>First Thread:
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/2424210/#2424210

>Previous Thread(s):
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=A%20New%20Mutant%20Quest

>Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/r4mTphVV

>Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIla03MZw7Ev6y7u98WYVeV9HuS5-Ez9R

Oh fuck, I forgot my name.

Anyway, I'm back from my depression and GoT/ASoIaF quest, how've you guys been?

>>3616650
>[ ] "Fucking hell, Marino, you should have heard those two book boys talk to me: they're supposed to defend me but they hate my Black Mexican ass."
>[ ] Chat up the cops, they're fun when they're not gloomy.

Hey boss! Are you done with your GoT quest or going to be rotating?

>>3616732
Rotating, I need to learn how to quicken up my pace and also avoid getting bored of this one.

What'd you think of it?

>>3616776
Didn't really participate. GoT isn't my bag. From the bit I read there was good characterization though.

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3616913
Missed the vote like always, but I'm here!

>>3616783
>GoT isn't my bag.
Same.
But I might check it out now that I know it's got fungus in it.
Wouldn't be the first fanfic I've followed without being familiar with the source material.

>[X] "Fucking hell, Marino, you should have heard those two book boys talk to me: they're supposed to defend me but they hate my Black Mexican ass."
>[X] Chat up the cops, they're fun when they're not gloomy.

>(1/2)

Right now, you kind of need someone to vent to and forget about that major thing you found out. Marino will understand your frustration with the odd lawyer team: they are self righteous assholes. You're the victim in all this but just because you're not all you said to be means you're somehow a 'bad guy' and they need to make you aware of it.

You turn to the cell guard.

"Fucking hell, Marino, you should have heard those two book boys talk to me: they're supposed to defend me but they hate my Black Mexican ass."

The policeman laughs and shakes his head.

"Real pieces of work, huh? Acting like heroes when they're the assholes they think we are. Not saying all of us aren't assholes, but at least we have good reason to be."

Nodding your head in agreement, you cluck your tongue.

"Lawyers like them defend the criminals they hate while you put them away and have to deal with all the shit they do. I can understand the rudeness from the boys in blue, I've seen and dealt with the same shit back in my neighborhood, but the boys in suits need to remember what they're really all about: getting paid to get people off."

Marino hums in agreement.

"Damn right, Reyes, damn right."

>(2/2)

You spend the next several hours shittalking lawyers and talking about crimes you've witnessed yourself with Marino, his following replacements, and other passing curious guards.

As you back away from the cell bars, Jonathon, your newest cell guard homie, laughs from a joke you made about pedophiles and lolipops in alleyways.

"Jesus Christ, really?"

You let out a laugh of your own.

"I swear, all of them suck some kind of lollipop. The ones outside of them just offer kids candy but they're always sucking on something; it's like the garbage bags are filled with those fucking things. Probably getting some practice in, huh?"

Jon falls back against the cell corridor wall and laughs into his hands.

"That is fucked up." His muffled voice seeps out of his mitts.

Nodding, you sit down on the cell floor.

A lot of the cops here have taken up a morbid sense of humor to deal with all the shit they wade through. It's not as bad as it is in Hunts Point, but it still sucks here in Manhattan. Most of a cop's job is either doing nothing on the streets, helping the management of a station, or seeing the absolute worst of humanity depending on their position. Jadedness rubs off on people, though, and a lot of cops share stories with each other.

Part of the reason why you have a no-kill rule on cops is because of all the shit they already go through besides the hell a murdered one brings on a crime community. It'd be better for you if they were all corrupt but that'd make them belong to the highest bidder and make things shitty for a lot of other people. Morally flexible cops willing to look the other way once or twice are fine while a completely corrupt cop is just a rabid dog waiting to be put down like the glorified two-bit street thug they are.

>[ ] "Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."
>[ ] "Have you heard the name of the guy I trampled yet? I thought everyone would've heard his name by now but Harris hasn't."
>[ ] Teleport out of the cell to get a coffee and teleport back, it'd fuck with Jon and also be fun for you.
>[ ] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do until your court hearing.
>[ ] Do you think you and I can trust the Blind man and the fat one?
>[ ] Write In.

>>3617213
>[ ] "Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."
We're pretty chummy so they might do us a solid and put in a good word with whoever is transporting us.

Getting late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts or questions, anons?

>>3617291
I'm liking Kojo slowly recruiting the boys in blue to his side.

>>3617213
>>[ ] "Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."

>>3617213
>>[X] "Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."

>>3617213
>[ ] "Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."

He should have no gripes about telling you by now, if he even knows. You've never heard of how mutants or even supers in general are processed other than how they're being taken to special prisons. There could be some kind of kill squad escorting you to the nearest super prison looking for any and every excuse to blow your brains out before you reach your cell. It's possible SHIELD might just pop up and abduct you away from all your legal bullshit: too brazen and attention-grabbing a move, though.

"Do you know how they process mutants? I've behaved well so far but I'm not sure whether or not that matters all things considered."

Jon shrugs.

"Most of the time, the Avengers either take care of it if they're the ones who brought them in. Other times, when Spider-man webs them or some other low time guy helps us out, we hold them until SHIELD or a special police force unit arrives to take them away."

You shoot the man a questioning look.

"Where do the Avengers hold them?"

Cell guard man sighs.

"They just take them to one of the super prisons. Nice of them after stealing our thunder and making all of us look incompetent. Some supers, I can understand but they usually leave them too knocked the fuck out to do anything."

A small hum purrs in your throat.

Some kind of mutant kill squad is going to probably end up escorting you. None of what you pulled off at the coffee shop was low-grade super shit: bullet-proof skin automatically puts you up there in mid-tier mutant powers thanks to rendering most modern weapons ineffective. They're probably going to have alien lazer weapon tech or some shit, if they're not going to carry futuristic space swords.

You lean back against your cell bed.

"I can't help but feel like I might disappear in the coming days."

Jon laughs.

"With that huge splash you made, I doubt you could without anyone asking a fuck ton of questions. I don't think you have anything to worry about, unless you resist and try to get away. God himself is the only one who can just up and make you disappear without anyone asking questions."

A laugh of your own escapes your lips.

There is no god but you agree with that sentiment.

>[ ] "Have you heard the name of the guy I trampled yet? I thought everyone would've heard his name by now but Harris hasn't."
>[ ] Teleport out of the cell to get a coffee and teleport back, it'd fuck with Jon and also be fun for you.
>[ ] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do until your court hearing.
>[ ] Do you think you and I can trust the Blind man and the fat one?
>[ ] Write In.

>>3619208
>[ ] Do you think you and I can trust the Blind man and the fat one?
>[ ] "Have you heard the name of the guy I trampled yet? I thought everyone would've heard his name by now but Harris hasn't."

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3619259
I approve.

>[X] Do you think you and I can trust the Blind man and the fat one?
>[X] "Have you heard the name of the guy I trampled yet? I thought everyone would've heard his name by now but Harris hasn't."

The two men in suits were standoffish and straight up hostile to you. Both of them could and probably are going to get you off but you should be wary of sharing any information they don't need to know: they already mistrust you. It'd surprise you if they straight up dropped your case considering their reputation for being bleeding hearts, though. You can, at best, hold them at arm's length.

You look up at the cell ceiling.

Do you think you and I can trust the Blind man and the fat one?

No, there are few you and I can or should trust in this world, especially from those who follow you and I. The briefs are enemies all the same, they simply have a use.

Furrowing your brow, you suppress the urge to groan at your inner self.

Those who follow us have done more to earn my trust than the rest of the trash in this world. Why don't you hold them in regard? All of them have great trust in me, as well.

You and I have harmed them all the way: you've slaughtered their kin, tortured their friends, made them watch as you killed their loved ones, and forced them to betray themselves. Fear grips their minds more than your character and they are more bound to each other than they are to you. The wounds you've dealt may have healed over time but the scars will always remain.

Relaxing your form, you blink at the cement ceiling.

The other you is right: you've hurt most, if not all, of the people who follow you.

Hurting people is the one thing you do best, after all.

A sigh escapes your lips as you settle your gaze back down on officer Jonathon.

"Have you heard the name of the guy I trampled yet? I thought everyone would've heard his name by now but Harris hasn't."

Jon raises an eyebrow and frowns.

"That dumbass hasn't heard yet?" He sighs. "Rodney Norwood was the poor bastard who got his head squashed under your foot. Man had two little girls but he was divorced so I'm not sure if they knew him enough to miss him. Don't know if the ex's a wreck, either."

Slumping against the cold cell ground, you look back up to the cieling.

You're not sure whether to be happy the lasting damage wasn't that bad or dissappointed you made sure a broken family would always be broken with no chance of repair. A fund would be good but it wouldn't have the same effect a properly broken functioning police family fund would have.

Hurting people and breaking them are what you do best.

>[ ] "...Fucking hell, I completely broke a family."
>[ ] Teleport out of the cell to get a coffee and teleport back, it'd fuck with Jon and also be fun for you.
>[ ] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do until your court hearing.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3620059
>[ ] "...Fucking hell, I completely broke a family."
>[ ] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do until your court hearing.

Keep playing up the sympathetic angle until the next important thing happens.

>>3620059
>>3620081
>>[X] "...Fucking hell, I completely broke a family."
>>[X] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do until your court hearing.

>Keep playing up the sympathetic angle until the next important thing happens.
This is a good approach.

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3620059
This >>3620158

>[X] "...Fucking hell, I completely broke a family."
>[X] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do until your court hearing.

Playing up the sympathy card has already gotten you this far, it'll take you farther. You're going to have quite a few friends in this precinct by the time you're done. Word of your influence and remorseful nature will spread, taking rumors with it to the other precincts. It might warm them up to you or make them more standoffish.

"...Fucking hell, I completely broke a family."

Jonathon lets out a grunt.

"Sounds like it was already broken, man. It's horrible what happened to the guy but you didn't separate him from his wife and kids."

You groan.

"I did makes sure he'd never be with them ever again, though."

The officer clucks his tongue.

"Shit happens, Reyes, shit happens. Sometimes you try to calm down some kid with a loaded .38 and the kid doesn't. What happens isn't exactly in your hands or always."

You look down from the ceiling to shoot a somewhat genuine sympathetic look at your cell guard.

"Happened to you more than once?"

Jon nods.

"Unfortunately."

Standing and sitting yourself back on to your bed, you support your head with your hands.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

The police man sighs.

Both of you spend half an hour going over the horrific things you've witnessed on the streets before the cell guardsman is replaced by another officer.

You spend the next few days befriending the rotating policemen, making small talk, and getting to know those you've already befriended more.

When you're led out of your cage to face the court finally, you're escorted by a squad of heavily armed special forces-looking soldiers in relatively mundane gear.

The squad of soldiers lead you into a black van and drive you to the nearest courthouse where you await your lawyers once again.

You plead not guilty to an old decrepit woman behind a judge's chair flanked by your suits before being taken back to your cell by the strange squad of soldiers.

Marko, one of the other policemen you've befriended, blinks as the mystery squad walks away.

"...What the fuck were those guys?"

Shrugging, you sit back down on your bed.

"I was about to ask you."

They weren't the police kill squad you thought they'd be but their lack of any defining affiliation raises a lot of questions.

>[ ] "I was thinking they'd get a squad with lazers or some shit. I'm kind of disappointed they had conventional weapons."
>[ ] "Heard any word on where they're sending me? Really don't want to get stuck in a lab."
>[ ] "Tell me if you hear anything about them, I feel like I'm missing something here."
>[ ] Teleport out of the cell to get a coffee and teleport back, it'd fuck with Marko and also be fun for you.
>[ ] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do before they take you away to a real prison.
>[ ] Write In.

Forgive the wait, you guys know how I get. Anyway, it's late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8) if I wake up on time.

Thoughts or questions?

>>3620631
Fuck, I’ve missed a bit

>>3620626
>I was kinda expecting... more
> know where they’re sending me?
>keep chatting up the cops

>>3620626
Backing >>3620905

>>3620626
>>I was kinda expecting... more
>> know where they’re sending me?
>>keep chatting up the cops

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "I was thinking they'd get a squad with lasers or some shit. I'm kind of disappointed they had conventional weapons."
>[X] "Heard any word on where they're sending me? Really don't want to get stuck in a lab."
>[X] Keep chatting up the cops, you've got nothing else to do before they take you away to a real prison.

>(1/2)

Some venting would be harmless before you get dragged away. Also, you need to learn just where exactly they're hauling your ass off to. There's a few places they might have in mind and you're sure not all of them are official. You'll keep making friends with the boys in blue for now.

"I was thinking they'd get a squad with lasers or some shit. I'm kind of disappointed they had conventional weapons."

Marko shoots you a look.

"Were you going to try running away?"

You shake your head.

"No, just thought I warranted a heavier escort after what I pulled. I'm simultaneously relieved and kind of disappointed I didn't get to see future tech weapons for the first time."

The policeman laughs.

"You would've gotten your ass blasted off, Reyes."

Laughing back, you lay down on your cell bed.

"Heard any word on where they're sending me? Really don't want to get stuck in a lab."

>(2/2)

Marko shakes his head.

"They're probably sending you to the Raft or Rikers. You might get Rikers seeing as how they're renovating for people like you, but you're probably going to get the Raft. SHIELD runs the place from what I've heard."

You hide a grimace.

A lot of shady shit is definitely going to go down if you get put in the Raft then. Rikers will have the same in drugs, bribes, and prison gangs but the sheer amount of surveillance, security, and possible experimentation on the raft will far out do that. You won't see either until you get there, though.

The next few days of befriending your alternating cell guardsmen and chatting with your already friendly guards pass without a hitch. By the end of your stay, most of the precinct knows you and is on friendly terms with you.

Yet another unfamiliar squad of special force-esque soldiers enter the precinct and escort you to a black van, to the concerned stares of your blue homies. On the drive to your new holding cell, you smell the salt of the ocean.

When they finally let you out, you find yourself in front of a large prison complex that seems to be partially in construction.

The squad escorts you inside where you're searched, stripped, and outfitted in orange before being escorted by the unknown commandos towards a cell in a super-smelling wing away from the normal ones.

As you're led down the hall of secure cages, numerous familiar and unfamiliar faces peek from behind door visors to see the fresh meat.

You're careful to avoid eye-contact until you're let into your newest prison home.

Raising an eyebrow, you scan the wide and almost barren cell with all three of your eyes.

There are definitely countermeasures hidden in here.

>[ ] "Yo, cell mates, do we get any yard time or are we always holed up in here without sun?"
>[ ] Close your physical eyes and pour out through your third, it'd be good to know the layout of the place.
>[ ] Lay down on your bed and wait for your trial, there doesn't seem to be much for you to do here.
>[ ] Teleport out to get a coffee, this place is dull as fuck.
>[ ] Hum a pleasant tune, you've got nothing else to do.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3622215
>[X] "Yo, cell mates, do we get any yard time or are we always holed up in here without sun?"

>>3622215
This >>3622235 Info is info, but also
>[ ] Close your physical eyes and pour out through your third, it'd be good to know the layout of the place.
>[ ] Smell the air. Even if you don't learn anything important from it you might not get from your third eye, you will never drop this habit. Besides, the sea air might do you some good.

Voting closed; writing now.

Still here.
Still reading each update.
Still missing most of the votes.
Heh.

We've befriended the boys in blue.
Time to get to know our new neighbors.

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>[X] "Yo, cell mates, do we get any yard time or are we always holed up in here without sun?"
>[X] Close your physical eyes and pour out through your third, it'd be good to know the layout of the place.
>[X] Smell the air. Even if you don't learn anything important from it you might not get from your third eye, you will never drop this habit. Besides, the sea air might do you some good.

>(1/2)

Announcing yourself might not be the best way to introduce yourself but it seems like the only way you can other than teleporting into their cells. It'd be good to know what the hell's in the walls that keep its super occupents in. Little need to sniff but the sea air might do you some good.

You take a deep breath.

"Yo, cell mates, do we get any yard time or are we always holed up in here without sun?"

Loud groans echo throughout the corridor.

"Great, the noobie's a loud talker."

A distant scoff is followed by a smashing thud.

"I wish they let us out: it's hot as a damn grill in here."

The loud talker commenter lets out a laugh.

"O'Hirn, you're baking like a ham because that armor skin you've got covers everything but your face."

Mr. Armored Skin grumbles.

"Not all of us can be completely made of sand, Marko."

A frustrated yell fills the air.

"Would you all just shut up! If I think about how long I've been stuck in here, I'm going to turn these walls into rubble!"

Both of the louder talking guys 'woah' and 'aye' the wall crusher.

"Calm down sparky, you're going to get us all in trouble if you pull that shit." Mr. Sandman says.

A confirming hum echoes through the air.

"Without a getaway boat or helicopter, we're sitting ducks on Rikers; just bide your time, Max."

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>(2/2)

Max lets out another frustrated yell.

"My name is Electro!"

You hear a distant sigh fuzz down the hall.

"Why the fuck am I here with you crazy freaks?"

A guttural laugh fills the air.

"No more flying away for you, magic boy."

Blinking, you walk over and plop yourself on to your bed.

The Rhino, Sandman, Electro, some creep, and a nobody share your corridor. You're definitely going to tell the Spider about this when you get out. Would be fun to see them on the streets and drag them back here after their public fits.

You close your physical eyes and pour out through the world from your third.

That which is you encompasses your meat puppet, the ground beneath it, and most of the prison complex.

In-between and underneath the cell tiles, gas cannisters and sensors lay. The tiles themselves appear to have the capability to heat themselves up when in contact with a power source. Miniature cameras are positioned at the corners of the room, watching.

The Grain Elemental is laying back in his cell two spaces from yours, The Horned One sits beside his wall next to the Elemental, The Mad Scorpio clings to the wall of his cell opposite of the Horned One's, The Electron seethes in his cell opposite of the Elemental, and The Hooded Boy sulks in his cell away from everyone else, emitting faint traces of magic energy.

You shut your third eye off from the world and take in the surrounding air through your nose.

Besides the gas and faint stench of magic, this place is pretty sterile.

You glance at magic boy's direction.

First thing you should probably do is figure out if that guy really knows magic or just hangs around magic things.

>[ ] "Fuck me, it's you guys. I met the Spider earlier today."
>[ ] "Are you all Spider-man villains?"
>[ ] "Magic boy? What's his power?"
>[ ] Conjure illusions over the cameras and teleport to the guy's cell, you should gauge his reaction.
>[ ] Relax on your bed and wait for your trial, there doesn't seem to be much for you to do here.
>[ ] Conjure illusions and teleport out to get a coffee, this place is dull as fuck.
>[ ] Hum a pleasant tune, you've got nothing else to do.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3622593
>[ ] "Magic boy? What's his power?"
>[ ] "Wait, are you all Spider-man villains? What gives?"
>[ ] "If it helps, he almost broke my spine the first time I met him. I got better though."

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8) if I wake up in time before my Dentist appointment.

Thoughts or questions?

>>3622632
Ditto

>>3622593
>>[X] "Magic boy? What's his power?"
I wanna Kojo to know him.

>>[X] "Wait, are you all Spider-man villains? What gives?"
I suspect that calling them all "Spider-man villains" might piss them off.

>>3622632
>>[X] "If it helps, he almost broke my spine the first time I met him. I got better though."
This might mitigate that, though.

>>3622593
>>3622632
support but use our powers to make a big snowcone and generate a cool breeze

>>3623370
No, we cannot out Kojo's power to these other villains. Hard no.

>>3623076
>I suspect that calling them all "Spider-man villains" might piss them off.
Intentional for Kojo to gauge their reactions and to feel joy at pissing them off, but the second statement is to blindside the legitimately furious villains out of their immediate anger. A slight mood whiplash if you will.

>>3623370
Yeah, no.
We have save that ace for at least something remotely useful.
Impressing these guys ain't worth it yet.

>>3623750
>A slight mood whiplash
Very Kojo.

Voting closed; writing now.

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>[X] "Magic boy? What's his power?"
>[X] "Wait, are you all Spider-man villains? What gives?"
>[X] "If it helps, he almost broke my spine the first time I met him. I got better though."

>(1/2)

The mystic arts are no laughing matter in nearly any way. Your fellow imprisoned super also faintly reeks of magic. It'd be good to know just what exactly this amateur can pull off, if he can actually do anything. Also, the prevalence of Spider-man villains in this corridor is way too convenient.

"Magic boy? What's his power?"

Laughter fills the hall once again.

"He had a cape and boots that could let him fly, can you believe that!"

O'Hirn chuckles.

"We've got ourselves our little own Red Riding Hood here."

Magic boy scoffs.

"At least I'm the only other person here who didn't get his ass hauled in by freaking Spider-man for the umpteenth time."

Suppressing the urge to laugh as the others emit outraged cries, you look up to your cell's ceiling.

"Wait, are you all Spider-man villains? What gives?"

More outraged yells fill the air.

"I'm Electro: I'm not some accessory to that obnoxious web-head!"

O'Hirn lets out an affirmative hum.

"Spider-man might've stopped me a few times but I always get out and I always get my own score. I'm no Spider-man villain."

The wall-clinging man snarls.

"The Scorpion is The Scorpion and The Scorpion is The Scorpion, not a Spider villain!"

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>(2/2)

Marko clucks his tongue.

"I'd back you guys up but, honestly, the web-head's the only cape who ever bothers bringing us in. The Avengers are always out doing their own thing and the Fantastic Four don't really leave their tower no more. New guy's being insensitive and bit of an ass but he's kind of right about us."

You resist the urge to laugh as your hall-mates once again produce angered snaps.

"If it helps, he almost broke my spine the first time I met him; I got better though."

Shocked and amused shouts and laughs fill the air.

"He did what now?" O'Hirn's dull voice asks.

Electro laughs.

"Really? I never knew that bug had it in him."

Scorpion cackles from his cell.

"Spider is more predator than prey the Scorpion had thought!"

Marko 'whoa, whoa, whoa's.

"What the hell did you do to piss him off?"

You shrug.

"Think I just caught him at a bad time, or, in this case, he caught me when he was going through a rough patch."

Laughs once again fill the cell corridor.

Resisting the urge to join in but laughing at them, you relax against your cell bed.

At least it's not that cold in here.

>[ ] "Just how exactly is the Spider like when he's not pissed off?"
>[ ] "What kind of food do they sere here?"
>[ ] Conjure illusions over the cameras and teleport to the guy's cell, you should gauge his reaction.
>[ ] Befriend your fellow prisoners as you wait for your trial to begin, nothing else for you to do.
>[ ] Relax on your bed and wait for your trial, there doesn't seem to be much for you to do here.
>[ ] Conjure illusions and teleport out to get a coffee, this place is dull as fuck.
>[ ] Hum a pleasant tune, you've got nothing else to do.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3624435
>[ ] "What kind of food do they serve here?"
>[ ] "How does being made of sand even work, Marko?"
>[ ] Befriend your fellow prisoners as you wait for your trial to begin, nothing else for you to do.

Going to go to my dentist appointment. Will close voting and update when I get back.

>>3624435
I'll back >>3624567

Most of these guys are in it for money. We can either get them as security and start our campaign of "villain reform" or have our crew reach out and add them to the mix. Either way we should try to get a sample of their tech.

>>3624594
I feel like out of all of these, Rhino and Sandman are the only reasonable ones. Scorpion is too off-the-wall, and Electro is too volatile. I forgot what his deal or backstory was, but maybe Electro can be helped or remedied so he isn't as constantly 200% mad?

I'm back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3624601
I thought scorpion was pretty mercenary but then again I'm not very familiar with New Mutants. At one point Electro's goal was to turn into pure energy by absorbing enough electricity. Not sure what he would do after that though.

>>3624601
I remember Scorpion being a total mercenary. This iteration seems a bit... off.
I have literally never seen an instance of Electro where he wasn't a half-mad maniacal jackass. My favorite Electro exchange:
[Electro (after plugging himself into a portable nuclear power plant)]: "I AM AN ELECTRICITY ELEMENTAL!!!"
[previously unseen hero]: "No you're not."
[startled Electro] "I- what?"
[hero counting on four fingers]: "Earth. Fire. Wind. Water. No electricity. You're not an elemental."

>>3625364
>This iteration seems a bit... off
Rather, he seems a bit off in this iteration.

Sandman always seemed rational, as supervillains go. Rhino, more quick to fuck up a plan out of rage, but solid otherwise.

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>[X] "What kind of food do they serve here?"
>[X] "How does being made of sand even work, Marko?"
>[X] Befriend your fellow prisoners as you wait for your trial to begin, nothing else for you to do.

>(1/2)

While you do have a month or two to make friends and find out what the food's like on your own, you really want to know what you're going to be eating for the next several weeks of your life. There's a good chance you're going to be teleporting out of here for meals if they're shit. You don't even need to eat much but you refuse to eat gruel.

"What kind of food do they serve here?"

O'Hirn chuckles.

"You're in a secure lock-up and the one question you ask is what kind of grub you're going to get?"

The Sandman joins his friend in laughter.

"And I thought the Rhino here was a little dense in the head."

Your token insane man grumbles in his cage.

"Food is food; prey is prey."

Raising an eyebrow at the wall of your cell, you nuzzle against your pillow.

"So is the food good or shit?"

O'Hirn lets out an "eh."

"Better than what they serve regular prisoners: can't have us too uncomfortable in here. Pretty sure most of them know we can break out anytime we want. It'd be real stupid without a getaway driver, though."

Mr. Sandwhich hums.

"It all tastes the same to me, not that I can actually taste anything anymore. Kind of sucks but it's a small price for immortality."

You let out a hum of your own.

"How does being made of sand even work, Marko?"

A questioning 'huh' comes out of the man thing in question.

"Just how exactly do you know I'm made of sand? I just said I was immortal, not that I was made of sand."

>(2/2)

Blinking, you look up to your cell's ceiling.

"...Well, you smell like sand and O'Hirn here called you Marko so I just put two and two together."

Sandy lets out another hum.

"You can smell sand? What are you, some kind of animal man or something?" He laughs. "How can you smell me when O'Hirn's stinking up the place."

The Rhino man scoffs.

"I'm not the one made out of dried sewer mud."

Marko laughs back.

"Oh, screw you ,O'Hirn."

A small laugh of your own escapes your lips.

This is going to be a lot more pleasant than you thought it would.

You spend the next month or so befriending Flint Marko and Aleksei O'Hirn.

Scorpion's madness, Electro's temper, and Red Robin Hood's attitude prevent you from forming a relationship with them or even wanting to.

As you finish breakfast, your cell door opens to reveal the same squad of soldiers that led you in here.

You smile and set down your empty tray before following the faceless men out your cage.

"It looks like it's time for my trial, boys; I'll see you on the outside."

O'Hirn and Marko laugh.

"You'll be back here before you know it, kid!"

Chuckling, you let the mystery squad escort you out of the prison and into their familiar black van.

A few hours of driving pass by until the squad leads you out in front of the packed Thurgood Marshall courthouse.

You smile solemnly as you're led inside, beset by paparazzi.

The end of your escort comes when the mystery team sweeps you into a populated court room.

Your eyes wander about the room and spot Silvio, Sofia, Parker, Jameson, Urich, Vanessa Fisk, and Deirdre accompanied by a man as well as a few children.

Taking a heavy breath, you walk down the aisle to the defendant's table, sitting down by Nelson and Murdock.

Officer Green, his partner, and what you can only assume to be the state attorney sit behind the prosecution table.

It's time.

>[ ] Sneakily talk with your lawyers as the prosecution presents, those cop friends you made could come in right about now.
>[ ] Wait for the prosecution to present its case, you've already got everything you need to win this.
>[ ] Shut all three of your eyes and take in the surrounding air through your nose, paranoia is king.
>[ ] Close your physical eyes and flow out through your third, too many strangers are here.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3625364
>>3625365
Mac was comicbook crazy in his first iteration because of the experiments performed to make him superhuman.

He's like this now because he's still pretty early in his supervillain career, which is also the reason he didn't spring to mind when you thought of all the supers Kingpin hired.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts or questions?

Excited? Does it feel like I'm speeding through things too fast?

>>3625415
>Excited?
Definitely.

>Does it feel like I'm speeding through things too fast?
Well, there was an opportunity to getting depth with the befriending of Rhino and Sandman, but how much can we expect from cell chats. No. This timeskip is good.
If we glossed over the chance to pick who to befriend, that might've bothered me.
On to the vote...

>>3625391
>Vanessa Fisk
Holy fucking hell we're stupid.
We need to assassinate the FUCK out of her as quickly and as distantly as possible. There is exactly zero chance she we not condone us as soon as she can.

>Deirdre
I can't remember who this is.

>>[X] Shut all three of your eyes and take in the surrounding air through your nose, paranoia is king.
>>[X] Close your physical eyes and flow out through your third, too many strangers are here.
Keep in mind that we're in a courtroom with all eyes on us. Maybe take a contemplative, meditative pose first.
Claim we were "aligning our Chakras" or praying or some shit.
Then:

>>[X] Sneakily talk with your lawyers as the prosecution presents, those cop friends you made could come in right about now.
Prosecution's opening statement can literally be any bullshit. Give the lawyers an avenue of leverage and examples of our "noble nature".
If somebody doesn't like our whispering? Hey, we've never been in court before. Our bad.

>>3625598
I swear I checked this.
>she we not condone us
she will not cornhole us

That bitch gotta die.

>>3625598
Ditto

>>3625598
We knew she was around but it was too risky to act on her and Wilson at the same time. It would have been waaaay too suspicious for both of them to get assassinated and us show up to claim the inheritance.

That said we will need to act on her soon and we have quite a few assets that can't be directly linked back to us now.

>>3625598
THIS
Vanessa needs to die in a way that cannot possibly be traced back to us

Real talk, if Sandman is 100% immortal now then what's stopping him from learning cool shit or taking in as much knowledge as possible for the future, or doing something awesome with his time and powers? Or something like a long game such as playing stocks or taking advantage of financial trends to make serious cash legitimately beyond what a regular lifespan human could hope to achieve?

>>3626100
Kleptomania

>>3626168
Why not steal shit only to return it and advise better methods to not have shit stolen? That would still satisfy his kleptomania and villainous instincts while still being constructive for other people and flatscans, right? Is his kleptomania so strong that it prevents him from learning anything new or trying to take up other side pursuits using his literal immortality?

>>3626181
Yes

>>3626198
Wow, that's rough.

>>3626100
>>3626181
Alternatively, perhaps he doesn't make healthy, wise, and productive life decisions for all the same various reasons that people don't every day.

Also, many criminals commit crimes because they are unable to think things through rationally.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Shut all three of your eyes and take in the surrounding air through your nose, paranoia is king.
>[X] Close your physical eyes and flow out through your third, too many strangers are here.
>[X] Sneakily talk with your lawyers as the prosecution presents, those cop friends you made could come in right about now.

>(1/2)

Even now, there could be someone waiting in the wings looking to bust a high-tech plasma cap up your ass. No one can ever know for sure, which means you must check absolutely every avenue where there might be danger. It's not unreasonable to think someone might try to kill you in front of all these witnesses or that there's someone spying on you in the crowd.

You close all three of your eyes and take in the surrounding air through your nose as the judge woman introduces your case.

Besides the deodorants, faint traces of eaten foods emitting off peoples' clothes and mouths, scent of silk suits, anxiety, and age of the wooden stuff in this place, there's nothing smelling out of the ordinary in here.

You take a breath as you open your third eye.

That which is you flows out of your soul's eye out into the common plane, engulfing your vessel and the surrounding area.

Many unfamiliar faces populate the judgment chambers yet none bear arms save for the Sentinels of Law and the Faceless Men.

Opening your eyes, you blink as the judge goes along with her introduction of the prosecution.

It seems you're safe, for now at least.

>(2/2)

Your prosecuting lawyer rises and fixes his collar.

"People of New York, Kojo Reyes stands accused of murdering a police officer and wounding a dozen others when they were on the line of duty." He motions towards some men to his tables side holding a tv on wheels. "As evidence, here is footage of the incident itself."

The weird courtroom workmen wheel the tv where it can be seen by all, turn it on, and input a VHS tape into the VHS player.

You and everyone else in the courtroom watch a somewhat over two week younger Kojo dotted with laser sights look calmly around at a riot shieldwall encircling him. The recording seems to have been taken at a helicopter angle from one of those sniper helos. VHS Kojo visibly lets out a sigh before charging into the shieldwall, breaking their lines, shattering their bones, and stomping in the head of a Rodney Norwood.

Both strange courtroom workmen turn off the tv and take out the VHS tape as the dramatic members of the jury and the court gasp like complete fucking idiots.

Nelson and Murdock glance at you before focusing on the prosecuting lawyer.

Rolling your eyes, you let out a sigh.

You might not look like you were anxious, but you can sell that you actually were to the crowd.

>[ ] "I was way more scared than I looked. Growing up in a neighborhood embroiled in constant gang wars will teach anyone to keep their cool on the outside."
>[ ] "Don't challenge the evidence yet; we can absolutely ruin them with their witnesses."
>[ ] Keep watching the prosecution's presentation, you can't do much of anything else beside sneaky talks.
>[ ] Put on a sympathetic act, can't go looking like a callous ass.
>[ ] Write In.

File: vanessa.jpg (28 KB, 286x465)

28 KB JPG

forgot to post vanessa's pic

>>3627046
>[ ] Put on a sympathetic act, can't go looking like a callous ass.

Don't say anything yet. Don't give them anything they can spin. We can look meek though.

>>3627046
>>[ ] Put on a sympathetic act, can't go looking like a callous ass.

>>3627046
This >>3627100
Better to play passive for now, the moments will come. Probably.

>>3627100
Ditto

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Put on a sympathetic act, can't go looking like a callous ass.

>(1/2)

Anything you whisper to your defense lawyers now could be used against you. It's also impolite for you to speak while other people are going to be talking. Sure, shit's the only thing that's going to come out of Green's mouth but you have to show respect to trash from time to time.

You slump somewhat in your seat, take a deep breath, look down at your defense table, and sigh.

The two lawyers adjacent to you glance at your direction before focusing on Green taking the stand.

Curious and sympathetics whispers break out from the crowd behind you and from the jury.

Focusing on the rat in blue, you resist the urge to smirk and glare.

People always flock to the most passionate, good-looking men and women in a society. The man behind the bench is none of those two things in any discernible way. You, on the other hand, display both those things with a fervor only you can.

The Judge clears her throat.

"Lawrence Green, do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God under pains and penalties of perjury?"

Officer Green slightly blushes as he places his hand over his chest.

"I...Lawrence Green, solemnly swear that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God."

Suppressing a hearty laugh, you watch Green give his account of what happened as he squirms, careful of his wording and tone likely due to your radio homie Oliver.

Murdock rises as Green finishes his account.

"Permission to cross-examine the witness, your honor?"

>(2/2)

The Judge, Jude as you see by her plaque, turns to your table.

"Permission granted, Mr. Murdock."

Blind M&M nods as he sits himself down before pulling up a transportable radio.

"The following is a recording of an interview Oliver Dustin took with Officer Green right before the location of the incident my client is being charged for. It was hosted on WNYCNN before their first discussion period about mutant matters and a tape copy of it was gifted to me when I requested one from producers themselves. No doubt some of you have heard this same interview before or have your doubts of WNYCNN's credibility but this conversation between Oliver Dunstin and Officer Green will shed some light on this incident for all"

Prosecutor lawyer rises from his seat.

"Objection, your honor, Mr. Murdock called for a cross-examination not to present evidence!"

Jude rolls her eyes.

"Overruled, Mr. Murdock is allowed to introduce evidence in his cross-examination if it may contradict the witness' account. Surely you already know that, Mr. Gabriels?"

Gabriel, the jackass, sits his ass back down like a good beaten bitch.

"...Apologies, your honor."

Murdock presses down on the radio's play button.

The next several minutes are some of the most difficult ones in your life as you restrain yourself from cackling like a madman as Green's testimony is utterly destroyed by the one he gave Oliver and the interviewer's hypothesis.

Dramatic gasps fill the air while Judge Jude dismisses Green's account for its withheld information.

You are going to fucking win this before you actually get a chance to sit behind the bench.

>[ ] "Holy shit, I can't believe that just happened; you're worth every penny I'm not actually paying you."
>[ ] "Just how exactly did you hear of that interview?"
>[ ] "Fuck, I could kiss you right now.
>[ ] Keep watching the prosecution's presentation, you can't do much of anything else beside sneaky talks.
>[ ] Start acting hopeful, you can be solemn all you want but you're actually winning this.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3627459
>I could kiss you right now
>act hopeful
Some tears of joy at the verdict might help

>>3627459
>[ ] Keep watching the prosecution's presentation, you can't do much of anything else beside sneaky talks.
>[ ] Start acting hopeful, you can be solemn all you want but you're actually winning this.
Keep looking like we wear our heart on our sleeve. Make it seem like we're honest and easy to read.

>>3627542
There will be a time for waterworks but we aren't at the verdict yet.

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)


Thoughts or questions?

Have a happy 'Murrica Fuck Yeah! Day, my fellow burgers.

>>3627608
Happy murica day from your neighbor in the nortj

>>3627459
>>[X] Keep watching the prosecution's presentation, you can't do much of anything else beside sneaky talks.
>>[X] Start acting hopeful, you can be solemn all you want but you're actually winning this.
Gotta maintain our Good Boy impression.

>>3627459
>[ ] Keep watching the prosecution's presentation, you can't do much of anything else beside sneaky talks.
>[ ] Start acting hopeful, you can be solemn all you want but you're actually winning this.
SOON

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Keep watching the prosecution's presentation, you can't do much of anything else beside sneaky talks.
>[X] Start acting hopeful, you can be solemn all you want but you're actually winning this.

>(1/2)

Murdock is on his fucking a-game right now, you can't say or do anything to throw him off. You're not sure if fatty Nelson is pulling his weight in this case, though. Blind M&M will probably be enough to carry you out of here if his fatass friend can't stand up.

Putting on a somewhat happy face, you watch as Green's partner rises and walks to the stand.

Jude raises an eyebrow at the unerved man.

"Donovan Thornton, do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God under pains and penalties of perjury?"

Thornton nods his head as he hold a hand to his chest.

"I, Donovan Thornton, solemnly swear that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God."

Judge Jude hums.

"You may proceed."

Officer Thornton takes a deep breath.

"Sometime over a month ago, me and my partner, Lawrence Green, were dispatched to deal with a disturbance at a little coffee place by the name of James' Java. There... we saw the defendant standing over a biker with his throat ripped out and an Uzi submachine gun with numerous casings at his feet; the coffee shop was riddled with bullets... He stomped towards us after we commanded him to stand down so we opened fire to no avail because the defendant turned out to be bulletproof. We called in for back-up as the defendant... started laughing off our gunfire. We backed off when SWAT came to take over and watched him break through their lines and smash through nearby buildings to safety."

He turns to the judge.

"That is all, your honor."

Nelson finally clears his throat.

"Permission to cross-examine the witness, your honor?"

Jude nods.

"Permission granted, Mr. Nelson."

>(2/2)

The fatass rises from his chair and walk into the middle of the courtroom square.

"Officer Thornton, your account is very similar to Officer Green's, which was dismissed on the grounds that he already gave another suspicious account of the incident in an interview."

Gabriel stands up.

"Objection, your honor!"

Judge Jude sighs.

"Overruled, continue Mr. Nelson."

Frank nods.

"Thank you, your honor." He turns back to the cop. "Officer Thornton, did you and Officer Green rehearse your testimonies? The hypothesis Oliver Dustin proposed in his interview Officer Green sounds plausible enough considering his defensiveness and now your anxiousness. Did Kojo Reyes really shoot up that coffee shop and stomp towards you or is that just what your partner told you to say?"

The opposing lawyer parts his lips to say something but stops as he and everyone else in the courtroom notice Thornton buckle.

Donovan lets out a shaky sigh.

"...Yes."

Once again, the court erupts in overly dramatic gasps and cries of surprise.

You suppress the overwhelming urge to laugh once again.

This was a complete and utter failure on your opposition's account.

Gabriel sighs.

"The prosecution rests, your honor."

Matthew takes a deep breath.

He's about to make his opening statement to the court. You might be able to make a more lasting impression if you make your own opening statement before taking the stand but you'd be sandbagging the blind man. Nelson might be hiding some grand speech but you doubt the fatass can inspire the entire courtroom.

>[ ] "Let Nelson go, I want seem him at work."
>[ ] Just let Matt handle it, you can save a speech for the stand.
>[ ] Put on a somber face when you take the stage, you still need to show you're remorseful for what you've done.
>[ ] Stand up and introduce yourself positively to the court, no one needs to speak for you.(Persuasion roll, DC16, +4 modifier)
>[ ] Write In.

Forgive the wait. God, I have been fucking awful with update times lately.

I'm still trying to reach a reasonable balance between in depth scenes and read overs.

>>3630186
It’s alright
>>3630157
Let Matt do this, he’s the one that’s actually a lawyer, our contribution comes later

>>3630157
>>[X] Just let Matt handle it, you can save a speech for the stand.
Speaking out of turn is a great way to piss off a judge. Plus, we don't want to seem attention seeking or proud here. We are humble, contrite, and choking on our bile.

>>3630186
No worries. I'm just glad you didn't blow off your updating hand on the 4th.

>>3630157
>Just let Matt handle it.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time if I'm awake long enough or wake up on time.

Any thoughts or questions?

>>3630396
Things will begin once the trial ends and Vanessa tries some shit, huh?

>>3630157
>Just let Matt handle it.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Just let Matt handle it, you can save a speech for the stand.

One doesn't just use their exceptional skills of manipulation and persuasion to perform the basic bitch fucking opening act. Matt can try to prove his speaking skills' worth to you before you obviously one-up him. His probably alright-but-not-good statement will lead up perfectly to your sublime testimony.

The blind man stands up from his chair and takes the floor with a solemn, respectful stride.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, people of New York, Kojo Reyes is here today not deny his responsibility for the death of an officer and the wounding of a dozen others but to deny that he was solely responsible. My client never intended to hurt anyone, but matters turned to the worst and he killed an innocent man in the line of duty while wounding many others, that he will not deny."

You look down at the defendant's table.

He's right: you never really intended to hurt anyone from the very beginning before all this but things never turn out the way one usually intends. Everything you've done since then, you won't deny.

Murdock clears his throat.

"Kojo Reyes has made mistakes just as much as the rest of us have. However, his mutant abilities and underprivileged background have unfortunately put him in a position to make one of the most grievous mistakes of his entire life. I ask you not to forgive him but to listen to what he has to say and decide for yourself whether or not he deserves to be locked away forever. Everyone... can redeem themselves."

You glance at the blind man as he makes his way back to his seat to the applause of the courtroom.

There is no evil, so there is no such thing as redemption.

Judge Jude slams her gavel down.

"The defense calls Kojo Reyes to the stand."

Rising from you seat, you walk over to the bar and seat yourself on the witness chair.

The court stares into your demonic eyes as they stare back at them.

It's time for you to take the reins.

>[ ] Deliver a shocking, sympathetic, and somewhat amusing account of how things actually happened. You want them to fucking love you. (Persuasion Roll, + 4 modifier, DC16)
>[ ] Go over the incident from your point of view as you'd normally do it, no need to tug at their heartstrings.
>[ ] Put on your most sympathetic look, callousness will get your almost scott-free ass thrown in jail.
>[ ] Turn off your demon eyes, they might take it as a sign of insensitivity.
>[ ] Write In.

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time if I wake up or stay awake long enough to, my sleep's been absolute shit since the 4th.

Fucking hell, I need to focus more on writing this than just chilling. I just realized I contradicted Green and his partner's names. Let's pretend Lawrence Green is still Irvin Green and Donovan Thornton is actually Liam Braxton.

>>3632944
>[ ] Deliver a shocking, sympathetic, and somewhat amusing account of how things actually happened. You want them to fucking love you. (Persuasion Roll, + 4 modifier, DC16)
Let the show begin

>>3632944
>>[X] Put on your most sympathetic look, callousness will get your almost scott-free ass thrown in jail.
Remember that steering Kojo is like herding cats. Double-down on the the sympathy.

>>[X] Deliver a shocking, sympathetic, and somewhat amusing account of how things actually happened. You want them to fucking love you. (Persuasion Roll, + 4 modifier, DC16)
Maximum Kojo charm.
We can be "sympathetic" and "sincere" but still be entertaining and engaging.
Just remember that violence, even against the punk who shot up the place, isn't amusing to a courtroom.
Maybe a little self-deprecating humor, maybe making fun of the inaccurate report of the other officers?

I just remembered a good point from earlier. We're bullet proof. The only reason to stop the shooter was to save others, right?

>>3633213
>I just remembered a good point from earlier. We're bullet proof. The only reason to stop the shooter was to save others, right?
Pretty much. Or at least that's how we'll play it. We can joke about how anyone would probably jump to similar conclusions based on our appearance as well.

>>3633213
Ditto

>>3632944
>[ ] Put on your most sympathetic look, callousness will get your almost scott-free ass thrown in jail.
>[ ] Deliver a shocking, sympathetic, and somewhat amusing account of how things actually happened. You want them to fucking love you. (Persuasion Roll, + 4 modifier, DC16)
Oh shit here we go boys.

And yeah, what >>3633213 and >>3633259 said.

>Persuasion Roll
>+4 Modifier
>DC16

Best of the first three rolls wins.

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>3635658
Big money!

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>3635658
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Rolled 8 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>3635658
FUCK OFF
FUCK OFF
FUCK OFF
REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Rolled 16 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>3635658
I REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO THIS SHITTY RIGGED DICE

>>3635742
>>3635748
>>3635751
since you refuse to lose, i will let you win this one and ignore that other guy because i can feel the pain in your text

Also, two 3s from a d20? Are you fucking serious?

>>3635767
blame /qst/ and /tg/ and my own shitty luck

>>3635767
I've had that happen to me the last few times I've rolled. It's weird

>[X] Put on your most sympathetic look, callousness will get your almost scott-free ass thrown in jail.
>[X] Deliver a shocking, sympathetic, and somewhat amusing account of how things actually happened. You want them to fucking love you. (Persuasion Roll, + 4 modifier, DC16)
>Persuasion Roll
>+4 modifier
>DC16
>Rolled 16 + 4 = 20
>Success!

>(1/2)

Everyone needs to believe without a doubt that you are being sincere. They also need to love the ever loving shit out of your fine ass. Suspicion from your inheritance will take precedent after you're cleared for this. Whatever image you set down for this trial will probably ring more than the one you set down for your press conference.

A false solemn frown makes its way on to your face.

"I woke up the morning of the incident with a throbbing headache courtesy of a daring street rat." You chuckle at the confused faces in the court. "I went to James' Java like I usually did each morning to get something to clear my head when someone started shooting up the place." The smile on your face morphs into a grim frown. "The girl who was usually behind the counter got down before she could get shot and I'm bulletproof but I wasn't just going to let that thug go and kill everyone else in the coffee shop. I turned around, lunged through the shop door out to the street, and tore out that biker's throat with my bare hands."

Shocked, over-dramatic gasps fill the air.

You resist the urge to roll your eyes as you let out a sigh.

"The police showed up shortly after that and fired on me without warning. I stood still waiting for them to stop and hear me out but they never did." You smile sheepishly. "Their bullets were kind of ticklish and I didn't know what to do so I just started laughing while they kept shooting, killing their own ear drums instead of actually killing me."

Peter, Deirdre, Sofia, and numerous other people snicker at your words.

>(2/2)

You frown solemnly again.

"...I was surrounded by SWAT teams and overlooking helicopters with snipers in them afterward. For a while, I just stood there thinking about whether or not I should make a break for it or wait for someone to finally try and talk to me." A sigh escapes your lips. "My fears won over my sense and I ended up breaking through their lines, killing Rodney Norwood as my jail cell guards informed me and wounding a dozen or so others. I made his two little girls orphans and made sure he would never reconcile with his wife."

Looks of sympathy and surprise sprout amongst the court.

It seems they didn't know the name of the cop you killed or his family situation either.

Rubbing your temples, you slump in the witness chair.

"After that, I just broke through wall after wall until I was far away from the scene. It took me a while to calm down and finally turn myself in." You turn to the elderly woman. "That's all, your honor."

Whispers sound-out throughout the courtroom.

Lawyer What's-His-Name rises from his seat.

"Permission to cross-examine the witness, your honor?"

Judge Jude nods and slams her gavel.

"Permission granted."

Your opposition clears his throat.

"Mr. Reyes, if that even is your real name, why did it take you so long to turn yourself in?"

Staring unfazed, you look at the unsure yet smug face of your legal enemy.

Just like a cowed bitch to try and discredit you at this phase.

>[ ] "That street rat was just one among a pack of the little guys I usually take care of. I had to make sure they were safe and looked after by people who weren't going to... hurt them."
>[ ] "I got in touch with Silvio Manfredi after his press conference. He told me to wait a week to build up mystique even though I needed to turn myself in."
>[ ] "Hunts Point isn't exactly the safest neighborhood. There were a lot of matters I couldn't just leave waiting until after I cleared my name."
>[ ] "...Someone started tracking me. He was a mutant like me but, for some reason, he was trying to kill me. Took me some time to shake him off."
>[ ] "My twin brother, Kwadwo Moon, turned out to be behind the shooting so I went out looking to apprehend him."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3636736
>[ ] "That street rat was just one among a pack of the little guys I usually take care of. I had to make sure they were safe and looked after by people who weren't going to... hurt them."
Keep up that sympathy. Could also probably mention that we don't really own a TV either.

>>3636824
+1

>>3636736
>>[X] "That street rat was just one among a pack of the little guys I usually take care of. I had to make sure they were safe and looked after by people who weren't going to... hurt them."
Technically truth, from a certain point of view.

>>3636824
>Could also probably mention that we don't really own a TV either.
Solid point.
There's no reason for them to expect us to know the outcome of the shootout or how to turn ourselves in safely.

>>3636736
This >>3636881

Voting closed; writing now.


Fuck it, I may as well keep writing since I'm not sleeping at my usual times anymore.

>[X] "That street rat was just one among a pack of the little guys I usually take care of. I had to make sure they were safe and looked after by people who weren't going to... hurt them."

A super criminal kingpin like you needs all the sympathy points he can get to seem less like an obvious super criminal kingpin badass. Your legitimately shitty childhood and life is just the perfect source to milk all that sweet sweet sympathy from. It's the only use it has other than reminding you of the cruel truth of this world.

"That street rat was just one among a pack of the little guys I usually take care of. I had to make sure they were safe and looked after by people who weren't going to... hurt them."

The people in the courtroom grimace and shoot you more looks of sympathy.

Prosecutor lawyer man raises an inquisitive eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon, street rat?"

You raise an eyebrow back before blinking in realization.

"Orphans. Kids who grew up on the streets without family, protection, or supervision; I was one when I was younger and can still be considered one."

The man nods in understanding.

"And who did you leave them with?"

You furrow your brow and shoot the lawyer a confused look.

"I don't see how that has anything to do with the case or your original question, but, if you must know, I left them with reliable senior members of our little homeless community." You frown, resisting the urge to glare at the lawgiver. "I would never leave them with someone who couldn't take care of them or with someone who'd abuse them. Never."

Gabriel blinks.

"My apologies, curiosity got the better of me." He clears his throat. "Do you know the name of the woman usually behind James' Java's counter during the morning, since you're so familiar with the location?"

You stare into the prosecutor's eyes.

He's probably trying to attack your sympathetic image. Of course, you never bothered learning the girl's name but you could easily come up with a reason for that. Fact that the coffee shop used nametags doesn't help your case, though they don't know that.

>[ ] "I never tried to learn her name... Actually, I tried avoiding ever learning it: the people I get to know that don't live near me or by me usually die after I learn their names. The South Bronx is no place for anyone to live."
>[ ] "She never really liked me. I think it was because of my horns or maybe my skin: you'd be surprised by the amount of ethnic gangs in the South Bronx. It's gone down in recent years but race relations are still awful."
>[ ] "My apologies, Mr. Gabriel, but I really don't know what that has to do with my situation or this case."
>[ ] "Is she... Is she alright? I didn't really get to check if she was okay before everything went down."
>[ ] "No, I have a horrible memory."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3637032
>[ ] "I never tried to learn her name... Actually, I tried avoiding ever learning it: the people I get to know that don't live near me or by me usually die after I learn their names. The South Bronx is no place for anyone to live... "Is she... Is she alright?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "I never tried to learn her name... Actually, I tried avoiding ever learning it: the people I get to know that don't live near me or by me usually die after I learn their names. The South Bronx is no place for anyone to live... Is she... Is she alright?"

Whatever plans your ineffectual prosecutor has in his head about fucking over your sympathy angle, they'll only serve to enhance it. No one can possibly deny the agony and despair prevalent in your neighborhood, much less your life. You've already won this trial and you're going to win the PR war to come after.

You breathe in and sigh.

"I never tried to learn her name... Actually, I tried avoiding ever learning it: the people I get to know that don't live near me or by me usually die after I learn their names. The South Bronx is no place for anyone to live... Is she... Is she alright?"

Gabriel blinks his stupid blue eyes once again as the courtroom shoots you even more sympathetic looks.

"Well, I, uh... I don't know."

A disappointed hum rumbles in your throat.

"I'll have to go ask around the streets about her when I'm out of here or out of prison."

Yet even more looks of sympathy are directed your way.

There's very little chance you'll actually hear about that girl again seeing as how you don't know her name and James' Java is probably never going to reopen. She probably got another job at some other place in Hunts Point, legal or otherwise. Knowing your neighborhood, probably a job in prostitution.

Your prosecutor lets out a sigh of his own.

"...Mr. Reyes, do you regret the outcome of the incident?"

Nodding, you furrow your brow.

"Like I said back when I hosted that press conference, I will regret it until the day I die."

Gabriel visibly slumps.

"...I have nothing more to say, your honor."

The prosecution retreats to its table as you are led back to yours.

Your opposition gives a paltry and pathetic closing statement as M&N drill your obvious innocence further into the crowd as well as the jury.

Speaking of the group of people with your fate in their hands, Judge Jude orders the jury to convene in the jury room to decide the verdict.

You've got, at best, fifteen minutes to say what you want to your two lawyer pals before you walk free of this stuffy fucking place.

The smallest of smirks makes its way on to your face.

You've won.

>[ ] "Honestly, I didn't expect everyone to be so sympathetic: few people ever helped me throughout my life."
>[ ] "I'll keep in touch with you two when all this is over with; you've done a fantastic job."
>[ ] "Who was that intern you had answer your office phone? She sounded blond."
>[ ] "Do you two still don't believe that I'm innocent of all of this?"
>[ ] Say nothing, you've already won and there's no need for it.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3637389
>[ ] "Honestly, I didn't expect everyone to be so sympathetic: few people ever helped me throughout my life."
>[ ] "I'll keep in touch with you two when all this is over with; you've done a fantastic job."
Keep your friends close and all that

Starting to get drowsy. Will close voting and update in, like, six hours, eight tops.

Thoughts or questions until then, mein freunds?

>>3637442
Did you think we would be here when you started the quest?

>>3637389
See >>3637395

>>3637389
>>[X] "Honestly, I didn't expect everyone to be so sympathetic: few people ever helped me throughout my life."


>>3637395
>Keep your friends close and all that
Not a bad idea.

>>3637395
Ditto

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3637515
I don't understand the question

>>3639456
Did you expect Kojo to be trying to clear his name and fake his way into Fisks money? Or did you think we would have done more straightforward gang shit?

>[X] "Honestly, I didn't expect everyone to be so sympathetic: few people ever helped me throughout my life."
>[X] "I'll keep in touch with you two when all this is over with; you've done a fantastic job."

Displaying gratitude to the right competent people will get you far in life. The two of them might be hostile and distrustful of you right now, but they'll warm up eventually. You'll bring them high profile cases with good money if you ever have problems after this, which is inevitable. Good chance they'll reject them but it doesn't hurt to try.

"Honestly, I didn't expect everyone to be so sympathetic: few people ever helped me throughout my life."

Matt and fatty Nelson glance your way.

"The environment you grew up in is filled with people with not enough to give to anyone else or concern themselves with anyone else. Not everyone is like them and not every place is like the South Bronx. It's unfortunate you had to grow up in those circumstances."

You let out a hum in agreement.

It was more than just the environment but you can buy the lack of resources factoring into the shittiness of the South Bronx.

"I'll keep in touch with you two when all this is over with; you've done a fantastic job."

Nelson clears his throat.

"That won't be necessary. Unless you have anymore cases to present to us or legal matters of concern, we would very much like our relationship to stay professional."

Glancing at the fatass, you thin out your lips.

"Actually, there's the matter of proving my U.S citizenship, getting identification, and proving I actually exist."

The man blinks.

"...Oh."

You nod back in affirmation.

There's a lot of legal work you're going to have to go through after this so no one can claim you aren't Kojo Reyes.

Seventeen minutes or so pass until the jury comes back out from their room.

The jury representative rises from the crowd of people and clears his nervous throat.

"...We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty."

Cries of joy, surprise, outrage, and relief fill the air.

You and your lawyers rise up and begin the process of going your separate ways.

The shadow squad of soldiers that had escorted you here form up around you again to escort you back to the prison on Rikers.

A crowd of reporters swarm your unwanted guards as you're led out but refrain from actually pushing up on the well-equipped paramilitary force.

It could be good to address all these nosy fuckheads. Peter, Urich, Deirdre, and Jameson are probably catching up from behind you too. You could say somethings or just go get your shit back from the prison storage room.

>[ ] "Stay still for a while, please. I need to say something to someone important."
>[ ] "How can I help you fine reporters today?"
>[ ] Go with the squad back to the prison, there's nothing for you here.
>[ ] Stand still, they'll probably wait for you to start moving.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3639557
More straightforward gang shit.

I did not expect you to single-handedly alter the criminal underworld of New York's landscape irreperably with yourself controlling pretty much everything.

>>3640406
Forgot to mention, two days: you did all of that in fucking two days.

such ascension in my ASoIaF quest is going to take fucking forever

>>3640401
>how can I help you fine reporters today
I’m not 100% sure about this, but cementing our reputation would probably be best

>>3640466
Yeah, Kek, Kojo is the king of Upward Mobility
>inb4 Kojo For President starts next week

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3640401
late, but this >>3640734

>[X] "How can I help you fine reporters today?"

No harm in hearing out these totally not vulturous maggots suckling on the rotten flesh and blood of human suffering. You'll look like a gleaming dark diamond in a rough trough of shit washing off police corruption and brutality. People eat half-baked underdog stories up like hotcakes and your story is a perfect golden-brown.

You stop, signaling your mysterious escort to stop as well, and smile solemnly for the camera.

"How can I help you fine reporters today?"

Immediately, the rats start jumping out at you as much as they can around the armed men.

"Mr. Reyes, how do you feel now that you're a free man?!"

Shrugging, you frown.

"Relieved." You look down to the courthouse steps. "And ashamed."

Another vulture pokes his head over your guardsman's arm.

"What are you going to do with all that money?!"

You lift your head up and smile slightly.

"Give a lot of it to those who need it." Frowning, you sigh. "Start a fund for police officers like Rodney Norwood in honor of his memory... Give money to his kids and apologize for taking away their father. It won't make anything right but hopefully it'll help."

Some other nobody jumps up and down just barley over the heads of your escort.

"Who are these men escorting you?!"

You shrug.

"I have no clue but they're being awfully polite right now and have always been professional in their escorts."

A hurried, familiar voice speaks up some ways behind you.

"Kwadwo!"

You turn and thin your lips at the sight of the black haired woman crying tears of joy at your release.

She shouldn't be here or around you.

Deirdre sniffles.

"Where are they taking you? I'll come over to pick you up; have they been feeding you well at the prison? We can go out for lunch if you want or I can just bring you back to my place. I already have a futon set for you."

Taking a breath, you stare into the woman's dark eyes.

It won't end well, it never ends well.

>[ ] "...The Kojo you knew died a long time ago, if he was ever really alive. I'm just a twisted shadow of what could've been."
>[ ] "Were those kids and that man back there your family? Stick with them... I'm not worth losing all of that."
>[ ] "Forget about me and my... whoever they were: it won't end well for you."
>[ ] "...I don't know where but I can call you."
>[ ] "Take me back, boys. I'm done here."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3641345
>[ ] "Were those kids and that man back there your family? Stick with them... I'm not worth losing all of that."
Family is more important and we still won't exactly have free time for a bit. Though we definitely appreciate the offer and will be in touch when we can.

Starting to get drowsy. Will close voting and update when I get up in, like, six hours.

Thoughts or questions?

>>3641345
>[ ] "Were those kids and that man back there your family? Stick with them... I'm not worth losing all of that."
No outing us.

>>3641403
Yeah Kojo needs to find out more about his family, but not yet. Not now with all this stuff to deal with. Once things clear up...

>>3641345
>>[ ] "Were those kids and that man back there your family? Stick with them... I'm not worth losing all of that."
Yeah, I doubt she'll stop, but we need to deal with this away from reporters.

>>3641403
Ditto, it’ll also set us up as a humble hero

>>3642096
We could also try to tap into Nelson and Murdocks clientele for more street level concerns that we could assist with (buying out slum lords and earning more respect of the common people, while also expanding our real estate portfolio)

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Were those kids and that man back there your family? Stick with them... I'm not worth losing all of that."

She shouldn't be around you, for now at least. You still want to know just who exactly your parents were, but you don't want to jeopardize the story you've told. If they were really her family, she should stay with them and never let go: you know you wouldn't if you were her.

"Were those kids and that man back there your family? Stick with them... I'm not worth losing all of that."

Deirdre frowns.

"...I know you probably didn't have anyone before all this, and maybe one time thought you didn't have parents because they didn't love you or that you were unlovable but none of those things are true: you are loved, valued, and appreciated." A warm smile makes its way back on to the woman's face. "You've turned into a wonderful young man."

You stare blankly into the woman's soft, gleaming eyes.

If only she knew how wrong and subjective her view of things are.

A sigh escapes your lips.

"I'll be in touch when I can." You turn away from the Black Irish woman. "Take me back to the prison, boys."

The mystery escort team doesn't say a word as they obey your wishes and stuff you back into the black van

Several hours pass until you're led out of the car and back into the prison.

You're declared free of all charges, stripped of your gaudy ass orange jumpsuit, change back into your old clothes, and given your two confiscated accessories.

As you step out of the prison a free man, you take in a deep breath of the fresh late afternoon air.

The prison stay wasn't too bad but the lack of space, anything fun to do, and other fun supervillain corridor mates was a bummer.

You blink at a black limousine pulling up by the prison parking lot.

One of the back windows pulls down to reveal a mafioso looking motherfucker in shades.

Raising an eyebrow, you appraise the vehicle with a wary eye.

It could be any manner of organization's fancy kidnapping vehicle.

>[ ] Walk up to it and ask what their business with you is, they're obviously not here for anything else.
>[ ] Space-time yourself over to the Fazioli, getting your inheritance is obviously your first step.
>[ ] Pop yourself over to the Warehouses rooftop, you could use some sleep over an open sky.
>[ ] Teleport to Strange's, he's probably going to pop up any minute now that you're free.
>[ ] Check in with everyone via phone, it has been over a month with no word from them.
>[ ] Dial up Silvio, it'd be good to ask him if this limo is his before you wreck it.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3643652
>Don't approach the limo
>Call out to the person and ask their business

>>3643652
This >>3644041 but make it a bit more Marvel banter like, like this: "Hey, man with the shades! I haven't been a free man for more than five minutes and you show up. Don't you know black limos scream 'kidnapping attempt'? This better be good, whatever it is!"

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3644063
>Don't you know black limos scream 'kidnapping attempt'?
Do they?
You guys operate in strange circles.

Limos outside of prisons are suspicious.
Limos pulling up to insanely rich heirs are not.
Sketchy mafioso guys do scream "kidnapping attempt", though.

>>3644129
Black limos, white vans. You know what I mean.

>[X] Call out to the person and ask their business
>[X] Banter Marvel style.

Approaching any suspicious vehicle under any circumstances is a shitty call to make. It might not be SHIELD or Hydra but it could be some outside faction wanting a meet and discussing what happened to king fatass. You doubt anyone would've made hostile moves into New York just yet much less having gained turf with your crew holding the fort while you were gone.

You clear your throat as you lower your eyebrow.

"Hey, White Shades! I'm barely out the prison gates and a limo carrying a man I've never seen before drives up? Don't you have some idea of how suspicious that is? Sure, it isn't an unmarked black van but it's still pretty fucking shady, Slim Shady."

Mafioso Shades takes off his actually black shades.

"Mr. Manfredi asked me to come here to pick you up when you got out. Of course, since you're the boss, you don't have to come with me back to meet the old man."

Once again, you blink your red-on-black demon eyes as you walk up to the limo window.

Part of you is actually disappointed that this wasn't a potential kidnapping. You haven't killed, tortured, or broken someone in over an entire month after all. The murder boner you usually have is somewhat aching to be filled with blood, like it usually is. It's almost like slightly turning on a rusting faucet after a long ass time.

"...Huh, that's disappointing."

Slim Shady raises an eyebrow of his own.

"You wanted to be kidnapped, boss?"

A hum rumbles in your throat.

"Nah, I just wanted something more exciting to happen is all: I've been stuck in a cell for over a month with two madmen, two petty thugs, and one fuckhead to socialize with. Shit gets boring after a while. The trial was a welcome change of pace but surprisingly shortlived." You raise an eyebrow back up a the man. "Did Silvio have a hand in that?"

White Shades shrugs.

"Not that I know of."

Another hum purrs in your throat.

Might be worth checking in with Silvio to confirm. You can't leave any loose-ends around and the men he could've bribed would be some. Doubtful the old man wouldn't realize that, though. The men he might've used could also be valuable assets too.

>[ ] "Tell the old man I'm alright. There's other things I need to take care of before we meet again."
>[ ] "Scoot over, I'm coming in."
>[ ] Port to Phineas', your phone was ready quite some time ago.
>[ ] Check-in with your other lieutenants, it's been a long fucking while.
>[ ] Teleport to Strange's, he's probably going to pop up any minute now that you're free.
>[ ] Pop yourself over to the Warehouses rooftop, you could use some sleep over an open sky.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3644166
>[ ] "Give me like five minutes, okay? I have to check something real quick."
>[ ] Examine your belongings you now have again. Are they still the same? Did those black ops goons put trackers or stealth objects on them while they sat there for over a month? Both smell and use your third eye on them, as well as your general vicinity.
>[ ] Once you are sure nothing is amiss. "Scoot over, I'm coming in."
It would be nice and in-character for Kojo to personally check on Silvio after being released. He DOES own the will now after all. I just want the paranoia here anyway because it's somewhat justified when it comes to the cellphone and the clothes here.

Getting really drowsy. Will close voting and update whenever I wake up.

Thoughts or questions?

>>3644190
Ditto
>>3644296
Mayor/Senator/President Reyes when

>>3644190
support
>>3644296
not much but good nigth

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3644190
>I just want the paranoia here anyway because it's somewhat justified when it comes to the cellphone and the clothes here.
Disappointed that I didn't think of this.
If I were a SHIELD Agent, which I'm not, I would absolutely slip a tracking/listening bug on the inheritor of Kingpin's empire while I had the chance. Especially if the target were as easy to underestimate as Kojo would appear to be.

>[X] "Give me like five minutes, okay? I have to check something real quick."
>[X] Sniff your stuff and third eye dat shit.
>[X] "Scoot over, I'm coming in."

You're not being paranoid, you're just being reasonably cautious of all the numerous things that can possibly go wrong in this fucked up crazy world where mutants, magic, superpowers, and gods exist. This is all just you rightfully watching out for yourself. No one else is going to look out of their immaterial third spectral eye to examine everything in their surroundings down to the atoms for you.

"Give me like five minutes, okay? I have to check something real quick."

The man raises an eyebrow as you close all three of your eyes.

"It's your time, boss."

Nodding your head in understanding, you take in the surrounding air through your nose.

You smell nothing out of the ordinary except for the man's cologne.

Another hum rumbles in your throat as you open your third eye.

That which is you flows from your immaterial eye to encompass your vessel, the Lion's pawn, and the surrounding area.

Besides the lack of intensity in the distinct almond scent, bitter taste, green color, course feel, and cashier popping noises of dollar bills, there's nothing out of place in your belongings.

You open your eyes and cluck your tongue.

>Hard cash on person: $425

"Those fuckers took thirty-three bucks from my wallet." Shrugging, you brush it off. "Whatever, I'm going to be a billionaire in a short while."

Slim shady blinks.

"I'm sorry, what?"

You literally wave the issue away.

"Scoot over, I'm coming in."

Obeying your command, white shades opens the door for you and scoots himself aside.

You seat yourself down, close the door, and slump in your seat.

"Take me to the old man."

The limousine obeys your wishes, driving away from your shitty former prison.

An hour or two passes before you stop in front of a cozy villa.

Slim shady clears his throat as you step out.

"He is waiting for you on the second-floor balcony."

You nod before hopping over the villa and landing on to the second-floor balcony on the other side of the fancy home.

Two guards point guns at you but a familiar old man motions for them to stand down.

"Always with the fancy entrances, don."

A laugh escapes your lips.

"It's quicker than taking the stairs or just walking."

A man of your stature and position can't be walking around or taking the stairs like a filthy peasant. Escalators are a decent substitute but still unworthy of you. Of course, a slave would be more than suffice.

Transportation aside, you've got shit to discuss.

>[ ] "Was your hand in getting me that trial? It finished up in a single freaking day."
>[ ] "Let's discusss the matters of my inheritance, there's a lot we need to go over."
>[ ] "Did the little brat do anything when I was cleared of all charges?"
>[ ] "Send your men out, I need to talk with your privately."
>[ ] "How's Sofia?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3647199
>[ ] "Was your hand in getting me that trial? It finished up in a single freaking day."
>[ ] "Let's discusss the matters of my inheritance, there's a lot we need to go over."
>[ ] "Did the little brat do anything when I was cleared of all charges?"

Voting closed; writing now.

Aww, don't call Sofia a brat.
Silvermane is of a generation that might not get that it's not always used as a criticism.

>>3647890
This, Sofia is cute. No being rude.

>[X] "Was your hand in getting me that trial? It finished up in a single freaking day."
>[X] "Let's discuss the matters of my inheritance, there's a lot we need to go over."
>[X] "Did the little princess do anything when I was cleared of all charges?"

>(1/2)

The important things always come first ahead of the less important but still important things. Asking questions about the people who like you, however unnecessary, is always important but less important than the other shit happening in your life. Sofia is Silvio's last surviving grandchild and quite possibly the heir to his crime family.

You raise an eyebrow at the old man.

"Was your hand in getting me that trial? It finished up in a single freaking day."

Silvio shakes his head.

"That was entirely on the justice system for once, Don. I'm sure the prosecution could've presented more witnesses but they were probably still sore on account of getting injured by you, compromising their testimony."

Leaning against the balcony railing, you relax as a cool night wind blows over you.

"And the trial itself about a month after I turned myself in?"

The underworld legend laughs.

"You made such a fuss with that press conference the date got moved up on its own. I could have shortened the time of it by a few weeks but that would've attracted unwanted attention. Who knew having a flair for the dramatic would work in a crime lord's favor?"

A laugh of your own escapes your lips.

"Let's discuss the matters of my inheritance, there's a lot we need to go over."

>(2/2)

Silvio nods in agreement.

"As executor of Wilson's will, it's my responsibility to hand over everything to you. I've gotten almost everything taken care but a man as wealthy as Fisk has more than several lifetimes worth of assets. The only thing you need to do, Don, is prove you really are Kojo Reyes."

You hum knowingly.

"I'm going to get on that as soon as I can." Sighing, you look up to the starry sky. "There's no one alive who actually knew my parents personally or was there when I was born so I'm going to have to find some record of my mother: mutants just don't move countries without there being some kind of special documentation."

The old man relaxes on his balcony chair.

"Wouldn't be hard for my government contacts to grab a hold of something or forge some papers if needed."

Another hum rumbles in your throat.

"Did the little princess do anything when I was cleared of all charges?"

Silvio blinks and smiles.

"She jumped, squealed, and tried to make her way through the crowd of people to you." His lips thin themselves out against each other. "That woman who spoke with you before you left the press conference nudged her aside trying to get you, Don. If you don't mind my asking, just who is she and what did you discuss?"

Your own lips thin out.

Even here, you can't escae from her.

>[ ] "Just a grown woman with schizophrenia. She thought I was her miscarried baby come back from hell."
>[ ] "Someone alive who knew my parents personally and might've been there when I was born."
>[ ] "My mother's former lover concubine sex slave girl... It's a long story."
>[ ] "No one, who'll forever remain a no one and uninvolved in our business."
>[ ] "A friend of the family, the only friend actually."
>[ ] "...Send your men out."
>[ ] "How is Sofia?"
>[ ] Write In.

Really drowsy. Will close voting and update when I wake up some hours from now

thots and questions?

>>3648064
Just tell him the truth due to this being confusing enough

>>3648064
>she knew my parents, she’s a nobody
>how’s Sofia

>>3648064
>[X] "Just a woman who claims she knew my parents personally and might've been there when I was born."
>[X] "How is Sofia?"

>>3648064
I'll back >>3648577

Also I thought the brat comment was about Fisks daughter. Has Silvio heard anything from her?

>>3648629
>Fisks daughter
Do you mean Vanessa? His wife?

>>3649063
I always get it confused but yea, Vanessa.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>she knew my parents, she’s a nobody

>[X] "Just a woman who claims she knew my parents personally and might've been there when I was born."

>[X] "Just a woman who claims she knew my parents personally and might've been there when I was born."
>[X] "How is Sofia?"

It's best to tell him the truth instead of the whole truth. He'll be skeptical if you leave out the fact she knows a different version of your name and the names of your parents. The old man will probably offer to look into but he'll stand down if you say it's not important. Commanding him to back off could lead to resentment or suspicion.

Shrugging, you put up a casual facade.

"Just a woman who claims she knew my parents personally and might've been there when I was born."

The old man blinks.

"...Huh, do you think she did or was?"

You shake your head.

"I was a newborn so I wouldn't remember her and she looked out of it. Probably just some junky whore looking to get a nose candy daddy. Wouldn't be the first time a lowlife tried to scam a soon-to-be rich person."

Silvio hums.

"Quite the convincing act from those tears trailing down her cheeks."

Nodding in agreement, you look up at the night sky.

"...I almost bought it for a moment."

Your Brooklyn lieutenant lets out a solemn sigh.

"Happens to the best of us, Don. You didn't fall for her tricks in the end."

A confirming hum rumbles in your throat.

"How is Sofia?"

The Old King smiles again.

"Besides being upset she didn't get to congratulate you on the day you went free, she's fine and happy I let her skip a school day in honor of your trial."

You raise an eyebrow before blinking as you realize it's now late September to early October.

"What did she do all day before the trial?"

Silvio yawns.

"Her homework, caught up on her studies, and pestering me for coffee flavored ice cream."

Chuckling, you stand yourself up straight.

"Did she get her coffee ice cream?"

Grandpa Manfredi slumps again against his chair.

"After your trial, yes."

You smother a laugh as you sit down on the balcony railing.

The old man's constant submissions to his granddaughter will never stop being hilarious.

>[ ] "Silvio, can you dismiss your boys here? I need to talk to you alone."
>[ ] "I'll be going now, I've got friends to catch up with."
>[ ] "Speaking of coffee, could one of you boys get me one?"
>[ ] "You don't mind if I rest here for some time, do you?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3650318
>[ ] "Speaking of coffee, could one of you boys get me one?"
>[ ] "You don't mind if I rest here for some time, do you?"
There are worse places to be holed up while working on proving we exist.

>>3650318
This >>3650548

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Speaking of coffee, could one of you boys get me one?"
>[X] "You don't mind if I rest here for some time, do you?"

Over a month of having no fresh black coffee can drive any regular coffee drinker into insane madness. Your body and brain's naturally addiction-resistant mutant properties keep the caffeine from devouring you, though. Seeing as how you can't exactly return to the warehouse or pop in to your lieutenants' new bases with new faces, it's best for you to just chill here or on the nearest rooftops by Murdock & Nelson's. The openness of a rooftop would do you some good after spending over a month in cramped spaces but so would a real room.

First things first, coffee.

You turn to the nearest mafioso.

"Speaking of coffee, could one of you boys get me one?"

A visibly armed man by the balcony sliding nods his head before disappearing into the villa.

The old man raises an eyebrow.

"You're having coffee at this hour? Are you planning to stay awake all night?"

Laughing, you shake your head.

"I don't actually need to sleep yet, not for a few weeks or so. As for coffee, it doesn't really keep me up; good at dispelling drowsiness, though."

Silvio blinks.

"...Just what exactly are you capable of? You didn't even look like you were trying in that video recording."

You shrug.

"I don't really bother trying to find out. What I know I'm capable of right now is more than enough to take on anyone I'll ever need to in my business. Although, I might need to know more if we attract unwanted attention too soon: hero supers aren't exactly the kind of people you can just shake off."

Grandpa Manfredi nods in agreement.

"There are many enemies you may find difficult to dispose of but few are as difficult as a blind, idealistic zealot who can bend steel."

An affirming hum rumbles in your throat.

"You don't mind if I rest here for some time, do you?"

The silver maned man shakes his head.

"Not at all, I had you driven here, don, to talk and rest after a full month in those claustrophobic dirty prison walls. Do be careful around Sofia and try not to respond to any of her potential physical assaults with hostility, it's how prepubescent girls like her show their affection for whatever reason."

You let out a pleasant laugh.

Getting glomped by the little mafia princess might be fun. Giving her free shoulder rides on her request might not be, though. Considering that was your first ever interaction, she might really want one.

>[ ] "Do you have any completely empty rooms I can just lay down in? I don't actually need any fancy accommodations."
>[ ] "I'm going to be camping on your rooftop, Silvio. Don't worry, I won't mess with your fancy tiles."
>[ ] "Tell the coffee man to deliver my cup to the guest room when he comes back."
>[ ] "It'll be fine so long as she isn't stabbing me with anything."
>[ ] "You look like you're about to turn in yourself, old man."
>[ ] "Where will I find your guest room?"
>[ ] Write In.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3650806

>[1] "Do you have any completely empty rooms I can just lay down in? I don't actually need any fancy accommodations."
>[2] "I'm going to be camping on your rooftop, Silvio. Don't worry, I won't mess with your fancy tiles."

>>3650806
What >>3650866 rolled

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Do you have any completely empty rooms I can just lay down in? I don't actually need any fancy accommodations."

You've always been more comfortable when laying down against a hard, flat, and cold surface. Futons are all the comfort you need and even then they don't do much for you. The closest you've gotten to laying on an actual bed were your jail and prison beds and those were eh. A hard wood floor or a firm tile floor are all you need.

"Do you have any completely empty rooms I can just lay down in? I don't actually need any fancy accommodations."

Silvio shoots you a look.

"I know you've lived a hard life, Don, but you can't seriously be turning down a soft king-sized bed with goose feather pillows and fur blankets, are you?"

Nodding, you hum affirmatively.

"Don't really need any of that. Thanks for the thought, though."

The old man lets out a sigh.

"None of the rooms in my villa are completely empty. If you're adamant about sleeping on a hard cold floor, the guest room I had in mind has a hardwood floor. You can try sleeping on the kitchen or bathroom tile if that isn't enough for you."

A barely restrained snigger seeps out from your lips.

"I'll take the hardwood, thank you; where is the guest room?"

One of the mob boss' soldiers steps forward.

Silvio gestures to him.

"He'll take you to the room. If you don't come across Adolfo, I'll have him birng your coffee to you when he gets back."

With an understanding nod, you follow the Maggia goon into the villa.

A familiar man with a coffee cup seated on a fancy tea stops in front of you as you turn from the hall.

You pick up the plate from Adolfo, sip your coffee, and continue following the henchman to your new slumming space

Mr. Escort man stops before a fancy-looking wooden door and opens the door for you with his freehand.

Nodding in appreciation for the man's henching, you enter the room.

You blink as you take in the cleanliness and extravagance of the guest room.

Either Silvio's trying to butter you up or he has enough money in his pockets to afford decking out a room he's probably never going to loan. The window drapes are more than fancy enough to be pawned off for an easy twenty bucks, thirty if you're bartering with someone new, on the streets. It's probably a combination of the two but, knowing Silvio, he probably didn't intend to sweeten anything up.

>[ ] Plop yourself down on the floor, some relaxation would do you some good.
>[ ] Make your way back to Silvio, your conversation isn't over just yet.
>[ ] Down the coffee, it's been over a fucking month.
>[ ] Lay down on the bed, what harm could it do?
>[ ] Write In.

>>3651764
>[ ] Down the coffee, it's been over a fucking month.
>[ ] Plop yourself down on the floor, some relaxation would do you some good.
No need to take more advantage of Silvio than we already have. The floor is what Kojo's used to, and that's what he likes.

>>3652062
Support

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Down the coffee, it's been over a fucking month.
>[X] Plop yourself down on the floor, some relaxation would do you some good.

While you are immune to Caffeine Deprivation Madness (CDM), you should drink your espresso-style coffee. The bitterness of the coffee beans and the bitterness of the world hidden in them calls to you. Your room's hard wood floor is also calling to you but you'd much prefer the coffee right now.

The wisps of scorching fresh coffee urge you to lift the tea platter closer to your nose, to which you comply.

Closing all three of yours eyes, you take in the surrounding coffee wisp filled air through your human snout.

A pleased hum purrs in your throat before you lower the small plate and begin downing your gifted mob coffee.

The smooth, intense bitterness cleanses your tastebuds of the lingering prison food aftertaste.

Finishing the last drops of coffee, you let out a relieved sigh.

Not the best coffee you ever had but still pretty great.

You set the empty cup atop the tea platter on the bed's nightstand, move around to the bed's front, and fall down on to the hardwood floor.

A guttural groan churns out from your throat and out of your lips.

Now this is a floor you can sleep on: there's none of that tile detector shit to even slightly cushion your body. You can't feel a glance of heat off the floor on account of it being hardwood and not connected to any electrical system.

You nuzzle against the cold floor.

It's not dirty but you were never really a fan of the dirt.

Sighing, you relax against the hardwood.

The only difficulty in sight will be proving your identity but you can probably clear that up without forgeries so long as there's some record of your mother and her mutations. Deirdre might be a problem but, so long as she keeps her distance, you'll be fine. Getting in touch with your team and figuring out everyone's current situation should be your main priority right now.

>[ ] Port to Phineas' workshop, he has your super phone and it's possible your phone's burner number could've been registered by special agents. You don't need any recording of your dealings going on.
>[ ] Teleport yourself to Strange's, he likely knows but you want to continue your studies.
>[ ] Flip out your burner and call Itsuki, he's probably the only one awake right now.
>[ ] Take out your cell and dial up Jesús, the man's usually up late.
>[ ] Check in with everyone, fuck their sleep.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3654198
>port to get your phone
Then
>Port to Dr. SS

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3654368
Kojo got two phones, both teams for the bitches

>[X] Port to Phineas' workshop, he has your super phone and it's possible your phone's burner number could've been registered by special agents. You don't need any recording of your dealings going on.
>[X] Teleport yourself to Strange's, he likely knows but you want to continue your studies.

>(1/2)

Even the slightest chance of the police being capable of listening in on your calls is a risk you shouldn't take. You did order the genius phone constructed for the very purpose of avoiding prying ears and also to avoid paying any kind of phone plan. Besides, you've used the same burner for too long anyway.

With a flick of your wrist, the ground beneath you turns into space.

You turn in mid-air to land on your feet before you can hit the ground.

Relaxing on the bed you once lay unconscious on, Phineas Mason rests much like an old man his age would, like a corpse.

Sniffing the air to be sure the man's still alive, you look around the workshop.

A distinctive black and red covered phone with no keyboard of any kind rests upon one of the many steel tables inside the workshop.

You blink at its sleekness before walking over and picking it up.

What appears to be its screen lights up with a shining white 9:23 PM over a black background.

Raising an eyebrow at the genius phone, something clatters to the ground some ways from your side.

You immediately jump into the air and dig your free hand into the steel ceiling.

>(2/2)

Below you, a familiar tin can salutes.

"Good evening, sir Kojo." It seems to whisper from the speakers on its cheeks. "May I ask how it is you managed to enter the workshop without being detected by our security systems."

A scoff shoots out of your lips as you let go and gesture to the ground, conjuring a portal to your former magic teacher's.

You once again land feet-first on the ground before the Sanctum Sanctorum's front door.

Some other portal manifests itself in front of the door as yours dissipates from existence.

The familiar but upset face of your magic tutor makes itself known as he walks through it.

Both of you stare at one another in a tense silence.

It might've been a mistake coming here but you haven't finished your studies yet. The infinite power magic holds needs to be in your grasp lest you be at the mercy of Strange and other magic users like him. Worst the man could do is shoo you away: he doesn't know the full story or even if you did off Fisk. Absolute worst case scenario, he paralysis you with magic forever.

>[ ] "...My mother died giving birth to me. I was alone in this world right from the beginning... Or so I thought. I came across someone who knew her me, and... my dad. I killed him and I killed her: I killed my own parents. There were two people who took care of me before all of this and I ended up killing them too... I don't think I want to kill you or her; I never really wanted to kill anyone but things rarely go the way you want them to. Am I going to have to add you to the pile of bodies behind me? There are already too many dead men for anyone to count. Your magic can't save you, trust me: I've been killing people with more power and strength than me for as long as I've been alive. So, what's it going to be?"
>[ ] "Did you know my father was Wilson Fisk's right hand? His red right hand? My old man was killing people for cash while I was killing people to survive because he wasn't around. Like father, like son, huh? Like everyone else... I killed him too eventually: just left him there, brains splattered, on the streets."
>[ ] "First things first, I didn't kill Fisk and I didn't want to kill that police officer."
>[ ] "You can try to stop me but I'll kill you in the end... It always ends like that."
>[ ] "I know I haven't been around lately but I'm back."
>[ ] "...Something you wanna say?"
>[ ] "...What? What?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3654514
>I know I ain’t been around, but I’m here now
Technical truths from here out boys

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "I know I ain’t been around, but I’m here now."

Telling him the whole truth or letting him see who you truly are will not be at all to your benefit. He's already suspicious of you enough as is. Sure, he'll get even more suspicious overtime if you manage to successfully lie to him, but that will probably leave you enough to master the super advanced stuff. You also don't want to make an enemy of him sooner than he'll probably be one to you naturally.

A sigh wisping out your lips breaks the permeating silence.

"I know I ain’t been around, but I’m here now."

Stephen's grey eyes blink.

"...Because you were too busy attending a trial for a crime you never told me you committed?" He furrows his brow. "Because you were named heir to Wilson Fisk's fortune a week after died? Because you arrived at a press conference to introduce yourself to the world as Wilson Fisk's heir before turning yourself in for the aforementioned crime?"

You stare blankly at your magic tutor.

"That first one, yes, but the others had no hand in it whatsoever."

Mr. Sorcerer Supreme of two people groans.

"Why didn't you tell me about any of that?" He furrows his brow again. "Is it because you were guilty?"

Shooting the man a look, you cross your arms.

"The jury decided I wasn't so I'm not. I didn't tell you because, frankly, it's none of your business, you would've told me to turn myself in if I told you, you would've probably turned me in yourself after I told you not yet, and I was making preparations for those I look after to be taken care of while I was gone whether temporarily or forever. Learning I was heir to Wilson Fisk's fortune, like I said in my conference interview, was a surprise to me as I'm sure it was to everyone else, including you. I got into contact with one of Silvermane's boys, told him to set another conference a week from then, and finished my preparations before it went down."

Strange narrows his eyes.

"I still feel like you're not telling me the whole truth."

You roll your own red-on-black demon ones.

"I answered your questions, I don't know what you think I'm leaving out."

The magic man raises a hand to rub his temples.

He knows you're leaving something out, but he has no idea what it could be or just how big it really is. Your inheritance is far too circumstantial and bizarre for anyone not to feel like you're leaving something out from your story. They'll all buy it and get used to it with time, however.

>[ ] "I taught two other people how to use magic. Turns out I make a great teacher."
>[ ] "So, are we going to keep up our tutoring sessions or what?"
>[ ] "Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"
>[ ] "I'll leave if you don't want me around."
>[ ] "Do you feel like I betrayed you?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3655463
>>[ ] "I taught two other people how to use magic. Turns out I make a great teacher."

Getting really drowsy. Will close voting and update when I wake up.

Any thoughts or questions?

>>3655658
The banter and the dynamic between Kojo and Strange never fails to be good. I hope we don't have to try to fight or kill him, would be a damn shame.

>>3655651
Ditto

>>3655463
>>[X] "So, are we going to keep up our tutoring sessions or what?"
If he gives any more guff, then definitely:
[X] "Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"
The money is just money, and you honestly hope to put it to good use.
The criminal case thing we already explained. We never expected to meet Strange and there's no easy way to add "By the way, I'm wanted for kicking a cop's head in and I gotta go handle that!"
If we thought Strange needed to know, we would have said something. But how could Strange have helped?
Anyway... He knows that we could have teleported out of that prison any time we wanted. And we chose not to use our power in that way and to let the law decide our fate. And it has.

"So... How have things been?"

>>3655651
>"I taught two other people how to use magic. Turns out I make a great teacher."
I am SO against this.
Nothing we've done (that Strange knows about) has the potential to piss him off more than us handing out the keys to magic power like candy to our hoodlum friends.
We *might* be able to bond as teachers, but that would require maximum Kojo Charm Manipulation.
Not sure I want to bet our Diplomancy against the Sorcerer Supreme's Intuition.

>>3655718
>The banter and the dynamic between Kojo and Strange never fails to be good. I hope we don't have to try to fight or kill him, would be a damn shame.
But also 100% this.

I think I'd rather fight almost anyone else in Marveldom. Certainly anyone else on Earth.

I just tried to think of an earthling opponent who could take out Kojo and first came up with Comics Version Magneto. Although, all we'd need to do is lure him close enough to us to eat his soul. Can't hold our Hungry Soul with mere magnetism!

>>3655463
>[X] "So, are we going to keep up our tutoring sessions or what?"
yeah what >>3656510 said, fuck telling him we're teaching others

>>3655463
Basically >>3656501

>>3655463
THIS >>3656501

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "So, are we going to keep up our tutoring sessions or what?"
>[X] "Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"

No harm in asking him. It's the reason why you came back here in the first place. Worst he could do is say no and you've already learned more than enough magic to take on someone like him. Considering his current mood, he's probably going to say no.

A sigh escapes your lips.

"So, are we going to keep up our tutoring sessions or what?"

Doctor Strange lets go of his head and shoots you a look.

"Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

You raise an eyebrow.

"I just asked you, actually."

Another frustrated groan growls out of the magic man's lips.

"No, I am not going to keep teaching you sorcery, not now at least."

Lowering your eyebrow, you cross your arms.

"Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"

Mr. Sorcerer Supreme furrows his brow and glares into your eyes.

"It is a big deal! You didn't tell me!"

You furrow your own brow.

"And what would you have done if I did?"

The magic tutor scoffs.

"Helped you! I would've helped you! All you had to do was tell me the truth and I would've helped you as much as I could, but you didn't and I couldn't. I can't believe anything you say now. Your sudden inheritance, the incident with the police, and those unexplainable inhuman eyes of yours are all too coincidental to believe that they just happened naturally. I shouldn't have been so trusting of you and I shouldn't have taught you magic."

Your lips curve downward into a frown.

It seems your bridge with Strange has been torched.

>[ ] "This isn't easy for me either! Do you have any idea how my life's been since all this shit began?! Revelation after revelation, bullshit on top of other bullshit! It never fucking ends! I fucking miss being a nobody, at least I could act like myself!"
>[ ] "And here I was thinking you actually liked being around me... like I liked being around you."
>[ ] "How. Explain to me how you would've improved my situation."
>[ ] "...I know when I'm not wanted, have a nice life."
>[ ] "I never lied to you."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3657584
god fucking shit
>[ ] "How. Explain to me how you would've improved my situation, not knowing about any of this bullshit as much as I hadn't."

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "How. Explain to me how you would've improved my situation, not knowing about any of this bullshit as much as I hadn't."

Confronting his faulty complaints will help you breach into the dome that hides his brain. You already pointed out the kind of thing superhero types like him saw as help. He is right that everything happening all at once is too much to be a coincidence but you can't let him know that.

"How. Explain to me how you would've improved my situation, not knowing about any of this bullshit as much as I hadn't."

The magic man raises a hand to his chin.

"Finding you a decent lawyer, for one; though, you managed to find one all by yourself. Second, I would've played back time at the scene of your crime to get a better idea of what had happened and made a recording of it to show the court. Finally, you would've turned yourself in, awaited trial, and be let off as not guilty as you are now."

He lowers his hand.

"That's how I would've improved your situation."

You narrow your eyes.

"And the people I take care of?"

Strange points behind his shoulder at the Sanctum Sanctorum.

"I would've housed them with me and looked after them, Kojo." He puts back his hand. "You didn't need to make any preparations for them if you had just told me. All of this would've been so much better if you just trusted me, but now I find myself unable to trust you."

A sigh escapes your lips.

He's got you there. You weren't aware of his abilities to straight up flash back in time but the matter of housing is one you never considered. Maybe you should've been more honest about your situation and left out the people bit. Although, you would've been unable to use that as an excuse as for why you turned yourself in so late.

>[ ] "Strange, I barely know you. How could I have trusted you with something as important as my future, much less the future of my little street rats?"
>[ ] "They're my responsibility, I'm not just going to pawn them off on someone else so easily without recompense."
>[ ] "Don't you have magic traps laying around the Sanctum Sanctorum?"
>[ ] "I don't trust anyone. Not after everything I've lived through."
>[ ] "Wait a second, you can play back fucking time?"
>[ ] "I had my reasons, okay?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3658005
>[ ] "Strange, I barely know you. How could I have trusted you with something as important as my future, much less the future of my little street rats?"
>[ ] "I don't trust anyone. Not after everything I've lived through."

Voting closed; writing now.