystal nods. "Very well. I'll stay back - as long as he doesn't touch me."

Paragon tugs away the whip with little effort, freeing Crystal's legs. She stands up, her muscles tensed. "Thank you, Crystal, but I hope you help me on that by getting some distance. And after this is over, you and I need to discuss about lethal force. She looks to Devil Dog, regretting the situation. "Are you alright...?" she asks, concerned.

Devil Dog reaches up to pull the finger from his chest, flicking it to one side even as it steams with his blood. Before everyone's eyes his chest starts to heal almost immediately, "I was hoping I'd get her out before you stepped in." he admits, then flicks his wrist around his head and aims the weapon at the side of Paragon's helmet, "Too bad."

Paragon braces for the hit and remains unmoved as the whip cracks loudly against her helm and snaps back towards Devil Dog from the recoil, lashing back at its owner.

Paragon braces for the hit as the whip cracks loudly against her helm and snaps back towards Devil Dog from the recoil, lashing back at its owner. The ringing sound in her helm forces her down onto a knee as she tries to keep her balance from the impact. "Your stronger than I have you credit," she says appreciatively.

Devil Dog grunts as his own whip is propelled back ward against him and he is thrown backward into the kitchen, somehow missing the walls and bouncing over the top of the island 14 M away.

Crystal repositions herself round a corner, so that DD will have to come to her if he wants to attack again, instead of using the whips at a distance.

Devil Dog bounces right off the island and tumbles threw a window, rolling across the sand outside.

Paragon shakes her head once and goes from kneeling crouch straight into a leap towards the fallen Devil Dog, gliding through the now smashed window. And she just fixed that! "I was hoping you wouldn't have started a fight at all, but now I have to keep both of you in line. It's not too late to yield. Just let me know when you're ready to do that," she replies as she aims to land on Devil Dog, feet first.

Devil Dog grunts a second time, softly despite what must be obvious pain, as Paragon lands on him. His red eyes flair up and he stairs up at her, even as she feels bones snap and reform under her.

Devil Dog rolls out from under Paragon and his wings flap once, forming from the fire that was covering his body. This effectively lifts him to his feet so that he can aim a hard flaming kick at the side of Paragon's head, more to get her away from him than anything else it seems, he looks pritty beat up all of a sudden.

Paragon's eyes blink on and off for a moment as she feels the weight of her blow crushing Devil Dog. She underestimated his durability. After all his talk and the force behind his whip, she thought he was invulnerable or something. "I'm...I'm sorry," she says with true regret, "I think you should yield. Please...I don't want to hurt you any further."

Paragon's head doesn't even snap back from the kick. She answers in kind by lunging forward, driving her elbow towards his stomach with a strike meant to sting rather than break. Sounding like she's still having a normal conversation, she offers pleadingly, "You can still yield. There's no shame in it."

Devil Dog rolls to the side as his feet hit the ground again, grumbling, "Damned armor.." to himself through what sounds like gritted teeth.

Paragon holds back for a moment, fists up in preparation, hoping Devil Dog will stand down.

Devil Dog stands up straight and rolls his shoulders, one of them cracking into place, his neck also popping a good deal. He simply snorts and scans the area, not attacking or really defending...

Paragon warns, "If you don't give me an answer, I'll assume you're still hostile." She doesn't want to attack Devil Dog while he's unprepared.

Devil Dog stands up straight and rolls his shoulders, one of them cracking into place, his neck also popping a good deal. He simply snorts and scans the area, not attacking or really defending...

Paragon takes a quick step forward and tries to strike Devil Dog in the chest with a palm strike. She's given him enough warnings, so he should know what he needs to do if he wants to end this.

Devil Dog steps backward to avoid the hand, still not seeming to be particularly defensive or offensive, studying the suited figure with thoughs red eyes.

Paragon comes up short as Devil Dog steps back. o O (What's he planning..?)

Paragon presses the attack, circling to the side and aiming a bodyshot towards his kidneys.

Paragon drives her armored fist into Devil Dog's kidney. It doesn't hurt nearly as bad as her punches at first, but it leaves the area stinging.

Crystal has been out of sight a while now.

Devil Dog flaps his wings once and flies up onto the roof of the house, probably something he spotted earlier. Either way it lets him get some distance in and think.

Paragon moves to follow Devil Dog as he heads back to the house, worried he's going to go after Crystal again. She leaps, landing next to him. "It doesn't have to be like this, Devil Dog," she implores him to stop.

Okay, there are times when it feels good to just be out in the water and swim with the sea life down there. Himinglaeva whooshes through the water with her eyes shut and just enjoys the -feel- of everything on her skin. But when she approaches back closer to Colonial Bay, she opens her eyes and peers up at the surface. What's that? Flames and other things going on up there? So, she bursts from the water to hover about three meters from the surface... probably within 10 meters of Devil Dog. As she does so she cries out, "Vhat goes on here?!" Of course, the fact that aside from conveniently placed water, she is in her altogether is a rather... interesting look for her.

Devil Dog growls out threw obviously gritted teeth, "Didn't even know I had kidneys." Then, as a last ditch act pretty much, turns to slam one flaming fist into Paragon's face.

Devil Dog uses +BODY to increase Body statistic.

Aoi comes flying in to the scene of the reported disturbance, her new rebuilt battlesuit ready for a field test. There's Paragon, and Devil Dog. Where's the opposition she wonders.

Okay, there are times when it feels good to just be out in the water and swim with the sea life down there. Himinglaeva whooshes through the water with her eyes shut and just enjoys the -feel- of everything on her skin. But when she approaches back closer to Colonial Bay, she opens her eyes and peers up at the surface. What's that? Flames and other things going on up there? So, she bursts from the water to hover about three meters from the surface... probably within 10 meters of Devil Dog. As she does so she cries out, "Vhat goes on here?!" Of course, the fact that aside from conveniently placed water, she is in her altogether is a rather... interesting look for her. (repose)

Paragon doesn't flinch, doesn't budge, as Devil Dog's fist crashes into her faceplate. "I think this fight is over," she says calmly. "Please don't make me put you down to stop you."

Paragon and Devil Dog are standing on the rooftop to a large, multi-room beach home that has seen better days. There are various building materials stored around it, and there are several man-sized and fist-sized holes and scorch marks, plus a blown out window with glass littering the ground. Although the rest of the damage was already there, the window damage is new.

"Devil Dog, vhat are you doing?!" calls Himinglaeva, "You have chosen a truly enormous Jotunn to square off against!" Calls out Himinglaeva as she drifts forward a bit and inclines her head to the left. "You do not vish battle?" she asks towards Paragon before pointing a hand at Devil Dog. "You vill stop this... friendly battle should only be joined when it is friendly on both sides.... do not make me stop you.."

Bard comes running as fast as he can. He is sprinting to get to the beach house, still a ways away when he can see what's going on. . o O (Just like she thought, DD is a mad man.) He was a ways away but has proven to be faster than what most would think. He sees Aoi, and prays that means she'll take Paragon's side. He's got to get there, he can hear their talking, and... Himinglaeva? Great this is going to be an all out brawl if this doesn't get under control and fast.

Paragon turns her head to Himinglaeva as she approaches, a little surprised by this new person. Is she a friend of Devil Dogs..? Does that currently make her a potential opponent given the circumstances. She says politely, "I'm afraid I cannot stand down if Devil Dog will continue to pursue this." She looks to her opponent again, waiting to see if he's ready to concede.

Aoi looks at the sea goddess with curiosity having not seen her before. The her attention goes back to the standoff between Devil Dog and Paragon, "Yes. What she said." Aoi states with a gesture to Himinglaeva. "If you want to spar there's Steel's Gym. Doing it here just wastes everyone's time. And that's not even considering the damage you're causing.

Devil Dog stares at Paragon, saying quietly as he reaches up to untie his bandanna and use it to whip at a couple of steaming cuts on his face, fire only on his wings hands and feet now, "This is a fight I can't win." he sighs, dropping the bandanna, "However. If I planned on escaping with my tail between my legs I could have done that already."

Devil Dog looks at everyone gathered, then with a resigned look on his face he lifts one combat-covered foot up and aims a hard kick at Paragon's face as his wings lift him into the air, attempting to stomp her hard enough to send her tumbling off the roof. It is clear by his expression and stance that he doesn't even expect the hit to land, but is duty bound to throw it anyway.

Shaking her head, the sea goddess just shakes her head. "Devil Dog, I knew you vere stupid but this is a new low." That said, she simply flies up closer, basically right into point blank range, almost between the two combatants before sending a jet of water towards DD. She figures as slow as he's moving, she'll have another chance if this misses.

Devil Dog is caught full in the chest and flung backward off the roof, impacting hard against the ground some 20 M away.

Aoi sees Devil Dog knocked back away from Paragonm and nods in approval of smart thinking by the sea goddess. Hovering in the air she continues to watch in case her involvement becomes required.

Paragon leaps after Devil Dog as he gets flung off the roof, landing lightly next to where he impacted the ground. She interposes herself between him and the house protectively.

Devil Dog collapses from the stinging blow at last.

Aoi sees Paragon making a move towards Devil Dog and shakes her head. She thought the hero was better than that. One of her arms lifts and extends towards the leaping hero and a neutron pulse fires at Paragon with the intent of knocking her down and keeping the combatants separated.

The thin neutral grey beam of hypervelocity atomic particles streams out hitting Paragon and transferring massive amounts of momentum.

Bard swears as he runs as fast as he can to the scene. DD may be out for the count but now everyone else if fighting. The devil is in the details and DD may not have intended this but this is certainly pissing Bard off a fair bit.

Paragon gets struck in the back, mid-leap as she moves to protect Crystal from Devil Dog. She's more than surprised that someone opened fire on her. The blast causes her to arch her back as she flies out to the water. Her eyes grow large as they widen, the water rushing up to meet her. KerSPLOOSH. She sinks like a rock. Bzzttt. Her cybernetics buzz plaintively from the water exposure, but it's not enough to cause Paragon any pain. Just a nervous twitch from spark.

Well, so much for the plan. Himinglaeva blinks as Aoi blasts Paragon and she curses something fierce in old norse. "Even I know that something that large and bulky dost not float!" she calls out before simply diving into the water via her flight power. Once in the water, she gestures at the giant machine and calls upon the waves themselves to lift it out of the water and onto the shore.

Paragon thinks. o O (Kzzztt--Arghguh...got..to get back to the beach.. to protect Crystal..)

Aoi flies closer to the beach, casting a glance over at Devil Dog to check he's not going to cause any more trouble. Hovering she calls down to Paragon, "You should be ashamed. Intending to hit someone already down. What kind of an example is that. There are kids who look up to you, think of you as a role model. Is this what you're going to be teaching them? To attack a defenceless opponent?"

Crystal peers out a window, seeing Devil Dog is down but made nervous by the presence of other heroes.

Paragon feels the push and pull of the currents created by Himinglaeva. She panics for a moment until she realizes she's being moved towards the shore. The waters wash her up onto the beach and recede, leaving Paragon on her hands and knees as water pours out from all the seams in her armor. There's the occasional sounds of sparking electricity as she drains. "I..h-had no intention of hitting him. I..had to protect the person he was trying to k-kidnap." She shudders, but whether it's from water damage or the cold, it's hard to tell. She remains on her hands and knees, head bowed in shame at Aoi's reprimands as her eyes fixate on the ground. o O (I have to be better than this..)

Crystal pulls back from the window sharply on seeing Bard!

Bard runs up as fast as he can. "Blue! Stand down!" He says looking at the scene about him. "If what I see and have been told are accurate, then what transpired here was this... man." He points to devil dog. "Has come here looking for answers to questions that didn't need to be asked. His approach most likely forceful, and his actions far from heroic." He looks to Paragon. "Where is crystal? Is she safe?" He asks, honestly concerned. He looks back to Aoi, "You should be the ashamed one, but now is not the hour for blame, what we must do is relax calm down, and try to communicate." He looks to Paragon. "Tell me, tell us, what exactly transpired. We must know now what happened, even that you don't wish to tell

Paragon's voice crackles, "She's safe in the house. Devil Dog tried to take her with him by f-force."

After the approach of Bard and all, Himinglaeva was making sure that Paragon was fully out of the water. She simply drifts forward and walks out of the surf with that layer of water covering the naughtybits. "Ah, it be the one touched by Baldr. Now, are ve calm enough to discuss matters rationally?" she asks as she places hands on her hips.

Paragon remains on her hands and knees in surrender at the waters edge, not wanting to provoke further attacks. There's still some water draining out of her armor and systems.

Aoi drops to the ground as she hears Paragon and Bard's comments. "Drat... I got it wrong again?" she sighs, feeling pretty miserable and ashamed herself. Her head sags as she looks over to Paragon, "I'm... I'm sorry. I misunderstood what you were doing."

And noticing the situation Paragon faces, Himinglaeva shakes her head and with a gesture, draws the water out of the giant metal body, coalescing it into the air and sending it back into the bay. "You are not suited to vork under the vater, are you?" she asks softly.

Paragon shakes her head slowly at Aoi's words. "Its-zzzztt- ..alright. Completely understandable given the circumstances. How were you to know..?" As Himinglaeva drains all the water from her systems, she gets up on one knee first, then slowly stands. "Much better. No, I'm afraid water is not my friend," she says sadly.

Crystal peeks out the window again to check Paragon is ok.

"Now, you vere protecting one vithin?" asks Himin... she eyes the window and nods, "That vould be her then?" she asks.. "Ock Devil Dog vished to... take her from you?" She nods and remarks, "You protected your charge vell it seems. Now, suppose ve talk to your charge and find out perhaps... vhat it is that the fiery one vished to take her for?" And of course, barefoot, Himinglaeva is starting to walk towards the house and the window.

Bard nods to Aoi. "It's okay, I have extra facts. Knowledge helps, I don't blame anyone." He looks to the house. "Good crystal si safe." He sighs, "And DD is out cold... he needs to be removed, and crystal needs to change location... Damn, Jing-yi's going kill me... I can take her." He winces at his own words. Phoenix will NOT be happy.

Paragon nods at Himinglaeva's questions. "He tried to get information from her that she wasn't willing to give. When he started getting threatening, I asked him to leave. That's when he attacked her. I tried to stop him and intervene in their fight, but Devil Dog is tough. I gave him several chances to yield, but he wouldn't stop."

Crystal withdraws from the window again at Himinglaeva's approach.

Aoi says, ".. and then I fired on you, Paragon, because I thought you were continuing the fight after he was down. I thought you and he was sparring. I don't know about you protecting someone."

Bard shakes his head. "There is no place for that." He looks to Paragon. "May I talk to Crystal? I'm just going offer her a new place in case he comes back." He looks to Aoi, and will put a hand on her shoulder if she allows. "It's okay. Don't blame yourself. Things aren't always as they seem." Something the twins incident taught him.

"Intent is important, you vere heroic in your attempts to stop this." offers Himinglaeva before she inclines her head to the left. "Mortal, fear not. I vish you no harm!" she calls towards the window. "I am Himinglaeva Aegirdottir, First of the Nine Vaves, and I give you my vord as a Vanir that I vill do you no harm!"

Paragon shakes her head slowly. "It's alright. I'm sure it looked all kinds of awful. I just wanted to make sure he didn't get too far away in case he tried to out-pace me and get to my charge," she chuckles lightly, sounding very forgiving. There's no blame in her voice at all. She looks down at Bard and motions towards the house. "Sure. That would be a good idea. It's not safe for her here any more." She turns and leads the way back to the house.

Crystal had been heading upstairs to hide, but turned back on seeing Paragon inviting the others in. It seems Paragon, at least, has won her trust.

Bard nods. "Walk with me please Paragon, she'll trust you more than me."

Anastrophe says, "Let me grab some coffee, though, before talk with Crystal!"

Paragon comments to Bard as she walks alongside Bard, "I think Devil Dog did more than harm than a broken window and a few dents in my armor. He made Crystal think the offer to help her was conditional."

Aoi looks at the state of the house. "Wow. There's a lot of damage here. But it looks like it's been damaged a while rather than from the fight between him and you, Paragon."

Bard nods to Aoi, "Probably, but the major concern is Devil dog coming back to find crystal. From now on, we never mention where she is. If we need to let someone know we'll call her something else, or the owner's location something else. Understood. I don't care what she did, but if someone with meta powers is after her, we've got to keep her safe.

Paragon laughs heartily. "Ohh, that damage was already there. All he did was break a window."

Aoi looks at Bard, "I don't even know who this Crystal person you're talking about is. But I can't go along with not caring what's she's done. That's not right. If she's committed serious crimes she should be punished for them."

Aoi turns to Paragon, "Will you let me have the damage fixed for you? As an apology for firing at you because of a misunderstanding."

Paragon whispers to Bard, "There's something else...Crystal resorted to lethal force right off the bat. I'm concerned. I had to intervene to protect Devil Dog from her as much as her from him."

Bard looks to Aoi. "She was misguided. Tricked by deceivers to do do things she didn't intend to. She means well, but needs to find her way. Either way I'm going to talk to her." He nods to Paragon before heading to the house.

"Intent is important, you vere heroic in your attempts to stop this." offers Himinglaeva before she inclines her head to the left. "Mortal, fear not. I vish you no harm!" she calls towards the window. "I am Himinglaeva Aegirdottir, First of the Nine Vaves, and I give you my vord as a Vanir that I vill do you no harm!"

Aoi thinks. o O (Bard talking to her might just be punishment enough. He made me feel thoroughly bad.)

Crystal pauses at that. She know the name, but isn't sure what to make of the claim.

Crystal does wait there, however, rather than retreating again at Aoi's overheard comment.

Paragon blinks at Aoi's offer. "I really appreciate the offer, but I wouldn't feel right about taking advantage of your generosity. I can take care of the repairs."

Bard looks back to paragon. He wants her with him just for a good word. He is afraid she may doubt his word alone having hurt him. Revenge and all :P

Not really understanding many of the nuances of the modern world, Himinglaeva simply walks up to the window and presses her hands to it. "This is amazing material, clear yet resilient..." she murmurs before leaning her face closer and peering inside with a facial expression that wouldn't look out of place on an innocent pre-teen gawking at wonders of the world.

The woman made of glass says "It's glass," to Himinglaeva.

Bard regardless makes his way into the house, knocking first. "Crystal are you in there?" He knows the answer but wants her to open the door first.

Crystal answers, "I am," keeping her voice level.

Paragon goes along with Bard as he approaches the house, staying at his side.

Bard says, "Mind opening the door?"

"It's alright, Crystal. The fight's over. No one here is going to make you do anything you don't want to," Paragon assures her.

Crystal opens the door at Paragon's assurance.

There's all these heroes trying to help and solve problems and then there's Himinglaeva, who's fascinated with windows, "I see so much of this ... glass all over this city. It ist amazing.." and she's trailing fingertips along the material. Talk about easily distracted. "Vhat ist -that-?" she asks as she looks beyond the window and sees... oh maybe a TV, a microwave, or some high tech thing inside. As she asks that, she dissolves into water and flows through the seals between window and pane before reforming on the floor and simply walking towards this -device-... almost ignoring everyone else now. Yargh, goddess with ADD, look a shiny!

Bard smiles and nods as she opens the door. "Thank you. May I come in?" He asks. "We need to talk."

Aoi doesn't just cross the threshold. Like Bard she asks if she can enter but addresses her question to Paragon.

Crystal says, "It's Paragon's house, you should ask her."

Paragon waves warmly to Crystal as she opens the door, looking a bit worse for wear. She leans back and looks over to Himinglaeva as she ooos and aaaahs at the house. "That's the entertainment center," she answers. She blinks as Himinglaeva dissolves through the window. o O (Ack, water damage! Those video game consoles were ElectroLad's!) She says, "Pardon," as she sticks her head in through the door past Crystal, calling out to Himing. "Those are, uh, electronics. Like me? They don't do well with water," she cautions.

Bard nods. "Paragon, may we enter?" He asks.

Paragon looks from Crystal, then to Bard and Aoi. "Sure, come on in. As long as no one intends to fight again," she laughs, but she sounds prepared. Just in case. She glances sideways at the knocked over kitchen appliances from where Devil Dog flew over the kitchen island and mentally sighs, but cheers up as she figures she can probably fix them.

Crystal hakes her head as Paragon enters. "What did I tell you? It's too late for 'second chances' for me."

Paragon says, "That was just one person, Crystal..and he seems like a bit of a loose cannon."

Paragon says, "He doesn't speak for the rest of us."

Bard smiles and shakes his head. "No, Devil dog is not the mind of many. We're here to keep you safe, but the supposed instant use of lethal force does concern me a bit." He says. "But how you were treated was not how anyone should ever be treated... I don't think I properly introduced myself." He holds out his hand for a hand shake. "Marcus Bard, at your service."

"Nonesense. Even a life of dishonor can be forgiven if one dies vell." offers Himinglaeva. She says this as she walks towards the entertainment center. "And vorry not, vater ist mine to command, it vill not contaminate your.... electronics?" she asks, making sure she gets the word right.

Bard looks to Himinglaeva "Traditions have long since changed. Death is not the answer here."

Crystal say to Bard, "No, but we met in the fight." She shakes her head. "But all it takes is one person to stop a second chance. He'll keep chasing me - and now I've made trouble for you as well."

Paragon nods once at Himinglaeva's words, and falls silent for a bit as she dwells on them.

Paragon says, "Well, Electronics break when water touches them. They stop working. It's like mixing water and lightning."

"Perhaps there are things that should not have changed. I did not mean to imply that death should be sought after. Merely that it ist possible for a person to correct mistakes of the past, vith actions of the present." She looks towards everyone else gathered and turns to face them as opposed to the electronics as she places hands on her hips once more, "Tell me I am wrong.." she challenges.

Paragon reasons cautiously, "I suppose one can redeem themselves either through good service or great sacrifice." She nods in agreement, holding that view personally. "That's one of the ways, anyway."

Bard smiles. "I have plenty of people who dislike me. But either my deeds will say what they think is wrong, or they can continue to hate me." He takes a seat. "Well, I'm here to give you a chance." He looks to Himinglaeva "Not everything changed." He tells her. "Now since DD is hell bent on getting what ever information he wants from you, we'll need to move you." He states. "I offer that you come with me, but on one condition. You stop using lethal force and attempt to help others, or even lead a simple life. either works." He smiles. "If you need someone to help start an investment for you, I'll help."

"But that's the problem," Crystal says sadly. "My powers are just too dangerous. Perhaps in your day," she says to Himinglaeva, "I could have been a hero. But not now."

Bard smiles. "You can turn things into glass. I know many a person who would love to have glass sculptures."

"Vhat information does Devil Dog seek?" asks Himinglaeva. "Ist is information you do not possess?" she asks Crystal. "Or are unwilling to divulge? Perhaps it ist merely the method he seeks to use to extract this information that ist the problem?" She inclines her head and shrugs, "A hero ist in the heart, not the weapons. A hero is defined by their actions."

Paragon says, "A simple life is still an option. You can live your life, free of violence."

"Oh yes. If I'd never tried to be a hero in the first place, I could have had a quiet life, perhaps. If there were no accidents. But now? Do you think people would leave me in peace to do that?"

Bard says, "Not everyone with powers are meant to fight with their powers. I knew a man his powers were healing, best doctor I've ever met. And I know they'll let you be. A new name could let you live in quiet and sell your art. If you're afraid they'll judge by how you look, work through others. There is little the mind can't overcome.""

Paragon smiles sadly behind the faceplate, her mind dwelling on something Himinglaeva said, but maintains an encouraging tone in her voice. "I think Triple Sec was able to help you set up a new life. I think all that's left is to find you a home. I'm afraid mine is too public to be safe for you. But you're always welcome here."

"But my powers are useless except for fighting! That's why I joined ACE. I wanted to do *some* good, even if I couldn't be a 'hero'...." She sighs. "But that got out of hand too. I know that. I just don't see another option any more."

"So, not everyone is meant to be a varrior. Some are meant to live in peace avay from the field of battle. If you have an opportunity to live a new life, perhaps you should take it, but... vhat -ist- the information that the violent one seeks?"

Aoi says, "What are your powers, Crystal?"

Bard sighs. "give me a moment." He says. He goes into the kitchen, returning with a fork. "Can you turn this into glass, like you tried to earlier?" He asks. "And anyways, we need to get you to a safer place. I live in teh artist's district. I'm pretty sure that someone there can help you try something new."

Crystal tells Himinglaeva, "He want me to betray my colleagues in RACE."

Bard sighs. "While it would help, violence isn't the answer here."

Inclining her head to the left, Himinglaeva seems confused, "Vhat ist RACE?" she asks simply. Yeah, she's got all this knowledge of the past, but nothing of recent events.

Crystal glances to Paragon for permission before destroying the fork.

Paragon chuckles, "Does it have to be my silverware..? Oh well..go for it." She gives Crystal the go ahead.

Bard looks to himinglaeva. "They're a group of people here hell bent on stopping alien invasion, and willing to kill all who even accidently enter our plain of existance. We stopped crystal and them from attacking another friend... though she did call me heartless..." Bard shrugs. "But they left her. She's misguided, and we wish to help her."

"Aliens, as in other vorlds?" asks Himinglaeva. Though she asks, "And how do the Nine vorlds rate on their scale? Do they consider that vhich vas part of Midgard long ago but hast been gone for centuries to be alien?" She looks right at Crystal and asks, "I am from Asgard, am I the enemy of this... RACE?"

Crystal tells Aoi, "As you seee, I have a body made of crystal. An alien crystal lifeform tried to eat me - it didn't quite succeed for some reason. But I have its powers. I can turn anything into like crystal." She converts the fork to glass in demonstration. "I generate quickly. And, when broken, I'm
 * very* sharp. Lethally so."

Crystal tells Himinglaeva honestly, "Yes, probably so. Not everyone has exactly the same beliefs. I wouldn't consider Asgard alien... but some other would."

Bard holds up the fork. "Think you can do this to a statue?" He asks, a clever smile on his face. "You'd manage to turn out quite the living."

Aoi holds her hand out towards Bard, "Can I see that?" she asks him indicating the transformed fork.

Crystal says to Bard, voice raised a bit, "Until someone whose death I caused comes to kill me. I never meant to kill, not once. It was always an accident - or someone taking a foolish chance. BUt I'm blamed for too many deaths, now."

Paragon thinks. o O (Wow, there was more than one..? Hmm..)

"Okay, so... do -you- believe in the goals of this organization?" asks Himinglaeva, "Or do you judge others on their actions and hearts rather than simply vhere they are from?" Himinglaeva inclines her head a bit and offers, "If I know of a place vhere you can be safe? Vould you take the opportunity?" she asks Crystal.

Paragon studies Crystal for a few moments. o O (I wish I had the chance to track down Triple Sec to learn about that...)

Bard gives Aoi the fork. "I've got plenty who want me dead." He says sternly. "I've watched my family die. If I can be redeemed, then so can you. The first part is letting go of the mentality that you must kill. They were accidents, were they not? If so, then stop fearing, stop hiding, and start trying to pick up the pieces and start anew."

Aoi examines the fork. "Will it change back over time? And does it have the strength of silver or of glass?" she asks Crystal.

Bard looks to his arm, covered by a jacket. "Well, I found it held to similar strength... but the object I examined wasn't fully changed."

Bard obviously isn't upset about what happened to any deree anymore.

Crystal responds to Himinglaeva, "There are many dangerous aliens out there, there is no doubt about it. You only have to look at me to see that. Some don't even know they're dangerous. It's true some of the others are... fanatical. And they trouble me, yes. But still, we do good work. Because too many people don't see the dangers..."

Paragon folds her arms over her chest, looking like she's thinking something over. "Well, there's always the 'fake your own death and assume another identity' if you're worried about someone coming for revenge. I've heard of people doing that before. But I wouldn't know how one sets that up."

Crystal tells Aoi, "Of glass. That is why my powers are so dangerous. NOt like the living crystal of my body, either."

Crystal responds to Bard, "People don't care they were accidents. But I am trying, or I wouldn't be here."

Crystal says to Aoi, "It may turn back in time. Living things do, if slowly. Unliving things - sometimes. Metal generally does."

Aoi nods, "If you want to do good deeds, Crystal, have you thought how valuable this ability would be to rescue efforts. For freeing trapped people from vehicle wrecks. You say your abilities are only good for combat. I'd say your abilities aren't useful for combat because they are too dangerous to use, but they are useful for non-combat activities."

"Vell, being different does not make one better or vorse. Merely different. I vould think on that in the future, but it seems you have things handled here. I can try to arrange for safehaven if you vish..." she gestures to the water outside and says, "I can return home and see if she vould be velcome in the halls of Valhalla?"

Crystal tells Aoi, "I've used them for such things, of course! BUt even so.... the glass is so sharp, it can be dangerous."

Crystal blinks at Himinglaeva. "Valhalla?!"

Bard extends his hand. "Then prove them wrong. It'll be an up hill battle. You'll be hated, you'll be scorned but if you let them reach you then it can never change." He has a soft expression trying to comfort. "We're here to help, and though some will want you for things of questionable nature, as your friends we aren't here to scorn you. Though some things are greater than others, a single act of kindness can change the world." Bard, if allowed, will tell the story of a preacher who placed a pamphlet on a drunk sailor. the sailor woke up, returned to his ship, read the pamphlet. The man then spread faith to hundreds of otherwise hopeless souls, returning to find the man who gave him the pamphlet. And the giver of the pamphlet cried deeply for he never though a single person was changed, but his action changed hundreds of lives.

Paragon stares at Himing for a moment. "Don't you have to die to go there?"

"Valhalla, as a guest of the All Father." Himinglaeva laughs and shrugs her shoulders, "That ist the most common vay of getting there but there are portals I know of, and my companion Bryn may be able to transport others should it be required or desired. It vas merely a suggestion."

Crystal stares. "Is that possible?" She asks the others, "Is she what she says?"

Paragon shrugs her shoulders slightly. "I've see some strange things, but I hardly know her."

Bard looks to crystal. "That or she's insane, you can never really know in this city..."

Aoi shrugs, "What Paragon said."

"Valhalla - it's far enough away perhaps I *could* start again there!"

Narrowing her eyes Himinglaeva says to Bard, "Be careful who you call insane. My father ist the god of the sea, and I am a direct relation to the guardian of Bifrost. I think I can go there and ask him to extend the bridge to here should it be desired. I vould happily make you velcome in Asgard, and vouch for you to Odin himself." she says to Crystal.

Crystal says, "Is such a think is possible - I - I'd have to think about it, it would mean leaving Earth - Midgard - what life would I have there?"

Bard sighs, obviously Crystal wants to flee than face, but he'll let her choose her destiny. frankly he doesn't think sending her to Valhalla is the best option, but her life. Though a thought arises, wouldn't this make Crystal the alien then?

"Vhatever life you vish to make for yourself. You could fight if you vished, or life a simple life in the shining city. That choice vould be yours. And you could visit if you so desired." offers Himinglaeva. She smiles a bit and extends her arms out from her side, "I vould claim you as a guest of the sea gods... that vould make you very respected indeed."

Crystal nods. "If I could visit - it would certainly help me decide... It's such a big decision...."

"If you so decide, then remain here. I vill return shortly." offers Himinglaeva as she walks out the door and then takes to the air before diving into the water. She will be gone for... well, likely an hour or two while she locates the nearest portal and then convinces folks to open the doors to Crystal for a short time.... but soon, the weather seems to change just a bit outside, and a rainbow can be seen extending across the bay before literally striking the beach out front. Out of the various colors steps Himinglaeva where she stands and simply waits.

Crystal says to Bard, "You disapprove."

Bard smiles. "I find irony is all. You're life, you're choice. Besides it save me for 1 argument with my girlfriend."

Crystal says, "I'm not running away. I'm finding a way forward, when I thought there wasn't one any more. If I choose to do this, that is..."

"Bifrost avaits." offers the sea goddess as she stands outside. She smiles and waits patiently though but she does offer, "My sisters have made their special brew, and there be a party and a meal vaiting for you... as the first -guest- of the Shining city for centuries.."

Paragon says kindly, "Do what you think is right, and what you think will make you happy."

Bard smiles. "Peace be with you, crystal. May we meet again on a happier note."

That thought is enough to convince Crystal to go. But not before running back to her room to collect a bag including a number of things -- including her camera!

Aoi watches quietly, not knowing enough to comment

Crystal says to Himinglaeva, "Thank you for this chance -I only wish it could have years ago, before.... some things I regret."

"The past ist the past. The future awaits." offers Himinglaeva as she steps into the beams of light and holds a hand out for Crystal. "Shall ve go? Ve are late for your party."

Crystal smiles, hope in her eyes for the first time in a long time. "Let's go!"

Paragon smiles behind the faceplate, happy to see a look of hope on Crystal's face. "Take care of yourself, Crystal," she wishes her the best.

And with a growing brightness, the bridge withdraws, two passengers along with it. Party time in Asgard!!