Mystery of the Volcano

Hawaii, the 50th state of America; a beautiful set of islands with nice weather, good beaches, etc. A favorite among vacationers for sure. After all, who doesn’t love Hawaii, their dances, their beauty, everything! In the year 2028, Hawaii is still as beautiful as ever and a great tourist spot, right?

Normally, the answer to that question would be yes, but seeing as how things are going now, one would probably say no. On nearly all of the Hawaiian Islands, volcanoes have been going off with little to no warning, surprising scientist and others. They have been wondering how these eruptions could be going off without any warning or signs. It was even worse in the main island, where eruptions have been going off around every other day. Many lives were being lost, and houses destroyed. Some even reported seeing some monsters, but that’s unreal, isn’t it.

Having been going on for a week now, many have been frightened of the once calm, tropical vacation spot. The people there were frantically trying to escape this disaster and go to a better place. Many tried to get on the first plane out of land of volcanic doom. The news had spread across America and nearly all flights to Hawaii were canceled due to everyone canceling their trip. Only a few were going to Hawaii. One of the few people taking going was Tony Makani, also known as Tiki-Man.

I have been gone for too long. How could I let so much destruction ensue my homeland? I must have been spending too much time in New York. Even I can't do this by myself Tony had thought on the plane. It was his job to protect Hawaii, and he would. The plane was empty except for him and the pilot who must have thought he was nuts. After all, first he had a weird mask on his head, and now he was going to a disaster zone, totally crazy. However, he wouldn't understand...almost no one would. Pele, why give me this power if I do not deserve it? Why can't you fix this? Tony thought, trying to communicate with Pele, goddess of volcanoes, but it seemed he couldn't do it again.

Fast forward, and we have Tony climbing up the side of the volcano. He was supposed to make a door appear, but it had to be in the right spot. Tony couldn't help but think how terrible it was to see Hawaii like this. Most of the wildlife there, the beautiful plants, the fascinating animals, were gone. Tony wondered how much worse things could get from here. He continued to climb until he felt the proper place to open the door. However, before he could, he was interrupted by his own thoughts. Well, it looks like this is it. After all, if I don't, who will save all these innocent people. He was really just trying to convince himself to go, as even he was scared to what exactly was under there; things far worse than he had ever seen before. He still hadn't opened the door to the interior of the volcano. "I guess back up would be too much too ask for?" Tony said to himself sarcastically.

The smell of the sea air was amazing. A fantastic wonderful mixture of salt with the slightest tint of the water he loved. Sean had been traveling for a good bit. After he got off from a plane in Los Angales he took a more sceninc route. He rode a large wave to the island. Sounds odd doesn't it? Well thats just what he can do. He is after all the master of water. Single and unbound by anyone. Out to seek the fresh adventure he craved. The wave touched dow on Hawii about a day after he set off. Leaving him extremely bored. Having an almost unlimited energy supply had its pluses. Which Sean enjoyed due to a nice little ring on his right ring finger. Which gleamed in the light just right. The ring of godly power as he dubbed it. Hawii was supposed to be nice this year. Except for the destruction in its wake. An annoyance for sure.

Sean surveyed the destruction. Greyish eyes curious about what had happened.He wore his clothes he felt the most comfortable in. Tight black jeans with ripped up knees. Skin conforming graphic tee with a smiley on it. Black hair with blonde highlights swept to the side. A ring in his left eyebrow and the right side of his lip. Wearing well worn black and white converse. Sean stood at an unimpressive 5'4. Which gave him sort of a complex. In short don't mention his height and all went smoothly. He came to Hawii at first cause he heard the guys were moderatly attractive. Now it was because of the unexplained volcanic eruptions? Wonderful job for a water user right? He patted the katana at his side as he surveyed the scene. Going to the source as his mother always suggested. The large volcano. He saw a strange man up there already. Seemed familar. Though the face didn't register. So he walked up to the man. Grudgingly scaling the volcano. "Hey you know what happened here?" He asked faking ignorance. Hoping to get a bit of info from the man.

(OOC: As we use liquid time here on SHRPG - this will be set, for me anyway, after my quest has finished so my stats will have increased even more by now.)

Onboard a flight bound for Hawaii, Jordan Hatcher was taking a well deserved rest before he went back home to England. He and his friend BlackOut, had fought The Crimson Swords of Jihad with an unrelenting momentum that had sent the worlds media into a frenzy about their activity in New York City. Some had called for them to be arrested and brought to justice for causing carnage. Most hailed them as heroes that had always been there from the start to watch over the people when all else had failed. What ever the publics and the medias perception of 'Freerunner' and his ally BlackOut, Jordan was just happy to finally going somewhere to relax before his eventual return to 'normal life' back home in England.

Something always told him that it was never that simple. Still, he would enjoy it while it lasted.

Two hours later his plane touched down on one of the small Hawiian islands. As he walked out of the open hatch to leave the plane, the heat instantly hit the back of his throat. It was at least 40 degrees celcius. He smiled and put on his Oakley sunglasses. Wearing light shorts and a light vest, both of which were white, he was in a total mood of relaxation. Upon leaving the airport he went and got a cab to his 5* hotel room that was located right next to the beach. When the cab arrived, he opened the door and made his way into the hotel to drop off his bag before he made his way down to the beach.

Upon his arrival at the beach he immediately went to the bar and ordered himself a nice cool beer. Since the augmentation procedure from the HYPER Formula, it was impossible for him to get shit-faced or out of shape so he helped himself to plenty of Budweiser bottles. American beer wasn't as good to what they had in England and the rest of Europe but it was still beer. And all beer goes down the same way!

Admiring the view and the warm breeze that tingled his skin, he couldn't help but notice the sheer tranquility of this place. The barman handed him a paper on request. Jordan read through the articles, fully aware that it was 90% crap, 9% entertainment and the remaining 1% was loose truth. Catching his attention was an article about a volcano that had been behaving erratically without explanation. People had been evacuated from the area but before it's disturbance it had been on a popular tourist destination and one of the islands attractions to see. Jordan got up from the bar and decided to go and take a look for himself. Always calm in the face of the greatest threats and danger - somethings never changed. Maybe he was just a little bit crazy.

The cab driver wouldn't go anywhere closer than five miles from the Volcano. This didn't bother Jordan at all. He had hesitated to use a cab in the first place but without running there himself, it was the 'normal' way to get there. No one was around so Freerunner, still in his white cargo shorts and white vest, armed with only a litre bottle of water, decided to run the rest of the way to the Volcano. Even on holiday, he couldn't escape the use of his abilites.

Arriving at the base, something didn't feel right. His hearing perked up, again tweaking his senses he knew he wasn't alone. Adjusting his own vision around his environment it was only as matter of seconds before he heard others further up the Volcano talking. "What in God's name are they doing up there?" he said to himself, truely puzzled. Jordan quickly made his way up the side of the Volcano, stopping short around two hundred meters to walk the rest, so not to arouse suspicion. Adjusting his vision, his retinas and pupils adjusted like a powerful camera lense. He had a good close up look of them before he made his way towards where the three males were standing. Hearing word for word their conversation, he knew now that something was up and that these men were not ordinary people. How unordinary he would soon find out.

He made his approach and soon enough waved them down before he arrived at their position.

Taking a mouthful of water and screwing the lid back on, he smirks and begins to speak "So... I read about this Volcano and how crazy it is and I decide to take a look. When I arrive I find some more nutters who have decided to go up the Volcano and me, being too curious for my own good, have made my way up here to join them. Is there something you three want to tell me? Or am I interrupting something? In which case...I'll be on my way".

Being the owner of a multimillion dollar Research and Developement Instituion had its perks, one of them being a reason to investigate the series of volcanic eruptions plaqueing the Hawaiin islands. Connor Claret gathered a team of his best scientists and purchased the very best equipment the world had to offer to study the Volcanoes in the area. They flew on a personal flight to the island with all their equipment and charted a small boat so they can take their scans from a safe distance. Alone in the captains cabin Connor sat before a screen shuffling through infinite amounts of information.

"Once i've accessed all known research on Volcanoes I will begin to take the data our team has gathered and try to find the direct cause." The monotone assured Connor, who turned in his chair looping his 'equip' belt around his pants loop. "However, unless we get some sensors around the main volcano we may not get adequate data to find a connection between all the eruptions."

"Leave that to me and my men AIVAS." Connor pulled a cotton polo shirt over his toned body and strapped a pair of boots onto his feet. "Being on the volcano will be very dangerous for normal men sir, maybe to dangerous to warrant even you to go." Opening the door to his cabin, he offered one last glance towards the computer AIVAS was using to access the internet. "My team will handle getting the sensors in the water operational, Red will take care of the sensors on the volcano. If these eruptions don't stop it wont be just Hawaii that is destroy...they could set off a chain reaction."

Later...

In a way Connor missed his fully armor plated Hummer he left back in Chicago but he had to keep up appearances as he sped towards the volcano in a green beater jeep with its' top removed. Driving the vehicle off road he made his way towards the base of the volcano over rough terrain. Scorched earth surrounded him as well as several multiple fires which would surely spread if the volcano kept erupting like it was. Smoke poured from the engine of the jeep as the vehicle traveled its' last journey. 'Looks like im going on foot from here...' Connor stepped out of junker and adjusted is sunglassess as he looked up the volcano. Since upgrading his equipment his Shades had become unneccesary but they came in handy when Connor Claret wasn't running around being Red for a change. "Looks like the ground is too hot to just walk on, these boots will melt. I have no choice."

Connor reached down to his 'equip' which rested where a belt buckle would be and tapped it once. A white light started to surround Connors body, moving from his feet up until his entire body was covered by the light and then it faded. Standing now at the base of the volcano was Red, and immediatly AIVAS attempted to make contact with his creator. "Sir, our team back at home have have an idea for an underwater drill to try to relieve pressure in the volcano. They're looking for permission to retro-fit an existing drill rig and an underwater explorer."

Inside Reds' visor a blue print appeared and Connor quickly surveyed it, "simple but effective, have them construct it. Tell them they have twenty four hours to get it done and over here." AIVAS immediatly sent an email of consent as Red started making his way up the volcano. 'Equip' scanned and digitalized the sensors for the volcano so he could easily carry them. Traveling to several key points, Connor placed sensors around the main volcano until in the distance he spotted a group of people. 'More researchers? they must be nuts!'

Red made his way over to them and stopped several feet away from them. The one he immediatly recognized as Sean, a hero he had saved back in Chicago from a physcopath in Best Buy but the others he didn't know. Without saying a word, Connor waited to be noticed rather then jump into the conversation.

Jordan had heard him coming a mile off. There was nothing else around to throw off his already hyper-tuned faultless senses. He slowly turned his head and raised an eyeborw rather quizzically and smirked. "Oh look..another nutcase to join our 'instituion' ".

Some had bumped into Tony. He had looked who it was and saw a person dressed in red with arrows. "It's ok, but what are you doing here?" Tony asked. Actually, Tony was glad that someone else was here. He looked just like a hero, so he could probably be pretty helpful. I don’t mind the help, I just hope this guy knows what he may get into…heck, even I don’t know what I am getting into. However, Tony thought it would be better if at least they didn’t know what to do together.

Tony then saw some more people show up. The most noticeable was Sean, a water manipulator he had met a while back. Actually, not too long ago did he meet him. He was glad he was here, as he knew just how powerful Sean was. He saw what he could do in New York, and the fact that they were going in a volcano made his powers even more useful. He usually didn’t care if he saw people he knew, but now he had to see if Sean remembered him. He turned around to face him and yelled “Hey, do you remember me? We fought together in New York once! Anyways, I believe this volcano is…” He was interrupted by another person running up the volcano.

Tony was asked what was going on, and he wasn’t sure just how to break it. Do you just mention that some kind of mystical force is within the volcano causing all this? It didn’t seem that these were the kind of people that believed in magic. He saw another person walk up to the volcano. He wasn’t sure about the last two who came around, but he knew not to underestimate people. “Anyways, I think that you guys all know that this volcano is constantly erupting…however, I doubt you know the cause. I believe it to be caused by some kind of mystical force, maybe a god or a monster or something...” He looked to see how the people responded to this.

“…Well, anyways, we will have to actually go in the volcano. At least, that’s what I think. Now, you may call me crazy, but I have good reason to believe why we should go in the volcano.” He looked around again for the people’s reaction. ‘Now, are any of you actually ready to go in a volcano, or are you guys going to go back to where you came. Now personally, I’d suggest that you turn back, but in all honesty, I’d really appreciate your help guys.” Tony said. He wanted to make sure everyone was okay with the plan before he opened the gate to the volcano.

The Ranger nods "you sure its fine?" he asks the guy. Then to answer the guys own question he shrugs and laughs slightly "honestly I have no clue just thought I'd come and see what’s going on here" he says. The Ranger looks around at all the new people showing up taking in their physique and what not sizing them up basically. He raises and eyebrow at the guy surfing on the water...oh well this'll be interesting a water manipulator and him a fire manipulator. He blinks when the guy he bumped into says a [/color][color=#000000]god he laughs and rolls his eyes 'yea cause there’s more than one god…whatever' he thinks to himself. He raises an eyebrow 'though a monster or so would make sense.' He sighs and blinks his eyes widening "whoa whoa wait...we got a go inside that thing!?!?" he says confused "wouldn't we like die or something?"

The Ranger sighs and shrugs shaking it off "..Well…I guess it would make sense" he says thinking it over. "Though it would be easier if we had those volcanoes scientists or whatever...they could have like probes or something we could use." he says still thinking out loud. He laughs slightly "...but yea... I’ll go" he says then blinks adding "...look at me I forgot my manners, I'm The Ranger, and you guys are?" He asks his hood still hiding his face.

Jordan stood and listened to the people who 'knew' each other from the past and he knew he was an outsider from here on. "If this is some sort of group therapy session... Then I'm up for trying new things, this could even turn out to be fun. But if we're going to move along then I suggest we do so sharpish.", chuckling as he randomly blurted out his words.

Should he trust this new bunch? For all he knew, they could have easily been a crazy death cult that just wanted to die. He had heard of similar things on his travels all across the world. People were strange. Still, something bugged him about the group. It bugged him to the point where he was actually interested to see where this would lead. Jordan never did randomness unless it had a purpose. This time he chose to keep his mouth shut and just wing'it until he could decide whether he wanted to remain or leave.

All this talk of 'Gods' and 'mystical powers' still had him intrigued.

Jordan was quick to note one of the mens attitude to another member and his ever so slight change in his mood. He heard his heart rate pick up when another one of the group spoke about 'God'. He kept it to himself and didn't ask any questions. The other man which pressed on his reactions, was carrying weapons. Why did he need them? Was he hunting? Jordan immediately suspected he had abilities but he felt that this individual didn't wish to put aggression in his direction. Still, Jordan as always remained on his toes and kept his wits sharp, despite his relaxed posture and appearance.

He would wait and see where this event lead to.

Sometimes a warrior must stray into the unknown.

There was no doubt that all of the men before him were heroes from across the world whose curiosity had gotten the better of them or they've come to try to make a difference in Hawaiis' dim future. Connors' men worked vigorously to find a scientific solution, and these men knew far more than Connor about Volcanic activity. However, science could only solve so much in a world where magic co-exists with it.

Within the red visor of Connors HUD an image of Tiki-man was pulled up as AIVAS automatically assumed his creator would want to know more about Hawaiis' savior. Out of everyone in the group it would be him who would know the most about what was happening. 'Magic, gods, monsters...what dark times these are...' Red walked over to Tiki-man, passing everyone else ignoring them for the moment so he could speak to the man behind the mask. "We don't have time to waste decideing if we want to go in or not," He stated, looking over to the side of the volcano. "You'll lead our little expedition into the volcano and lead us to what ever is causing the problem."

"Last chance to turn back," Connor said, turning to the other 'heros'. He was determined to resolve this as quickly as possible, the more time this took the longer the respective heroes were away from their streets defending people from evil doers. "Sir, the sensors are all active and the data your men are getting is grim. They can't predict how long but these volcanic eruptions are getting worse." Letting out a sigh, Connor turned to Tiki-man. "i'm ready when you are Tiki-man."

"Yes I'm sure it's fine" He said to the guy in Red who had bumped into him before. He laughed when he said god. He anticipated some people wouldn't believe him, and he wouldn’t quite believe himself either if he didn’t hear from Pele herself…at least he thought he heard from Pele. He then heard what the water manipulator had to say. He was glad that he remembered him, and that he knew a little about Hawaiian mythology. “Well, I guess you’re right there. A god does seem unlikely, and I don’t remember any evil gods in Hawaiian mythology, at least none that could cause this.” Tony said.

Tony somewhat smirked when he heard the person in red somewhat shocked to learn that he’d have to go in the volcano. However, he shook out if it and mentioned something about volcano probes and how it would make things easier. “This is magic we’re dealing with now…science won’t help much.” He heard what Sean and the person in the white vest said, but didn’t find it to be of much importance. However, it seemed that the guy who appeared last was much more serious than the others…maybe even himself. “Well, you seem excited.” He said to him. “But I guess we should go now.”

“By the way, Ranger, my name is Tony Makani…also known as Tiki-Man.” He said. He was about to start the process to open the gateway to the interior of the volcano when he seemed to remember something. “Hey…whatever your name is…I guess you may need some water. You better make some now…don’t worry I got something to help you.” Tony said to the water manipulator. He concentrated on levitating some of the Earth below him and molded it to a simplistic container. It was pretty slim and kind of long, with a cap also, so he could put water in it. He then proceeded to make a more, enough to cover the young man’s waist. “You should be OK now, right?” He asked the young emo man.

“Anyways, let’s get this started. I bet you’ve been wondering how do we get IN the volcano. I assure you, it’s not from the top of the volcano, that would just be plain dangerous…well, not for me, but…whatever.” Tony said. He got in a pose, a strong stance facing the volcano wall. “I will use my Earth manipulation to make a doorway. Now, just be patient and wait a bit.” Tony focused on making a hole in the volcano wall he concentrated on it, although it seemed that some force was preventing him from opening it. After about 25 seconds, a hole opened in the volcano’s wall. However, this is where things went wrong.

When he made the hole, lava started to pour out of it…fast too. This was the really fast, hot kind, and had very low viscosity. Well, this isn’t SO bad… Tony thought. He could deal with this no problem. He made the ground in front of him and the ground he was standing on raise, so that the lava flowed through the sides. However, it was starting to over flow and threatened to burn him and the other heroes. He had the ground he was on constantly rise to compete with the flowing lava. “Well, it seems that this is our first test. If we can survive this, then I know that you guys can do this.” Tony said to the other heroes, attempting to encourage them. After all, they did come to this volcano that was constantly erupting…it’s not like they WOULDN’T expect lava or something like this.

The Ranger sighs and shrugs shaking it off "…Well…I guess it would make sense" he says thinking it over. "Though it would be easier if we had those volcanoes scientists or whatever...they could have like probes or something we could use." he says still thinking out loud. He laughs slightly "...but yea... I’ll go" he says then blinks adding "...look at me I forgot my manners, I'm The Ranger, and you guys are?" He asks his hood still hiding his face.

The Ranger nods when the man says his name is tiki-man "…Makes sense" he says ignoring all the comments about gods and goddesses and what not. He sighs as the guy says they aren't going into the top of the volcano. Well no freaken duhh...that would be the most retarded and redundant thing in the world to do. He thinks to himself rolling his eyes. He blinks when the man says something about earth manipulation. Well this'll be really interesting The Ranger thinks to himself smiling softly as he watches the guy and groans knowing that is the worst idea you can do "no! Wait!" he yells out but it’s to late and the lava starts flowing out. The Ranger shakes his head his expression never changing though as he jumps up to higher ground, above the whole and the flowing lava. "Everyone get to higher ground now!" He yells to them hoping they'll understand that if they're above the lava they will not get burned.

The Ranger looks over at the water manipulate "can you try to put any of this out?" he asks looking at him. "If not its fine but it would still be best if you tried" He mummers not wanting to sound like a leader or anything, just giving a plan when he sees it. He turns to tiki-man "hey tiki-man!" he yells "can you try to make a wall of rock redirecting the lava out into the ocean and away from the civilians?" he asks. Thinking of different plans as he goes, trying out every possibility that might work, everything that could go wrong.

Jordan stood and watched the white hot lava spew out and the stranage mans hopeless efforts to put it out with the water he had some how 'pulled' out of the air.

He found himself suddenly wanting to speak more. "Before we all...possibly die... My name is Jordan everyone..and you.." he pointed at the gentleman using water on the lava, "are wasting your time with water. It's almost 1,300 degree's celcius....and the water you're pulling from the air, which is full of sulphur, has an average temperature of around fifteen degrees...trust me, you'll never stop it with that. So please save your efforts friend."

As he said this, the molten lava easily broke through the thin crust that had barely begun to form onto of it after having so much water poured onto it.

"I'm here to help in any way I can...but first, let's take a look at what we know and what we don't. That way we can draw up an intelligent plan, from everyones educated ideas."

Jordan wasn't sure if that would sit well with the others, but somebody had to say it and quite frankly, if they didn't like it, he didn't care. He wasn't about to go head first into a situation without some sort of intel.