Before Everything

In the break room, Golem dropped Sonar on his ass in front of the group.

Sonar spat and sputtered and clawed at his tongue as he tried to get the grass and dirt out of his mouth. “What gives?”

Almost cutting him off is Malevola’s sword stabbed right between his legs, threateningly close to hurting something precious. Sonar screeched and clutched his crotch as he looked at the woman who was half disappointed it didn’t “accidentally” scrape him.

Prism crossed her arms, “What is your issue?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t piss me off, you flying fuck,” Prism intruded pushing forward. “What was that?”

Sonar squinted his eyes and bit his lip in thought before dramatically “realizing” what they meant. He rolled his eyes and leaned back on his hands casually. “Oh you mean with Robert? What about it?”

Clearly his lax nature frustrated his captures as each of them have their own silent but physical reactions to his words. A sharp point driven into his hand that makes him whimper and yank his hand away to clutch it in pain. Of course, it’s Coupé.

“You made him cake,” she says venomously.

“Yeah?”

She narrows her yellow eyes, “He liked it.” her wings of knives widening, successfully intimidating Sonar.

He gulps and glances over all the angry faces staring down at him, taking note that the only one he doesn’t see is that coward Visi.

“Why am I being attacked right now? Not my fault all you guys do is talk. I actually want him to like me.”

“Bitch—“ A flaming fist comes for the bats faces and narrowly misses as he dodges, falling flat on the floor instead. A crack sounds behind him as the cupboard is cracked in. Sonar hadn’t realized they were so close but no one’s gonna be happy about that damage.

“Dude! Be careful before—“

A hand grips the bat’s tie and shirt, almost strangling him with it.

“You think you’re some funny guy, huh?” Flambaé asks, embers emitting from his skin.

“I like to think I’m pretty fun—“ Flambae raises his fist— “WAIT! WAIT! How the hell is this my fault? You cook right? Make him something! I just felt bad because he basically sleeps here now. I thought you guys did too but no one was doing anything so…”

And just like that the mood in the room changes, from one with hostility to one with an overhead of guilt.

Let’s get one thing straight. The Z-Team adores Robert, 100 times more than they’ll admit and and embraced it– to their ability– 1000 times faster than they’ll even acknowledge. The bastard came in here and defended their right to stay better than any other Dispatcher they’ve had until this point. Even Blazer and she is basically head of the damn Phoenix program.

Each of them owed Robert something in some way. Sonar, and Coupé—though the bat doesn’t think that’s her reason for sticking by Robert— owed him for not firing him. Not to mention the few times there have been not so nice comments about hybrids around the office, Robert was the one to deal with it.

“Youre a person,” he said to Sonar that one time, “Part of my team or not, I’m not gonna let people talk to you that way. You deserve better than that.”

Sonar almost fucking cried. Scratch that, he did cry, and Robert said nothing but give a gentle hand for him and pretend he wasn’t crying for a minute or two. Sonar isn’t some fucking loner or anything, and he sure as hell has had his fair share of partners despite what assholes think of his power, but something about it coming from Robert, made him feel… stuff. Feelings. All that gooey shit that he didn’t want to put a name to.

Was he crushing on Robert? Who knows. All he knew was that Robert wasn’t exactly the most self-preserving guy (in a not fun way) and that made Sonar feel worse than he thought he should feel.

But instead of pushing him away, he wanted to…ugh… he wanted to care… bleugh. This sappy shit was killing his vibe.

The man went limp in Flambaé’s grip and scoffed, “Then again, maybe it’s too late and I’m the favorite now. None of you seem like the baking type. Well maybe Phenomeman or Waterboy over there.”

Waterboy frowns in a way that sends unnatural chills up Sonar's spine and tenses him up again.

“Guys,” Malevola sighed. “He’s right.”

“What?!” Prism and Flambae exclaimed just when the door swung open. Some random dispatcher stood in the doorway before immediately jumping at the sight of them and, realizing she was being stared at, slowly closed the door again before skittering off.

The Z-Team ignored her and continued as if all was normal with Sonar still hanging in the middle of intimidating ex-villains (and weirdly just as intimidating pure hero companions).

“I’m serious,” the tall demon continued, dissipating her sword. “We’re mad at him because he beat us to it.”

“That doesn’t mean he cares more than us,” Prism spit back, “That fucker is the last person that deserves— fucking— UGH!”

The group quickly averted their eyes as Prism’s form began to glow and scatter. Giving her the opportunity to actually push Flambaé out of the way and jump at Sonar.

***

“Heya, loser.”

How did Robert know this was gonna happen? Not even half a foot out the stall of the bathroom and he’s met face-to-face with Visi.

“This is your third time in the men’s bathroom. You curious about something?”

“Pfft. Don't make me sound obsessed.”

“Damn, I was trying to make you sound creepy,” He eyes the sink from across the way. “Can I wash my hands?”

She steps aside. “Coffee running through you?”

“Just trying not to get peeped on, seems to be failing though.”

“I’m not a creep.”

Robert looks up at her in the mirror with raised eyebrows but says nothing more. Courtney scoffs and leans against the countertop beside Robert, “You know what’s creepy?”

“I feel like you’re gonna tell me anyway—“

“Sonar.”

Robert turns his attention to Visi properly with slight concern on his face, “Are you being serious?”

“Yes.”

Robert hesitates for a moment. “What happened?”

“His ass coming back here to bother you. Don’t you find that weird?”

Robert drops his shoulders as he realizes the unseriousness of Visi’s concern. Jokes on him to think she had something serious to report. He turns back to the sink to rinse off his lathered hands.

“Why would it be weird? I asked him back, didn't I?”

“But the cake? Then coming back to spend time slacking off? I mean come onnnn. He’s clearly trying to get on your good side.”

Robert wasn’t buying it whatever crap she was dishing out. “Uh huh. Well it’s working. Maybe you should all try to get on my good side,” Robert said with a half effort chuckle.

Visi didn’t seem to like that answer as she turned away and her shoulders tensed.

Robert waited a second and sighed, “Visi, what is this really about? Why do you care?”

She scoffs and throws her hands up moving away from the man with her back turned, “I don’t.”

“Right…”

“Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Robert rolls his eyes and walks past the other to leave the bathroom. “You really need to stop finding me in the bathroom. The last thing I need are rumors— oh. Hi, Ruby.”

In front of the two Z-Team members stood a nervous, small, but cute, and heavy girl, Ruby, one of the other, newer dispatchers. “Uhm. Hi Rob…Robert.”

“What can I do for you?”

“Uhm…the Z-Team…in the break room, they—“

“Got it. Thank you.”

Robert rushed past his coworker towards the break room, not really needing to hear the whole story to catch that Ruby was worried about something they were doing; at least worried enough to bring it to his attention directly.

He was quick to swing open the door. The group was in a semi-circle. Surrounding a struggling Prism and Sonar on the ground. Prism had found her way on Sonar’s back, yanking on his ears as Malevola and Punch-Up attempted to pull them apart.

Flambaé seemed to be cheering on the tussle. Assumedly for Prism. The others seemed to ride the edge between concern and amusement.

Robert straightened himself in the doorway, making himself known. Within seconds of him doing so, the energy in the room changed as eyes naturally followed to where he stood in the doorway and twisted into waves of fear.

Robert should be in no way intimidated. He was shorter than most of the team, standing slightly taller than Prism and not by much. Not only that but he had no powers and was underweight for someone his age. Just looking at him, plenty of people would assume that they could beat his ass without too much issue.

In a weird way though, that’s what made him more intimidating. Right now that same man just described stood unphased as he glared at an entire team of heroes he had little physical control over, if any at all. He demonstrated no fear, his exhausted glared downturning into frustration and a specific flavor of sternness you could only find in a parent or long time caregiver.

It also helped that they had all been present as he defended himself in a bar of villains, going as far as to bite off a couple of digits. It also helped that they were well aware of how fucking smart this guy actually was and how quick he could move if he actually needed to.

In short, they were well aware they shouldn’t attempt anything on that man.

Right now everyone in that room felt like they couldn’t be more in the wrong as Robert glared into and took in each and every one of their faces.

After he did, he landed right back on Prism and gave a quick nod to the left for her to get off. She scoffed, but listened.

There was a moment of silence as Robert seemed to decide what to do with them, only for the stillness to be broken by Visi raising up to rest her chin on Robert’s shoulder, pointing her finger past him to laugh and “ooh” like a middle schooler.

Robert sighed and relaxed his features allowing the others to let go of a breath they hadn’t realized they themselves had been holding.

“Sonar.”

Flat on the ground now from being dropped, Sonar looked awkwardly up at Rob. “Heyo.”

“Infirmary. Go.”

“But—“

Robert doesn’t even attempt to say anything for Sonar to cut himself off and realize this isn’t the time to argue. Sonar painfully, with a swollen face and a sore arm, moves out the room and down the hall out of sight. Clearly feeling pain elsewhere and poorly trying to prove otherwise.

Robert doesn't watch him as he leaves. Instead, he catches the eye of Flambae and Prism.

He nods his head out the door for them to follow. “Out. The rest of you stay.”

“Why the fuck do I have to go?”

Robert says nothing. He hardly even moves as his eyes narrow imperceptibly at the man and relax again. The message is more than clear. With a shared look between the two heroes they stand and ready themselves to follow Robert.

Robert steps away from the door, but without moving his gaze, calls out to catch the attention of Chase.

“Yo, Chase.”

“What?”

“Babysit.”

“What the fuck for?”

“I don’t know. Work it out of them.”

Chase hesitates to think what that can mean before his look demonstrates realization. “Alright.”

With a final look to the group sharing guilty expressions amongst themselves before leaving with a gesture for two of the heroes to follow and for Visi, specifically, to stay.

The three walk in silence.

A long tortuous silence.

A long enough silence that it leads them through the building. A long silence that leads them outside. Up the street. Around the corner. A long enough silence that is broken as Robert manages to put in a complete order at his favorite food truck and grab something for the other two. The broken silence didn’t relieve the intensity of the other two though.

Flambae and Prism did nothing but seethe and share looks of frustration and slivers of confusion as they sat, patiently, at one of the nearby picnic tables.

Robert, biting into his own food, placed a bag between them to take. They didn’t, instead looking at the still standing man with a raised eyebrow each.

“So,” the man began, shoving a hand into his jacket pocket, “what’s up with you guys?”

“The fuck are you talking about?” Flambae asked as his companion took a curious peek into the bags. “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

“What’s with the animosity for Sonar? What happened?”

“Tch, why don’t you ask him?” Prism suggested, unwrapping a burger.

Flambae chuckled. “You guys are such fucking friends, huh, Bob?”

Robert looked at the two of them with that same expressionless face he always seemed to wear, clearly trying to read something off of them. The two looked at each other, feeling themselves do so poorly to hide the same animosity Robert spoke of. For whatever reason, there was a more sickly feeling that made their behavior feel more dishonest, at least when faced with the one the feelings were for.

“Fine,” He sits down across from them with a shrug, “If you guys don’t want to tell me then we can just sit here and not talk. I don’t mind that, I need a break anyway.”

There was another beat of silence as the heroes looked at Bob with confusion.

“Tsk. There’s nothing to talk about—“ Prism began.

“Yeah, the asshole got what he desired for what he did,” Flambae continued.

“Then don’t,” Robert suggested, taking another bite.

“Fine!” she throws her hands up in the air. “Who the fuck told him to get in a kitchen anyway?”

Another beat of silence.

“I fucking doubt he’s the one who even baked the shit.”

Robert continued to chew.

“Acting all high and fucking mighty—” Flambae added.”--He doesn’t even think half the time.”

Prism turns to Flambae, “Yet he had the grand idea to bake something? What is he, someone's grandma?”

“He sure as hell is gonna be moving like one now,” the fire-themed one laughed.

“You see how I twisted his arm? He was screaming for his damn mommy!”

“With a shriek like that I would be surprised if anyone had to raise that noise.”

Rob cleared his throat.

They both rolled their eyes and paid him no mind, or at least that's what they pretended they did as they switched the subject anyway.

“Bastard is being defended for no reason,” Prism whispered, “I mean all that shit over the earpiece. I bet he left on purpose.”

Flambae hit her in the arm to get her to shut up but it was exactly what Robert was looking for.

All this because Sonar got him a fucking piece of cake? Are you serious?

He wasn’t exactly sure why the entire team would be so up in arms about it, let alone these two, but it was definitely something he would have to keep note of and make sure it didn’t interfere with the team’s dynamic anymore.

Damn, just another thing he had to watch out for. That cake was damn good too.

Robert finished his food and stood, checking his shitty phone for the time before silently gesturing for the other two to pack up and follow, which they did with little fuss despite the still off mood they were in.

On the way back, with SDN in sight, Robert turned around and talked to the others with a backward stride. “Hey, do you guys happen to have a light on you?”

They both looked at him like he just asked the stupidest thing ever considering that one of them vaped and the other was a walking fucking lighter.

“Right,” the man laughed before slowing to a stop, hitting a cigarette out of his box and popping it in his mouth before stepping toward Flambae. “Mind spotting me, hotshot?”

Almost instantly the ambient air around the man began to rise, his skin seeming to flush out of…rage? That was the only thing Robert could assume it was as the taller man rolled his eyes and emitted a flame at the end of his middle finger.

“Cute,” Robert committed as he leaned in. He took in a deep breath before turning to Prism who was already staring at him with her usual RBF look. “You guys head inside, I’ll grab the others and we’ll get started in a few.”

So first:

Screw Cannibal Town

I immediately wiped cannibal town off the map because of what I listed above.

Something about this series that I would do differently is realize the mass groups of sinners more. There are thousands of sinners who haven’t killed or eaten a person or been a part of extreme crimes past like… for the sake of this let’s say 1900s I KNOW I KNOW but again HOW MANY CANNIBALS COULD POSSIBLY BE HERE THAT WERENT DOING IT OUT OF THEIR OWN SURVIVAL?? I’m only mentioning what I would do differently because even if we’re not humanizing individuals, there needs to be some tie between all these souls of the same ecosystem.

So no Cannibal Town. But the idea of Rosie being an overlord is no mistake and I think her taste for flesh could still be interesting.

She’s a merchant too and the fated leader of this specific demographic (or demon-graphic? lol) of eaters…

Yo whats the origin of Famine / The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

…

Holy shit they’re Biblical for Capital G (God).

Perfect. That check off religious references.

So Rosie:

Leader of Famine. Which, will be an extremely significant location considering it’s literally one of the Seals (a biblical term for what needs to happen before what is essentially the Rapture)

Being the Leader of Famine would make her a Horseman which also fits because Famine holds scales of balance (which Rosie was very wise about when talking to Charlie) and she’s also a food merchant… wait why do I feel like Rosie was genuinely written to be Famine— anyway another religious reference.

Anyway moving on here are a couple of additional details I wrote to build the lore around it a little bit

There are Four major CONTINENTS that hold all the sinners of the Pride Ring. One of them being Famine but all named after the Horsemen obviously. Ever expanding, ever changing.

Rosie in my head kinda lives like “Let them eat cake” (Marie Antoinette? Correct me on that) where she is living lavish with grand meals and parties and soirées while her people starve.

Famine is made up of the Greedy and Envious and, obviously, the Prideful in life. Here sinners are forced to work tirelessly in burning fields and the sweltering heat of factories to produce and provide the food for the rest of Hell (this was lowkey inspired by RotGlob in D20’s Gladlands. Thanks Brennan)

That being said the people are forced to be around amazing (yes, amazing. Otherwise it wouldn’t be tempting) food that they are sworn from eating. If they are to do so and be caught, They will be sent to one of the more isolating punishments in the Pride Lands (rawr 🦁)

BUT okay they’re hungry? Starving. And they hardly eat, so what else— Cannibalism. Remember how I said many cannibals do it out of survival? Well that’s no different here. People drawn to crazed and mindless hunger might attack their coworkers, and are forced to ‘live’ with the guilt. Which is even more cruel when they don’t really need food to live but because it takes so long to “fake die” from starvation it’s too unbearable to live past that. (Also it takes a fucking long time to regen when you have no fuel so whoever you are might use that time to plot revenge…if they have the strength that is)

Of course, Rosie is aware of this and does nothing. Even so, she’s seen often as kind and benevolent because when the people do good and production is high she’ll throw a soirée or party where it’s all you can eat and shes nothing but sweet as if you’re one of her own…even though she brings the famines… and of course it’s at YOUR discretion to escape the fields to eat because if you take the time off work you’re either putting the work on someone else or are forced to pull extra hours for months to make up for just a night or two. But then again eating might give you the strength you need to keep working— but extra labor still means getting hungry faster— and there is no winning really

“Oh they get time off?” Yes! But not much, and again at their own discretion. Rosie is probably the only one who allows it so regularly though. “Rosie having a party” is one of the most popular excuses if there is anything else at all

Anyway one more thing that goes for any of the realms, but if the Horsemen are in control of the lands then what about the other overlords?

First, Overlording looks different depending on where you are (anywhere from the ladies and lords of feudalism to obnoxious COOs) but namely the overlords are always people in, well… middle management. Higher than those doing the work, but still doing the bidding of whoever is above them. More on that later… maybe

And no matter what you say, he was a Black man in a White WorldTM and White people in history arent exactly known for not being hypocrites. White men would definitely call him a slur and then want to see “someone like him” sucking their dick.

This is not up for discussion.

I know better than you /silly