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Post by aquarius on Jan 27, 2024 14:16:05 GMT -7
There seemed to be a lot to the 'code name' thing. A bad one could ruin any image regardless of how capable or powerful a person was. She knew of The Trapster and how he'd been 'Paste Pot Pete' for a long time before realising how ridiculous it was. Maybe Stilt Man would similarly change his name eventually...
"Indeed. It conveys what I want it to, and I am glad it was chosen for me as it shows my instructors knew me well, even so early on. And as for yourself? Ghost Rider is a sort of inherited title, for want of a better expression, but it comes with a big boost to your reputation which I'm sure is useful for intimidating those who know what a Ghost Rider is. Few names would suit the mystic form and retain any sense of the immense power. 'Hot Head' is a well known expression, but about as intimidating as 'Panda Girl', which Spider-Man once suggested as an alternative for me, based on the black and white of my costume. Though Pandas are actually very dangerous despite their appearance. Which is true about myself as well, so maybe he was a lot more perceptive than anyone gives him credit for."
It was rare for her to talk so extensively with someone in a purely social situation, but she felt far more relaxed and at ease with Robbie than she'd experienced before, particularly so quickly after getting to know them. His continual looking around, even upwards, signalled his desire for the kind of excitement which was nearly unique to New York, and a part of both of their lives. His question though? This was where she found out if he was likely to like her for herself. "Yesterday I learned Swedish and how to play the clarinet. I do little except learn new things, which is a part of why I feel little connection to the others at the Academy."
In the distance down the street she could already make out the entrance to the mall, greatly assisted by both her excellent vision and the knowledge of what she was looking for. More thought was given to what they'd actually do once there though, since he seemed to be indicating his preference for her to take the lead on this excursion.
"My current plan is to explore the mall at a steady place, and either get something to eat or get the first aid kit materials, whichever opportunity presents itself first. Once those two are dealt with continue exploring until something catches our attention. Though 'no battle plan survives contact with the enemy'. We can adapt to the unexpected when it happens."
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Post by Zeronone on Feb 1, 2024 7:39:31 GMT -7
Robbie was still new to the whole hero and villain word, codenames, nicknames, villain names, some used their real names while others changed it slightly. He had been told it was a shield to protect loved ones, though there were heroes like Tony Stark who openly admitted to being Iron Man, Thor never went by Lightning guy just Thor. A lot of the old heroes of legend used their real names. But Robbie liked his power already came with a smokescreen to protect Gabe. And it helped he turned into a flaming skeleton, which amazed him how quickly Finesse had picked up on him. She really was awesome.
He laughed at the codename Spider-Man had come up with. "Panda Girl would have been very cute, forgot to add that part in as well."
He considered the idea of other names, but Ghost Rider just felt so right, at the same time it came with a lot of baggage. "I like the name, but it feels more like an inherited title, and that comes with a lot of problems as well. Old enemies of the Ghost Rider I may inherit who I know nothing about. Unlike Iron Man and Spider-Man I wouldn't be recognized as a different rider. Just the Ghost Rider. Not saying I want the world to know who I am.... I'm not explaining it right."
He shook his head in amazement, honestly this woman was just absolutely amazing. "That is really cool, so you can literally learn any physical action just by seeing it once? That would have been very useful when I was trying to cook for Gabe. Mac n Cheese is pretty much my signature. I understand what that is like, not feeling like you have a connection with those around you. But learning is always a good thing, it is really impressive what you can do."
He followed to where she was looking and saw the mall, his heart was racing a little walking hand in hand with Jeanne.
As she explained the plan he couldn't help the smile forming, he found it so adorable how she was executing the date like a strategist about to go into battle. "That sounds great to me. You know, I haven't asked about your life outside the academy. Are you from New York?"
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Post by aquarius on Feb 1, 2024 14:50:22 GMT -7
Cute was a concept that Jeanne was aware of, indeed able to intellectually evaluate, but not something she particularly registered automatically. True, she liked 'cute' things, but did not think of them as cute until she gave it deliberate thought. As such, she shrugged when she replied to Robbie. "Perhaps, but they also have significant claws and powerful teeth. A great many people get injured in both zoos and the wild when they forget the 'bear' part. Nobody ever tries to cuddle a Grizzly."
The reflection on whether the name 'Panda Girl' would be a viable identity for anyone in the super powered world didn't take long, as there were enough animal themed individuals out there with non threatening identities that 'Panda' seemed a better choice than many.
Ghost Rider, though? Perhaps he didn't like all the baggage that came with it, but that was simple to resolve. She smiled a brief grin as she responded "Then why not 'Ghost Driver' or something similar? Clear evocation of the same imagery, but since you prefer a car over the motorbike favoured by the majority of your peers it seems more accurate and has the advantage of distinguishing you from them. Alternative synonyms would fine tune the concept to your preferred identity."
The reaction to her casual declaration of effortless learning was little different to most people their age finding out just how capable she was in that respect, and she found herself repeating that which had been said a great many times before. "Not just physical, perfect recall of any information or experiences. Cooking would not be as easily learned as you seem to think, since it depends on external factors such as variations in the ingredients, minor fluctuations in the heat transfer during the cooking, and so on. It would be faster for me, but not effortless.
I would remember the recipes perfectly after reading them once, just as easily as I remember passing you and Gabe at the Santa Monica Place mall four years ago on a Saturday in May. He was reading a Ninja Wolf comic whilst you were pushing him in his wheelchair and talking to him. I can remember each word you said, and each 'Hmm' he responded with for the brief period you were both within earshot of me."
This was the true strength of her abilities. Not being able to break someone's neck with a thrown toothpick from across the street, but to remember everything, without exception. This gave her more potential for learning, but also for knowing about people, their habits, likes, dislikes, and so many other little things that most would not even think significant until it was too late. The fact that nobody had yet shown any fear of what she was capable of indicated none understood it...
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Post by Zeronone on Mar 12, 2024 9:41:21 GMT -7
Robbie noticed that Jeanne seemed to think everything over before responding, it added a weight to her words that actually made him smile. So many people were quick to spout stuff out that it was refreshing to have an intelligent conversation with someone. And it being a beautiful young woman holding his hand made it better. Yeah, he couldn't see a day of boredom with her around. Though as she mentioned no one would try and hug a grizzly he suddenly got a mental visual of him in Ghost Rider form hugging a giant pissed off bear.
At her mention of the new name, Robbie tilted his head a little as he considered it. The name would separate him a little from the other riders, and it would be something Jeanne came up with. All in all, he liked it. He wondered if he needed to do a formal announcement that he would be the Ghost Driver instead of the Rider. Though, at the same time Ghost Driver sounded like a taxi service for the dead.
"it is a good name, but it feels more like a uber service or something. I don't mind the Ghost Rider thing it is a cool name and hard to compete with. I just hope the sight of a flaming car instead of a bike would be enough of a distinction."
He listened eagerly as Jeanne explained her abilities, perfect recall made him think of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory who had a photographic memory though it was impossible to imagine him doing what Jeanne could do. From how she described it her powers were absolutely amazing and extremely dangerous. When she mentioned him and Gabe he actually stopped and looked at her. That had been years ago, to think she could remember that and had seen him and Gabe.
It clicked in his mind just how awesome and dangerous her abilities were, there was nothing she wouldn't recall, nothing she couldn't learn or memorize. She was basically a living supercomputer with no off switch. He understood what getting into a relationship with someone like her now meant and he was determined to make it work.
"Not going to lie, that is kind of scary Jeanne. It is really cool but also scary. But, I want you to know it doesn't bother me. My only regret about that day was that I didn't see you sooner and talked to you."
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Post by aquarius on Mar 17, 2024 13:03:59 GMT -7
The super-identity was a difficult thing. On one hand you needed to 'build a brand' as she'd once heard it called, but on the other was the Shakespearean 'what's in a name?'. As long as people knew who you were, what did it matter if they called you 'Finesse', 'Ninja Librarian', or 'Panda Girl'? Your reputation remained the same whatever label was put upon that. Dr Pym seemed to reinvent himself frequently, as did a few others in the community, and their 'self' was... actually slightly changed each time. Maybe this called for more thorough study and consideration...
"If you are content to be a Ghost Rider, one with the distinction of a car instead of a motorbike, then the identity seems to have chosen you as much as you choose to use the name. Perhaps Doctor Strange might be able to offer some insight towards the matter if you seek further advice."
Magic was a poorly understood subject for almost all except actual magic users, this much was clear. When it came to a magical being of the status of a Ghost Rider, Jeanne would naturally suggest the best expert she knew of on a subject. There were others out there who might be better suited, but if so she'd not heard of them, or at the very least didn't have their contact details.
Robbie's reaction to her minor demonstration of her potential got a brief smile from her, one which perhaps seemed a little at odds with the statement he'd made. Jeanne was not one to approve of someone concealing their true thoughts though, and at least it seemed like he understood her a little better than most she'd spoken to this much.
"I am probably the most dangerous person you will ever meet. I might not be able to destroy a building with a single blow, but I could in theory destroy cities or even countries if I so desired. I could ruin a person's reputation and every aspect of their life, in a way that they would never know I was even involved. Similarly I can use those same insights to manipulate things in more positive directions. But those hold no interest for me either. I would rather people live their own lives, and I can just watch out for anyone else out there less... restrained than I am."
By this point they were at the entrance to the mall, and Jeanne glanced at the large map indicating the location of several of the larger stores nearby. "Drug store nearby, there first and then find something to eat?"
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Post by Zeronone on Mar 22, 2024 6:28:03 GMT -7
Robbie had never really considered the name or where it came from, hell he didn't even refer to himself as the Ghost Rider, often times he just said Rider. Though, in his other form he didn't really talk much to his villains. Whether they thought him The Ghost Rider or A Ghost Rider was their own take. It did bring up questions he was eager to ask, and Jeanne may know. He squeezed her hand gently; he liked feeling her hand in his.
"If the name chose me then it is one, I will stick with." She mentioned a name, Doctor Strange. Not one he had heard of before but she seemed to have faith in his ability. Maybe she also knew someone else he was thinking about. "Hey Jeanne. Something has been bugging me, everyone says the other Ghost Riders. You wouldn't happen to know their names or how to get into contact with them, would you? If anyone can help me learn about this new world, I just stepped into it would be those who already exist in it."
It was a bit of a long shot, maybe if he met one of the other Ghost Riders, they could give him tips. As he thought it, he felt a hiss in the back of his head, Eli didn't like that idea at all. He could feel the chains pulling as Eli grew angry and yes... afraid. Robbie wasn't sure how he knew that, but he did, Eli was scared of meeting a true Ghost Rider and it showed.
Jeanne being dangerous was no lie, her powers were incredible, and information ruled all. Even he knew that! But it didn't matter to him. He knew she was a good person in her heart and she backed that up all the time. She saved Gabe, trusted him when she didn't have too. And even invited him to the Avengers mansion. He trusted her to do the right thing even if he didn't know what it was himself.
At the you are here sign, he nodded to her idea. "That sounds great, we could hit after we eat so we don't have to lug a bag around if you want to do it that way instead." Robbie didn't really care what order they did it in, he just wanted to spend time with this super beautiful and amazing young woman.
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Post by aquarius on Mar 31, 2024 12:51:51 GMT -7
Jeanne had expected a positive response to her mentioning the expertise of Dr Strange, but then it seemed the name wasn't one that Robbie had even heard of. Given the fame of the Sorcerer Supreme within the superhero community, this spoke volumes of how poorly connected this Ghost Rider was. To Jeanne's eternal thirst for knowledge, this was something she almost pitied. But if she sought to learn everything, it wasn't to keep all that knowledge to herself - she could share it with others as well.
"Doctor Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme, a master of the mystic arts with more knowledge about magic than anyone, so it is claimed. He also has an extensive library in which he can research anything he does not personally know. He is the most likely person of anyone I have knowledge of to be able to help you learn more about your... alter ego."
When he spoke of other Ghost Riders, Jeanne couldn't help but notice various micro-expressions indicating a sudden surge of anger and fear. It was well concealed, and not in response to anything specific she could determine given the timing was off for it to have been in response to his own words. But something was causing him alarm and this wasn't the first time she'd noticed unexplained emotional turmoil in him. Was this a Ghost Rider thing, or was it a problem that was unique to Robbie? No easy way to tell was apparent, so best to simply keep observing for now.
"I do not know any identities, though I could probably get messages sent on to your... colleagues. I am sure that someone in the Avengers has means of contacting them and would be willing to do so. I cannot guarantee any response of course, but I can perform my own research in the meantime, see if I can uncover more about the Ghost Riders from publicly available information, or from the less restricted Avengers files."
Truth be told, she had already begun doing so simply to learn more about Robbie's capabilities. Now that it seemed to have more importance than satisfying her baseline levels of curiosity though, it would be given a higher priority.
The only remaining issue for her was his question of food or shopping first. Given that both of them were in excellent physical condition it seemed unlikely that carrying a small amount of acquisitions would trouble either of them. Therefore it seemed likely that he was hungry but did not want to voice a preference of his own in case it upset her. An easily solved issue if so, since it made little difference to her what order they did things in. She moved not in the direction of the drug store, but the also fairly nearby food court. She didn't eat fast food very often, but it was a pleasant change from the remarkably bland if nutritious fare at Avengers mansion. Still, nothing in New York was as good as the In-N-Out burgers from back in California, she felt. "Anything you'd prefer, or shall we just go with whatever has a short queue?"
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Post by Zeronone on Apr 3, 2024 7:32:06 GMT -7
Robbie eagerly listened when she explained Doctor Strange, he sounded like a super interesting guy. The only magic he had ever seen was street magicians doing card tricks and scamming people out of their money. To know there was really magic out there like he read in books to Gabe was an exciting idea. Robbie had seen some of it with Excaliber, being told the sword itself was magical in nature. He didn't doubt anything anymore after becoming a flaming skull guy that threw fire and made super hell vehicles. While never the studious type he would have loved to get into this Stranges library and see what other things were written in those books.
From the back of his mind came whispers, anger, searing hate. Eli was not enjoying this conversation nor the idea that others may get wind of him. Maybe a little reminder to the boy. A red spark of pain seared through Robbie's mind. Causing him to grit his teeth, hand going to his head as his eyes became unfocused.
An angry looked flashed across his face as he thought to himself. "What the hell Eli, that hurt!"
The voice whispered back into his mind, full of anger and malice. "Foolish boy, you don't need them. I have all the answers you want, listen to me and me alone. We had a deal and it doesn't involve meeting others and bringing them into our business. Let it go....or do I need to have a talk with Gabe again!"
Fury exploded behind Robbie's eyes but he shook off the pain. Smiling at Finesse as they headed in the direction of the food court. "You know, don't worry about it. I appreciate it but maybe this is one of those things I will need to figure out on my own. I appreciate it though."
His stomach rumbled a little as the smell of the food court hit him, though it was battling against the anger burning in his stomach from Eli's threat. "Well, what sounds good to you? Because of Gabe being an endless eating machine, I like pretty much anything."
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Post by aquarius on Apr 3, 2024 13:17:30 GMT -7
Some of the first lessons Jeanne had had as Finesse was defending her mind against attack by telepaths. Part of those lessons included recognising the signs in others, and Robbie's sudden flash of pain, followed by apparent distraction, an unfocused look in his eyes followed by a sudden change of his mind regarding contacting others to learn more about Ghost Riders, and instead changing the subject.
Finesse automatically began running through her standard mental defence routines as a precaution, but sensed no intrusion into her own mind. Indeed it seemed that Robbie was no longer exhibiting signs of any outside influence, only elevated levels of fear, pain and the associated surge of adrenaline that came with such things. Definitely something to keep an eye on and about which to consult the various experts available to her. Was this normal for a Ghost Rider? None of the data available to her suggested such things, but then few were as perceptive as she was. She required far more data, and it simply might not exist.
As her mind began to relax slightly, she permitted a little more consideration of how she should respond to Robbie's non-committal response to her question, quickly settling on a course of action that would hopefully distract Robbie from whatever his lingering fears were about. Her pragmatic world view and somewhat different emotional responses to many ideas and activities meant there was one option virtually guaranteed to work, which fortunately she'd been hoping to do anyway.
Turning herself round to be fully face to face to him, she moved in close for a brief kiss. After she removed her lips from his, she smiled softly, her arms still around him for now, and took a few seconds before she spoke. "First place we find, then."
She moved back to his side so they could walk on, but not with her hand in his. Now, her arm was around his waist. He was quite attractive, had many qualities common to a considerate partner, and keeping close to him was a good way to both observe his behaviour more extensively, and to have a reason to enjoy his company further. Hopefully there'd be subtle clues as to the cause of his troubles, so she'd be able to resolve them efficiently so they could focus on their relationship once more. The realisation that she'd already mentally defined it as a 'relationship' surprised her, something she'd take several hours to think about later.
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Post by Zeronone on Apr 6, 2024 7:43:17 GMT -7
Robbie was trying to push away the whole Eli thing, he appreciated the gift that his Satan worshiping mass murdering uncle had given him but at the same time the guy was such an ass hole! And for some reason, the idea of meeting other riders or even this Doctor Strange guy had not only angered his passenger but terrified him. Was there something wrong with both of them? Was this not the same arrangement the other Ghost Riders made?
His thoughts were interrupted when Jeanna pulled her hand away, he looked over wondering if he had said or done something to upset her. However, his breath caught in his chest when he gazed into her eyes, feeling her move closer, his heart began thumping faster. He swallowed but embraced her, his arms going around her trim waist as their lips met and kissed. An explosion went off in his mind like fireworks. Her lips were soft and sweet, her body lithe and strong but soft. As she pulled away, he kept his eyes closed for a little longer before opening them. Finding her smiling at him brought out his own smile. His hand moved as she slipped away and back to his side.
As her arm went around his waist, his went over her shoulders and gently held her against him, walking towards the food court. He wasn't sure if he was hungry anymore, he could still taste her lips on his. The food court had dozens of people walking around and seemed first one to come to wouldn't be a thing. There were several side by side from Pizza to burgers, Chinese food, corn dogs, and regular sandwiches.
He looked at each one and his stomach rumbled a little. Yep, even a kiss from a super beautiful young woman couldn't kill the hunger of a young guy with a big appetitie. He blushed as he looked over and laughed.
"Think my stomach betrayed me. So, ladies' choice. Which sounds best?" It wasn't really about picking stuff, he just wanted to learn more about this amazing girl who agreed to go on a date with him and having her pick would help him later on. He was still floating a little from their shared kiss, the smile that had formed earlier still visible.
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Post by aquarius on Apr 10, 2024 9:40:20 GMT -7
Completely changing his train of thought had been exactly as easy as she'd expected it to be. Teenage boys were remarkably predictable in certain respects. Girls too, for that matter, they were just better at hiding it for the most part. But this would make it extremely easy to perceive any further changes in his mental equilibrium, possibly leading to better insight to their cause. Telepathy, a communication device hidden well enough that she hadn't spotted it, possession, many possibilities existed. Though from what she'd read about Ghost Riders, there was very little capable of possessing one, and any such being would likely be classed as an All Avengers threat, possibly even an Omega threat. That would probably cause problems that might need resolving before any second date.
The choice of what to eat was then firmly pushed back upon her, it seemed likely to be a manners based lack of decision making on his part though. She resolved to educate him on the counterproductive nature of such things, but later. For now...
Jeanne glanced round the food court, taking only a fraction of a second to process queue lengths, staffing levels behind various counters, and to balance against her opinions of the various brands before guiding Robbie over to the queue for one of the mid tier burger chains, reasonable quality food but usually much faster service. Sure enough the queue moved quickly and they were soon being served, Jeanne ordering a simple chicken burger and a drink for herself, producing a Stark funded debit card with a reasonable income to cover her living expenses, whereupon she looked over to Robbie for his order.
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Post by Zeronone on Apr 16, 2024 7:52:31 GMT -7
Robbie realized he probably should have picked a place but had panicked a little. He wasn't sure their tastes on certain foods would click and it was easier to let her pick then having to repick something if she didn't like his first choice. But, he should have known that Jeanne would have voiced her opinion if she didn't like something. Thus, he felt like an idiot for pushing the choice back on her. He wasn't great at reading people like she was but so far it seemed she had decided to let his indecision go. As they moved towards a burger joint he smiled, well that was great. He loved burgers! The line moved at an easy pace, he looked down at her a few times, his arm over her shoulders and his heart thumping like crazy. He could still feel her kiss lingering on his lips.
As they got to the front, he quickly scanned the menu and ordered a bbq burger. Producing a twenty the same time as her card. He looked over and smiled. "I can get this one, you can hit me on the next one." Was it okay to ask her out on a second date before the first one ended? The guy behind the counter looked nervous as he looked between the two before taking the twenty and giving him his change and a receipt with a number on it. Robbie turned and looked around the food court, spotting a table that was a little ways from the others.
"Want to sit there? We can get a good look at the counter when our food comes out, it also looks out at all directions, and it is away from the other people so we can talk." He was trying to think tactical like she could but maybe he was trying too hard.
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