Beneath Blue [Open DE / Saga]

Like a moth to the flame, a dazzling golden streak would rip through the air towards the android's location. It wouldn't be long till the figure of Earth's number one (only) super hero could be made out as he made a beeline towards the androgynous mechanicaloid hanging in the air. Every word of the administrator's speech ran through Nicolas' head as he made his way out to him. Was this really happening? Could the once Redeemed Realigner turned Administrator really step in for president Bao? What had happened to the president? Just what happened with the saiyans while he was away? Nicolas recalled Bing briefly telling of a skirmish but he didn't think it was serious enough for the Army to come declare martial law on the populace. Could Vi just be making a dramatic power grab? Or...Did he perhaps know about Kanassa?!

His thoughts ceased as he suddenly stopped. "Virtual Poi! We meet again!" He called out in his goofy super tone as he dramatically crossed his arms. His cape seemed to sparkle with energy as it billowed in the wind while he hovered before the legendary Azure Warrior. The caped crusader couldn't help but take a moment to admire the ornate attire the android was garbed in. It was the perfect combination of class and badassary and he was frankly pretty jealous he would never be able to truly pull a look like that off. Thinking better than to hang in silence and stare at the cool looking general Captain Nova would look up to the smaller slimmer male and cut an over the top heroic smirk. "I can't help but feel like fate keeps putting us together. I'm thankful that this time it's somewhere where I won't be too worried about civilians getting in the way." He commented, not realizing the irony of the situation. For all intents and purposes Captain Nova held no military rank and according to Vi shouldn't have been there at all. After all he was just a costumed vigilante.

"You certainly know how to make a speech though. Hearing it made me realize that I had to come out and make a few words myself. I know you said you didn't want anyone coming and you'd consider them an enemy of sorts if they did but as a Captain, I figured you'd me at least lend me some spotlight." Maybe the irony wasn't completely lost on him, his cheeky use of his self given title seemed a bit too snarky to be mistaken for his usual foolishness.

"Given our checkered past you might see my coming here as me attempting some sort of rebellion due to previous slights. You're probably wondering what I'm planning or If I'm gonna suddenly launch into an attack or give you a lecture. To be honest I'm not entirely sure what I'm hoping to accomplish but..."

"If you would allow it... I'd like to make an address with you to the world."

He hoped for his approval, but whether or not he got it he would turn to the Camera.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the world! This is your favorite hero Captain Nova coming to you live with Vi Poi. I know a lot of you are probably upset about what has happened. A lot of you are probably scared about Vi Poi asserting his power over the world but trust in me when I say It's for the best! I've seen the queen of the saiyans first hand! I went to nobly challenge her off world but despite my valiant efforts I alone was no match! That's why we need to stand together! We need to let Vi Poi and the Blue Banner Army stand as our protectors so we can all be safe! To any would be heroes out there that think challenging Vi Poi will be somehow a righteous thing to do I beg you to reconsider! If we fight... We won't survive when Lady Death returns."

He turned to Vi Poi solemnly as he clenched his fists. "As a sign of good faith..." He reached his visor and slowly removed it so he may reveal his face to not only Vi Poi but the rest of the world for the very first time. "I, Nicolas Mclendon, would like to enlist."

---

PL 20,015/80,060 (due to heavy weights)

So far, the day for Alexander Voss had been absolutely boring. The shift that was going to come to his attention had not been something that he had expected. The winds of change blew from an altogether different direction- one that he was not prepared to deal with, and they’d come with a vengeance that shattered the normalcy of his sheltered life.

He was at home, for once, the pencil held firmly between his fingers as his hand drifted over page after page, filling out information on the homework that he’d received. He’d neglected to do it for several weeks, and now he was beginning to feel it pile up. Due to this, he’d taken a few days away from class in order to get things back to where they should have been, with him at the top. Of course, he hadn’t been able to continue his conquest in getting to become the strongest at the school…but he was certain that it would only be a matter of time.

The news was on, something that his father enjoyed watching, but nothing that Alexander had any real interest in. From a young age, he had realized that power is what ran the world. No matter your ideals, if you had enough strength behind you to carry them out, they would become the ideals of those who followed you, whether by choice, or not. Might, in this world, made right. As such, the political race that had recently occurred (including one Jax Punchlust) had been of very little interest to the young man. It was simply those boasting about what they would do, endearing to populations in order to win some sort of evolved popularity contest.

“Oh what is this shit?” he heard his father call from the television as the news seemed to suddenly shift, taking on a different interview than had been on before. “Is that those Blue Banners? Vi-Poi?” his father asked, looking to his mother for confirmation, who merely shrugged. Alexander arched a brow at the rather…young-looking male, who began to speak into the camera. He frowned as the fellow began, and once more, Alex merely rolled his eyes, ignoring the man speaking on the screen. More boasts. More empty promises. The setting was interesting, but the content was nothing that would interest him. That is, until a particular name was dropped, sending a rush of heat over his flesh, followed by the icy cold touch of shame.

“I now reaffirm that promise, and announce a mutual alliance of friendship with the Galactic Patrol and its commander, Beryl.” 

Beryl Roarke. Alexander had recently challenged the leader of the Galactic Patrol to a fight. He had heard great things about the man from the arcosian, Core Stold, and then later from Samba. The name seemed to be wherever he went, and talk on how incredibly powerful the man seemed to be had spurred Alexander to issue the gauntlet. He had brought everything he had to bear against the man, and despite it all, the struggling and futility, Alex had lost. The shame then had fueled strength within him, spurring him onward to something greater…or at least, that had been the plan.

But now as he sat in the living room, his attention was pulled to the television like a siphon, and he did not look away as the man whom his father called Vi-Poi continued to speak. His father’s expression turned steadily more sour as they watched as this fellow of the ‘Blue Banner Army’ continued to lay his claim for taking presidency of the Earth by nothing more than its own necessity. Alex watched with a look of both mystification, as well as curiosity. This man was one who was claiming to be strong enough to unite all of the Earth beneath his rule. Beryl had a large group beneath him, one that Alexander was working toward joining, but this was even more powerful than that.

He heard his father continue to speak, mostly giving posturing about why this was a terrible idea, and that their legal system wasn’t broken, and so forth. But Alex paid that little mind as he moved to the balcony from their penthouse apartment. His father’s money did well to provide for them, but such wasn’t what Alexander was after. It was power. Enough strength to make those bow and follow you because it was the best option, not because of some popularity contest.

His conversation with Sangu ran through his mind. They had talked on doing what they could do to defend the Earth. From what Vi-Poi was saying…there were Saiyans that might invade? Such a thing he did recall vaguely remembering happening before, but that was when he’d trapped himself away from the world in the grief of Fudendrenk dying- he had missed much in that time, it seemed. Then too, the conversation he’d had with Ninjin followed, about never taking the path that you were assured of the outcome, and to always follow your heart into the unknown.

That had led to his current power of Void that ran through his body, and had caused him to reach a height that he was certain was causing slight fear in She Who Watches. He had ascended past anything that he had ever assumed, and yet even now, things were continuing to grow for him…and this was just another stepping stone. Vi-Poi, whoever he was, epitomized what Alexander sought: power to unite. And for that, he had to offer his hand to the fellow’s cause.

From the balcony, the Void began to trickle upward, like water droplets sliding up his arm, rather than down, as several writhing fronds of energy began to emerge from his back. Seconds later, they formed into large, bat-like wings and, homework forgotten, Alexander ascended to the skies with a single push of the powerful limbs, before he began to speed toward where he knew the man was.

--

Alexander arrived a few moments later, noting that there were several others that had made their presence known as well. His eyes widened briefly as he realized one of them was Ninjin, the woman who had inadvertently set him upon the path that he was now walking. From the skies, Alexander descended like a missile as his wings wrapped around him. He spiraled downward, drawing closer, only to have them flare open seconds before he touched the ground, allowing his descent to stop on a dime, before he set his feet down upon the rocky terrain.

“Ninjin,” he called to the woman. “It’s good to see you again,” he spoke, before he turned his gaze to the man known as Vi-Poi. He seemed, much like Beryl, to be unassuming. He didn’t look like he had the strength to lead as he proclaimed he would. Yet there was something about him that gave Alexander pause. Something that would stop him from challenging him to a fight as he’d done to Beryl. “I did not know your name, or your face, before today,” Alexander called to the man, the dark energy of the Void swirling around him, even now. “But I can appreciate the words that you speak, and I feel that such measures are necessary, if we are truly under the threat of an impending Saiyan attack,” he spoke.

“I am Alexander Voss, and while you too may not know me, if your words ring true, then I will stand behind you,” he spoke, his cold green gaze watching the man before him. To Alex, the only reason to follow, was to chase. He lingered behind Beryl and this other in power…but he could see them. He knew what direction to travel to catch them. And if he supported them for now, that would only give him that much more power in learning how to keep up with the pace they would set.

---

((Thread PL: 156,254 | Heavy Weights: 39,064))

Vi-Poi folded his arms as the powers approached. None were so large that he couldn't easily destroy them, but he was slightly affronted that so many seemed to be coalescing. First was a familiar one, the ridiculous costumed Captain Nova. He decided to allow the caped captain’s request for a broadcast while he mulled over whether to attack the challenger. Vi-Poi had his control suites embedded wirelessly into the camera, and the feed was delayed by a ten second relay. Anything controversial said could be blocked.

To the android’s great surprise, Captain Nova offered a conciliatory speech to the world about coming together to face the Saiyans. When he gave his identity to the world however, the ghost in his circuitry cringed, and he quickly censored the name with a BEEEEEEP and hurriedly replaced his face with a pixel scatter so that no one at home would hear the captain’s true identity. “I appreciate your words, your dedication, and your sincerity.” The android said slowly. “But as an ardent fan of cinema, I have blocked the portion revealing your identity.” He raised a lecturing finger, chin tilting down judiciously, his words coming out quietly. “According to Ornion Shallotnagger in his seminal nonfiction work Behind the Scenes of Salad Tosser IX: Lettuce Never Forget, an expose of his first directorial attempt widely regarded by myself as a masterpiece, the legendary actor and director says that you must create an aura of mystery in order to stir up hope and intrigue among your audience, just as he did in Lettuce Never Forget when we do not know and are never told why our culinary hero now has amnesia and has forgotten the secret ingredient to his Master Dressing. You should never reveal the reasons behind your mystery, as it will continue to broaden your appeal!” A green flush came to his face with some embarrassment. Who was he to lecture another about his alternate egos? “Although, if you still would like to share your identity, I won’t stop you a second time.”

Resuming the recording, Vi-Poi watched the others approach. When Ninjin arrived and gave her kind wars, Vi-Poi folded at the waist, bowing to her as a student does to the sensei, catching the turtle emblem in his hand and placing it among the badges on his chest. “I will continue to lead this planet justly, for as long as I am able.” He agreed.

The next was a strange figure, human by analytics, with bat-like wings created by a dark aura that roamed across his shoulders. Besides the novel ki theatrics, the newcomer had a very strong ki signature. He was consistently amazed by humans. Two years past, powers like these would have been unheard of. It reinforced his idea of some unknown force in the animus of ki, something which was causing these energies to grow, now. Perhaps it was the life force of the Universe, responding against the deaths caused by the Tree of Might, as immune systems grow against viruses. “I am Virtual Poi, and I look forward to your support. The Saiyans will remain a threat until they are decisively defeated within their own territory.” Vi-Poi said to Alexander, nodding.

When the final power in the Namekian appeared, the diminutive android inclined his head. Even after restoring their planet and population, he owed these people a debt. He instantly agreed to her proposition, and asked how he might specifically be of service and against whom. The Namekians might greet him coldly because of their dealings with his hijacked body, but he was certain he could be of use.

He finished the dialogues by offering all those in attendance a spot within KAOS, which he intended to let loose upon the galaxy in the coming weeks and months. “Earth will need to be more proactive in the future, to augment the Galactic Patrol’s authority.” Vi-Poi explained. “Of course, we will only work within the confines of interstellar law.”

If the others agreed, or if they had nothing more to speak on, Vi-Poi would return to his ship high in orbit and begin his move into the King Castle office and residence. Already Blue Banner had agents securing the Central Capital, and the Legislature was reacting to this live broadcast by holding frantic emergency votes affirming Vi-Poi's bid. They did not want to go against such unanimity from strong powers. There would be a parade, and a celebration in order. Then the hard business would begin.

“I will call each one of you when the real work begins.” Vi-Poi said, humbled by the show of support.

(Attempting Exit, PL please fun writin! Making a thread in the North with a celebration type deal, and meetings, if any of yall would like to attend. )

Nicolas hung his head at Vi Poi's words. His (admittedly blurry, that visor is prescription) vision focused on the mask he held in his hands. He felt his gloved thumbs rub over the reflective surface as he reflected on his own thoughts. He smirked softly, realizing that once again Vi Poi had managed to take away his thunder and foil his plans. Though this time, it was clearly to protect him. Be it for the sake of his image, or to go by the hero cliche and to protect his loved ones; Vi Poi wasn't going to let him reveal his true identity just yet. In hindsight, Nicolas felt incredibly thankful for it but he couldn't help but feel a little defeated.

"Heh..." He laughed in his throat, as he slowly put on his mask. "If mystery is what you want...and showmanship is what you crave...I won't disappoint!" He said flashing a heroic smirk as he puffed his chest and placed his hands on his hips. "I am after all, the greatest hero in the cosmos!" He forced a laugh as he suddenly broke into a flashy pose. One that caused his cape to inexplicably billow in the breeze.

He didn't know what was in store for him but he felt like aligning himself with the Virtual Protector was the best course of action. He was the strongest of all redeemed heroes as far as he could tell! He had to trust him. To believe in him and to fight for him. It didn't matter if he was some kind of former villain...

He had to believe that he had truly changed for the better...

...Because if he didn't...How could he ever bring it in himself to trust her?

Alexander’s mind was focused on the android before him, mostly curious on what he would bring to offer them. He had promised, guaranteed that he would lead the Earth against the Saiyans should they attack. This fellow seemed to be fairly…certain that such an event would come to pass, and as such, he couldn’t help but to feel a little anxious. Just a bit of apprehension sliding across his mind as he looked on with that same curiosity that he often held. Granted, it was oft hidden behind his mask of uncaring coldness, something that he often wore simply because it had been what he’d worn for so long. Now, of course, it masked the pain that was constantly thudding through his body, courtesy of Ayumu.

His gaze flickered to the side as he heard another approaching, his features showing the barest hint of surprise at what he’d seen. It was a Namekian, something that he’d not dealt with before, but he had heard of them before in his travels and teachings from Fudendrenk. However, what he saw clashed with the images that he’d seen prior, and he wondered if this one might be different somehow. It wasn’t his place to question, of course. However as it spoke, he arched a brow in curiosity. There were demons as well that were attacking places?

He gave a small sound of thought as his mind seemed to process those words, trying to reconcile them in his mind. Were there really hordes of demons that had just…moved onto Namek and had occupied the Namekian home world? He frowned slightly then as he glanced down to his own arm, curious if it might be the same ilk that he was drawing his power from. While such were not demons, per se, he would not put it outside of anyone’s possibility to refer to them as such, especially after seeing the many forms of She Who Watches. He sincerely doubted it, given that he had never seen the creatures beyond his own power.

The one known as Virtual Poi then identified himself directly to Alexander, offering his insight into the situation. He gave a small sound of thought- defeated within their own territory? Was this android suggesting that they leave Earth and move to another planet in order to deal with a threat? He found that oddly proactive and dangerous, but alluring. It was like catching a rat before baiting a trap with cheese. There was no need for waiting and hoping that the rat would appear if you simply went into its nest on your own and tore it apart with your own hands.

“I see,” Alexander finally spoke, giving a small nod in response to the fellow who had addressed him. “I will await the time in which we make that incursion,” he said, speaking stiffly, formally. He didn’t know who this person was, at least not as well as Ninjin and some others seemed to, but by that same token, he also realized that this android was proclaiming himself the ruler of Earth out of necessity, so they had a central pillar to unify around. Given that not a single person had chosen to dissuade him from this path, he could only assume that people either agreed, as he did, or were complacent enough to simply allow it. In any case, he was speaking directly with the current leader of Earth and for that, he felt that he should remain as formal as he could.

The male merely continued to watch as the other continued to speak to the others before offering a spot within something known as KAOS, which Alexander was not intimately familiar with, much as he wasn’t with much of Vi-Poi. He continued his speech on that proactivity and working side by side with the Galactic Patrol as far as following Interstellar Law, though he wondered vaguely if some of those rules might be bent or broken for the “greater good.” Then again, if the Saiyans were truly such a threat to Earth that something like this had been necessitated, then it stood to reason that such measures might need to be enacted.

“I await the call,” Alexander answered the man’s words, indicating that he would be called upon when things actually started. He could not deny a faint rush of excitement through his body when he had agreed to it. He wanted to see exactly what could come to pass if he pushed himself. He didn’t know how strong these saiyans were, but he wanted to see. He needed to push himself against the Saiyans and to stop the threat that would come to Earth. He wondered if the Saiyans had ever seen the power of Void…and if not, he would show them first-hand.

The others seemed to back out after that, leaving Alexander without much to go off of, though he nodded at Ninjin’s greeting. She was something of his master…to a point. One session in the mountains, but the words she’d given had shaped the direction that his life had gone. He could have forsook the power of the Void, and took the more obvious path of Ki. But she had suggested that he not follow that path that he could clearly see, and to instead walk that which was clouded. Only then could he realize his true destiny and power by not taking the easy path, but instead walking down that which he knew not where it would lead.

Alexander looked on as the others made their leave and he too realized that there would be nothing of import happening here. A shame. His gaze moved to Vi-Poi’s retreating back and wondered, vaguely, where he stacked up against the android. He couldn’t deny a rush of excitement at getting to fight against someone of his caliber, though he imagined that the Saiyans would have several that would be that powerful, or stronger, that he could pit himself against. Moving to set a hand on the ground, the Void trickled out from his arm to his shoulders, once more forming into the oversized wings.

“I look forward to our next reunion, Ninjin,” he said simply, before the boy went skyward, the wings carrying him up before another beat, and he was gone.

((Thread Exit, Heavy Weights, PL Please))