Plagued Paranoia

▸DUSAN MARKOVIC ▸CODENAME: PLAGUE rp blog

[thirteenthplague]

solarisxiv​:

location: mt elbert open to: everyone

strength was clearly not his best asset, but thankfully there were other ways to get to the top of the mountain. endurance was one of them and he always prided himself on that. while thought he was high enough that the tourists weren’t going to bother him, he shouldn’t have been surprised some of the other men had the same idea. “sorry if you wanted some alone time, but i almost slid off a log coming up here so i won’t go back down for a while.” a wide smile started to form on his face as he extended his left hand, palm out towards the other. “need some warmth?” 

A top of a mountain. Surely the best place to get some alone time. He did not think anyone else would get such a good idea! So seeing the newcomer, who he had no idea who they were, Dusan just leant as far away as possible from that left hand. Naturally he thought the guy wanted to hold hands. Not on the first meeting, buddy! “Absolutely fine. All good here,” he’d croak out. Everything going still. At least all the critters that had been milling about - the chitinous, six legged and more kind had immediately hid themselves under rocks. “You getting some exercise? The view is nice.” 

[thirteenthplague]

insideintel​:

“well they gave me a tablet, but i got it instead of a weapon, and i’m like the tech guy; the information guy, whatever.” he tapped it in his pocket, glad to feel its weight there, ready at a finger’s tap to get him out of a jam or provide some entertainment. “i’m dali. a less new guy, but none of us have been here very long.” he held out a hand to shake.

“So the guy to go too with questions or for help.“ He’d give Dali a nod, head bobbing up and down a bit too much. “Don’t think I need a weapon though. Admittedly, I don’t really like the idea of actually hitting people. With my hands. Or a club.” It was just different when his bugs did it! 

[thirteenthplague]

tuneanew​:

Tristan had Dusan take a seat and put his mask and flute down before starting moving around the kitchen gathering the ingredients so he could prepare a sundae for each of them. “Get it in that pretty little head of yours, Dusan, Darling… If I say we’re getting ice cream… We’re getting ice cream.” He chuckled with ease. “If you hear Twelve complaining about lack of snacks… Just remember that he doesn’t know how to look for them. That’s our little secret.” He made quick work even as he spoke and it wasn’t long before he was setting a gorgeous chocolate sundae in front of Dusan and took a seat next to the young male with a sundae for himself. “Congratulations on your first training session being a complete success!”

Dusan’s gaze went to the reflective surface of the stainless steel fridge. Yeah, he was pretty wasn’t he? Actually, kind of hot. Aside from that he had what to be thousands of insects inside his body. He’d immediately stopped looking at himself. Instead he’d look at this most amazing sundae. He swiveled in his seat, facing the dessert. It was evident that this sparked joy. “I will remember and I will not tell him where the ice cream is.” He’d nod intently, picking up a spoon to delicately take an even ratio of ice-cream and chocolate fudge for maximum harmony, which meant maximum enjoyment. “Or where the fudge is.” He’d then give Tristan the faintest smile before it dropped as the sight of a fly swimming through the air came between them. Landing silently on the rim of Dusan’s sundae. “Y-yeah. It was a success wasn’t it? A tough one. I was pretty sure I lost consciousness at least once.” He’s trying to pretend he didn’t obviously see it.

[thirteenthplague]

strxngth-of-1000-mxn​:

He watched the other man carefully, trying to get a read of his expression. Ryder wasn’t the most adept when it came to reading faces or understanding what people were feeling. But he could at least be empathetic if need be. “Well, I’ve only been on one. It was… unique. Nothing like I had seen before. It was a library full of puzzles, the rooms changing each time.” Ryder shook his head, rubbing his forehead in exhaustion. “I’m not too good with puzzles, I suppose. But you should talk to some of the other heroes. There’s been talk of an opposing group of people with powers. A group called Onslaught. I haven’t encountered them, but it seems like they’re intent on making our lives as difficult as possible.” The large blonde smiled at the other, shaking his head. “No need to apologize. I think a lot of us came here for the same reasons. It’s safe for us here, especially to be together to protect each other. No need to decide if you want to be a hero right away anyways.”

There was at least one prevailing emotion that etched itself on Dusan’s countenance and that was uncertainty. The way his brows seemed to furrow persistently even if he smiled, which he was now. His shoulders curling inwards ever so slightly. Ryder was a nice guy! Too bad the world wasn’t a nice place. “That sounds rather magical and frustrating. Wonder if such things were always possible, or is it because of the Phenomenon it can happen.” Though this news of Onslaught wasn’t the most comforting. A name like that? They had to either be wrestlers or bad guys. “On. Slaught. What are they doing? Supes selling their powers?“ He’d take a stab in the dark, it helped him feel smart if he was right! “But, er, thanks. Nice to know I won’t be the only odd one. What about you though? Would you call yourself a hero?” A loaded question to be sure, but it was a genuine one.

[thirteenthplague]

ridethebolt​:

~*~

Well fuck, hearing the guy had no other place to go surely knocked the wind out of his fun balloon. Threats of kicking you to the streets lost the humor when it was a little more literal than that. “When you say it like that. I’d be a real heartless son of bitch to write you off, huh? How about a second chance?” With a warmer smile Oliver turned and reentered the space. Changing the subject before answering on the exit or recent death of a member. For obvious reasons. “I’m no assistant. Just another number in the line up. Five to be exact. Was trying to have a little fun with the new guy but…you spoiled it being all ‘where will I go now’.” A light knuckle jab to the newbies should before he crashed back on to the couch. Leaving the folder to the side for now.

There was a moment where Dusan’s lips pulled up, teeth clenched together in a false smile. He wouldn’t actually be surprised or blame anyone for being heartless with how things were now. Especially with the convenient lack of an answer to his question. Something bad had happened, he was sure of it because he was paranoid and very fond of his assumptions. Yet his smile would become just a touch more genuine at the jab on his shoulder. “Another number. But we’ll have our backs, right?” Yes, please save me from dying awfully! That’s all Dusan wanted assurance of. “I’m Thirteen, Dusan. You did a good job though. I wasn’t entirely sure if I should’ve taken you seriously or not.”

[thirteenthplague]

wonderxliam​:

a little game of hide and seek was always fun during a rainy day. and with nothing much to do, liam decided to play with number eight. he didn’t realize how difficult looking for somebody with the ability to phase through walls was, until nearly an hour past and jakob still hasn’t been found. the southerner flew around the mansion in frustration, determined to win at least one round. he just so happened to soar by ROOM E and wondered if jakob had been under the bed this whole time. stealthily, he approached and looked below the metal frame. much to his disappointment, he only saw socks and discarded clothes. not wanting to intrude any further on his teammate’s living space, liam decided to leave. on his way to the door, he caught sight of a six-legged bug crawling across the floor. with a loud shriek, liam proceeded to punch the damn thing like any problem he faces. 

debris and dust filled the room after the large explosion took place. much like anything caught in the middle of liam’s powers, solid concrete was reduced to rubble. at least now he knew the bug was dead. even if there was a huge hole on the floor. the blond swallowed hard and turned around quickly upon seeing an unfamiliar face by the door. “um… i can fix this.” 

@thirteenthplague​

Bug boy Dusan was pretty glad that his roommate wasn’t around very often. Soon to be not at all. There had been an a slight infestation when he’d moved in with what little he had. He had more stowaways then he had personal belongings. So when he walked into his open bedroom after hearing a bang and shriek, he expected the brutal murder scene before him. Dusan stared down at the barely there smear of the roach. ”Well, at least they died quick.” Better then the classic, stomp and grind. He scratched at his head, not even sure how to process the rest of the damage. The crater, that wasn’t actually expected. His bed slowly sliding into it. The sheets falling off. Then he realized Liam could easily squish him. His voice lilted upwards, “It’s okay.” It was not in fact okay. “I guess...that robot will fix it up, right?“ Dusan did not want to call M.O.M. His mom. Or Father his father. Since they were not. 

[thirteenthplague]

insideintel​:

“well they gave me a tablet, but i got it instead of a weapon, and i’m like the tech guy; the information guy, whatever.” he tapped it in his pocket, glad to feel its weight there, ready at a finger’s tap to get him out of a jam or provide some entertainment. “i’m dali. a less new guy, but none of us have been here very long.” he held out a hand to shake.

Dusan’s brows furrowed. A tablet did sound better then a weapon if he was completely honest, but he wasn’t really a tech guy either. “Huh, that doesn’t sound bad. I guess you’re gonna be someone to talk too.” He was etching it into his mind already. Dali, Tech Guy, Information Man. Then he shook his hand. “Not sure what role I’ll fill here, but hopefully I’ll be useful enough I’ll have no problems.” No problems were the best kind after all. He had to let his thoughts stew for a moment before he spoke again, “So, Dali. If you’re the information guy got any tips?”

[thirteenthplague]

@tuneanew​​

Plague had no idea if that training session was the norm or not, but what was on his mind more then that was the fact he did end up following Maestro, Tristan to the kitchen as he was tugged on the arm. The fridge was being opened. He gave a fervant shake of his head. “Wait. We’re really getting ice cream?” There was the faintest hint of enthusiasm in his voice. 

[thirteenthplague]

strxngth-of-1000-mxn​:

“Dusan it is,” Ryder said with a firm nod, only waiting as the other man took a seat across from him. He smiled at the question, only shaking his head with a soft chuckle. “No, nothing of the sort. There’s not really a hierarchy here, at least none that I’m aware of. We report to Father and M.O.M. will help us as well, but as for any leader amongst our group, there isn’t one.” Ryder shrugged as he leaned back in his chair. “Groups of us will get assigned to missions, and we are sent based on whatever abilities we have that are deemed suitable to complete it. But how it’s handled or who gets placed in charge is entirely up to us, if any at all.”

Dusan instinctively winced. That didn’t sound organized at all, but there was no way in hell he was going to try and change things unless he absolutely had too. Maybe the chaos actually worked. He leant back in the plush seat, knee already bouncing as his eyes went back to scanning the room. “Right. And what have the missions been like so far?” After one or two ticks, he then blurted out, “Sorry.” His hands gripped and pushed against the rich upholstery of his seat, then he clumsily continued, “If I’m being rude. This is just. Overwhelming. I agreed to come here because I knew I stood a better chance of survival among other metahumans. The hero part, I’m still not sure of.” 

[thirteenthplague]

strxngth-of-1000-mxn​:

Ryder pursed his lips, only chuckling lightly. “Well, I tend not to think of us as numbers. Makes it a bit impersonal, don’t you think?” He nodded at the introduction, only staring back at the other man, holding his gaze. “It’s very nice to meet you, Dusan. You’ll probably hear some people call me number one. But I don’t mind if you’d call me by my name.” He tilted his head to the side, before shrugging his broad shoulders. “Sure. What would you like to know? I’m an open book,” Ryder remarked, only moving to sit back down in his chair and gesturing for the other hero to take a seat should he so choose.

Number One. Dusan’s eyes drifted off. Expression seeming to sour as he mulled over all the possible things that could mean. “It is,” he’d glumly agree, “I much prefer to just be Dusan as well, Ryder.” With a blink at the gesture, he’d take a seat opposite Ryder. Lapsing into a silence as his mind ticked and whirred. “So...are you actually the leader getting given a title like ‘one’?” It was now he was remembering people like to develop a pecking order. Something he’d have to follow if he wanted his experience here to be smoother. If only his social skills weren’t completely lacking.

[thirteenthplague]

strxngth-of-1000-mxn​:

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t meant to surprise you,” Ryder said with a warm smile as he stood a considerable distance away as to not intrude into the other’s personal space. “It’s not a waste of my time. It’s not like I have much to do anyways, and I’m more than happy to help a colleague.” The large man paused, only bouncing back and forth on the balls of his feet. “Would you rather I read the list of books up here for you, and you tell me which one you’d like, or just hoist you up so you can pick the one you’d like for yourself?” Ryder remarked, before smiling in amusement. “Hello. I’m doing great. I’m Ryder, by the way. I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

Dusan wished he could crawl into a hole and disappear for a while. Theoretically he could try and maybe succeeded, but first he had to regain his focus. He blinked rapidly, eyes sweeping between the expansive measure of personal space between himself and Ryder. “Not much to do despite being one of the numbers?” That statement stuck out to him. “I’m Dusan. Thirteen.” Now his eyes would unblinkingly latch onto Ryder’s. This man was so kind, his smile so gentle. It was impossible to trust. “Don’t worry about the books. For now I’m actually more curious about your experience here.” Focus regained.

[thirteenthplague]

strxngth-of-1000-mxn​:

He had made it a habit to relax in a more common area, as Ryder figured it was important to make himself available should anyone come looking for him. The large blonde would normally find a book to read in order to relax, but he was idly flicking through his phone today. It was almost like he was waiting for a message, but even he didn’t know what for. His thoughts were interrupted by the soft murmuring of another man in the room. The large blonde looked up, only pausing at the posed thought before smiling in amusement. “Well, if the shelving is too high, I could help you with whatever you need. Getting books, or putting them back,” Ryder said firmly as he stood up, walking over to the other.

What a kind thing to say! Yet as Ryder spoke, Dusan lurched back. His whole body seeming to spasm for a moment as he was caught completely off guard. Petrified that he hadn’t noticed the other when he came in. Who? What? When? Where? Why? Why did he have to lose his shit every time he was taken by surprise. “T-That’s nice of you to offer, but I mean...hopefully - you know - there’s something good up there? If there isn’t it’d be bad to waste your time, right? Right?” He’d straighten himself up as he spoke. He’s cool. He’s so cool. Then there was now a fly buzzing around Dusan’s head. His eyes followed it for a moment, then he just opened his mouth and more nonsense came out, “Anyway, I’m just new here so I don’t really know what’s going on but no books, no problem. So Hi. How are you?” 

[thirteenthplague]

This was going to be difficult. Mainly for the astounding and immaculate Barbhee Dhal rather then the dour Plague, who would much rather be just Dusan. It was with reluctance he lifted his arms and let himself be measured. It was with trepidation he requested at least two things for his suit that would help with his constitution.  "I don't want to be seen. At least not my face. Hair. None of it. I also don't want any skin showing, don't want people to see how my powers come out. So it should be baggy or at least loose." He did not stipulate colours, as much as he'd like to merely be in black or even bland beige! Dusan knew he needed some glamour, some charm to try and offset his villainous code name and abilities. What he didn’t expect was to get a decently cool outfit. It helped Barbhee didn’t listen to him and instead made him shut up for the entire process with a swift motion of the hands, zipping his lips. Aside from the helmet which took inspiration from his abilities, it was for the most part ordinary. A pleasing leather coat, cut to his figure. Sleeves just open enough that the bugs of his swarm could fly out without the more creepy stuff being seen. Slacks, boots and gloves all in stylish black with a red scarf to accentuate it. You know something to make him look heroic. Or like a Saturday morning cartoon hero. A word came out of Dusan to give praise and Barbhee Dhal cut him off once more, “I know you don’t deserve me. Just keep in mind it’s all for show since your powers should be more then enough to handle what’s thrown at you. So you better be as good as they think.” And that was that.

[thirteenthplague]

ridethebolt​:

Rubbing his temples, the recruit had a point. Oliver however was committed to the ruse once he started. “You would think that. I honestly feel inadequate with keeping up to be honest. You all come and go so fast it’s hard to keep track.” With a sigh he looked up and then away. “Very well. I’ll just have to recall your face when I report back to Father. Let him know you had to leave because of lower back pains.” Standing he put the folder back under his arm and started towards the door. “You can just let one of the attendees by the front door know where you need them to make the plane ticket back home out to. Sorry to have wasted your time.” Once his back was to the guy he could feel his face cracking already.

Nervous as he was. This cracked a smile across his face. He scratched at his head. Deciding to at least give this some consideration. Especially to the part where so many come and go. Was that true? Hand lifting, he crooked a finger and pointed at this platinum blonde. Definitely not peroxide blonde. Because he was 100% certified Born With It blonde. “You know. I’d love to leave if I had somewhere to go back too.” His tongue would sweep against his lips. “Have a lot of powered people come and gone? Like...really? Cause if it’s more dangerous here then out there. Then I’ll definitely try to get that plane ticket.” A genuine concern though he was quite sure he couldn’t run away now. He didn’t want to be a hero, he wanted to survive.

[thirteenthplague]

ridethebolt​:

Five peeked up from his pages with a half smirk. There was nothing cool about worrying about back pains. A few rounds of training and the guy would be feeling pain in areas he didn’t know he could. “You should go see Ricochet about that. He’ll help give you a good massage you won’t have to worry.” His smile sweetly deceiving as the coin flip decided he would tease the guy a little further. Might as well have a little fun with the new recruits.  “Me? No, I’m not a number. I’m one father’s personal assistance.” Closing the folder close. “We monitor new arrivals to determine if they are good to stay or…better left with the civilians out there.” Could he pull off the look of professionalism? Maybe but not for too long. “Which one are you again?”

Dusan would not argue if he was confronted about not being cool. Maybe he was once upon a time. Probably not. His brows creased downwards in a concern he could never get rid of. Ricochet. That didn’t sound like any masseur. Still he nods. “I’ll make sure to go see him some time.” Then there is a silence. He soaks in the ‘personal assistants’ words. He could believe it. He could. “Shouldn’t you already know who I am if you’re supposed to monitor me?” He’d merely point out, wondering if the guy was playing with him or just actually a lackluster employee.

[thirteenthplague]

Chewing on his bottom lip, Dusan was exploring Paragon HQ. This mansion was luxurious and uncomfortable, massive and disconcerting. He'd slowly rotate on his heel in the Living Room. Going up on his tippy toes, he'd tilt up his chin as he gazed up along the walls. Looking for cameras. Or just general weirdness. Because this was weird. It was weird to have walls this high, a waste of space even. "I hope they have a library because I don't want to have get all my books from in here." He'd murmur to himself, heel tapping against the floor to the rapid beat of anxiety as he imagined how much foot traffic this room in particular had. "Also that shelving is really high."

[thirteenthplague]

ridethebolt​:

Another new arrival found complaining. These people really took the mansion life for granted. They’re luck they arrived after all that went down recently. “What’s wrong? You afraid of a little height?” Coming to take a seat on the couch with a folder in hand. Going over some details of what they knew of certain target he was after. “Better hope they don’t try to make you jump out of a plane anytime soon.” So far they hadn’t but one needed to be prepared for anything around here. While he’d become a little more serious these days Five meant it as nothing more than a little friendly jest. Reaching a book off a shelf would be the least of his worries soon enough. “There’s a ladder on the other side of the wall. You can slide it out to reach the books…or so I imagine.” Seeing the books as nothing more than just decoration.

Dusan would’ve liked to think he wasn’t afraid of height. Then he thought about it. His face contorted at the thought especially jumping from a plane. He could see it! He could see the splat. “Afraid of hurting my back. You know even when you’re young you can get lower back pains.” He’s lying through his teeth. So desperate to play it cool. “But - er - right, thank you.” His eyes would once more flicker around the expansive living room. So many plush couches, fine leather upholstery. Then his eyes dipped to the folder in the peroxide blondes hands. “Are you one of the numbers?” He had the decency to keep it to one question at a time, but his expression asked around a hundred more questions.

[thirteenthplague]

insideintel·:

“yeah, they are kinda high, huh? i wonder if they’re prop books. or they’re just for the couple of us that can fly.” not having thought of it before, dali looked around for one of those rolling ladders. “well there’s always digital, that’s what i do.” he was relieved another observant hero had joined the team, because god knew they needed one. 

There Dusan was tilting his head back at a near 180 angle just to check if they were prop books. He couldn't tell. "If they give us free eReaders I'll think about it." Chin tucking back down, his eyes would dart over the other repeatedly. As if he had to scan him multiple times to be sure of what he was seeing. Or he was just nervous and refusing to look in his new acquaintances eyes. "I'm Dusan. A new guy. What about you?"