Metaheroes Inbox

[atypical_echo]

You’ve reached Mark, for some reason. It’s 2022 apparently, last I checked - just text me. Or, you know, leave a message if you must.

Comments

[atypical_echo]

It was big because, you know, aforementioned trauma as a barrier. But my sister insisted I should get back to it. She still had my camera, and Sam got me a computer and the software, and the two of them got me to get back into it.

[robintohood]

That's great. Seems like you're really passionate about photography.

[atypical_echo]

I went to school for it. Got a degree. Like, this was the life I wanted to live, before things went stupid.

[robintohood]

[Jason nods]

Right. Even with all the bullshit around us, at least you can still do some work here.

[atypical_echo]

Exactly. And this is the work I’m trying really hard to do.

[Making his life. Just like Jason clearly was.]

Though I guess it will be easier for me soon. I can’t keep living like I am, not with the feelings toward Metas. I’m gonna have to guild-up.

[robintohood]

[Jason furrows his brow]

I hate that that's a way the guilds get people to join. It doesn't feel like real agency.

[atypical_echo]

It doesn't, right? And I'm scared, with how people act. I don't even know which to join or what they'll want from me.

[robintohood]

I guess it'll have to be the alliance. They can't be any worse than a guild full of supervillains.

[Plus, Jason has his own plans to join the Society. Best not to have his Red Hood relationships cross with his civilian relationships]

[atypical_echo]

[And see, Mark had intentions on the Society at the moment, because they seemed more likely to leave him the hell alone.]

Dude, that guy that is trying to be in charge and is talking online seems... I don't know, not great.

[robintohood]

[Jason pauses to think and then nods]

Yeah, that's a good point. At best he seems flakey. At least the Society seems to know how to keep their heads down.

[atypical_echo]

Head down has been more of my goal. Like, I don't want to be forced into the heroics line of work either. What can a guy like me even do?

[robintohood]

Don't know but it's probably best not to find out.

[Jason's sympathetic so he won't talk Mark out of joining the Society if that's how he feels]

Whatever you decide, I hope it works out.

[atypical_echo]

Same.

[Though he really wanted to figure out what to do with himself. But it wasn't that easy.]

I guess I just need to find something to fulfill me here without making life too dangerous.

[robintohood]

Hence the freelancing?

[atypical_echo]

Oh, no, I really do just love photography. It even helped me get back on my feet back home after all that happened.

[robintohood]

Right. After everything you've gone through, some peace and quiet really wouldn't hurt.

[atypical_echo]

[Mark nodded. It was as simple, and as insanely complex, as that.]

I can't even find a fucking roommate, how am I supposed to even figure out something as complex as living here? It's a mess.

[robintohood]

I guess maybe a guild can help with that. Of course that's a crapshot and you might get paired with someone you don't like.

[atypical_echo]

Yeah, there's always that. But maybe they'd just help pay for my place here? That's really all I need.

[robintohood]

Maybe. Their whole deal is supposedly to do what you feel like, right?

[atypical_echo]

Sort of, yeah. And all some people want is to be left alone.

[And the Metas brought here didn't get that as much, he thought. What if they were being tracked? He didn't like the idea. Sighing he moves to get an angle to take shots of the stage.]

I never asked to be born with abilities.

[robintohood]

You're not alone in that aspect at least. There are plenty of us who just want to be left alone.

[atypical_echo]

And some of us are better at getting by here at that than others.

[By which he means to say Jason, because look, dude is doing well.]

[robintohood]

[Jason softly huffs]

Don't give me too much credit. Part of it has been just dumb luck.

[atypical_echo]

I'd like some of that, thanks.

[Though in some ways this was that.]