Oops he did it again

Summer 2021, Week 1

Saturday evening

Moore Park, Victoria Field

Isaac Crysentine

It had been a few days since the fire. The city moved his family right across the street and decided it would be a financial benefit to have Isaac stay in his dorm room at St. Victoria over the summer. Thankfully, he was still only a short train ride from home - and from the abandoned warehouses which dotted the industrial sector around the airport. Andre told me to practice and get my powers under control, so I'll do just that.   By the time he got to Moore Park, the sun had set, and the streetlights were up. The factories were silent, their workers gone for the day and resting in their homes of either Bush Hill or in the Ward. Occasionally a few patrols would wander by, spurred on by factory and company owners to protect any of their assets. It took a bit of wandering off the street and in-between several of the buildings, but eventually Isaac found an almost entirely abandoned warehouse surrounded by other eve more abandoned warehouses. This is absolutely perfect.   Stepping inside, Isaac found the building to be completely empty. The structure was built of metal, particularly steel and iron, and had a high enough roof to allow for an incredibly large space within for, well, anything. Tonight, this would be utilized as a training ground and for field-testing Isaac's powers.   For starters, Isaac wanted to see his current limits. He knew he could create and project fire from pretty much anywhere on his body - preferably from his hands, arms, legs, or feet though. He also knew he could imbue objects with fire, something he had never really tried and decided it would be more useful as a combat ability. When would I ever get into a fight though? The next few hours saw Isaac repeatedly creating flames from his hands, aiming at random metal objects and trying to concentrate his flames. Having enough of this, Isaac decided to think of other moves. What else can I do? It's not like I- oh, I can try that again.   Stepping back and praying that he could control the amount of output and thrust he would generate, Isaac fired up his feet. At first the fire blew in all directions under him, and he began to feel like he was losing his balance. He had never been good at skating or roller-skating of any kind, so this kind of thrust vector control was completely new and difficult to him. Isaac began to move erratically, but slowly he calmed himself. Focus. Concentrate. Imagine the flame as a stream, a singular point of exhaust. For a second, it was working, and he could feel himself begin to float off the ground. I can do this. I can do this! I can fl-   The sound of a vehicle approaching completely threw Isaac off. Almost immediately, he lost control and all concentration. His flames sent him tumbling to the ground, which managed to knock him out for a few seconds. By the time he came out, Isaac could hear car doors closing and a few muffled voices from outside. What the fuck, what the fuck. Completely panicking at this point, he got himself back up and ran for the exit and outside to the clear night sky. He was just about to clear this line of abandoned warehouses when he ran into a few planks stacked up against the side of a building. Without even realizing it, Isaac’s 2nd power activated, and he imbued these very planks with fire. Isaac kept running, unaware of the fire until he was far enough down to see the flicker of the flames, licking up against the building until it too was set ablaze. Not again. Not fucking again.   As he reached the subway, Isaac could think of nothing but his own inability to control his powers, and no safe place to practice without hurting anyone or anything. The ride back to his party-crazy dorm room was long, and he felt completely alone and forgotten. He had caused another fire, and he knew of no one who understood him. No one except for Andre.

[x1 Strenuous, -15 EP]

[x3 Normal, -9 EP]

---

New Victoria International Airport, Victoria Field

Harold Lytton

A jet-black Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an orange trim landed at NV international airport, the words Harold Lytton emblazoned across the side. Slowly it taxied to the terminal set aside for private visitors.   Stairs extend from the side of the plane and there is a hiss as the reinforced, door swings open. Out steps a man, wearing a voluminous orange trench-coat that billows in the light breeze. Despite the bold costume, any onlookers would have been hard pressed to describe the figure.   Harry breathes in whilst slipping on a pair of sunglasses. Behind him stands his butler, Benjamin who has been with him since the day they received the fated news of his father's untimely death.   "The car is waiting sir"   Harry's face split into a crooked smile, there were opportunities to be seized, and he was going to make the most of them.   As the black Bentley drove from the airport, Harry switched on the local news. On the screen appeared a middle-aged woman speaking about some new evo initiative. He grunted and switched it back off. When would Evos learnt that they did not belong as part of society, at least not working for the likes of the government?   As they turned the corner an orange flicker caught his eye, a large warehouse was on fire. It was set deep in the timbers, and it looked unlikely that anyone would be able to put it out before it consumed the entire building. This was better entertainment, natural chaos, fire burning away the filth of humanity. Whilst mulling over the finer aspect of his latest thought he spotted a young man running as if his life depended on it, away from the fire and down into a subway station.

---

St. Maria Dorms, City Centre

Isaac Crysentine

The train ride had been inconceivably long, but Isaac made it. Everyone was partying again tonight, as it was a Friday. Drunk people stumbled outside but the inside of his dorm building was relatively calm and peaceful. He managed to snag a single dorm room, and thus had it all to himself. His posters of video games and heroes from the last 50 years decorated his wall, and his Physics Electricity and Magnetism homework sat open on his laptop. Isaac shut it in anger and reflected on everything that had just happened. Without a second thought, he took out the piece of paper Andre had written his number on. He frantically dialed in the numbers and waited for literally anything.  

DeAndre Walker

Andre picked up on the third ring, not having the number programmed into his phone. He also had to set down the weights--a weight rack with weights on it is technically a weight--down. Picking up the phone, he said "This is DeAndre."  

Isaac Crysentine

"It's Isaac, you know, the one you saved from a burning building who can do fire shit? I'm panicking right now, I don't know what to do, and I've royally fucked up. I need help, man."  

DeAndre Walker

"Isaac hey, how--" He stopped as Isaac went on. Suddenly he had a sinking feeling about this. "Hey, calm down man. Are you okay? Is everyone else, okay? Do you need--look, I can come get you." What the hell was he doing offering to go get the guy? What if there was a dead body? Would he need to bring a shovel? No, they aren't on that level of friendship by far! "Just take a breath, and tell me what happened."  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac calmed himself, slowly collecting his thoughts and trying to diffuse his panic. "I went to go practice, just like you said. I found an old, abandoned warehouse in Moore Park, and I started at it. Everything was going great, and I even managed to properly fly using my little fire feet thing. I lost my concentration when some group of people pulled up which I have no idea why they were in the abandoned warehouses anyway, so it was probably a drug deal. I tried to run away but then I ran into some wood, and I set it on fire by accident and now a warehouse is burning down as we speak, and I just can't, I can't anymore. I never asked for these powers, and I'm trying to learn and control them and all I do is fuck it up every time I try to do something positive." He was visibly crying at this point, beside himself with the situation before him.  

DeAndre Walker

"Isaac." His voice was the same voice he used with scared people trapped in a burning building when he needed to calm them down. Sort of poetic, isn't it? "You can do this. And you're not alone. I got some information from the library. A place to practice, ways to figure out how these powers work. So why don't we just tackle this together? You and me man. We will figure this out, together." He stopped for a moment, before his voice lowered to an almost whisper. "I was afraid to touch people for the longest time, ever since I broke a classmate's hand when I shook it. It took me a long while just to control the strength I had. Pretty sure that's why I stopped trying to get stronger, you know? I was afraid if I did, I would lose control again. But we can't be ruled by these abilities. We have to master them and put them to good use."  

Isaac Crysentine

"What if people learn who we are? What if terrible people decide to do something to us? What if everything we have in our lives, and everyone we care about, disappears because of this?"  

DeAndre Walker

"Well, I see two solutions. The first, is we don't exactly tell people who we are. We can find the right places to practice or just hide our faces. Hoodies and sunglasses exist you know." Andre dropped a bit of humor in that last line to try and pull the younger man out of his mood. "Oh, we go full cliche and buy some masks." Silence took over the phone for the briefest of moments before Andre spoke again with a tone of absolute certainty. "As for terrible people. We get strong enough to make sure they can't hurt anyone we care about. But I doubt anyone out there wants to kidnap the family of a college student and a firefighter Isaac."  

Isaac Crysentine

He pondered Andre’s thoughts and ideas, weighing each of the pros and cons. “If I’m being honest, being a hero has always been a dream of mine. That’s all I expected it to stay as, though. If we’re going to practice, I might as well get a mask or two ready if I’m going to go public with this.”  

DeAndre Walker

"Woah now, Isaac. I mean..." A hero? The fuck? DeAndre hadn't really thought about that. Sure he grew up looking up to guys like Titan and Captain Starlight. But everyone did. It never occurred to him that one day he might be having a chat with someone who actually wanted to be a hero. "Maybe we focus on practicing first, then tackle the dream?"  

Isaac Crysentine

”Or maybe I could...” Isaac let the thought trail off, deciding it would be better off not to say considering Andre's response. “Yea, practice first. I can’t let a fire like that happen again. So, when do you wanna go?”  

DeAndre Walker

"I'm off most nights. Just let me know when and where to get you. Then we can head out to a few places I've scouted out."  

Isaac Crysentine

”How about tonight, can you do that? I’d rather do anything else right now than do my Physics homework.”  

DeAndre Walker

He was off tomorrow. Besides he already was practicing a bit. "Yeah. Shoot me your address. I'll head over after I change."  

Isaac Crysentine

Without hesitation, Isaac texted Andre the address for his dorm on the University Campus. He figured that Andre already knew about his powers, which was far beyond just trusting him with a temporary address. "Just sent it to you, I'll see you soon."  

DeAndre Walker

“See ya soon.” Hanging up, DeAndre did a quick change of clothes and mapped out a route. Ugh. It was in Centre. Yeah, that made sense. No matter. Within a few minutes, Andre was cursing down the road in his newer end SUV. It was used, but it was still a bit nice. Nice cars are always a must. About 30 minutes later he sent a text to Isaac he was parked out front of his dorm. Just by the sight it looked like a few parties were in full swing. Ah youth. Wait. I’m still young Damnit!  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac got the text and sprinted out downstairs. He dodged a few stumbling drunks once outside, but managed to find Andre's SUV. Damn, that's a nice car. "Yo, you have no idea how nice it is to see you right now." He got into the car, buckled his seatbelt, and sat back nervously. "So, where we headed?"  

DeAndre Walker

He's got some speed on him. Smiling as Isaac opened the door and turning down the music—Ne-Yo was on because fuck off if you can’t get with it—he waited until the other was buckled up and started down the road. “It’s good to see you too man. Better meeting than last time too. Though that time ended with a human jet pack, so all things considered a pretty awesome experience.” He turned onto a main road which still had cars despite the hour. “We’re headed to Garnet Park. A few weeks ago, there was a fire in one of the industrial complexes. Big place. Hugh concrete walls, open space. Well away from any houses. And already slotted for demolition. Plus.” He pulled a key out of his pocket. “I have a key to the gate. I’m in charge of the post fire inspection. So technically we’re allowed to be there.”  

Isaac Crysentine

All he could do was smile at the thought of a completely, isolated, undisturbed and safe environment for them to practice. "Back to Victoria Fields, huh? I can never get enough of that place." Isaac said somewhat sarcastically, but also relieved it was in home neighborhood at least. I can show off some ideas I've been working on anyway, and some new moves in case I ever get into a fight. "What're we waiting for, let's go!"

---

Garnet Park, Victoria Field

DeAndre Walker

Andre pulls the SUV right in front of the chained-up iron gate. It's large, but also the only view into the complex that surrounded by high concrete walls. Only the tops of once sturdy industrial buildings poke out over it. He hopped out of the car to unlock the gate and swing to open--pretty sure the gate was supposed to be heavy but oh well--before getting back in and driving the SUV into the wide-open area out front. Stacks of steel girders and other steelworks the factory made were set in a few remaining piles. Once through the gate they could see the buildings and their charred shells, still blackened by the inferno that occurred not long past.   Turning the car off, he hopped out and did a quick look around the open field. It was the size of a football field and then some. A good space, and they were far away from any homes or places that should have people in it. "This looks like a good place. Plenty of scrap to practice on too." He started to stretch, but also sought some information. "So, I did a lot of research today, and I think I have an idea. But tell me how your powers work. Can you produce fire, or do you reuse it? Not reuse...there's a proper word. Whatever, like take it in and spit it out. Which do you do?"  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac also got out and stretched for a bit, and he got a feel for the whole environment. The steel littered around would provide him with some... interesting opportunities. "Well, why don't I just show you?" He immediately got to work, producing flames from his hands and doing what was supposed to be a flaming kick with his feet, swung around his body. "I can produce flames of my own, as well as manipulating existing fire. That's how I managed to hold back the fire in the apartment a few days ago, although that took a lot out of me. On top of that..." Isaac grabbed a metal pipe, and with his 2nd power he lit it on fire, although he controlled the temperature so as to not melt or begin to overheat the pipe. "...I can imbue object with fire. Not just create flames and shoot them at an object, but actually have fire course through something and have it project flames of its own. I've always kind of thought of this as a combat power, and If I ever have to fight someone, and I hit them with something like this, I'll increase the temperature just at the moment of impact. Otherwise, it'll melt pretty much anything I imbue."

[x3 Minor, -3 EP]

 

DeAndre Walker

Watching Isaac with interest as he demonstrated his abilities, he nodded. "Okay, that's pretty much what I thought. I think I have an idea, but first." He hovered off the ground for a moment in a show and floated around Isaac in a circle. "You pretty much know what I can do. I'm strong and I can fly. But both are really weak in terms of what I think I should be able to do. Beyond that I'm a bit tough and see and hear slightly better. At least that's what the eye doctor says. Nothing crazy though."   Setting back down on the ground, DeAndre thought for a moment. "So, it looks like starting fire is pretty easy for you. I'm sure we could work on that and get you to starting bigger fires. But it's the control bit I think we should focus on for you." He pulled out some folded papers from his pocket and unfolded them before reading what was clearly notes on the paper. "If you're a generator...hmm...yeah, you should be able to control what you generate. But you said it goes beyond that, right? You can control other fires too. But it takes a lot to do that. If you trained controlling, then you wouldn't have to worry about burning anything. Being able to stop what you start basically."   Looking around, he found what he wanted. Flying over, he grabbed an empty barrel and dragged it over. Then he found some wooden pallet and broken them up, tossing the pieces into the barrel. "I'm not sure what you wanted to do exactly. But maybe try this out and see how you do? Start a fire, grow it, shrink it, then put it out. What I've read so far is that improving our abilities takes both practice and then pushing ourselves to the absolute limit to force them to get better."  

Isaac Crysentine

Andre's abilities were honestly really cool to Isaac, but he decided not to say anything for the sake of the training and practice. "Alright, yea I can do that." Just watch, I'll get my powers under control. When I do, I'll be unstoppable. He lined up the barrel in his sights, focusing on the pallets inside of it. Isaac focused, devoting his whole mind to the creation of an ember in the wood. Slowly, it started to catch, and soon it was a small fire that would typically warm a small gathering. Isaac nurtured it, cared for it, and let it grow and grow until it was large enough to be spewing up high from the barrel. Luckily, this place was already burned out and had high ceilings, so there wasn't any chance of an uncontrolled burn happening. Now for the hard part. Isaac kept his focus, relaxed and calm. He imagined the feeling of energy flowing from him, willing the flames to burn. All I have to do is reverse the flow, but how? I've never done this before. With great caution, Isaac began to attempt to reverse the flow of this energy which produced his flames. Slowly, very slowly, the flames began to die down. It was a few centimetres every minute, but their height was noticeably receding.   "I'm doing it! I'm doing it!" he exclaimed, clearly excited at the prospect of finally somewhat controlling his flames. With a little more concentration and 10 extra minutes, the fire had been reduced to nothing but embers in the barrel, and with cheers and shouts from Isaac over his accomplishment. "I fucking did it, Andre!"  

DeAndre Walker

While Isaac set to work, Andre had grabbed a set of ankle weights from his car and strapped them on. They were two sets of 10lbs each, so 40lbs altogether. Strapping them around his legs he focused as much as he could on hovering. He felt the same shaking that he did when he flew, like his body was vibrating against the hold of gravity. And he was able to lift off the ground with a bit of focus. He expected that. He could carry his bag which was about 30lbs. But this was just a tad over. Slow and steady. And that was probably a good bet. He had to really focus on what he was doing, and there was almost a sort of strain on his body. He flew higher, before starting to move in laps around the open area. Note to self, I do not like flying close to the ground.   But that was another thing he'd have to get over. After three laps, he was tired. Way more tired than he should be. He was only going 10 to 15mph and it felt like he flew 5 miles instead of 1,000 yards or so. Landing, he walked over to Isaac having watched and heard him during his practice.   Giving the young man a pat on the back--making sure not to use his strength--he beamed. "Wow, man. That's excellent! Seriously. If you get this down to a knack, you can say goodbye to worrying about your powers. Why don't you try it again, see how fast you can do it now that you know the feeling?"

[x2 Normal, -6EP]

 

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac nodded, and set back at it. He concentrated on the feeling once more, and once again built the embers up to a much greater and higher height. At this point, Isaac was starting to feel the strain, and using his power to control flames of these magnitudes repeatedly was something he was not used to. Regardless, the fire was there, and he had to put it out. Concentrating again, Isaac used every last ounce of power in his body to put these flames out. I know the feeling; I can do this. Gradually, and a bit faster this time, the flames began to secede until nothing but the embers remained. But the strain from using this new power and putting out two large fires had almost completely drained him. Isaac didn't realize it, but he was exhausted. "I think I've got the hang of it, just need to get used to it and practice more. How's it going with you?"

[x1 Strenuous from last action, -15 EP]

[x1 Normal, -3 EP]

 

DeAndre Walker

Andre had been doing sprints back and forth with the weights on. Of course, these sprints were while flying low to the ground, and he was growing more and more tried. Why is this so difficult? After finishing another sprint, seeing the fire was dying out, he pulled to a stop and settled by Isaac as he watched the fire flicker out. "There ya go man. That's awesome."   Isaac was getting the hold of things. Granted it looked like he was about to pass out, but that's progress. "Practice makes perfect. Getting used to extinguishing the fire will allow you to practice more often without needing to worry. But maybe we should take a break? You look like you're about to pass out, haha." He kept the weights on, not really noticing the difference while he was on the ground. "We could probably work out a schedule. Times we come out here for bigger practice sessions and stuff? Whatever you want to do. But the fact you can put out what you start is a huge accomplishment, that's awesome man."

[x1 Normal, -3EP (-9EP)]

 

Isaac Crysentine

"Yea, a break would be nice. And a schedule would be good too! I'm currently in a Physics summer course but besides that I don't really have anything going on. And look at you, walking and flying around with a few weights like its nothing. You're doing great too man. What times usually work for you?" Isaac was thoroughly exhausted at this point, but he felt satisfied and fulfilled with what he accomplished today.  

DeAndre Walker

Looking down at the weights around his legs, he shrugged. "Walking or lifting them isn't anything big. If it's not over 100lbs or so I barely notice. It's flying with them that was taxing. It's like my body has issues with lifting more than just itself. So that's what I was trying to train. Thanks though! It feels a bit easier now." Taking a moment to think about his schedule, he finally answered. "I usually work Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 12 Hour shifts. All other days I'm off typically. So, we have a lot of time to choose from."  

Isaac Crysentine

”Let's do 9 pm every night you aren’t working, then? We come here and practice and practice until we know what we’re dealing with.”  

DeAndre Walker

"That works for me. Do you need a ride here or do you have a car? I can just pick you up at the dorms at 9 and we head over here if that works for you?"  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac thought about it for a second, considering the possibilities. He knew the neighborhood and rail lines here well, and he could probably make it on his own. He wanted to show Andre he could be independent, too. "I think I can take the train. I know the trains well and would make it easier on me to move around on my own. Nothing against you or your car, haha, just want to show my independence a bit."  

DeAndre Walker

Shrugging, walked over to his car and pulled out a book, talking as he did so. "Works for me. Saves on gas and mileage. So, meeting here at 9 then. That works. In the meantime, here." Handing Isaac a book he had checked out from the library titled 'Manipulation of the Elements: Evolution Allowing Control Over Matter,' he didn't let go for a second. "Read this, but under no circumstance can it get burned. The Librarian would kill me. Start skimming through it while I go lift up those beams over there."  

Isaac Crysentine

The fire user smiled nervously before Andre walked off to lift his weights. I had no idea there were books on this type of stuff. Guess I better get reading.   The first few pages listed the tables of contents, of which there were several chapters. The first few concerned themselves with basic principles of all Elemental Manipulation, while the later chapters delved into individual powers and the basic ideas on which people of these powers must operate. Isaac decided to jump into the later chapters, specifically that concerning Fire Manipulators. While Andre was grunting in the background from how much the weights took a toll on him, Isaac got right to reading (the following is a short and rough summary of the contents of the book):  

Chapter 5: Fire Fire manipulation is one of the greatest and most dangerous forms of elemental manipulation. The user itself is put into great peril, as well as any who may be afflicted by uncontrolled flames.

  Damn, already coming at me and I just started reading this.  

There are limits to a Fire User, and they must therefore be aware of these limits at all times. Fire and heat are the very manifestation of energy, the closest tangible forms of this great Physical principle. It therefore requires great control, patience, and tuning with one's emotions before it can be wielded in any sort of manner. For starters, all fire needs oxygen to start. Without oxygen, there simply cannot exist a fire. Similarly, all fire needs a starter, whether it be provided energy from one's own body or the matter being consumed that it has been set on. Lastly, just like all other elemental users, fire cannot be created in adverse environments. Wet, humid, or moist environments are the primary culprits for failed embers, and it must be taken with great care to ensure if a fire user desperately needs a flame that this environment is not present.

  Those are pretty simple limits, I suppose. As long as there's oxygen, I have energy in my body, and it's not wet then I should be able to start a fire, logically.  

Concerning their use, fire users have been given an incredibly versatile gift. Much can be done with them. It holds great offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as excellent utility and personal use. The type of route they choose to go down is up to them and them alone, but they must know there are a great many doors open to them in society, should Evos one day grow to be accepted once more. Their moral route, however, must be considered with great care, as a powerful fire user can have a great impact on society.

  "With great powers come great responsibility", thanks. Isaac put the book down, and felt a lot more knowledgeable and prepared about his fire. His exhaustion was gone, but his long-term fatigue had begun to set in. He couldn't hope to do more tonight, although he could probably help Andre out if he needed it. "Yo, I finished reading the chapter on Fire. Very insightful, and I feel like I understand my limits now with this. On top of the training and practice we did today, I feel a lot more comfortable with all of this."  

DeAndre Walker

Letting the steel beam drop with a heavy thud, the set his hands on his knees and breathed heavily. Well...fuck. That's a workout. The beam was one of the smaller ones. Maybe a bit over 100lbs? Enough to exhaust him as he curled it, then pressed it and squatted it. It feels good though. Looking over at Isaac, he shuffled over, body just done with the day. "That's good. More comfortable means calmer, which means less chaos right? Haha." The laugh was tired sounding and he slumped against the hood of his car. "But I don't know about you, I think I'm going to call it a night. After I drive you back of course."

[x5 Normal, -15EP]

 

Isaac Crysentine

Calling it a night sounds great. "Yeah, I think I'm done for the night too. If I'm being honest with you, I don't think there'll be any more out-of-control fires from now on. They'll only get a bit out of control before I personally put them out." Isaac laughed, somewhat nervous again but also relieved that everything was starting to come together. I might just be able to become a hero after all. "So, should we head back?"  

DeAndre Walker

With a nod, DeAndre somehow found himself behind the wheel. It wasn't that his mind was tired, but his body hurt. Still awake enough to drive. As Isaac got in the car, he swung it around, had the younger man lock up because walking is for chumps right now and headed out. A day of training well spent.  

Isaac Crysentine

Isaac stumbled to the gate and locked it up. Hopefully, no one would be able to tell they were here. Although he set fire to a warehouse today, it ended up turning out to be quite alright. He returned slowly and made his way back to the car and buckled up, ready to head back to his dorm room.