(no subject)

[maskormods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Jeopardy -> Heropa
WHEN: Nov. 19
WHAT: A resolution and a swear-in
WARNINGS: Please label threads

Somewhere, in a place that is and is not Jeopardy, time has passed. To some, it may have felt like mere hours; to others, days. For time doesn't truly touch this place. Only fate exists here, for imPorts to change or allow to proceed as it will.

Somewhere, the sisters look into the hearts of those with the power to decide the fate of this entire world and know their choice. A blinding light grows, forcing even the strongest to close their eyes, and as they do so, a vision of what could have happened appears in their minds. A world wreathed in flames, fire and screams echoing ceaselessly as they depart; a peaceful world, healed and whole and well—and a certainty that another world has paid a heavy price.

And then there's the sensation of three powerful forces leaving, two taking an unwilling third with them to wherever they are going. This world will be left as it is now, and its future will be whatever the people here make of it.

MEANWHILE, IN HEROPA

One week into the mysterious storm that has enveloped much of Jeopardy, citizens across the nation are losing hope. The government continues to monitor the situation at a safe distance, but cannot enter the affected part of the city, though one SEAL team did make an attempt, only to become lost in the wind for hours before emerging without ever making it through. While the storm hasn't grown, neither has it shown any sign of changing.

The heroes who bravely charged into the storm have not officially been given up for lost, but with no news coming from Jeopardy, few believe they will emerge unscathed. To honor their sacrifice (?) and offer sorrowful natives a means of coping, a candlelight vigil kicks off outside Heropa City Hall at 4:30 PM EST.



Speeches are given. Commemorative t-shirts are sold. It is at this point that a large portal of light opens up in front of the building and deposits all imPorts who entered the storm, as well as a confused but unharmed Layla and Sally Clapp. A stunned silence falls over the crowd — followed shortly by an eruption of cheers.

Organized chaos quickly reigns over the occasion. Medical personnel are quickly called in to aid any imPorts who might need it, and government officials quickly descend, one thing on their mind: what the heck happened, heroes?! ImPorts are asked to state, for the record, exactly what they experienced — which leaves a lot of room open for the more creative among them. Just what each imPorts is willing to confess to or lie about is up to them, but there are other imPorts at hand to refute or support all statements.

While imPorts are technically free to go, all are encouraged to enter the building for a debriefing with government officials. Those who care to share their story begin to paint a picture of what happened, and a flurry of transportation begins to move between City Hall and the local porter outpost, as Jeopardy will certainly require some aid now that it is fully accessible. Reports begin to filter back that while there have been some casualties and collateral damage to the city, it is far less of a disaster than the government anticipated during the storm, no doubt due to imPorts' efforts. Additionally, news from other porter cities begins to arrive; with the dissipation of the Jeopardy storm, all dimensional anomalies elsewhere have ceased.

Following the briefings, ImPorts may go home and get some rest, although they may have trouble shaking off the crowds — which are largely ecstatic that the people who apparently saved the world are in front of them.



While imPorts were occupied with the post-disaster debriefings, locals have used the time to launch an impromptu celebration of their defense of this world. Local restaurants, breweries and nanas have hustled their finest wares over, and free food and drink are flowing for the homecoming heroes. A local party & events organizing company has strung up some lights and tents in the park across the street from City Hall, lending a festive atmosphere to the area. T-shirts being sold to honor the assumed-fallen heroes have been 'edited' with permanent marker, going from 'FALLED HEROES' (there was an error in the print run, given the notice of less than a week) to 'RISEN HEROES' and are, regretfully, being given away for free.

For those who stay, an impromptu party breaks out, and the occasion quickly becomes the latest swear-in, albeit with a more casual emphasis on the actual swearing-in than usual; a card table is set up with the usual seals and documents, but it's a bit haphazard.

Along with tasty libations, local musicians start jamming on acoustic guitars in the park's gazebo, setting up some cheerful background music—or maybe you're not too tired to dance? A local physical therapy school has rolled in multiple portable massage tables, with free sessions for sore heroes!

The locals who haven't dispersed yet are also around, likely to seek autographs from the world savers, while podcasters, BlueTubers and regular nosy nellies might lean in with a recording device, asking for the real story of what happened. For imPorts who become too intoxicated or exhausted to porter home, many locals are offering couches to crash on — although the pillows they use may later show up on ePay.

Comments

Darin Altway | OTA

[forgeabettertomorrow]

ARRIVAL

[It's disorienting to so suddenly be dumped upon a vigil meant for their own passing but here they are. When the chaos ebbs, Darin, still worn and tattered, stripped to the waist due to having most of his armor destroyed in the week-long assault, spies a podium with a microphone. Figuring it's his duty as Aegis' Co-Commander, he wearily makes his way to the podium.]

[It's not exactly a dignified look for a victory speech, but you know what? Screw it.]

[He clears his throat.]

So, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that our appearance at this vigil wasn't exactly planned! Well, I don't think I've ever been happier to crash a get together, let me tell you.

[There's some laughs and cheers, but Darin pats at the air, calling for some measure of silence.]

I'm not going to bore you all with the details of the things we saw in that storm. I'm not going to bore you with...with stories you'll no doubt see in the news and read online. You'll get the facts in due time. What I will say? It's this:

In the last few weeks, a lot of brave people stood up and declared that they would not stand by idly and let the world end. In the last few weeks, I've seen a joint collaboration the likes of which I've never seen before.

[He removes the microphone from the podium and paces.]

For those of you that don't know, I come from a world where gods are very real. And more often than not, it's said that going against the wills of gods, of defying fates leads to nothing but oblivion. Annihilation. That we, that people can't be trusted to choose for themselves...that we need to be guided. That our lot in life is predetermined.

That we should all be content to just eke out an existence and succumb to our place in a grand scheme that we can't fathom or see.

Well guess what. We aren't. And today, everyone here is living proof of that fact.

Today, we are all tradesmen. Today, we are all blacksmiths. We're free from the bindings and trappings of Fate. Today, we acknowledge that we are the masters of our own destinies! That our hands are going to be the ones to usher in and shape a brighter future!

[Darin kicks the podium over and starts hyping the crowd into cheers.]

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES!! LET'S DO SOMETHING GOOD WITH THEM, AH?!

LET'S SHOW WHOEVER ELSE DECIDING TO KEEP AN EYE ON US THAT WE CAN BE TRUSTED WITH OUR UNIVERSE!!

[With his rallying cry quickly getting drowned out by the overhyped crowd, Darin turns the microphone out towards the crowd.]

LET THEM HEAR IT, PEOPLE!!

CELEBRATION

[For those who can find him, Darin's donned one of the Risen Heroes shirts while he makes his rounds. He's eating food like he's never seen it before, taking photos with anyone who asks and...]

[And is that him trying to play the guitar with one of those local musical groups? Where did he even get the guitar? He's doing terribly but he doesn't seem to care. It's like all of his stamina has returned.]

arrival

[the_caped_crusader]

[ batman's not one for speeches, so he lets darin do the dirty work on this one. instead, he stands at the back of the crowd with his arms crossed and listens along with the others until he's done, and then quietly walks away, somehow slipping through the crowd despite being 6'4" of tall dark and bat-like... ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[As he moves about to thank and congratulate and generally mingle with the battle weary imPorts, Darin notices a lack of a certain caped crusader.]

[Despite butting heads and Batman's no-nonsense style of superheroing, Darin did genuinely want to express his thanks for helping put this monumental task together.]

[He's gonna scan around and ask if anyone's seen him or saw where he went so he can try and catch a private word with the man.]

[the_caped_crusader]

[ he also lets all of the others do the celebrating... that's... also not his thing.

but whenever darin finds him, he's at his car, likely making contact with the rest of the outside world. mainly, he's contacting iris at the justice league to let them all know everyone is okay. he may also be calling selina, and if he is, he might hear the very end of that conversation between a very soft bat and cat. ]

...Okay. I'll see you soon. I love you, Cat.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin knows better than to make a comment on what he overheard, though when he clears his throat to get his attention, Batman might see Darin offering a quiet, knowing smile.]

Wasn't sure I'd get a chance to talk to you again before the night got too crazy.

...I wanted to say 'thank you.'

I know it's not necessary but...really, I don't think this all would have come together without your help.

I doubt I'd be able to pull a stunt like this on my lonesome.

[He offers a hand in gratitude.]

[the_caped_crusader]

Likewise.

[ he takes it in return, grip firm. ]

Planning that speech of yours since the week we were stuck in there?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Why does everyone think I plan my speeches?

So...what's next on the docket? You don't think I'm gonna let our little team up dissolve so easily, right?

We still got OTO records to go through after all. Make sure that there aren't any other hidden surprises waiting for us.

[innerdragon]

Lance had been in Heropa this whole time. Certain circumstances beyond his control, quite literally, kept him from leaving or participating.

With the whole ordeal over though, that changes. The disappearance of the Ultra Beasts effectively snapping him out of his stupor. The man and his porter powers having created a hive mind between him and the creatures. Now that they were gone, the disheveled Pokemon trainer stumbles into the midst of the vigil turned celebration just in time to hear Darin’s speech.

Looking slightly dumbfounded at what’s going on, he listens nonetheless. Once it’s done all he can do is stand among the cheering crowd, trying to process all of this.

Sounds like he definitely missed something.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

It isn't long before Darin spies Lance in the crowd. It's immediately sobering but...well, Darin wouldn't be him if he let things go and avoided potential conflict.

"...You alright? You look dazed."

[innerdragon]

“That’s one way to put it.”

He wasn’t sure if he was “alright” or not to be honest. He was in a better state of mind at least. He’s exhausted though, and thus his words are not icy but neither are they warm.

If Darin gets closer though he’ll undoubtably smell where he’s been. Lance smells like a garbage dump and like someone who hasn’t bathed in weeks. People were giving him space if they could for that very reason.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

If Darin ever shied away from someone who stank, he would have never set foot inside a tavern. So while others might be giving Lance a wide berth, Darin doesn't seem to mind or care.

"...Anything I can do? You look like you've got questions. I can answer them as best I can if you're interested."

A pause.

"...Maybe...over some food?"

[innerdragon]

There was a pause, a moment of hesitation, but he knew this wasn’t the time for grudges or pride. He was simply too out of sorts for that anyway. So instead he just nodded.

“Yeah, answers would help. ... And something to eat other than garbage.”

It has been a rough few weeks. From the looks of it, it’s been rough for everyone.

Re: Darin Altway | OTA

[callmesuperboy]

Superboy smiles as he hears Darin's speech, gathering his strength as he does so. And vanishes in a blur as the man talks. When the speech ends, he is behind Darin once more and in a new outfit as he claps a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Now that was a good speech."

He is just relieved to be out of the madness.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

"Was it? I'm not even sure I could qualify it as a speech."

Darin laughs sheepishly. He often just said what came to mind. If it sounded 'speech-like' to anyone, he sure never understood why.

"How are you holding up? Prolly better than most of us."

[callmesuperboy]

"It reached people, and it helped them. it qualifies." He grins back and nods.

"Sometimes, that is all you can do." And sometimes, you can't even do that much.

"Tired, achy, and ready to sleep for a week. I really hope this world is done with apocalypses for awhile. I need a vacation."

[forgeabettertomorrow]

"Hey come on, aren't you nigh indestructible? Don't tell me I've got more stamina than you do!"

[callmesuperboy]

Superboy snorts. "I'm not here to compare dick sizes. You did good out there. People need that. That was all I had to say."

He nods to the other man and turns to go, shaking his head. He's been going for weeks now, pushing his limits, before the apocalypse and during. He's got nothing to prove.

Arrival

[patchricide]

[He'll catch sight of her, standing off to the side. After all, this is a space suited for the co-commander of Aegis — and she would hate to step in as the princess and steal his show.]

[And it really is quite a show. After everything that happened, it's impressive that he has this much energy. But sure enough, there he is, shining as brightly as ever.]

[She is clapping politely. It's not a full display of how proud she is of him, but that's fine. That can wait until he's wrapped up his speech, right?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[With the crowd sufficiently hyped, Darin drops the mic and turns to where he can feel Allura looking at him.]

[Somehow, the moment is bittersweet. They both compromised their oaths to one another, but it can't be argued that it was for one another.]

[Seeing her now, he feels the emotion welling up. He wonders if she feels it too; if what they gave up was truly worth this.]

[He makes his way towards her, his footsteps carrying a weight that was never there before. And when he embraces her, when he pulls her into his arms and kisses her, she might feel an added bit of warmth. And if she places her hand to his cheek like she so often does, she'll find them wet with tears.]

[patchricide]

Dar—

[She doesn't get his name out before she's cut off by his lips against hers. And while Allura is certain she hears the click of cameras to capture the dramatic public display of affection, that doesn't stop her from surrendering to the embrace.]

[It takes a while before she can say anything to him.]

... come now, Darin. This is no time for tears, is it?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

It's fine...

They're tears of relief. That's all...

[patchricide]

I know. I know...

But you're one of the commanders of Aegis. You need to put on a strong face for everyone else, don't you...?

CELEBRATION

[moonlitpath]

That was really great!

[She has zero taste in what is good guitar playing and what is not, but it doesn't matter. She counts him as a friend and you always encourage friends, right?

Even Pika seems to agree with a shadowy thumbs up from her perch on Mizuki's shoulder.]

I'm glad you're okay.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Mizuki!

[Darin offers the guitar back to the person he borrowed it from and trots over, scooping the young girl up and planting her and Pika on his shoulder.]

I'm better than okay! How are you?!

[moonlitpath]

Eh-!

[Sudden shoulder rides mean a yelp or two from Mizuki before she regains her balance with a small laugh.]

You sound it too. You did an awesome and really brave thing. You're enjoying the party, too, right? And you've been seen to, yes?

[There's a meaningful look at Darin. She can't even pretend to know what went on, but if everyone returned looking like they did...]