Stick my red flag in the ground, it's Red Nation (Open)

[Deleted]

The night was quiet, the sounds of the city behind him.  The rolling waves of the ocean ahead of him.  He sat on his motorcycle, his feet firmly planted on the asphalt of the parking lot.  Green eyes closed as he listened to his new home.  He was still trying to adjust.  Still, at times, he felt like he didn't belong.  Or perhaps, that was just him being homesick.  He had assisted the Titans outside of Russia before, but he always returned home.  Now, he was on order to stay.  Did he do something to upset the Russian Government?

A hand went through blonde hair as he unzipped his jacket, showing his green shirt with the red star on the chest.  Opening his eyes, he kicked out the kick stand before dismounting off the bike.  Pulling out a small box of cigars out of his jacket pocket, he pulled one out.  Biting off the tip, he spit it out onto the parking lot in front of him.  He held a finger up, red flames dancing off his fingertip as he sparked the cigar up.  Taking a long drag, he exhaled the smoke through his nostrils in an almost sigh. 

He needed something to take his mind off of home.

Mimic

[Deleted]

It had only been a few weeks since Psyman made a clean getaway and being a wanted man the telepath had been keeping a low profile by using a variety of disguises. Everyday he had a different job. Yesterday he delivered pizza. Today he was ironically enough a parking lot security guard except not really. What he really did was knock out a real security guard and stole his uniform. He locked the poor guy up in the guard tower. The uniform was a light blue shirt with patches on the sleeves and dark blue pants with a matching dark blue hat; which hid his cat eats. The guard's sunglasses likewise concealed his yellow catlike eyes. In his hand he wielded the real security guard's baton and tazer. The cocky criminal really just wanted the disguise. However, there was a flaw. The telepath was still wearing his green scarf due to not wanting to take it off ever.

It was late and the telepath was just 'patrolling' the parking lot from the guard tower when a stranger pulled up in a real sweet motorcycle. Now Psyman had never seen this individual before, but he definitely stuck out from the average civilian. So much so that Psyman dropped his guard and allowed his curiosity to take control. The telepath grinned venomously. "Well well what have we got here?" he thought aloud to himself. Although, the real security guard overheard and began struggling against his binds. Psyman shot him a warning glare. "Quiet you! Now remember not one word or I might just have to make things even more...unpleasant for you and believe me when I say you don't want that," the telepath threatened. There on a small table conveniently sat a small radio. Grinning slyly Psyman purposely turned the radio's music up in an effort to drown out the guard's cries for help. Smirking the sneaky telepath then exited the guard tower whistling leaving behind the real guard bound and gagged.

Seeing the mysterious stranger (Red Star) light up a cigarette Psyman strolled right up to him. "Something troubling you stranger?" Psyman, curious asked. The telepath may have been many things, but he could tell when something was bothering a man and for a criminal he could be quite nice, pleasant even. He pulled out his own cigarette box and lit it. "Mind if I join you?"

[Deleted]

Green eyes rested on the security guard.  He cocked his head to the side.  Something seemed off about the man.  Maybe it was the way he carried himself.  Maybe it was the green scarf that clearly did not go with the uniform.  Or, maybe it was his bias towards Americans.  They all seemed pretty strange.  So, he was chalking it up to his own personal biases.  That was certainly something he had to work on.  So, why not start by being friendly to this American? 

"By all means." he said, giving a friendly nod.  His Russian accent thick like the cigar smoke that hung around him.  He straightened his head out, staring out at the beach.  "Yes.  There are many things on my mind."  His thoughts trailed to the alien invasion he fought off in Russia.  Seeing the mangled bodies of men, women, and children.  Those he was unable to save.  The happiness on the faces of those that he could save.  The loss in the eyes of those that survived, but lost loved ones in the skirmish.

He took another puff of his cigar.  "I miss my home.  But, it's hard to go back.  Harder than it is to stay here."  His thoughts then traveled to Starfire.  He still remembered the first day he met her.  She convinced him to come out of hiding as to who he was.  What he was.  Instead, to embrace his gifts.  And when those gifts became too much to handle, she tossed him into space to ensure that the resulting explosion wouldn't harm anyone.  That was always his biggest concern, protecting the innocent.  Letting no harm come to them.

Taking the key out of the ignition of his bike, he stuck his finger in the keyring, twirling it on his finger.  He would love to attend a concert.  Or see a movie.  Something to help him take his mind off of everything.  But, he doubted Babymetal was touring the United States any time soon.  And, honestly, he was pretty hit or miss when it came to American cinema.  Again, however, that was his preference and bias.  "How long have you lived in Jump City?"

[Deleted]

Psyman watched as the man studied him and naturally the telepath worried since the stranger already didn’t trust him. He didn’t even have to read his mind to figure that one out. He could tell by the way the guy stared at him. Feeling uncomfortable the telepath fidgeted and shifted his weight.

Finally after a few moments the man spoke and based on his accent alone the telepath deduced he was Russian. Giving a nod, Psyman exhaled on the smoke of his cigarette. He watched somewhat boredly as his cigarette’s smoke met the young Russian’s cigar’s smoke.

But as soon as the young Russian mentioned having a lot on his mind Psy’s curiosity about the stranger only grew. Behind his dark sunglasses Psyman’s yellow eyes glowed as he listened curiously to the Russian’s thoughts and as soon as he did he wished he hadn’t. He may have been a villain and did a lot of terrible things that he isn’t too proud of, but he still felt empathy for others. He felt a small tear go down his eye. Quickly though he turned his head and wiped it. “Sorry, it’s these damn allergies. I can’t seem to do a thing about them. Please continue.”

And continue the young Russian did revealing more to Psy than he probably wanted with his thoughts. He sighed and exhaled deeply on his cigarette when the stranger mentioned home because part of him missed his, but he felt he could never go back. He didn’t exactly leave home, his family, his…former team on a happy note. Indeed he was a wanted man there. He viciously attacked his former teammates.

Nodding he wiped his eyes again. “Yeah I can…I can totally understand that dude. You’re…not alone there,” the telepath admitted. He continued to listen discreetly to the young Russian’s thoughts and heard mention of his meeting with Starfire and how she helped him. He couldn’t help smiling. Sure being a villain now sort of makes them enemies, but he remembered how nice she always was to everyone even to the alien hater, Mimic. What was that Titan’s deal anyway? He never got the chance to ask and he supposed he never will now.

The friendly Russian’s query snapped Psy out of his own thoughts. “Oh right, sorry I kind of spaced out for a minute there,” he said as he thought up a way to answer his question. Well technically he had only been in Jump for what one and a half years now? Wow, has it been that long already? He couldn’t believe it! But he supposed that was partially due to the fact he had spent a good portion of his time in the city behind bars. Turning to the Russian with a sly grin on his face he casually replied, “long enough.”

Psy couldn’t help noticing the man twirling his keys and the telepath cleverly deduced that the guy was as bored and lonely as he was. Okay maybe not as lonely, but the Russian shared his boredom at least. The telepath flashed a mischievous grin at the bored Russian. “So, if that’s not a cry of boredom I don’t know what is,” he said nodding towards the keyring twirling. “But tell ya what my shift’s ending. So what you say you and me do something? We could um…” he began to offer before pausing mid-sentence as his eyes landed on the Russian’s bike and an idea formed. “We could race. That’s a mighty fine bike you got there. Got one myself. Parked her over there. Real fast. Now I’m not much of a mechanic, but I do know people who help me with the mods and whatnot,” he proudly explained pointing at his green and black sleek motorcycle parked on the other side of the guardhouse.

Then he remembered something important and he felt pretty stupid for forgetting, but then it had been awhile since he just has a casual conversation with someone. Usually people just wanted to kill him or fight him or interrogate him or use his powers. So biting on his lower lip he sighed. "Dude, I am such a dunce sometimes! I completely forgot introductions. That's usually the way it works, right when first meeting someone you introduce yourself? Well I'm Flash. Obviously I'm not The Flash. It's just my name. See my old man is a huge fan, so he named me after him. So anyway, what was your name?" the telepath introduced using his civilian name.

[Deleted]

He took a long drag off of his cigar as his thoughts continued to swim through his head.  He paused, looking at his companion.  Was that a glow he saw from behind the sunglasses?  No.  That couldn't have been right.  The lights of the city were playing with his night eyes.  Red Star gave a light not to the acknowledgement of allergies.  He never had them.  Atleast, he didn't think he ever did.  But, he knew people who did.  One of the many things that made human beings such a fragile race.

Frailty he'd gladly accept to be a normal teenager.

"Not so much bored as in search of entertainment." he said with a smirk.  The mention of a race perked his ears.  He enjoyed racing snowmobiles and motorcycles.  In his off time, to refresh his brain between reading, he'd often go thrill seeking.  And, racing was a helluva thrill.  "Very well.  I'm very much down for a race."  The young blonde nodded at the security guard talking about mods.  His bike was pure European craftsmanship.  He found himself hitting 180 with it, and the bike still having more to offer.  Still, he cut it back.

Not for fear of his own life, but rather for others.

"No need to be so hard on yourself.  In Russia, very rarely do people introduce each other during a smoke.  They just carry on a conversation and be on with their day.  Still, nice to meet you, Flash.  I am Leonid.  Let's make this race interesting.  Loser buys dinner." he chuckled, mounting his bike as he kicked up the kickstand.  Zipping up his jacket, the key went back in the ignition.  The engine was turned over, a ferocious sound that hungered for tarmac. 

[Deleted]

When the Russian agreed to a race a smile crossed Psy's face. It had indeed been awhile since he had done anything remotely sociable. A sigh escaped him when he explained that Russians didn't exactly introduce themselves to just anyone and he felt very silly indeed for assuming that they did. "Oh I am afraid I do not know what is normal anymore nor do I know what is acceptable," the telepath admitted taking a nice long drag on his cigarette.

A grin crossed his face at Leonid's challenge. "Dinner eh? You're on! Just um gimmie a sec..." The telepath accepted.

Remembering his hostage the telepath strolled right up to the front door of the guard shack and stuck an extra pair of keys under the mat for someone to find. Psyman just hoped that someone would come along and free the guy or for the guy to free himself.

After that he pushed his bike over to where the waiting Russian was. "Sorry bout that the guard that takes after my shift is very forgetful. He tends to forget his keys, so I just made it a habit leaving behind an extra pair of keys for him to find under the mat," the telepath casually lied. He then mounted his bike and prepared himself for a friendly race around the city and then it occurred to him. He wasn't sure where they were racing to. "Say, where we racing to anyway?" he inquired turning on his bike causing the engine to purr.

He patted his bike. "Mmm...just listen to that engine purr," he mused proudly. "So just so you know I am not going easy on you. You would never learn if I did," he assured.


ooc: Say you think we could get like another villain in here to interrupt their little race? It could be an npc or an actual villain someone controls.

[Deleted]

"Let's hit the freeway.  Race to the third exit.  I trust you know how to get to the freeway from here.  I'll follow."  Reaching in his jacket pocket, he pulled out a pair of yellow sunglasses.  Helping reduce glare and the wind from getting in his eyes.  Leonid awaited his companion to lead the way.  "Once we hit the on ramp, we'll park off to the side.  Give a proper count, then make a break for the finish line."

(Sorry for the short post.  Just wanting to move on the thread.  Another villain would be just fine.))

[Deleted]

Psyman nodded. "You got that right bub!" The telepath then put on his full faced green and black helmet. At Leonid's instruction Psyman just smiled through his helmet and proclaimed happily, "see ya on the other side!"

That was when Psyman took off in his green and black souped up bike, but since he was to lead the way to the highway he did not go too fast. Every now and then he'd look into his side mirror to make sure Leonid was still behind him. The last thing he wanted to do was lose his racing competition before the race even started.

Soon the telepath came across the freeway and just like Leonid suggested he pulled off to the side. Looking behind him he declared, "alright Leonid on the count of three we race! One...two...three!" After he said, 'three' Psyman bolted. This time he did not hold back as he weaved in and out of traffic like a regular nut job.

[Deleted]

Leonid gave the young man a nod as he hit the roads behind the now off duty security officer.  This was freedom.  This was beauty.  The city streets blanketed in night, and artificial light.  The closer they got to the freeway, the larger the smile on his face became. 

When they finally got to the ramp, Leonid cracked his neck.  As the countdown started, he reached to the dial near the HUD on his bike.  With two turns, he switched the bike to race mode, tightening the suspension and quickening the gear change ratio.  As three was hit, he lifted up his legs and hit the throttle.  He let Flash get a bit of a lead, but he was never too far behind him.  For now, he was watching the flow of traffic.

And that's when green eyes found an opening between in the gathering of cars on the busy highway.  Punching the throttle, he sped off into the night sky.  He was three lanes down from Flash, and quickly gaining.  It appeared like he was going to be passing the fellow teenager in a mere matter of moments.

[Deleted]

Initially the disguised villain believed he had this race made in the shade, that is until he glanced in his bike’s side mirror and noticed his competitor gaining on him. ‘Oh no you don’t,’ thought Psyman speeding up. As he weaved through traffic he felt more than tempted to do a little cheating by causing an oil slick, but decided against it. He realized that he did not want this hero (at least he assumed him to be a hero since he was good friends with Starfire and had powers of his own. Huh he wondered what powers the Russian had.) who may or may not have been warned about him to reveal himself as a supervillain just yet. However, Psyman never really saw himself as a villain. Still, he really wasn’t sure what to label himself moreso since he didn’t really believe in labels anyway.

All was going fairly well as he weaved in and out of traffic at high speeds until he saw a black van with no back windows speeding along the freeway. To anyone else this was just a van, but to the young psychic, well it was a little more than that. Driving the van was a pair of criminals who kidnapped a little girl from a wealthy family and they were getting away. "No!" gasped Psyman. The young supervillain wasn't heartless and the little girl the criminals stole reminded him of his own. Oh how he missed her, but alas he could not find a way back to his dimension and even if he did he was stuck as a teenager all thanks to his stupid creator's de-ager ray that he got hit by.

Just as he was about to give chase he found himself where he was a few minutes ago, back on the freeway's shoulder. The race hadn't even started yet and realization donned on him that what he had just experienced was one of his visions. He admitted that sometimes he had trouble distinguishing his visions from reality, but that hardly mattered since his visions all came true anyway. Heart pounding and face paled he looked behind him at the Russian. Sweat poured down his face. The telepath really looked like he saw a ghost. "Leonid," he began in an anxious tone, "can we postpone our race? Somethings...come up and I really have to go...like now!"

Not bothering to wait for as answer and knowing time was not on his side, Psyman shot up the freeway as quickly as he could in search of the mysterious black van. It didn't take him too long to find since he went to the very spot he saw it in his vision. Unsure how to stop it without harming the child inside Psyman kept on it. 'No one kidnaps innocent children with me around,' he thought. The two goons inside must have noticed Psyman tailing them for they started weaving dangerously in and out of traffic. But being just as if not more skilled than the kidnappers Psyman manged to mimic their every move.


ooc: Annnnd it looks like Psyfi ditched Red Star, but I am sure Red Star will follow to find out what is going on. Boy won't Red Star be surprised to discover Psy's psychic. XD

[Deleted]

They reached the onramp, but Flash didn't start up the countdown.  Instead, he just seemed to stare off into space and when he came to, he turned a shade of white.  Even with his eyes covered in mirrored spectacles, Leonid knew that expression from anywhere; fear.  Before Red Star could even react, the boy sped off on his motorcycle.  This was more than just a race.  He was after something, or someone.  But what?  Or even, who?

Leonid now found himself facing two options; he could either forget the situation as a whole, or he could pursue.  And, if he pursued, would he use his bike or not?  Kicking out the kickstand, he dismounted the bike as he unzipped his leather jacket.  Tossing his jacket and shades onto the handlebars, he took out the keys and stood on the side of the road in his full uniform.  Red flames began to dance at his balled up fists as he rose up into the air.  It didn't take long for him to get full view of the freeway and find Flash darting in and out of traffic.

In a flash, he jetted towards the teen.  It was much easier for him to keep up than it was to try to catch him on the bike.  He could easily dodge obstacles with greater grace than on two wheels.  Flying beside Psy, he looked over at him.  "What is the situation?" he asked.

[Deleted]

The telepath managed to get right beside the black unmarked van where he began banging on the doors yelling at them to pull over. Naturally the criminals refused and pushed Psyman away before speeding away.

‘Always gotta do things the hard way,’ Psy thought annoyed as he righted himself. ‘Very well, but messing with me is stupid,’ Psyman arrogantly thought as he resumed chase. He followed the van onto a different highway. ‘Where are they going? And just what are they up to?’ thought the telepath. Since the van was right there he proceeded to try to read their thoughts to find out. ‘Psyman psays tell me your secrets.’ He let out a startled gasp upon discovering that they kidnapped the little girl for money and if her parents would not pay the ransom then they would sell her to the league of shadows. The telepath had no idea what that was, but it certainly didn’t sound good. One of the criminals unfortunately wasn’t that weak minded and yelled at Psyman to leave his mind. This startled Psy so much that he nearly lost control over his bike.

Suddenly, he started to feel very warm. That was when he noticed he was no longer alone. Glancing beside him he saw a teen in green with a large red star on his chest. Getting a good look the telepath realized that this was the same guy he had challenged to a race, the same one who had much regret about some of the things he had done and the same one who was good friends with Starfire. “You? I…I recognize you. You’re Leonid. Aren’t you? Yes, I am sure of it. Just…who are you? That is…your costume. Not that there is anything wrong with it mind you. It’s nice. But uh just who are you supposed to be anyway?” he asked even though as a telepath he could just easily hop into his mind and find out for himself. In truth Psyman wasn’t sure what to think. He did suspect that Leonid was a hero due to his association with Starfire and the self-sacrificing deed he had done and now with his suspicions confirmed he really wasn’t sure how to react. In truth heroes tended to make him nervous, anxious, but he realized he just needed to get over it.

At the hero’s inquiry a frown crossed Psyman’s face. His mind raced on how he should best explain without giving too much away. “Well it’s…complicated. See, I’m not really a normal person. Like you I have…powers except mine or less physical and more of the mental variety. I’m a uh…psychic. Mostly I have visions in my sleep, but every so often I might have one or two during the day warning me of danger. It’s a pretty handy gift I must admit. I mean it doesn’t compare to your powers of flight and strength, but I get by okay. But anyway, see that black unmarked van just ahead? Yeah, those guys are criminals and they just committed one of the worse crimes that one can commit. They kidnapped a little girl and if we don’t free her those goons are going to sell her to the league of shadows. No idea what this league of shadows even is, but trust me it can’t be anything good. I would have learned more, but their leader kicked me out of their heads. They must be a little bit more than average criminals to have the knowledge and knowhow of banishing telepaths from their minds. It’s not an easy thing to do, throwing up walls of emotion,” the telepath revealed in a most casual tone. “So you uh you up for some action? You think you can he lp me reach their van, so that I can get in there and get the girl out?” he asked hoping the Russian hero would agree. In many ways he was relieved to have some help even though he didn’t really plan on it.

[Deleted]

"They call me Russia's Superman.  But, I just go by Red Star." he said, answering the question.  It was then that he was alerted to the situation.  And to who Flash was.  Well, the limited information he gave about himself, of course.  Telepath?  Did that mean that he had invaded his thoughts?  Seen the visions that were plaguing him.  Or how he dwelled on Starfire?  That was all something to be discussed at a further time.  For now, there was some heroing to be done.

"I'll do you one better." he mused, flying up to the van in question.  Green eyes glowed red as he grabbed ahold of the back doors and ripped them off of the vehicle, causing the van to swerve some.  The criminal in the passenger seat jumped back there, grabbing the girl as he pointed a pistol to her head.  "I don't know who or what you are, man, but take one more step and I'll blow this little girl's head off.  You understand?"  Red Star glared at the man, his feet touching down on the inside of the van.  "Perfectly." he responded.

Before the man could react, a large firebolt came forth from Red Star's eyes, cutting through the criminal's arms and going right through the dash of the van, melting the moving parts, and causing the van to die out.  Another second passed and Red Star lurched forward, grabbing the girl out of the one armed goon's grasp.  The van began to slow down, fire erupting from under the hood.  Leonid held the girl close to him as he flew out of the van before gunshots began erupting from the driver.

Among the sounds of traffic, the screams of the one armed goon could be heard erupting from the back.  The van came to a halt, the driver stepping out of the van, his pistol waving around.  Another firebolt destroyed the firearm as he slowly levitated back down, standing on the shoulder of the highway.  Red eyes glowing still.  The girl sobbing as she held onto Leonid, her head resting on his shoulder.

[Deleted]

ooc: Happy Thanksgiving Avi! I hope you enjoy this post! Sorry it took so long.


Psyman smirked. "Red Star eh? Makes sense. Matches your outfit anyway," mused the telepath at Leonid's revelation. Psyman had stopped listening to Red Star's mind, so he missed the paranoid thoughts that now plagued the young superhero's mind.

The telepath watched wide-eyed as Red Star pretty much single-handedly took the criminals out. Watching him Psyman couldn't help feeling just a little bit useless like he wasn't even needed though he did his best to hide this. The telepath kept up with the swerving van during the fight yellow eyes glowing he invaded their minds effectively causing them mental anguish making it easier for Red Star to fight them. And Psyman couldn't invade their minds without Red Star fighting them either due to the goons being too distracted to mentally block Psyman.

A small devious smirk crossed his face once the van screamed to a stop and he pulled his motorcycle just behind Red Star and the sobbing child. As soon as the crook crawled out of his van waving his little gun, Psyman gestured for Red Star to stop his attack after Red Star destroyed the gun. "I'll handle this one..." he whispered rather devilishly. He slowly stepped towards the man who just glared back.

"I know what you are psychic scum!" the cornered criminal spat glaring at Psyman in disgust. "Don't you come any closer," warned the man.

Psyman smirked. "Or what? You'll shoot me with uh your melted gun? I don't think so," he teased clearly enjoying this. Remembering Red Star he turned around. "Thanks for the help. Couldn't have done it without ya. But uh I'll...handle taking this low life to jail for ya while you get the poor kid home safely before her parents worry," he assured the Titan before re-directing his full attention on the now defenseless criminal before him who was now trying to take this time to run away.

Amused, Psyman very dramatically began following him. "And where do you think you are going? You can't just leave! I'm not through with you yet!" he called after the fleeing injured goon. Psyman then entered his mind. 'Psyman psays it is high time that you ow lives paid for your wrongdoings!' he telepathically hissed. The man then fell to his knees moaning in pain as Psyman mentally assaulted him. The fact of the matter was, Psyman had become strangely addicted to mentally attacking people so much so that it made him feel good.

'See the fact is you're nothing but a child abductor, so I doubt anybody will miss you and come looking for you. But before we continue on with the fun I must know, why did you take this poor little girl from her family?' he telepathically sneered.

In retaliation the downed goon spat at his captor.

Psyman just casually wiped the spit off with the sleeve of his jacket. "That's okay. I know how to make you talk," he reassured him. He proved this by firing another mental blast at him. The man finally broke down crying telling everything the telepath wanted to know. When he was done Psyman glared at him. "You make me sick!" He then grabbed him up roughly by the arm. "Now on your feet!" he growled.

But as he did so a strange thing happened. The goon began gasping for breath and slowly sunk back down to the ground.

Psyman watched a few moments uncaring and gave the man a swift kick in the side after he didn't move. No longer hearing any thoughts, a now curious Psyman lowered himself and felt around for a heartbeat only to find nothing. Wondering if his last mental attack killed the man he dug around the man's pockets for clues and he did happen across something rather interesting: a pill box, empty too. "I don't believe it that sneaky son of a bitch killed himself! Now I...can't prove what he said was true. Damn you! Just damn you!" he cursed under his breath clearly upset. Still holding the pill box he continued to search the man for any evidence to back up what he had just admitted to him. Luckily he did find something in the man's jacket pocket: his To Do List. It was small, but it was something. He found nothing else. Not even a wallet or any sort of I.D. "Of course..." he muttered, annoyed.

But if what he had told Psyman was true and he was in fact an assassin then his lack of wallet and any sort of identification made sense. Hell it even made sense as to why he killed himself after he got caught.

Sighing and taking a deep breath, Psyman continued to sit there beside the assassin's body mentally thinking how he can explain himself should he ever need to since he doesn't have much proof. Sure he could prove that he is a telepath to them, but without concrete evidence the court might think him a murderer and on top of all that he was Wanted for escaping Belle Reve in the first place. "Oh god, why do I keep letting myself get involved in these things. Why am I so stupid?" he moaned. He just prayed that Red Star and the young girl were long gone and didn't witness any of this.