ParagonAt first, I only dabbled in flights of fancywithout rhyme, within reason—a secondhand key to a fantastic reality.The art soon becamemeticulous, exacting, consuming:the fates of my inner liveswere in the palms of my hands,molded like clay to my whims.I sought the paragons withinand became the voice of many shells,entranced by the powers and possibilitiesthat could never be more than imagination.For all their intangibilitythe feelings were real, as were the alliances I forged:we who heeded the call to make a difference—there were heroes inside all of us.
Bittersweet: Happy Anniversary CoHBrent casually walked down the street, a light jacket zipped clear to the top. Winter still hadn’t fully loosened his tight grasp on the season—for a moment Brent entertained the thought of going all the way to Lord and Lady Winter’s realm to have a word—but no… that would just bring down trouble. Besides, there were no more heroes to join him. He kicked a rock and scowled. It skipped across the pavement. Well—there were heroes—and villains—but they’d all been forced into hiding. What was the excuse used again? Something about perpetuating a cycle? Being too dangerous? Maybe it was that t
The InterminablesEdmund Templeton is the Hour Thief, a perpetually 35-year-old librarian, linguist, and wizard of words who cons foes out of their own lifespan. Istvan Czernin is the Devil's Doctor, a spectral avatar of trench warfare and futility and, incidentally, the best surgeon on Earth. Together, they are known as the Interminables: agents trusted to never change, never die, and always- always- get the job done. Unfortunately, in a near future where most governments have fragmented, natural laws have become guidelines, and even the most unassuming neighborhood can play host to powers beyond the understanding of both science and magic, even they run into the occasional snag.Enter Kaylee Murphy. As if the reappearance of a young woman known to accidentally crush skyscrapers into powder wasn't enough, she and her recalcitrant alien ally Paenitet bring dire tidings: the ancient cult of Upheaval has survived its supposed destruction, and plans to distribute an unknown bioweapon across the eastern
A Little DriftA Little Driftby Christian O'Kane The woman had black hair that hung down in on either side of her head in long braids. Her slim body was covered by form fitting battle armor painted with tiger stripes. On her back were two wickedly sharp katanas. "Explain to me what you had in mind?" Alicia asked the man standing next to her in a white lab coat. "Cellular regeneration," Doctor Philipson said. "We have been working on a patient with severe injuries, healing those wounds completely. Even to the point of regrowing lost body parts like internal organs and lost limbs." The two were standing in front of a large tank whose clear walls allo
City of Heroes Story - Siege part 3The group started moving down the street but the going was slow. They would only get a short way before having to stop and deal with more attackers. Along the way they met up with other Longbow soldiers. Soon what had started as just her was a group of a dozen people all of them heavily armed. They moved past the wrecked cars and debris that lined the street. All weapons were ready as all eyes scanned the buildings around them for sign of trouble, The buildings pulled back creating a small plaza that was dominated by a large statue of metal and stone. She wasn't sure if the statue was supposed to be abstract art or had been more conve
Siege Part 2Four Hours, 1 bath and a bowl of okrosha soup later: The woman was stretched out on her couch sipping on a cup of hot tea. "We've been through 257 separate configurations," the nanites commented in a tired tone. "And you STILL haven't chosen." The woman sat up suddenly and put down the cup of tea. "Afghanistan.". "Afghanistan?" the nanites asked. "You want to be an entire country?" "No, many years ago I was in that country on a mission," she explained. "I was way up in the mountains and was honored to catch a glimpse of a snow leopard!" "Uncia uncia, Snow leopard!" The nanites commented. "A good choice. Sensitive heari
City of Heroes Story - Siege part 1Siegeby Christian O'KaneThis takes place a few days after Desert Campaign It was raining lightly when Strela arrived back on Mercy island. It had not been a pleasant trip back. She hadn't even tried to return to the Raiders after the devastating attack. The base had been very thoroughly trashed by the Americans. The mutant archer hadn't actually stayed long enough to find out how badly. Instead she had flown across the desert to a small port town. The liberal application of cash had gotten her a seat on a decrepit looking C47 cargo plane. Once in Port Oakes more money had gotten her past the airport security without difficult questions