The More Things Change. edited. Power Bottom #11166

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The More Things Change. edited. Power Bottom #11166

PowerBottom
This post was updated on .
Chapter one:

Lance staggered out of the bar. His birthday had been the perfect excuse to hit the clubs. The beer was cold. The music was hot. The men were hotter.

The blonde hadn’t found anyone worth while. He’d danced the night away with a few guys, but there was no one he’d take home to daddies. Besides hooking up in gay bars always gave him the icks. He felt like his fathers would turn the corner any time.

 He said goodbye to his friends, who were headed to an after hours party. They had voiced concern about a rash of bashings that had occurred lately but he wasn’t over worried.

And he had a feeling of unease that his Aunt Maggie would smack him for ignoring, a feeling that he wasn’t safe in the crowd and should be elsewhere. It had grown in intensity since he saw the flash of light race across the sky, earlier that night. It didn’t feel like a relative so he had ignored it.


He had another odd feeling that it took him longer to identify as nausea.  He didn’t get sick often. He ducked into an alley to vomit.

Cleaning himself up, he noticed he had been followed. Four thugs blocking the entry the alley. “Jackpot” he thought. He had hoped for food, fight, and fu...n, yes. Fun for his birthday. He would have to settle for two out of three.

He smiled his father’s vulpine smile as he scanned the area for things that could be used as weapons. The thugs cracked their knuckles and advanced on Lance.

“Hey guys.” said thug 1 ”This homo is disrespecting our alley. What should we do about it?”

Thug two responded “Let’s make him pay a toll to pass.”

“Gee guys. I’d love to but I left my wallet at home, some other trolls got my toll money, sorry” He noticed a brass ring too big to fit his finger and slipped it into his pocket and stood up. He noticed a large raven land on a beer sign with a light up rainbow and smiled.

Thug Three: He must’ve had the good stuff. He’s trapped in here with us and he’s about to go to the morgue and he’s smiling.

Lance placed the feeling he had all night. It was a positive Aether flow. This fight was going to be interesting.  Especially now that he had back up if needed. The thugs seemed to be getting uglier, and bigger...


 “Maybe we should bash it out of him. Hehehe.” Thug four interrupted as a wave of light passed through the alley.
 
…”and dumber thought Lance. Recognising the time stop for what it was Lance turned to the Raven.

:Hey Da. Hey Pops, What’s going on?: He telepathed at the raven and the Rainbow.

:We brought you presents. They’re in the brass ring, if you accept. We don’t have much time, so the short version is. There’s been an incident. It changed the rules of reality. Things are reawakening. The powers that be want you and your brother to take over the family business. : PB thought at his son.

Lenny added :The accident bonded you to this universe. As long as the Aether lasts you’ll be reincarnating here. The Powers would like you to be the Gatekeeper for this causality. You don’t have the potential to conduit so you don’t have to worry about that. You should have better recall than your Pops though. Time’s almost up, kiddo. 30 seconds ‘till reset. About three hours have passed outside the pause.:

Lance took a moment to think. Placed the ring over his heart and thought and spoke simultaneously as time restarted, “:I accept.:”

Light flashed again as Lance felt his clothes altering,a lavender aura surrounded his fists. His glasses darkened into sunglasses obscuring a lavender glow shining from them. His shirt fell off in tatters, revealing a harness etched with sigils. His jeans felt like they would afford him a greater range of motion. He wasn’t expecting that. The throwing knives were an even better bonus.

“No bashing this time @$$holes.” Lance said snidely as he snapped his fingers, causing the image of a wall to appear to block the exit. "And you're trapped with me."

:The @$$holes are turning into trolls, you should decapitate or burn them.: PB Coached.

:No Shoot, Pops not my first rodeo.:

“ Who are you?” Rasped the leader.  

“You can call me Power Bottom.”  Quipped the new hero as he threw knives, which burst into flame, and struck the trolls.

The fight raged quite some time. The New PB allowed himself to be backed towards the wall that had been the alley’s exit.

The Trolls, bloody but not beaten advanced on PB. They launched themselves at PB who ducked under their attack, causing them to pass through the illusory wall. Into the first light of Dawn. Where they turned to stone. The first pigeon landed roughly five minutes later.

:Or I could do the third option, Pops, direct sunlight makes Trolls go total stone. They Didn't know they were trolls yet Probably wouldn’t know what one was anyway:

:Not my first rodeo either we set that up for you.:

:Sure, Pops, but what should your usename be now that I nicked yours? OH By the way I’m gay.:

:I’ll go by Conduit. And the whole family is empathic. We knew at puberty, why do you think we taught you two to shield at 13?:

:Gross: Thought Lance.

The sign of the bar shifted, It now read “Rainbows.”

Lenny offered “We can take our human forms and buy you a drink for your Birthday.”

“Thanks I'd like that. Oh Pops, There’s not much in the way of greenery here, How do I get about?”

Conduit answered, “You’ll figure your own thing out, until then remember “If you’ve been to one gay bar, you’ve been to them all.


CHAPTER 2: Shortly before Chapter 1

Power Bottom woke up to the repetitive sound of hammering coming from his husband’s forge. The slight buzz at the back of his skull let him know that Lenny was channelling power into his work.

“Hmm,” PB thought. “He hasn’t done that since The City fell.”

As he roused himself PB recalled how to escape the cataclysm he and his family had taken shelter In Rainbows. The magic inherent in the complex had kept them safe in their own
bubble universe.

PB’s ability to traverse realities afforded the family access to a mundane universe in which to educate and socialise the twins; whilst allowing them passage to the Other Realms. Realms which were home to many creatures of myth and legend. They were ruled over by the physical manifestations of the primal forces of creation. Many of them were on friendly terms with PB’s family, several were related, and some were both.

Living in a bubble universe and living in an environment rich in aether caused the twins, Lance and Leon to age slowly and appeared to be in their mid- twenties despite having existed for a considerably longer period of time.

Since one of the foundations of PB’s school of magic was “Belief shapes reality.” and since all children believe that their parents are incredibly old, PB and Lenny had aged into the appearance of a distinguished couple in their low forties. They would have looked older but PB took steps upon discovering his first grey hair.

Access to friends, family, and other allied survivors of the fall, allowed Lenny and PB to teach and train the kids in the proper use of their more esoteric abilities. The negative aether of the mundane universe kept them from using magic while present there; so they honed other abilities.

 Lance was fond of his Aunt Maggie and had shown an aptitude for “picking up lost items.” and a philosophy that “If they wanted to keep it they would have secured it better.” This philosophy ignored the fact that they had bypassed twelve locks, four bio-scanners, six-laws of physics, and anything closely resembling probability to obtain said item.

In addition to Power Bottom’s luck Lance had inherited Lenny’s ability to alter his appearance. Showing a marked preference for illusion spells and misdirection, he quickly picked up family favorite “spells” such as “Nanny, Nanny, Nanny, you can’t see me, you can’t hear me” and “This was a mistake, forget my number.”

The Twin’s educations had included many forms of combat, Lance prefered throwing blades from a distance and “Twin-Jitsu” hand to hand.

When your teachers are as varied as PB and Lenny’s Friends and family you become acquainted with many different fighting styles and their flaws and benefits. Since the twins were harder to hurt (when abroad) than the average child, their fights and tantrums were a little more spectacular than typical. (And usually critiqued by an Aunt, or an Uncle, or the Master at Arms of any number of Other Realm Courts.) This had eventually settled into a unique fighting style PB referred to as “Twin-Jitsu.”

Lance had Lenny’s interest in crafting and teaching and had decided to move to the Mundane universe to get a degree in education and establish independence. He had just graduated and moved to an apartment in New Amsterdam.

Leon was more bookish and more social than his twin. He preferred using a staff in battle. Mostly because “It looks cool, and idiots think you’re helpless if they can disarm you.”

He preferred spending his time in the Other Courts than the mundane universe and by practice and inclination, he was able to use flashier magic than his brother.

Due to his charisma and his presence with PB as he performed his ambassadorial duties, Leon had numerous contacts in the Other Realms as well as a more practical understanding of esoteric flora and fauna than the best bestiaries.

When he had finished ruminating  PB dressed himself with a surge of power and walked to Lenny’s Forge. Although they called it the Forge it was equipped to produce any number of crafts and creative arts.

PB scanned the forge and noticed an updated version of his “Working Clothes.” He noticed that this set had several hiding places for throwing blades.  Further examination showed a second set more closely modeled after Lenny’s preferred working gear and a long staff.

When Lenny acknowledged his presence PB asked “What are you working on?” Which Lenny interpreted as “Why are you arming our children for battle?”

“Dad, my Uncle, and Grandpa just called. We’ve got a problem Boss.” Lenny answered as he stepped aside he bowed and gestured to the gear which were awaiting further enchantment.

“I know. I’ve been avoiding it. I’ve noticed the garden is growing larger. New gates are about to open. If I’m right about the locations Lance’s world is about to get an upgrade.”  PB channelled Aether into his husband's work strengthening it. Their power and skill meshing together to create an end product stronger than either could create on their own. What appeared to be denim was an self-repairing fabric that afforded more flexibility than you would reasonably think. It could also stop a bullet. The T-shirt and the harness both had wards worked into the design that would act as life support, they also were deceptively strong.  

PB cast enchantments that would allow the uniforms to take the appearance of any clothing appropriate for the given situation. He bonded the weapons to their given costumes so that they would always return to their owner.  The costumes once accepted and consented to, could not be forcibly removed.

Two sigils flared into life on the staff. Echoed by Two knives flaring with power. PB Noted the signs of Fire,and Light. PB picked up the ring joining the straps of the harness together as he etched his sign entwined with Lenny’s it was echoed on a matching ring worked into the staff’s design. Branching off of their Parents’ signs PB Inscribed the signs of the twins. Finishing his work and completing the enchantments he asked “I’m not going to like the Council’s decision am I?”

“No.” Sighed the smith. “Lance’s Earth is being invaded. The invaders triggered a Terraforming weapon that turned out to be mutagenic in ten percent of the Humanity. It also flipped the switch to a positive Aether flow, and Things are waking up.  With your luck guess who got triggered?

 The Council is splitting your job in two. The powers that be are eyeing Leon as their ambassador. Lance is Being eyed as that universe's gatekeeper. If they accept and pass the tests.”

“What’s happening to the old Gatekeeper and Ambasador?” PB queeried with a smirk?”

Lenny responded “The Conduit and his partner will be busy keeping the threat from infecting other realities.”

“Goody for them. So we get to keep any reality with a Legion from interacting with any reality that doesn’t. So we’re supposed to mothball the meat suits and go cosmic? Has anyone asked the boys yet or are they going to get an offer they can’t refuse?”

The scrying crystals PB Used to keep track of his family chimed. Lance’s crystal was flashing red.

“You had to say it, Boss. He’s in New Amsterdam. This set is his. Lenny said pointing to the outfit with the knives. “Grandpa is explaining things to Leo.”

“Hmm,” PB groaned. It’s how I’d do it considering the players.
He snapped his fingers and the outfits vanished. His smirk widened into a vulpine grin. “Shall we go meddle?”

“Boss, I thought you’d never ask.”

Player ID 11166
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Re: The More Things Change. edited. Power Bottom #11166

Strange Quark
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Nice narrative you got there.
"Embrace your inner weirdness"
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Re: The More Things Change. edited. Power Bottom #11166

PowerBottom
This post was updated on .
TMTC: What Happens In Vegas

OOC: this will be posted in three parts. First part is building a location that will be featured throughout my stories. I’ll try to keep it as fun as possible.

Part two will be a lead in to my entry into the current promotion.

Part three will be the Entry.


A murder had been committed. This normally wouldn’t have been Leon and Lance’s problem but The victim had been sliced open and exsanguinated on neutral ground. The Powers had made it one of the trials for the twins to catch and administer justice to the perpetrator. The Neutral spot in this case was based in New Amsterdam. It manifested at different times as: a coffee house, a bakery, a bookstore, an art gallery, a music shop, a restaurant, a bar, a laundromat, a flower shop, and a mysterious shop ran by a mysterious shopkeeper, that always had exactly what you wanted and other esoteric merchandise. Anyone with any sense at all avoided the final aspect.  The twins referred to these aspects as AU’s.

It was an octagonal building of several stories, in both senses of the word.
The exterior walls boasted some of the most disturbing art in the city. Viewers without sight who managed to glimpse it, said it almost moved, then they forgot all about it.

The north wall was of stone, it depicted trolls, gargoyles, giants, and other creatures of the Earthen court along with Hel, Hades, and other guardians of the dead.

The north east wall seemed stone at the bottom, progressed through brass, iron, gold and other metals and depicted the progression of human technology.

The East wall was a cloudscape, the clouds showed Zeus and other sky gods along with the creatures of the air court.

The south east wall showed great philosophers, scientists and teachers, it also showed prometheus and other knowledge bearers and the granted gifts that expanded the human mind.

The south wall seemed to be of flame, dancing in the embers were the creatures of fire, along with the gods, heroes, and powers of that element.

The southwest wall showed the unaffiliated creatures of myth and legend. People assumed it showed the progression of creatures of myth and legend from their original to their more recognizable modern forms. In fact it was a warning as to the true nature of those modern forms. Hollywood and Ditzny had much to answer for.

The west wall Showed Neptune and other water deities along with the creatures of their courts.

The north west wall showed humanity at the peak of physical perfection and showcased history of people overcoming the limits of the human body.

All this rested on a foundation of basalt that bore carvings of demons and devils tormenting the wicked dead, and was crowned by statues of angels, saints and other celestial beings welcoming the deserving to their rewards.



Lance entered The Cliche. He noticed that they were in the coffee house AU and spotted his brother sitting at their usual table in front of the fire wall.   He wasn’t expecting Leon to have company. Good looking company.

:Private conversation?: He thought at his brother:

:Not at all. Newbie here wandered in. Come on over, you can help me explain the facts of life to him while we figure out who we can foist him off on.:

:You mean mentor him.:

:I mean keep him from getting killed. He’s new to the sight and wandered in here. He’s swimming with sharks. He even gave me his real name.:

Lance sighed and approached the table deciding to show off, he waved and a chair moved itself under him as he sat.

“Hey Leon who’s your friend?” he asked as he sat.

The brown haired, brown eyed, muscle boy answered first.”Eduardo. Eduardo Camisa-Roja. Hey! Are you two twins?”

:He’s doomed, with that name.: Lance snarked at his Twin.

:I know, right?:

“Don’t ever give anyone your full name again.” Lance snapped. “Tell me you had ‘dome of privacy’ up?” He glanced at his brother.

“And advertise that the conversation is worth listening to? I don’t think so. I’m using ‘Morning local interest show” all anyone will hear is inane drivel”

“Good call” the twins high fived.

“First off,” Lance began. “Yes we’re twins. I’m the cute one. Neither of us are the straight one, and ‘Y’ur a Wizard Harry.”

“Magic is real.” Interrupted Leon. “You’ve got it. We need to figure out which kind though. If you were a sorcerer you’d know about it. You could be a sensitive or an elemental, you could possible be transitioning into a supernatural creature. Lance here has already fought trolls, But you have true sight. It’s how you even noticed this place.”

Lance sighed. “Bro stop embracing your inner Hermione. You’re going to scare him off.”

“What is this…?” Eduardo began.

:Shall we go full twin and put on a show?:

:Sounds fun it’s been a slow night and it might get his attention:

Both twins shifted their eyes so that instead of their usual hazel they shone with a violet light.

Speaking in unison the twins warned:

“Hear our words mortal and know them for true. Ten Courts, comprise the realms supernatural and mystic and are reflected in the physical realm you are familiar with.

These places are known by the walls showing the history and nature of the courts.’

Harm any being within these walls and your judgement will be swift and terrible.”

Their eyes flickered back to normal.”

“Or not quipped Lance it’s your funeral, “Redshirt.”

Eduardo gasped. Leon winked and patted Eduardo on the shoulder. “You know from that Sci-fi show”

Leon glimpsed at his hand and nodded at his brother.
 
As the conversation drew on the twins offered Eduardo help in finding a mentor, it then moved in a more flirtatious direction. All three decided to sneak into the cleaning closet for sneaky happy fun times.

As Eduardo entered the closet he locked the door. He laughed as a pikestaff appeared in his hand. His seeming vanished as he took his true form. An old man with red eyes, prominent teeth, grisly hair streaming down to his shoulders. “You’re both dead now. I’m not afraid of the courts. The legion has promised I could kill my fill if I served them.  They even changed my cap into a shirt. I only had to promise to attack the lickspittles of the courts and challenge them in battle. But you two can't attack me inside these walls so I’m afraid this will be rather one sided.”

The twins noticed claws and iron boots as they dropped into battle stances.

Lance quipped “Bro, you have terrible taste in men.”

Leon made a face, “Wasn’t fooled. I use closets to teleport. Welcome to Vegas. In August.”

Lance threw a Knife "We’ve also been sitting in front of a magic fire for the last three hours. Your shirt must be pretty dry."

The Twins forced the creature out of the closet and outside the casino. Where the blazing desert sun beat down.

Eventually victorious Lance dusted his hands “Redcaps are nasty. Dipping their caps in the blood of their victims makes them easy to spot though.”

“Yup, and that shirt held more blood than a cap would. Good thing that if the blood completely dries. They “starve” and die” responded his twin.

“Let's find consecrated ground and bury this thing.”

Leon nodded, “Let’s spend the weekend in Vegas since we’re here. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

Lance laughed “I’m always lucky.”

“Not as lucky as Pops.”

“Who is?”

Across town, a man in chains laughed to himself. “Not the Power Bottom I was after. Surely, he’ll have to do.”

Player ID 11166
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Re: The More Things Change. edited. Power Bottom #11166

PowerBottom
This post was updated on .
In reply to this post by PowerBottom
What Happens In Vegas. Pt 2

OOC: Story ran a little long it will now be a three parter. Thanks for your patience and indulgence.

The Sign said "Welcome to Caligula's Court."

The Twins entered the casino and immediately went on alert. Something wasn’t right.

The total silence inside was their first clue. All the slot machines were turned off and there were no patrons.

Being shifted into their work clothes,without willing it, as they entered was their second.

The large man approaching them in a panic but with his hands open and in plain sight was the last.

The pair gave the brute the benefit of the doubt. They merely switched to the sight, instead of drawing their weapons.  

:He’s human, but not from here.: Lance thought at his brother. :What’s with this fog though? I’ve never seen the sight clouded before:

:I Think he’s from Earth SHC, lots of survivors have been bleeding through lately.  He appears to be used to dealing with Enhanced Power Beings. The only thing I know of that can cloud the sight is an Omega manifestation, under duress. Think of it as mystic fall out.:


:Are you kidding me? A captive Power in Vegas? Should we just head to the Luxor pyramid?”

:No:
 Dead-panned Leon, :That’s been done. It won’t be that easy. We need to know if any strange occurrences have been going on recently. The nature of those occurrences may give us a clue as to who is being held captive.:


The manger arrived and cleared his throat, in a Chicago accent he asked, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’re dressed like Power Bottom and Lenny. I was PB’s account manager back home. Would you happen to be this world’s them?”

Lance nodded. “They’re our parents. I’m called Power Bottom, you can call my brother Under Watch. We Don’t have our Pa’s luck, We’re not in violation of any agreements as we haven’t made any.:

:You know I hate Under Watch: Leon projected.

:Well I don’t like Emissary. It makes it sound like you hang out with Abercrombie Werewolves. You could go with a name like mine and Pop’s?:

:I know I’m not officially and ambasador yet, but I refuse to let you call me the Go Between, you are not advertising to the world that I like triads. I guess Under Watch will do until someone suggests something better.:


:Besides, Bro think how much fun it will be watching people try to figure out what your name implies, when it’s just that you’re the Supernatural underworld version of Over Watch from that archery show.: Lance snarked.

:True. Should we talk to Guido now?:

:I Bet $25.00 that his name is Vinnie.:

:Lance, it will be a pleasure to take your money.:


“You can call me--” the Account manager started, “My name is…” “Did you two bet on my name?”

“Yes.” The twins answered blushingly.
 
“Great. Now I can’t say my own name. That’s the nature of our current crisis. Call me Legerdemain, then. And before ya ask. It’s because I’m the accounts manager and not ‘cause I do magic with numbers.”

:Sure it isn’t.: Lance twinned.

“No one can place a bet.”

“What?” The twins stereoed.

“For about three days now, the minute someone places a bet, there is no result. The machines break down. The dice stick to the table. The wheels lock up. The cards tear. Someone bet on a coin toss and a bird swooped down and stole the coin.”

Leon interrupted, “What kind of bird?”

“Da kind with feathers and a beak that flies. Do I look like an ornithologist to ya?”

“No,but knowing what kind of bird might give us a hint as to who the players are.”

At that moment the silence was broken.  Behind them a bank of Donkey Kong themed slot machines flickered to life. Mario’s girlfriend Pauline appeared on all the screens. Her animated cries of “Help me!” looped on all the screens.

Opposite that bank of machines, the Star Wars themed slots flared to life. Leah’s plea of “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi.  You’re my only hope,” also looped endlessly.

The images spread to other machines. Which were not Donkey Kong or Star Wars Themed.

Lance looked shocked.

Leon looked appalled. “Someone is holding Luck captive. In Vegas.” He deduced.

Lance asked, “You think it’s Xavier. Pops’ Lucky fling from his early days before he met Da?”

“Most likely. It would explain why he sent for us. Probably “called” for Pops and got you ‘cause of the name. If I recall Pops saved him from Irish Gangsters and then got Lucky in gratitude?”

“That’s how the story went. Which means means they’re probably treating him as if he’s Fae.” Lance affirmed. Which means they would probably contain him in Iron. It would explain the foggy sight. He can survive Iron just fine, since he only pretends to be fae. But Iron interferes with magic generally. It keeps him from escaping and it diffuses his power so it fogs. He managed to get us here and managed to send a cry for help.”

 “So probably the Container Park Downtown.” Leon surmised. “Gives us up to a six and a half mile running battle through the streets, depending on when the hostiles find us. Teleporting into an unfamiliar area surrounded by that much iron, that far away is beyond me at this point. The closest bar you could use is farther away than that.”

“Hey Xavier!!” Lance yelled at the sky, “How about a clue as to who we’re up against?”

A DC  themed Poker machine behind him flickered to life “Long Live the Legion” a mechanical voice looped.

"It was only a matter of time before they revealed themselves." Lance said with a sigh.

Leon asked Legerdemain, “Anything else going on we need to know about before we tear up your city in a running battle?”

Lance answered in an amazing copy of Ledgerdemain’s voice as the man himself answered..”We’ll there is a new supervillain runnin’  about…”

“Funny guy.” The mobster deadpanned, “but your target just rolled out the red carpet for you.”

Following Ledgerdemain’s gaze the brothers glanced outside. Everything with a screen on their route to the Container Park was lighting up with one of three videos.

“Help Me!!”
“Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope”
“Long live the Legion”
Echoed through the night.

:Well Crap: The Twins cussed at the same time.
Player ID 11166
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The More Things change: What Happens in Vegas, Directors cut

PowerBottom
TMTC, What Happens in Vegas, Directors cut

This is a more fleshed out version of the story submitted for the contest. Any Ideas herein are mine and are not game cannon.


“I Can’t believe she’s calling herself Simulacra.” Leon Said while summoning his Long staff.

Lance rolled his eyes. “Same mood, Bro. Can’t believe people still advertise their powers with their names. Just once I’d like to fight a copy cat named Melt-Down.” He quipped while manifesting his spell blades. Throwing blades that allowed him to channel primal powers through them. His first Two were light and fire. He had gained an Earth blade for defeating trolls his first night out and a banishing blade for killing a Red Shirt. Red Shirts were Red Caps of legend that had been modified by a group called the Legion to serve in their army of conquest against this Earth.

“Or a fire bender named Snowflake.” his Brother agreed whilst studying the runes of Fire, Light, Banishing, and Earth that also appeared on his staff.  Evidently they were being graded as a group on their trials.

He looked outside the entrance of Caligula’s Court. The casino where they had accepted their latest challenge.

Lance made a sour face as he viewed the streets outside. Every video display between here and the Container Park downtown was issuing a cry for help from a captive power. Announcing their path to the enemy. :How Long has been held captive?: He telepathically asked his twin.

Leon answered :Gaming stopped 2 days and 18 hours ago. We have exactly six hours to free him:

Lance continued, :Yeah, if they can keep a power from his duties for a full three days the position becomes open. Meaning this Legion can claim Luck’s power for themselves.

Shall we get started?:

:Nothing between us but Buskers, Tourists, minions, traps and at least one proper enemy. What could go wrong?:
Leon snarked.
Both surrounded themselves with a lavender nimbus of power and launched themselves into the night.

More sedately another set of twins, tourists from California, a surfer and a skater, exited the casino from the back entrance and entered an uber. “Take us to the fruit loop, please.” He texted the driver. “Neither of us can speak.”  The driver shrugged and turned up his radio. He never noticed that the pair of nonvocal customers were humming “Would you like to swing on a star.”


Power Bottom and Under Watch reacted to screams coming from the Mirage. Smoke, ash and sulfur wafted their way. Under Watch smirked. “She’s making the volcano real.”

PB had his own vulpine smile. “Let’s go say hi to great grandpa.”

They swooped down towards the volcano. Dodging boulders and rescuing tourists as they approached.

 “Is that our target?” Under Watch said with a laugh. He pointed his staff at their assumed target, a villainess in high heels, a feathered headdress, and a sequined outfit that was more air than fabric. In short a Las Vegas Showgirl.

 A showgirl who was reading from a book. Tendrils of power lept from the book to the volcano. The artificial volcano, which “erupted” periodically throughout the night to attract tourists, had been transformed into the real deal. Even worse, the spells were enabling creatures of Fire to emerge from the caldera.

“You’re too late heroes. I’ve summoned minions of flame to destroy you.”

“Oh no not that.” Quipped PB “Whatever shall we do against fire elementals?”

Under Watch shouted, “ Hey Gramps. We’re in a hurry. Would you mind gathering up your toys and going home?”

The volcano sputtered to a stop and became fake once more. The emerging creatures vanished.

 Except for the one that attacked them from behind.

“Not all of us willingly serve your kin fleshlings. Legion’s agent has promised the throne to any that depose your great grandfather and swear fealty to them. I will assume the throne and Fire will ravage this Earth at the behest of Legion.”

“That was unexpected, PB.” Underwatch shouted while flying towards a palatial Italian styled Hotel Casino.

“Yup, Under Watch, Do we have a plan B?” PB asked while throwing blades at the beast, guiding the beast to his brother.

Underwatch glanced at the 8 ½ acre lake containing the fountains at the Bellagio. The hero made a come here gesture at the lake, all 1214 water jets spurted simultaneously. Quenching the Beast.  “Oh, plan B never works.  We’re well into plan D”

PB returned to where Simulacra had cast her spell, he realised she had escaped during their fight with the elemental.

PB and Under Watch turned towards Treasure Island, a pirate themed casino. Fresh screams filled the night as the pair turned in that direction.

Across town the Uber pulled into the Gipsy, a happening bar in the city’s fruit loop. The twins paid their driver, rated him a five, paid the Gipsy’s cover charge and entered... Snick’s Place a quiet neighborhood bar Downtown. The pair mingled and snuck into the supply closet.

Back at Treasure Island PB and Under Watch tried not to laugh as Pirates and Sirens attacked tourists.
 
“She stole that from Buffy, Under Watch. She enchanted the costumes of the pirate show to transform the actors”

“I know, PB. They’re using pop culture as a how to guide for our Supernatural. Think we’ll get to stake a sparkler?”
 
“One can hope. The transformation spell should end at midnight,Think a sleep spell will get the job done?”

Underwatch smashed the show’s soundboard with his staff.  He then reached over and shut off the lights. “Or we could stop the show.”

PB Mocked, “Or we could stop the show.” he smiled as the actors returned to normal.”What next wack a clown at Circus Circus?”

Under Watch shuddered, “No, Tricksters have been reported to be manifesting as clowns.”

“Tricksters are more than simple clowns.” PB scoffed.

“Do you want to be the one who disrupts whatever trick they’re playing?” Under Watch retorted.

“Okay, bad idea. PB agreed. Lightning flashed from the top of the Stratosphere’s tower. The wind had picked up. Strange looking creatures were attacking the roller coaster attached to the casino’s signature skytower. Or we could do air elementals at the Stratosphere?”

“Are we clear?” Leon asked. “Let's head that way.” he responded to his brother’s nod.

The Californians came out of the broom closet at the drugstore across from the container park. It was a shopping and dining district that was constructed of metal intermodal shipping containers. These containers had been used to store materials and goods for transport, allowing them to be moved from ship to rail to truck without being repacked.

A praying Mantis sculpture stood outside the park. Originally constructed for Burning Man it had been relocated to the park where it startled tourists by shooting flames from its antenna. Nobody seemed to find it ironic that a repurposed sculpture in a shopping center constructed from repurposed shipping containers, presumably to inspire people to recycle, renew, and reuse; and not save a buck on construction materials, burnt through 50 gallons of fossil fuels a night to advertise itself.

As they admired the construction of the praying Mantis sculpture outside. The surfer passed his brother a dollar. “Bet you it’s a Golem.”

“I’ll take that bet.” The skater matched the dollar. The statue fell to scrap.

Evidently the mystic fallout from Luck’s captivity was still preventing any bets from being placed in the city.

The twins started singing, as they sauntered away from the scrap. Originally a song from Guys and Dolls. The pair gender flipped the lyrics from luck be a Lady to Luck be a Laddie.”

“The souvenir shop?” The Skater texted.  

“Most Likely. If I was going to trap him I’d use dice, chips, and playing cards to draw him here. You could ensorcel a bunch and hide it with the regular crud for tourists. He shows up and you close the trap.” was the response.

The pair entered the shop and saw the captive. The surfer smudged the edge of the circle with his foot, negating the spell holding luck captive. “We were expecting a brunette named Xavier.”

“Thanks to ye both for freeing me. Xavier was your father’s image o’ me.  The pair of you have different taste than him. Call me Lucky.” The handsome ginger said with a wink and an Irish accent. “You cut it close though.”

The skater flirtily responded “It was pretty easy.”

Lucky and Leon winced.

“Why did you say it?”  Leon asked accusingly as a hum filled the air and the sky darkened.

Running outside the trio witnessed a swarm of grasshoppers descend and gather together. As the bugs gathered together they assumed a human form. A dirty human in overalls. Occasionally a bug broke off and flew away, or landed and merged, or just crawled across Swarm’s face.

“We were hoping for a fight to bring glory to Legion. The pair of you appear unworthy of our might. But I suppose an example should be made of those that oppose the will of the emperor.”

Lance made a face. “Wasn’t this the big bad in Men In Black? I fight Swarm you fix the mantis?”

Surfer responded. “We need to be quick. We need to off bugsy before he warns his boss. No magic.”

“No problem.” Lucky interrupted, “All bets are back on. Give your brother his money.” He told Leon“ It wasn’t a Golem. Go ahead and use magic and stop singing. You don’t need ‘Nany Nany Nany you can’t see me.You can’t hear me” any more.”

Metal screeched as the mantis resumed its form. Flame began erupting from its antennas.

“That’s not what we’re casting. We can’t stop. Lives are in danger.” Leon informed Lucky. “But with a little luck we can draw Bugsy into the flame throwers.”

“What Can ye do with a lot of luck?” queeried Lucky, as a sprite taking the form of a small twister was blasted from the Battle at the Stratosphere. Swarm was caught up in its contrail and dragged into the flames of the Mantis. Where both were consumed. “Shall we be seeing about saving those lives then? I’ve debts to repay.”

The Twins shrugged and followed Lucky towards the Stratosphere.

 

At the Stratosphere,the battle had turned against PB and Under Watch. Simulacra had the Twins pinned down. They had saved the tourists, and banished the elementals, but the Villianess had emerged victorious in their individual fights.

The Sorceress Showgirl prepared her killing blow.

“There’s something you should know.” PB rasped.

“I’m not falling for your tricks.”  She gloated.

“You’re not my tricks’ type anyway.” PB snarked with a rasp “However, If you look closer you’ll find we’re like your rack.”

“What?” She asked slow on the uptake as she stabbed PB.

“We’re fake too.” PB snarked as he transformed into a clothing mannequin. “We’ve already freed Lucky.”

“That’s a lie!” She screamed, Turning to Under Watch. “What did you do?”

He grinned, “The trail wasn’t for us. It was for you, to trick you into leaving the park and leading the attack on us yourself. With you distracted we thought we’d trust our luck with teleports. Our luck came through. The real us is on their way here with your guest to mop up.”

“What do you mean the real us?”

“We stole your gimmick. It never seems to occur to villians that their tactics could be used against them. In short, we are simulacra,  Simulacra. Illusion, Teleportation and Luck for the win.” He too turned into a mannequin as the baddie stabbed him.

Every game in the room came back online. All the slots hit jackpot. All the poker machines drew royal flushes.  


Simulacra bumped into a craps table, jostling the dice which landed on snake eyes. Lucky stormed into the room. It was obvious from the fear on her face that to her, Lucky was not appearing as a handsome, ginger.

“Stay back.”  he told the twins. “This is not battle it’s judgement.”

Simulacra was unable to move as Luck approached her. You wanted luck. You wanted power. My power, not for fun, not for my purpose, but to conquer to subjugate. You, your legion, and your emperor are not welcome in my city. This awaits any of you who enter Vegas again.”

 He caressed her cheek and she transformed into a slot machine.

“I’m aware, that as your name suggests, this version of you is a fake. But my reach is long, and the favor I am about to bestow requires balance. Your luck will now and evermore be spectacularly bad.


“I’ve bestowed my judgement. I will now bestow my gratitude.

I will grant upon Power Bottom the same gifts I bestowed upon his father. To Under Watch, I bestow Lucky searches. Whatever information you seek, be it a book, search, or otherwise will find its way to you.” The brothers bowed in thanks, knowing better than to refuse a gift from a Power that believed itself in their debt.

“I assume you’ve heard your father’s tales lads, and know how my favor is bestowed?”

Leon spoke for the twins, “We’re honored.We know people fantasize about twins, but we don’t share.”

“I never said that twinning me was part of the plan.” Lucky winked at the heroes, “Now, lads, let’s go back to your rooms. Where you can really get me. Separately, and several times.”

:Finally.: PB Twinned at his Brother. :Someone cares that we’re brothers.:


Epilogue:

The Cliche, Coffee Shop AU

The Twins were at their table.

“It was nice of Legerdemain to offer us the same deal they had with Pops.”

“Yup, a comfy monthly check to not come to Vegas and skew the odds.” Lance told his brother. "Lucky raelt does repeat performances anyway."

“What did he look like to you?” He asked.

“Ginger and Irish of course, collegiate. Rower build, soft wool sweater medium length wavy hair. You know romance novel cover Irish. You?”

“Buzz cut, track suit, runners build. Soccer Hooligan” :What’s your take on these morphons and the Legion?:

:It’s just a theory on my part and I could be wrong, but I’m worried.:

:This Earth had no magic, until the legion deployed the Morphons. They had a tradition of magic here, but those things were dormant. They’re waking up now.:

:You’ve of Clark’s Law and Lackey’s Law?: Leon asked.

:Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. And Any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology: Lance answered.

:Which means they’re either the same thing, two sides of the same coin, or..?:

:They’re linked. You think Morphons are the link between magic and science?: Lance responded

Leon continued :It’s a theory, I can’t imagine how you’d prove or disprove it or explain it. It would explain how technology is accessing the powers of the courts. How we are getting magical and technological origins of the same power sets.:

:Here’s where I worry. The Emperor commands his Legion to unleash morphons. To the untrained citizen on Earth it looks like he bestowed magic on Earth. A good information campaign and people believe he is the personification of magic:

Lance groaned: He’d become a Power the Legion would become his Court. He could spread his conquest to the other courts, make them vassall states:

:Exactly Bro. The Legion is already interfering. The Red Shirt, Vegas, that renegade flame elemental, who knows what else. Leadership of many of the Courts are bestowed by trial by combat it seems the Legion acts in the same manner. They may find many allies. The current Powers are not universally loved, malcontents may see this as a good time to make their move.:

:I need to find a team with some hardcore science types, to look into this. I’ll also explore sites of Legend and see what’s waking up try to keep them from siding with the legion.: Lance suggested.

Leon added :I’ll return to the Other Courts. I’ll try to sabotage any attempts the Legion makes to embroil itself into Court politics. Stay in touch. Remember If I’m right the big brains might be able to hack our cross dimensional communications.:

:Great stay safe Bro.: “How do I find a science heavy team?  With a little luck maybe one will find me.”
 
To be continued in Rainbow Legacies.


This concludes the More Things Change and What Happens In Vegas.

Player ID 11166
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Re: The More Things change: What Happens in Vegas, Directors cut

Krystal Fae (Acidburn)
Administrator
Great story... Just a reminder.... not all with magic are without scientific skill. (HINT-HINT)

The heir to the throne of Fae-re will watch for developments with interest.
ID# 10962