The Awakened - First Pillar (IC Thread)

[Jory]

Lux looked around as the couple entered the mansion, taking in the area and everything in it. He quickly looked toward the Bartender. Having him here makes this seem a whole lot easier, the young man thought as he progressed through the party. The man who had caught his eye- a large, well-built blond man in a white suit- seemed to be the only sedentary object in the lively room. Lux turned to Beverly and nodded, then looked for another group of socialites to interrogate. Spotting one at the opposite end of the bar from the Bartender, he led Beverly over and gave them his biggest fake smile.

"Hello, Lucius Jett," he said warmly in his English accent as he extended a hand to the man who seemed to be commanding the group's attention. "And this lovely lady is Beverly, my date. Do any of you perchance know where I might find the host of this little soiree?" he asked. "I'd like to thank him for his invitation and for this lovely event."

[Arkhi]

Hades opened the door, signaling Keaton to go in. Pistol drawn, he stuck his head in, looking both left and right. It was empty.
He released his breath, holstered his gun, and walked in. To the left were some utensils and supplies, while to the right was what looked like a control panel for the lights. Before walking over, Keaton scanned the floor, looking for hazards. There appeared none, but better safe than sorry.

Keaton opened the panel, hooking his phone's battery jack to the wiring. Everything worked perfectly. Now, all that was required was to locate the lights and get out. "This part requires about two minutes of waiting," he said in a hushed voice to Hades. "In the meantime, can you explain what we're doing here?"

[Flux]

K_H, Snap Crackle Pop

"Rebecca was taken by the government and put in this place for some unknown reason. Since you're not with the Government, i presume that you came here to rescue her as well. if so, then that means that we've got similar goals, and should team up temporarily."

Beetle looked at the man, trying to tell if he could trust him. He seemed to be truthful, and he definitely seemed more likely to negotiate than the muscular guy. He gave Alice a brief glance before answering.

"...Ok. We'll team up for now, but you have some explaining to do when this is done."

---------------------------------------------

Supernovae

The muscular man began to move as Jude approached, though he was unaware of the man behind him. He ran towards Kenny as Jude stabbed, piercing him in the shoulder as his body shifted position. The sword did not penetrate as far as Jude would have expected, being stopped by the massive density of the man's muscles. He cried out, turning and quickly lashing out with his other arm. It narrowly missed Jude, instead crashing into the wall. As he pulled his fist away, there was a gaping hole left in the wall. The man was now hunched over, clutching his wounded shoulder.

"A sword, eh?" He was breathing more heavily now, though there was still a trace of a cocky smile on his face. "Can't say I expected that."

His next move caught them all by surprise. He raised a fist, punching it into the ground. There was a massive shockwave as the entire floor cracked and split into pieces. They all fell to the lower level, where the ceiling had just rained down upon those beneath. The man landed on his feet as the others fell, being the only one who would have suspected such a thing. He ran over to where Jude lay, raising a fist and swinging down towards the man.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Typhlosionrulez

Beetle's grandfather had just come through the portal as the others had ran up the stairs, leaving him alone with Ace. He spoke tentatively, unsure if this man was friend or foe.

"...Who are y--"

...was all he was able to get out before the ceiling shattered. Wooden supports rained down on the two, and he barely had time to cover his head before he was knocked to the ground.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Jory, rustytengo

Do any of you perchance know where I might find the host of this little soiree? I'd like to thank him for his invitation and for this lovely event."

The man turned to face Lux. He was a tall man and rather muscular, appearing to be in his early 30s. He had short brown hair, and was wearing a simple black tux. He gave a smile, and extended a hand.

"Well, I believe you've just found him. Welcome to the party." He raised an eyebrow. It wasn't an accusing look, simply curious. He'd likely given the same look to many other guests tonight. "I don't believe we've met, have we? I'm John Taylor, vice-president of the new department."

------------------------------------------------------

Arkhidon

"This part requires about two minutes of waiting," he said in a hushed voice to Hades. "In the meantime, can you explain what we're doing here?"

Hades smiled.

"You mean you haven't figured it out yet?" He sighed. "And you claim to be sooo smart... Well, as I said earlier, this is a gang that's been causing quite a ruckus lately. Theft, killings -- they're serious. And they're led by one of the Awakened. It seems that they're targeting government members as well... Nobody in a serious position yet; mostly public workers, like the policemen. My theory is that it has to do with the "rounding up" of the Awakened that the government's been doing lately. It wouldn't be the first time that it's caused a little rebellion like this. It likely angers their leader, and it can cause unrest with regular citizens as well. Not that they're wrong." He tapped his head with a finger. "But you also have to see the government's point of view on this. They as clueless as everyone else, despite having sole access to the Pillar. People mysteriously gaining superpowers -- They can't just let that happen without trying to control it in some way. The chaos would be unimaginably delightful."

He paused, shrugging and giving an innocent look.

"So, I figured I'd do a good deed and come mop up this mess before things get out of hand. And you're here for initiation. I want to see how you handle pressure and combat situations, despite being a thinker-type." His expression became serious. "There will be an important time coming in the near future... and I want to get a glimpse of where you'll stand when that time comes."

[K_H]

Kenny got up and grabbed Rebecca, and then used an Aura Beam on the floor to launch them upwards towards the Exit, Quartz Crystal Flashing blue as he did so, landing just outside the Building. Kenny then ran to the Forest, escaping the Compound. He then waited in the Forest for the others to get out of the Compound.

Edited March 8, 2015 by Trainer Red

[Ragnar]

just as Ace was about to answer the man, the room begin to shake as debris came tumbling down on ceiling,The speedster quickly reacts as he uses his inhuman speed, dodging the falling debris and flash step towards the old man, carrying him out of harms way before the beam complete collapse on the two. the two seems to be safe for now.

"You, okay gramps?" Ace asked the man. "This isn't a place for old people, there are dangerous people out here."

[Jory]

Lux smiled at the man, giving him a firm handshake and thinking quickly. I need to get as much information out of him as I can in this conversation. He's already opened up the topic of the Department. I'll have to go from there. "You certainly know how to throw an exceptional event, Mr. Taylor. And congratulations on your new post." Here goes, Lux thought to himself. "You know I've heard all the rumors and conjecture about your department, but I think it's important to get information right from the source. What's your department's specialty?"

[Flux]

typhlosionrulez

"You, okay gramps? This isn't a place for old people, there are dangerous people out here."

Lawrence White stood to his full height, more than a little surprised by the collapse of the ceiling and his sudden rescue by this stranger.

"I'm fine, thanks to you. Though I do believe I possess enough power to be more useful than an 'old person.' "

As the man stood, he was actually taller than most of those present in the room, and he appeared to be fairly muscular, even at his age. He had a firm jaw, and a serious expression. He glanced at the chaos. There appeared to be a fight that was resuming, so he spoke urgently.

"We're here looking for a young lady, one of my grandson's friends, as well as a friend of mine. We've heard that this is where she was being held. Do you know anything about this?"

--------------------------------------------------

Jory, rustytengo

"You know I've heard all the rumors and conjecture about your department, but I think it's important to get information right from the source. What's your department's specialty?"

The man smiled. "Well, I'd be interested in hearing what sort of things that you've been told I do. I'd imagine there's quite a bit of hearsay on that subject. But I suppose I can give you some idea of what we do." He cleared his throat. "As you may or may not know, the new department is called BOA -- That's an acronym for "Bureau on the Awakened." Now I'm sure you've seen the chaos reported in the news ever since the rise of the Pillar. It's quite the enigma, if I do say so myself. But because of these "powers" that seemingly random people are developing, the government obviously needs to project some kind of control. So as of now, we're in charge of dealing with rogue Awakened, making sure that they are not a threat to the people. Everyone is confused right now, and hopefully our department can take some steps to help quell that confusion.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Flux

[Supernovae]

Jude smirked as the man's arm came crashing down, he prepared himself to let his arm phase through his body. While, the man's arm was coming down he reached for a knife in his cloak and planned on using it to stab the man in the eye.

[Ragnar]

"We're here looking for a young lady, one of my grandson's friends, as well as a friend of mine. We've heard that this is where she was being held. Do you know anything about this?"

"Well your story checks out unlike that shady swordsman." Ace adjust his jacket before answering that man's urgent question. this man seems to be trustworthy enough, eh what the heck. "my name is Ace,old man" Ace said with his usual cocky tone.

"now about the girl, me and my partner are sent here by our employer to rescue her, i don't know where they are, but i'm sure they're pretty far by now." Ace shrugs before he continues. "to be honest, i don't really care about which faction the girl chooses, as long as she is free and far way from this place and the government." Ace said with a smirk.

"As i recall, i'm suppose to meet my partner down the woods... Welp as for me, you know i can get in and get out of this place in an instant, but where's the fun in that? there's so many interesting people here." Ace said with a sheepish smile as the speedster choose to stay.

Edited October 27, 2014 by typhlosionrulez

[Arkhi]

Keaton was pissed at Hades. His consistent smart comments ticked him off. Yet there was no way around it that didn't involve his head turning into his ass and the other way 'round.

He continued working the lights until he finished.
"We're done," he said briskly. With lights forming geometric shapes on his phone, he could notice a pattern of walls and corridors. "Once you know the layout, we'll be going."

[Jory]

Lux nodded at Beverly, ready to make his move. After a long night of socializing and guesswork, they'd finally acquired their target. If everything goes according to plan, this shouldn't take too long, the young man thought to himself. He then looked back toward the target. "You know, the real reason I'm here is the artwork you have hanging in your home. I'd heard rumors that you were a collector of some note, and the way you've decorated your home indicates to me that those reports are correct." He flashed the man a reassuring smile before feigning surprise and embarrassment. "Oh my! I'm so sorry sir, I didn't even introduce you to my date! Beverly, this is the host of the party," he said casually, introducing his partner.

"Charmed," Beverly said quietly, flashing the man a pretty smile and extending her hand for a shake. "Perhaps you'd be able to show us a few pieces from your collection? Like a private show of sorts?" she asked inquisitively, waiting for the man to grasp her hand.

[Flux]

Supernovae

The man's fist passed through Jude as intended, much to the man's surprise, but Jude was in for a surprise as well. The cement floor beneath Jude basically exploded as his fist came into contact with it. Jude fell about 6 inches into the newly created pit, losing any balance he would have had. The man stood and backed up, giving Jude a curious stare.

"So that's your ability, eh? That makes things quite difficult for me..."

----------------------------------------------

Snap Crackle Pop, King Murdoc(?), Chimchain(?)

Beetle stood shakily, looking at the destruction around them.

"He just... broke the entire upper floor. With one punch..."

He looked for Rebecca and the guy carrying her, panic settling in when they were not to be found. He ran over to Alice, who also was thankfully unharmed.

"Did you see where that guy with Rebecca went? I don't see him down here..."

-------------------------------------------

Arkhidon

Hades glanced at Keaton's phone as the lights took shape.

"Ah..." he began. "So we're about here, if my memory serves correctly," he said, pointing at a room. "...and that's a fairly simple shape. I'd be willing to bet that their leader's in that large room at the end as well. They always save the biggest room for themselves..." He shrugged, walking back into the hallway. "That was a pretty clever trick you pulled, I must admit. Perhaps you really do have a good brain, at least when you decide to use it." He flashed a playful smile as he disappeared from sight in the doorway, moving forward.

"It appears that we're fairly close," he called back. "Let's hurry and finish up here."

-----------------------------------------------------

Jory, rustytengo

Mr. Taylor gave an apologetic smile as he moved to accept the handshake.

"Well, I'm afraid I can't really-"

His sentence was stopped as he made contact with Beverly. After a short time, he answered.

"...Actually, I'd be delighted to do so. I'd been intending to show them for a while, after all." He turned to the group he had been with before. "If you'd just excuse me for a moment, this shouldn't take long."

He led them out of the room towards the entrance hall. The Bartender looked at Lux and Beverly as they passed, giving a nearly imperceptible nod. Mr. Taylor led the pair up the staircase and into a room on the right. The man in the white tuxedo in the doorway below watched the whole time, a small frown beginning to form on his face.

[Supernovae]

Jude quickly picked himself back up and stared back at his opponent. "I fear you're another lost soul who does not know of my work. Surrender now and help me locate the girl and I'll allow you to live. I have no desire to spill sacred blood. But, remember this will be you're last warning. They call me God's right hand for a reason, a reason I fear you would not enjoy learning about."

Jude lowered himself into a defensive position, getting ready to phase through any attack the mountainous man may unleash.

[Jory]

Lux scanned the room as the small group made their way toward the stairs, beginning to look at the people he'd registered as threats early on. The man in white seemed to react to their movement, indicating that he was, as Lux had presumed, some type of government security. The other man at the bar who had made a scene hadn't seemed to notice that they left, and the Bartender acknowledged them as they walked by. Once they reached the top of the stairs, Lux leaned over and whispered to Beverly once more. "I have a bad feeling about this. I'll stay outside and keep lookout. Make sure you get everything we need from him." The woman nodded, staying in the room with Mr. Taylor.

She sauntered toward him and put her hand gently on his wrist, squeezing it playfully. She batted her eyelashes and looked up at the man, studying him. Not a bad looking one at all. It's a shame he won't remember me, she thought to herself. She leaned up and whispered in the man's ear, "Tell me everything you know about The Pillar and the government's reaction to its appearance. You have ten minutes," as she reached down to her brooch and behind it, hitting a small "On" button for the embedded recording device.

[Arkhi]

Hades walked out, approving of Keaton's plan. Well, I'm neither dead nor non-human, so he must truly approve, Keaton thought. After committing the map to memory, Keaton put his phone away, then turned to Hades. He was about to ask about turning the power out in here, but he couldn't see even if he did.
And so, he re-equipped his pistol, tagging behind Hades.

[Flux]

Supernovae

"I fear you're another lost soul who does not know of my work. Surrender now and help me locate the girl and I'll allow you to live. I have no desire to spill sacred blood. But, remember this will be you're last warning. They call me God's right hand for a reason, a reason I fear you would not enjoy learning about."

The man grimaced. He was clearly in pain from the shoulder wound, but he still managed a small grin.

"Listen, here. It's my job to keep that girl here. I don't know what kind of crazy ideas you have cooked up in that head of yours, but I have a job to do, and I'm going to do it. If that means I have to put you down, then so be it."

With that, he dashed towards Jude, fist pulled back in preparation for a punch.

---------------------------------------------

Jory, rustytengo

"Tell me everything you know about The Pillar and the government's reaction to its appearance. You have ten minutes,"

The man's face took on a confused look. "I was just going to show you--"

He was cut off as Beverly adjusted his memories, changing them into what they would need.

"Oh yes, I brought you here to tell you about the Pillar. Of course." He cleared his throat. "I myself don't know a whole lot, being overall second in command and head of the arms division. Ms. Archer and the research division would know the most about the Pillar. However, I do know that even they haven't discovered much about the Pillar. We still don't know where the light it emits comes from, or why it's here. We don't know how long the Pillar's been beneath the earth, though that's one of the primary matters we're trying to solve. People are developing powers, but we don't know why. Some of them have shown up around the walls, seemingly mindless, their brains destroyed by the intensity of their ability. They push at the walls, aiming for the Pillar, but they don't speak at all. We're forced to restrain these people and lock them away for the safety of the public streets. It's really very strange." He shook his head, a bit of his old self resurfacing. "...Why did you need to know this again? Sorry, I can't seem to remember..."

--------------------------------------------------

Arkhidon

Hades led the way through the corridor, until they came to a closed door. It would be the first of the two circular areas on the map. There was a small window built into the door, and looking through, two men were visible. They were talking to each other, and both were armed with what looked like assault rifles. There were two more doors on either side of the room, just as Keaton's map had shown. They each had a small window of their own, though it was impossible to tell what was behind them from this distance and angle.

Hades stepped away from the window before the men turned and saw him.

"What do you think Keaton? Two men and two doors. There's a chance that there are more members of this gang behind those doors, but then again, they could just be storage rooms. Any thoughts?"

[Jory]

Beverly once again touched his hand, making sure the target stayed focused on giving her as much information as possible. "Tell me more about the Arms division. What are you working on?"

[Snap Crackle Pop]

Alice cleared her throat as she dusted herself off after the guy just punched through a floor. Jeez. That sort of thing was to be expected with all the awakened and everything, but that was still pretty ridiculous and funny to her. In response to Beetle's question, she shook her head. "No, I didn't see where they went. They might have gone on ahead already, I can get us out of here, but where are the others?"

[Ragnar]

Ace had a second though thinking he wasted his time long enough in this prison, he looks at the old man once more. "Ya know i can take you where my partner sent that girl." Ace said as he cross his arms. "Just grab my hand and buckle up gramps for the ride of your life." the speedster said with a cocky grin on his face as he extend his hand to the man and was ready to blow this joint with his inhuman-speed.

((you can move the story along meeting up with Kenny at the forest))

[Arkhi]

Hades asked what Keaton was already thinking. If the two went into the room at the end of the tunnel and into a firefight, they could be flanked from behind.
"We search the rooms, regardless of the contents," he said, thinking a quick plan. "If patrols are in there, then we need not worry about them in the final room. However, if they are storage, then we can close them off and barricade the openings so no one gets through, if there is a way around."
Keaton continued thinking; if there were enemies in both rooms, then as soon as one door was opened, the others across the path would be alerted. Either both rooms' hypothetical patrols are drawn out into the open to be shot there, or Keaton and Hades clear one room quick enough to use it as cover against the enemies in the room opposite the hall.

"Assume both rooms have hostiles inside and draw them out into this hallway. I hypothesize you can't be killed by normal humans, so I'll be down the aisle prepared to shoot." He paused, considering Hades's ability from before, killing the incapacitated guards. "Unless you can kill everyone without a sound, that may be a safe plan."

[Flux]

Jory, rustytengo

"The Arms division..." Mr. Taylor began. "Well, you see... we're responsible fo--"

He was cut off as a deafening explosion sounded outside the building. The manor itself seemed to shake from whatever had caused the noise.

"The hell was that?!" Mr. Taylor stood up quickly, alarm evident on his face. He rushed out of the room, already grabbing his phone from his pocket as he disappeared into the panicked crowd in the hall below. It appeared that would be all the information they'd be getting from him. Something else was happening now...

-------------------------------------------------

Hukuna

Zeus and Poseidon looked at each other and to Viktor as the blast sounded. It was an unexpected case, but they had a job to do now. Zeus nodded to Viktor.

"All right. It's time for us to act. This will be your first mission as a member of Olympus. Impress us."

That being said, he rushed outside the entrance hall, Poseidon close behind.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Stratos

The explosion was deafening. The front gates were blown off of their hinges, flying through the air and landing in the central fountain. There was instant panic, adding to the mayhem. Men and women rushed through the front gates, coming into the manor, not leaving. It was clear that they were the attackers. The man who had caused the explosion stood at the gates, a maniacal grin on his face. Smoke was coming from his hands, an aftereffect of the attack. Before Anver could get a better look, the man was dropped. Blood pooled from a hole in his head. Perhaps the chaos would be the diversion Anver was looking for, giving him a free shot at the Bartender. Or perhaps...

----------------------------------------------------------

Hukuna (again)

Poseidon dropped his raised hand, the explosive threat being no more. His attack had been simple, but effective. He had pulled moisture from the air, creating a tiny droplet of water. He had condensed that water and launched it through the air at high speed, effectively turning it into a bullet. The man had dropped before he even knew what hit him. Zeus turned around to face Viktor.

"Take care of those who appear to be the most dangerous first. I suspect that most of those who entered the manor grounds are Awakened, likely from the group Utopia. We've had problems with them before. I don't know what they're after, but our primary goal is to ensure the safety of the citizens." He took a look around. "Split off on your own. You're more than capable of handling yourself from what I've heard of you. I'll be with Poseidon if you need us. My ability is much more effective with him nearby. I don't have time for a full explanation, but the gist of it is that I can control and create electricity, but I can only pass it from my body through objects of high conductivity -- so no long range lightning bolts for me." He waved a hand. "Anyway, we need to get moving. Good luck."

Just as Zeus and Poseidon left, a man approached Viktor. He had a wicked smile on his face.

"You must be an Awakened," he began. "Listen, I'll make you an offer okay? You can join us, or I can kill you here. What do you think?"

---------------------------------------------------

Arkhidon

Hades laughed.

"Oh, Keaton. It's good to know you think so much of me. However, I can't kill from long range. We'll draw them out here. I'll do what I can from there."

Without further ado, Hades opened the door, calling out to the guards inside.

"Yoohoo! You have a visitor!"

As they turned, weapons raised, Hades sprinted out of the room and down the other side of the split hallway, giving Keaton a wink as he passed. If they followed him, they'd be open to an attack from behind by Keaton.

((You can have some control of these guys. They're minor foes, so it doesn't make as big of a difference.))

-----------------------------------------------------------

typhlosionrulez

Lawrence was startled by the man's words, but they were already moving before he could protest. They moved at impossible speeds, stopping abruptly at the forest in what seemed like no time at all.

"That was... fast..." Lawrence managed, out of breath from the shock of it. He looked up to see the young man from earlier with Rebecca at his feet.

-------------------------------------------------

Snap Crackle Pop, King Murdoc

Beetle looked around. Nexus was behind them, and he could see Eugene standing from the rubble, along with Alan. His grandfather had been talking to some man, and the both of them had abruptly disappeared.

"I think we're all here besides my grandfather..." he said to Alice. "I suspect Nexus can get us out of here a bit quicker though." He turned to the hooded man. "Nexus, can you make a portal back to the forest? Rebecca's not here anymore. We'll have to start looking from there." Nexus simply nodded, silently outstretching a hand, and a portal appeared. He stepped through, accompanied by Beetle as the others followed.

------------------------------------

Kenny

Lawrence was startled as Beetle and the others appeared from a portal. He wasn't sure how they knew where he was, but he was glad they were all together again. Beetle appeared equally surprised to see his grandfather here, as well as Rebecca. Beetle looked right at Kenny.

"May I ask where you're planning on taking her? I thought we had a truce."

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"Wrong move pal." Viktor said. Focusing his powers, Viktor started to create a blood clot right behind the man's eyes to create incredible pain. It was a trick that he used on most of the men chasing him. It was typically non-lethal as he used it to escape his pursers, but it was easy to take someone out that was reeling in pain. He used the time to draw one of the many weapons he was carrying, this time in particular his revolver.

[Flux]

Hukuna

The man cried out in pain, covering his eyes with his hands as he fell to his knees.

"Agh! It hurts! It huuuuuurts!!!!"

He was helpless to whatever Viktor was planning to do to him next.

[Sutoratosu]

Anver drew his glock and loaded one into the chamber after the explosion rattled the place, turning over a table preemptively and peaking over to see the man who had apparently caused it be taken down before he could get any actual details on the face. What, is Utopia behind this too? He questioned to himself, ducking behind the ample cover the circular table provided. No... Gotta think like Allan would right now; They probably aren't involved in this crowd, it wouldn't make any sense, why send in someone when you already planned on dispatching a whole strike force? And where's the Bartender?

He quickly fired up a Thermal field in his mind, picking up the Target's heat sig and confirming him to have not gotten away when he wasn't looking. Maybe this was some type of sick blessing in disguise then, this crowd. Maybe it was God helping him out, answering his earlier prayers. Either way, it wasn't a gift he had any intention of squandering. The time was now, Clock was ticking, seconds wasting, Moonlight burning.

A table fell over nearby as Anver held out his hand and the air suddenly rippled with heat waves just underneath the rim; that was the force that sent the piece of furniture toppling to it's side, the amount of hot air blowing upward at such a high speed. Without checking again or even thinking about it, Anver dashed out from the cover he currently held and dived behind that of the newly overturned surface, peeking out and trying to take count of the force pouring in. He didn't know if they were actually armed with weapons, but he wasn't going to even try making his way towards old Barkeep unless he knew for certain whether or not he'd have to do it while dodging a hail of bullets...

[Jory]

Lux ran into the room. "Beverly, I'm going to find the Bartender. Stay put," he commanded, running out of the room. He jumped off the balcony and latched onto the floor from the other side of the railing with both hands. From there, he swung himself down to the floor and scanned the area. Where is he? he wondered, beginning to move toward the bar. Suddenly, a table lifted off the ground without any visible prompting and fell on its side. The suspicious man from earlier seemed to be hiding behind it. He's been at the bar all night! He'll at least know where the 'barkeep' is, he thought to himself, beginning to run for the cover. He mussed his hair and suit and rolled into cover beside the man, pretending to breathe heavily. "Excuse me, sir, but I'm looking for my uncle! He was-," he rambled, cutting himself off. Why is it so damn hot over here? The events of the past couple of seconds replayed in his head.

Tables flying off the floor, excessive heat... Oh, I've really stepped in it now. He's Awakened. The young man shook his head, clearing his thoughts. There's no time for fun and games now, he realized. "Look, I know you're an Awakened. It's not every day tables fly off the floor and a sauna appears just under it. I don't know what your power is, and I don't care. The important thing," he said as he lifted his hand, generating an orb of light that glinted on his bright orange eyes, "is that you're not alone. There are more of us just like you. If you can help me find the barkeep, we can help keep you safe. We can help you find whatever answers you're looking for. But right now, we need your help. Are you in?" he asked, another orb of light forming in his other hand.