david665

I have Chord AI on my phone, which will play YouTube songs and give you the chords and key. I connect my Spark Go to it and I play with the songs. I played through your entire shorts catalog that way. "Nemesis Plot" is dead simple but I probably played that one 7 times, both guitar and bass. You have some bangers.

[P.N.N. — YOUR NEWS AT 11, Nerva Archipelago] TRISH TAKANAWA (reporting live Crimson Cove): Good evening, Paragon City. This is Trish Takanawa, reporting live from Nerva Archipelago, where a fierce and unexpected confrontation unfolded earlier today between Captain Verax of Arachnos and Aurora Borealis, the famed psychic and energy-wielding heroine of the Vindicators. Witnesses describe a battle of blinding color and brutal precision — Verax’s signature Bane Spider armor cutting through the night like a shadow, countering Aurora’s radiant energy bursts with calculated force fields and tactical drone interference. The clash reportedly began when Aurora entered the area to intercept an Arachnos transport convoy, believed to be carrying classified meta-human suppression tech. Local sources claim Verax confronted her personally, citing “unlawful interference with sovereign Arachnos operations.” The fight escalated across the cliffs overlooking the Crimson Cove power relays, culminating in Aurora’s apparent defeat after a high-altitude energy surge disabled her flight capabilities. [Cut to security footage: Captain Verax in pitched combat with Aurora Borealis] TRISH (back on scene, wind whipping through her hair): Arachnos security sealed the site within minutes. When pressed for comment, Captain Verax responded tersely: (Cut to Verax at an Arachnos command post.] “Aurora Borealis shines bright, but even stars burn out when they wander too close to the Web.” [Back to Trish, standing beside damaged ground at the scene of the battle.] Longbow Command has yet to issue a statement, but unconfirmed reports indicate Aurora was extracted by Vanguard medevac teams shortly after dawn. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa, reminding viewers — when Arachnos casts a shadow, even the brightest light can flicker.

Your News at 11 Special Report: Profile in Power — Captain Verax of Arachnos Aired: 05Nov25 [P.N.N. — YOUR NEWS AT 11, GRANDVILLE STUDIO] TRISH TAKANAWA (voice steady, serious tone, city skyline behind her): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa with the Paragon News Network. Tonight, we take a closer look at one of the most polarizing figures in Arachnos’ sprawling hierarchy — a man equally respected and feared across the Rogue Isles: Captain Verax. To some, he’s a pragmatic enforcer who maintains order amid chaos. To others, he’s a ruthless administrator — the embodiment of Arachnos’ cold efficiency. But beneath the Bane Spider armor and the command structure lies a figure far more complex than most realize.” [Cut to security footage of Captain Verax securing the Arachnos traitor, Luke Wilson, from a Sky Raider warehouse in the Nerva Archipelago, located in the neighborhood of Crimson Cove.] TRISH (voiceover): “Little is publicly known about Captain Verax’s early life. Arachnos records list him as a decorated field operative from the Eel Operations Division during the late St. Martial purges, where he earned his command through sheer survival and tactical brilliance. Colleagues describe him as meticulous, unflinching, and brutally honest — a soldier who believes in discipline above ideology.” [Cut to interview — a masked Arachnos technician, voice digitally obscured.] ‘Verax doesn’t play politics like most in Arachnos. He doesn’t care who’s favored by Lord Recluse this week — he cares about results. You break the law, you pay for it. You waste his time, you disappear. That’s just how he operates.’ TRISH (voiceover): “Unlike many of his peers, Verax rarely leaves the field. He’s known to personally oversee containment operations, particularly those involving metahuman threats — from rogue Circle of Thorns summoners to unchecked vigilantes. In recent months, his name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with several key incidents — including the Rock Hammer assault on Sharkhead Docks, the Black Flea massacres in Cap au Diable, and the ongoing containment efforts in Grandville’s magical quarter.” [Cut to Trish in studio, leaning slightly forward at the anchor desk.] “Critics accuse Verax of operating with unchecked authority, but sources close to him describe a man haunted by the consequences of chaos. In an exclusive conversation, Verax agreed to speak — on the record — about his mission, his methods, and his view of power in the Isles.” [Audio-only excerpt — Verax’s deep, electronically modulated voice.] VERAX: ‘Order isn’t a luxury here. It’s a survival mechanism. You let one faction burn too hot, and the whole structure collapses. My job is to keep the fire contained — not extinguished. Chaos is useful… if it’s pointed in the right direction.’ TRISH: “You’ve been accused of turning a blind eye to villains and vigilantes alike when it suits Arachnos’ goals. How do you respond to that?” VERAX: ‘We deal in outcomes, not morality. If a so-called villain removes a greater threat, that’s one less problem for my men. But don’t mistake pragmatism for leniency — when their usefulness ends, so does my patience.’ TRISH (voiceover, over archival clips of Verax leading field squads): “His approach has earned him enemies — and grudging respect — across every corner of the Isles. Even those who despise Arachnos admit Verax commands loyalty. His troops follow him not out of fear, but because, in his words, ‘he never asks a soldier to do something he wouldn’t survive himself.’” [Cut to Trish, closing the segment with her signature composed gravitas.] “In a world defined by masks and motives, Captain Verax stands as a paradox — a tyrant who values control, yet despises corruption; a soldier who enforces order in a land that thrives on chaos. Whether you see him as protector or oppressor, one truth remains: wherever Captain Verax walks, the Rogue Isles hold their breath. For the Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — and this has been Your News at 11: Profile in Power.”

Your News at 11 — Follow-Up Segment: “The Black Flea Bites Again” Broadcast Date: 04Nov25 TRISH TAKANAWA (in-studio, grave but composed): “Good evening, I’m Trish Takanawa with the Paragon News Network. Just mere hours after the horrifying massacre at Club Redline, the bio-vampiric killer known as the Black Flea has struck again — this time targeting the notorious pyromancer Hell Storm of the Hellions gang. For the latest, we go once again to our field correspondent, Kid Extra II, reporting live from the charred aftermath of this second, seemingly deliberate attack. Kid — what are you seeing out there?” KID EXTRA II (on comm, faint crackle of wind and distant sirens): “Trish, the scene here in Cap au Diable’s refinery quarter is… grim. The smell of scorched metal and ozone still hangs thick in the air. What’s left of the Hellions’ hideout looks like a warzone — walls melted, bodies shredded. Once again, the Black Flea’s calling card is unmistakable: precision cuts, lightning-fast strikes, and zero hesitation.” TRISH: “So this wasn’t a robbery this time — this was personal?” KID EXTRA II: “Exactly. No sign of stolen valuables or equipment, just blood and chaos. Every witness I’ve spoken to — mostly terrified low-level Hellions — agrees: this wasn’t about money. It was a hit.” [Cut to shaky handheld footage — a fire-lit alley, Arachnos drones hovering over smoking ground sigils and ritual markings half-burned into the pavement.] KID EXTRA II (voiceover): “According to an Arachnos incident report obtained moments ago, Hell Storm herself barely survived the encounter. Sources say she was forced to sacrifice one of her bound demons to cover her escape — and even then, she was critically burned and bleeding when Longbow scouts recovered her at dawn.” TRISH (concerned): “And what about the Flea? Any confirmation he’s still in the area?” KID EXTRA II: “No, Trish. Same pattern as before. He hits fast, vanishes faster. But here’s the part that’s raising eyebrows — the Flea didn’t finish Hell Storm off. He could have. Every cut, every move shows surgical control. It’s like he wanted her alive… maybe as a message.” TRISH (leaning forward): “A message to whom, Kid?” KID EXTRA II: “That’s the question everyone’s asking. The Hellions? The Family? Arachnos? We don’t know yet. But what’s clear is that the Flea’s escalation has the Isles’ underworld on edge. You can feel it out here — the fear. Gangs are doubling their guards, nobody’s moving product without extra muscle. Whatever the Black Flea’s after, he’s shaking the food chain.” TRISH (nodding slowly): “And Hell Storm’s condition?” KID EXTRA II: “Stable, according to Vanguard medics. Barely. Burn damage, blood loss, deep lacerations — but she’s conscious. Rumor has it Arachnos wants to ‘debrief’ her about the encounter before anyone else gets to her.” TRISH: “Understandable. Two attacks in 3 hours, both on organized criminal groups. The question now — who’s next?” KID EXTRA II (grimly): “Everyone’s asking that, Trish. And no one wants to find out.” TRISH (somber): “Stay safe out there, Kid. I mean that.” KID EXTRA II (light chuckle): “I’ll do my best. But out here, even the shadows have claws.” TRISH (turning back to camera): “The Black Flea — hunter, hitman, or something else entirely? Arachnos has yet to issue a formal statement, but sources tell PNN they’re quietly escalating containment protocols in Cap au Diable. We’ll continue to bring you updates as this bloody trail unfolds. For the Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — and this has been Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. — YOUR NEWS AT 11, LIVE BROADCAST FROM CAP AU DIABLE] TRISH TAKANAWA (in-studio, tone crisp but concerned): “Good evening, I’m Trish Takanawa with the Paragon News Network. Our top story tonight — blood and violence in Cap au Diable, as a late-night speakeasy turned slaughterhouse in what investigators are calling one of the most brutal robberies in recent memory. We go now live to our field correspondent, Kid Extra II, who’s reporting undercover from the scene. Kid — what can you tell us?” KID EXTRA II (audio crackling slightly, voice hushed): “Trish, the scene here in the industrial quarter is grim. Authorities have cordoned off the lower levels of what used to be ‘Club Redline,’ a known meeting spot for several mid-tier crime outfits operating under Arachnos’ nose. I’ve seen at least eight bodies so far — all confirmed as security or hired muscle. No civilians. Local sources tell me the attacker was none other than the Black Flea — a name whispered around the Isles for months, but rarely seen. Witnesses describe a humanoid figure in a matte-black stealth rig, with retractable steel claws and movement so fast and erratic it looked like teleportation. But what’s most disturbing, Trish, are the reports that… he feeds.” TRISH (grimly): “Feeds, Kid? Can you elaborate?” KID EXTRA II: “According to an eyewitness — one of the bartenders who hid under a counter — the Flea took down three guards in seconds, even through intense gunfire. She said he ‘cut them open, then just… breathed them in.’ Moments later, wounds on his own body began closing instantly. The working theory is that his regenerative abilities are powered by the blood he spills — a form of bio-vampirism. Arachnos biohazard units are sweeping the site now for DNA traces, but the Flea’s signature is unmistakable: extreme precision, total silence, and an empty safe.” TRISH: “But word is, this wasn’t an act of random violence — it was a heist?” KID EXTRA II: “Exactly. The safe’s been breached with surgical precision. Not brute force — a cut through the steel faceplate clean enough to suggest claws strong enough to shear metal. Inside, sources say, was a cache of untraceable crypto-credits and prototype weapon chips — assets likely worth millions on the black market.” TRISH: “And what of the Flea’s current whereabouts?” KID EXTRA II: “No confirmed sightings since the attack. One witness, a passerby, said she saw a black figure exit and jump away so fast, she almost thought he just disappeared. Arachnos patrols have sealed off the sector, and Captain Verax’s office has issued a standing order for immediate containment if the suspect is located. However… some whisper he’s already moved to sell the stolen tech — or deliver it to whoever hired him.” TRISH (thoughtful pause): “Frightening developments indeed. Before we let you go, Kid — any word on the local reaction?” KID EXTRA II: “Fear, mostly. Even among the underworld. The Flea’s name carries weight — a predator who hunts other predators. Some are calling this a warning… others, an invitation." TRISH: “Understood. Keep your head down, Kid. And remember — you’re a reporter first, not a hero.” KID EXTRA II (chuckling lightly): “Copy that, Ms. Takanawa. But it’s hard to tell the difference out here.” TRISH (soft smile): “I’m sure you’ll learn. Stay safe, and thank you for your report. That was Kid Extra II, reporting live from Cap au Diable, where the Black Flea’s shadow looms large tonight. We’ll continue to monitor the situation as Arachnos investigates this grisly scene. For the Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — and this has been Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. — YOUR NEWS AT 11, SHARKHEAD ISLE] TRISH TAKANAWA (reporting live from the storm-swept docks, cranes silhouetted against the sulfur glow of the factories): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa with the Paragon News Network, reporting from the industrial docks of Sharkhead Isle — where chaos erupted earlier today as the meta-powered enforcer Rock Hammer clashed with Officer Benatar, and his heavily armed mercenary unit, the Benatar Guards. Once a decorated Paragon Police Department robotic officer, Benatar turned rogue after being implicated in an arms smuggling ring. In recent months, he’s been working under the banner of the Sky Raiders — providing muscle and tactical oversight for their operations across the Isles. That all came to a violent end this afternoon.” [Cut to dockside security footage: explosions lighting up the night as Rock Hammer, towering and armored in debris, smashes through crates and weaponized drones.] TRISH (voiceover): “Eyewitnesses report Rock Hammer arrived during a shipment handoff between the Sky Raiders and suspected Family intermediaries. What began as a negotiation devolved into all-out war when Benatar attempted to detain Hammer — an act that proved ill-advised.” [Cut to dockworker witness, face blurred by request.] ‘Benatar had the high ground — turrets, men, the whole setup. Rock just waded right through it. He took a energy beam to the chest and kept going. By the time the dust cleared, Benatar was down, sparking and buzzing, and his guards scattered. Never seen anything like it.’ TRISH (back on scene, wind whipping through her hair): “Arachnos has since confirmed the Sky Raiders’ illegal presence on Sharkhead and has cordoned off the docks pending investigation. Captain Verax issued a brief statement earlier this evening.” [Cut to Verax at an Arachnos command post.] ‘Rock Hammer’s actions may have eliminated a threat to stability, but unapproved vigilante operations remain a violation of Arachnos jurisdiction. We’ll be reviewing his activities — and determining whether his interests align with ours… or against them.’ [Back to Trish, standing beside a smoking, half-sunken Sky Raider transport craft.] “Benatar’s condition is unknown, though sources within the Rogue Isles Medical Authority confirm he was airlifted out by Sky Raider forces shortly after the fight. As for Rock Hammer — his motives, as ever, remain a mystery. Was this justice? Revenge? Or simply another power play in the endless struggle for dominance across the Isles? One thing’s for certain — when Rock Hammer brings down the hammer… the ground shakes. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — and this has been Your News at 11.” Your News at 11 — Follow-Up Segment: “On the Line with Rock Hammer” Broadcast Date: 04Nov25 [P.N.N. STUDIO — TELEPHONE INTERVIEW SEGMENT] TRISH TAKANAWA (in-studio, headset on, voice measured but warm): “Welcome back to Your News at 11. I’m Trish Takanawa, and joining us live via secure comms is the man at the center of today’s explosive events on Sharkhead Isle — Rock Hammer, the meta-powered juggernaut whose name has become synonymous with chaos and justice in equal measure. Rock Hammer — thank you for taking the time to speak with us tonight.” ROCK HAMMER (voice low, steady, faint rumble of machinery in the background): “Just call me Rock, Trish. You know that.” TRISH (smiling faintly): “Fair enough, Rock. You’ve been linked to today’s battle at the docks — a violent confrontation with the rogue officer Benatar and his Sky Raider-backed mercenaries. Arachnos has labeled your intervention as ‘unauthorized.’ What drove you to get involved?” ROCK (pause, then a gravelly exhale): “Benatar’s been dirty for years. Selling weapons, smuggling tech, hiding behind that badge like it still meant something. I didn’t do this for Arachnos, and I didn’t do it for glory. I did it because creeps like that rot the foundation from underneath. I gave him a chance to walk. He didn’t take it.” TRISH: “Some witnesses described the encounter as… one-sided. You overwhelmed an entire fortified position. Are you trying to send a message?” ROCK: “Message? Yeah. That the old codes still matter — somewhere, to someone. You don’t get to wrap yourself in authority and prey on people. I don’t care if you wear a badge, a cape, or a mask.” TRISH (softly): “There’s talk that you’ve been working with — or against — Arachnos operatives in the past few weeks. Are you aligned with anyone right now?” ROCK (short laugh): “I don’t do alignments, Trish. I break things that need breaking. Someone needs punched, I punch 'em. If Arachnos wants order, fine — but I’m not taking orders from them. Not now, not ever.” TRISH: “And Benatar? Reports say he was airlifted out by Sky Raider forces. Do you expect retaliation?” ROCK: “Let ’em come. Maybe they’ll think twice before siding with traitors. Maybe not. Either way, I’ll be here.” TRISH (leaning forward, tone softening): “You’ve made more than your share of enemies, Rock. Men like The Squizzler and the Black Flea. Some say you’re on a path toward self-destruction — that this crusade of yours can only end one way.” ROCK (low chuckle): “Maybe. But until it does, people are gonna think twice before pulling the trigger on the innocent. That’s enough for me. And if they don't, they can do their thinking in the hospital” TRISH (nodding slightly): “Always direct, always uncompromising. That’s Rock Hammer — or as he insists I say… Rock. For the Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. Stay tuned — when we come back, we’ll hear from Captain Verax on the Arachnos response to today’s dockside destruction. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. — YOUR NEWS AT 11, GRANDVILLE] TRISH TAKANAWA (reporting live from the shadowed alleys beneath the Spire): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa with the Paragon News Network, reporting from Grandville — where a violent confrontation between the enigmatic villain Squizzler, fresh from his defeat of ZenFlower earlier in the day, and a senior Circle of Thorns warlock, Veratzu, erupted earlier today in the heart of the city’s underbelly. Eyewitnesses describe the encounter as swift, brutal, and deeply symbolic — a challenge issued and answered in front of Veratzu’s own acolytes.” [Cut to shaky security drone footage: Squizzler taunting defeated Veratzu.] TRISH (voiceover): “Sources within Arachnos intelligence report that Veratzu had been consolidating power within the Circle’s Grandville chapter, attempting to rally the cult’s remnants after recent defeats. It seems Squizzler — whose pattern of attacks often straddles the line between chaos and calculation — decided to make an example of him.” [Cut to a local witness — an Arachnos technician, face obscured.] ‘He didn’t sneak in or ambush them. He walked right through the portal chamber, laughing. Veratzu threw everything he had at him — spells, demons, the works. Squizzler tanked it all, dropped him in under a minute. Then he said, “Tell the Circle — the world’s already full of monsters.” And he walked away.’ [Cut to shaky security drone footage: Squizzler battling a large, fiery demon.] TRISH (back on scene, the faint hum of lingering magic warping the air): “Arachnos containment crews arrived minutes later to secure the site, where Veratzu’s ritual circle lay shattered and his followers scattered. Captain Verax, Arachnos’ field operations liaison, issued this brief statement earlier this evening.” [Cut to Verax at a podium, stern as ever.] ‘Arachnos does not condone the interference of freelance operatives in sanctioned magical territories. That said — the Circle of Thorns are a threat to stability, and their humiliation today may serve as a warning to others who believe themselves untouchable.’ [Back to Trish, the Spire looming ominously in the distance.] “Whether this was vengeance, message, or power play, one thing is clear — Squizzler has now taken his conflict with the Circle public. And in Grandville, where power is everything, that’s a dangerous move. For the Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — reminding you that in the Rogue Isles… even magic bows to momentum. This has been Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. — YOUR NEWS AT 11, EDEN DISTRICT] TRISH TAKANAWA (standing amid lush, overgrown ruins, vines creeping over shattered pavement): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa with the Paragon News Network, reporting from the Eden district — where what began as an unorthodox peace effort has ended in chaos and defeat. The heroine known as Zenflower, an empathic biokinetic often associated with the eco-hero collective Gaia’s Vow, was defeated earlier today by the controversial metahuman Squizzler. The confrontation took place deep in the overrun ruins, where witnesses claim Zenflower was attempting to communicate with and control the Devouring Earth — allegedly seeking to ‘reconnect them with the life of the planet’ and transform them from monsters into protectors.” [Cut to drone footage: massive plant-creatures and stone beasts lumbering under the jungle canopy, glowing green spores thick in the air.] TRISH (voiceover): “Whatever her intentions, something went wrong. The Devouring Earth responded violently, turning on both Longbow observers and environmental activists in the area. That’s when Squizzler arrived — sources differ on whether by chance or design.” [Clip: distant flashes of bright technicolor energy, Squizzler’s distinctive projectiles bursting across the jungle floor.] TRISH: “Eyewitnesses describe Squizzler as having ‘stormed in laughing,’ using his distinctively green tinted energy powers to neutralize both Zenflower’s influence and the rampaging Devouring Earth. Within minutes, Zenflower herself was subdued, her psychic link to the creatures forcibly broken.” [Cut to Longbow Lieutenant, face hidden behind visor.] ‘Squizzler saved a lot of lives out there — but don’t mistake him for a hero. Whatever he wanted in Eden, he got it, and left before we could detain him.’ [Back to Trish, standing beside a massive, toppled plant-creature that’s slowly turning to dust.] “Zenflower remains in Vanguard custody, reportedly undergoing evaluation at an undisclosed facility. Whether her attempt to ‘heal’ the Devouring Earth was idealism gone wrong — or something more dangerous — is unclear. As for Squizzler, his motives remain as murky as ever. Some say he acted to stop an ecological disaster; others believe he’s eliminating potential rivals in his own chaotic crusade. Whatever the truth, one thing’s certain: in Eden tonight, nature tried to fight back… and Squizzler made sure it lost. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — and this has been Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, THE HIVE] TRISH TAKANAWA (voice raised over the roar of battle, camera trembling as green light floods the horizon): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent for Paragon News Network — reporting live from The Hive, where one of the most extraordinary alliances in Paragon history is underway. Heroes and villains — sworn enemies — are standing side by side tonight against the abomination known as Hamidon. And at the very center of it all is one woman: Ms. Atomik, the radiation-powered tank whose raw courage and containment fields are holding the front line together.” [Cut to footage: waves of gelatinous Hamidon mitochondria smashing against force barriers; flashes of atomic energy radiate outward from Ms. Atomik, her glowing silhouette leading the charge.] TRISH (voiceover): “Witnesses describe Ms. Atomik as a living reactor — her energy flares stabilizing the battlefield, her presence allowing dozens of meta-humans, including Librarian of Ruin, the apparent strike force leader, Holyknight Neptune, Invisible Pam, Hex Offender, Ragnahawk and Neo Noir, just to name a few, to coordinate their assault in the most dangerous environment on the planet. Arachnos, Longbow, Vanguard, and independent heroes alike have put aside politics and grudges to bring down the primordial entity threatening all life in the Isles.” [Cut to a Vanguard field officer, shouting over the chaos.] ‘If Ms. Atomik wasn’t here, the Hive would’ve gone critical by now! She’s soaking up more radiation than any containment suit could survive — and somehow she’s still standing!’ [Back to Trish, shielding her face from a shockwave as the ground trembles.] “Reports indicate that both Ms. Atomik and the combined strike league have pushed deep into Hamidon’s central core, forcing the creature to retreat into its spawning cysts. The cooperation between rival forces — many of whom have fought each other for years — has stunned observers across the Isles.” [Cut to Professor Peculiar, monitoring from Vanguard command.] ‘Moments like this remind us that some threats eclipse our rivalries. Hamidon doesn’t care who wears the cape or who breaks the law. Tonight, survival itself is the cause — and Ms. Atomik is proving that heroism can glow brighter than any reactor.’ [Back to Trish, the sky behind her pulsing green.] “Whether this fragile alliance will hold once Hamidon falls remains to be seen — but for now, Paragon’s finest, its fiercest, and its most feared stand united. And at their heart, one woman of pure atomic willpower holds the line for them all. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa — reporting from The Hive. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, CAP AU DIABLE] TRISH TAKANAWA (reporting live from the industrial district, her voice steady over the wail of distant sirens): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent for the Paragon News Network. Tonight, the streets of Cap au Diable are once again a battlefield, as an explosive clash between rival factions of villains and mercenaries has left parts of the industrial quarter in ruin. At the center of the chaos — the unpredictable anarchist The Squizzler — seen joining forces with the speedster Overdrive to take on members of The Family, after reports surfaced that the organization had placed a bounty on Overdrive’s head.” [Cut to aerial footage: smoke pouring from a bullet-riddled speakeasy, Arachnos patrols securing the perimeter. Several Longbow drones hover above, recording the aftermath.] TRISH (voiceover): “According to sources, the confrontation began when Family enforcers ambushed Overdrive near the rail depot. Squizzler reportedly intervened mid-attack — not to save a friend, but, as one witness put it, ‘to make the odds interesting.’ Moments later, chaos erupted as Mangle and Hollow Point — notorious freelance villains — arrived on scene to collect the bounty.” [Cut to a local bystander, bandaged and soot-streaked, shaking his head in disbelief.] ‘It was madness — bullets, lightning, whatever that green energy thing Squizzler does. Overdrive was zipping through gunfire like it was nothing. Then this woman — Desdemona, I think? — shows up with these glowing runes and demons, fighting alongside them! I don’t know who was the hero and who wasn’t anymore.’ [Back to Trish on-site, her tone low and intense.] “Desdemona, the self-proclaimed demonologist and mastermind known for her uneasy relationship with both Arachnos and the Circle of Thorns, is said to have joined the fray, conjuring infernal allies to turn the tide. Together, she, Overdrive, and Squizzler reportedly defeated both Mangle and Hollow Point before disappearing into the chaos that followed.” [Cut to Captain Verax, visibly agitated at a press briefing.] ‘Cap au Diable isn’t a playground for mercenaries. Whatever temporary alliances formed here tonight are meaningless — these are criminals turning on criminals. We are assessing the damage, recovering what’s left of the Family’s assets, and determining if any of these so-called “villains” pose an immediate threat to Arachnos authority.’ [Back to Trish, standing before a shattered neon sign flickering in the rain.] “What began as a hit job devolved into a multi-faction melee — one that’s left the Family humiliated, two bounty hunters hospitalized, and the uneasy alliance between Squizzler, Overdrive, and Desdemona shrouded in speculation. Was this a case of survival against common enemies — or the beginning of a darker, more deliberate partnership among the Isles’ most unpredictable metahumans? For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, GRANDVILLE BUREAU] TRISH TAKANAWA (standing before a jagged rock face cordoned off by Arachnos hazard teams, her tone crisp and urgent): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent for the Paragon News Network. Tonight, chaos and confusion reign in Grandville, following reports that the notorious opportunist and self-styled supervillain The Squizzler has destroyed one of the most dangerous mystical relics ever recovered in the Rogue Isles — the Taper of the Frozen Flame. The artifact, said to be a demonic candle capable of amplifying its wielder’s powers a hundredfold, was unearthed earlier this week in the deep Orenbegan caverns beneath Grandville. Longbow forces and the cryokinetic vigilante Polar Shift were both reportedly on site attempting to secure the relic when The Squizzler appeared.” [Cut to shaky security footage: a distorted lens shows bright flashes, silhouettes of Longbow soldiers in retreat, and a figure in mismatched armor and goggles leaping through arcs of flame.] TRISH (voiceover): “Though details remain scarce, recovered surveillance indicates The Squizzler fought his way past both Longbow and Polar Shift, engaging in a chaotic three-way battle that included Circle of Thorn forces, before using an improvised device — described by experts as a ‘negative thaumic destabilizer’ — to shatter the Taper of the Frozen Flame in an explosion of violet fire. Moments later, all three combatant factions vanished from visual range.” [Cut to an Arachnos field analyst in protective gear, speaking tersely.] ‘The candle’s destruction released a burst of infernal energy equivalent to a small-scale dimensional breach. Frankly, it’s a miracle this entire cavern didn’t collapse. If The Squizzler truly destroyed it, he may have saved us all from something far worse — though I doubt that was his intent.’ [Back to Trish, the crimson light of Grandville’s towers reflecting off her hair as she continues.] “Speculation now swirls across the Isles and Paragon City alike. Why would a villain like The Squizzler — a man known for chaotic ambition and opportunism — destroy a relic that could have elevated him to near-godlike power? Was it an act of conscience? A warning? Or part of a larger game beyond mortal understanding?” [Cut to a Longbow spokesperson addressing the media via holo-briefing, the connection flickering.] ‘We confirm our forces were present in the Orenbegan caverns during the incident. Polar Shift was assisting in containment efforts. The Squizzler’s actions, though destructive, may have prevented catastrophic misuse of the artifact. That does not absolve him of responsibility for the collateral damage.’ [Back to Trish, tone measured but ominous.] “Tonight, what remains of the Taper of the Frozen Flame has been sealed and transferred to an undisclosed location under Vanguard supervision. The Squizzler’s whereabouts are unknown. One thing is clear — in a world where power is currency, he just threw away a fortune. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, ATLAS PLAZA STUDIOS] TRISH TAKANAWA (in studio, tone grave): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent for Paragon News Network. Tonight, Paragon City reels from one of the most divisive incidents in recent memory — the arrest of the former heroine Polar Shift following her bombing of a Longbow command outpost in Brickstown. Authorities say the strike caused extensive structural damage, though miraculously, there were no civilian casualties. But the story grows murkier with each passing hour, as recordings have surfaced allegedly capturing Officer Jameson of said Longbow command outpost issuing a ‘kill command’ on Polar Shift — just days before the attack. To help us understand the circumstances of her arrest, I’m joined now by Professor Peculiar — the mystically inclined demonologist hero who led the task force that brought Polar Shift into custody.” [Cut to split screen: Trish on the left, Professor Peculiar seated calmly in a bright, orderly lab. Strange brass instruments hum in the background.] TRISH TAKANAWA: “Professor, thank you for speaking with us. Many in the hero community are calling this a tragedy — a hero turned fugitive. Can you describe what happened during the arrest?” PROFESSOR PECULIAR (measured, articulate): ‘Trish, it was not an easy operation. Polar Shift is one of the most gifted cryokinetics alive. When we found her, she was… distraught, convinced she was doing the right thing. She believed the corruption within that Longbow outpost justified her actions. We had to act quickly to subdue her without further loss of life. I used containment wards to nullify her powers — but even then, she fought like someone betrayed.’ TRISH TAKANAWA: “There are rumors she targeted that particular HQ because of internal misconduct — and the alleged audio recording of Officer Jameson ordering her death seems to support that claim. How does that affect the perception of this case?” PROFESSOR PECULIAR (sighs): ‘It complicates everything. If Jameson truly acted outside the law, then Polar Shift wasn’t wrong to feel endangered. But taking the law into her own hands — bombing a facility — crosses a line heroes can’t afford to cross. I’ve turned her over to proper custody because justice must be seen, not seized. I was also obliged to take Officer Jameson into custody after he and his contingent attacked me during my investigation.’ TRISH TAKANAWA (somber nod): “Some in the hero community argue this shows systemic flaws in how Longbow handles metahuman oversight. Others say Polar Shift’s actions invite chaos. Where do you stand?” PROFESSOR PECULIAR: ‘Both can be true, Ms. Takanawa. Corruption must be confronted. But if every hero becomes judge and executioner, we stop being heroes. We become storms without purpose.’ [Cut back to Trish in studio.] “Tonight, Polar Shift remains in secure containment under Vanguard supervision, while an inquiry into Officer Jamesons' actions is underway. For some, she is a fallen heroine; for others, a whistleblower driven too far. Either way, her story has shaken Paragon’s faith in its protectors — and in its institutions. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, THE HOLLOWS DISTRICT] TRISH TAKANAWA (reporting live, the night sky over Cherry Hill flickering with the last embers of battle): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent for the Paragon News Network. Tonight, the streets of Cherry Hill in the Hollows bear witness to another strange and chilling development in the ongoing struggle for control of the district. The notorious necromantic mastermind known only as Mr. Halloween has struck again—this time defeating Circuit, the electricity-wielding lieutenant of the Outcasts gang, in what witnesses describe as a ‘nightmare made flesh.’ [Cut to on-site footage: cracked walls and scorched flooring visible in the hallway A few Longbow containment officers move in hazmat gear.] TRISH (voiceover): “According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began when Circuit and his crew attempted to extort a local supply depot. Moments later, a dense fog rolled in, and figures—described as ‘rotting soldiers in tattered clothing' and a faintly shimmering robed ghost —emerged from the shadows. Circuit reportedly unleashed his full electrical fury, but the undead closed ranks, absorbing the blasts while Mr. Halloween advanced.” [Cut to a shaken witness, a local vendor clutching a steaming cup of coffee.] ‘He didn’t shout or posture—he just raised that staff and the dead came up from the asphalt. Circuit ran into the building, but those spirits—they chased him and drained the light right out of him. The whole building went dark for a minute. When the lights came back… he was gone.’ [Cut to Trish standing before the smoldering remains of a power junction box.] “Authorities have not yet confirmed Circuit’s status, though Longbow sources indicate he was taken into custody unconscious, his powers severely disrupted. Mr. Halloween was gone by the time reinforcements arrived—leaving behind only a carved pumpkin emitting green fire and the words ‘Trick’s on you’ scrawled across a wall in ash.” [Cut to PNN studio, Trish seated, tone grave.] “Longbow intelligence analysts suggest Mr. Halloween’s growing presence in the Hollows could mark the rise of a new criminal faction—one driven by occult power and vengeance against the living. Whether his war is personal or strategic remains unclear, but one thing is certain: wherever he walks, fear follows. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, CAP AU DIABLE] TRISH TAKANAWA (on location, her voice firm over the low hum of emergency sirens and burning wreckage): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent, reporting from Cap au Diable—where, just hours ago, Longbow forces were driven from their forward operations base in what appears to be one of the most coordinated metahuman assaults the Isles have seen in years. Leading the charge, witnesses confirm, was none other than Rock Hammer—the powerhouse known for his brutal strength and unpredictable moral code. But unlike his usual lone operations, this time Rock Hammer led a strike force of local metahumans, some known villains, including Double Tap, Echidna, Mangle, Icecap, Giga Watts and others previously unaligned. [Cut to footage: smoke rising over the waterfront, shattered Longbow turrets, and a dozen Arachnos operatives working to secure the area.] TRISH TAKANAWA (voiceover): “The assault, described by survivors as ‘a rolling wall of destruction,’ saw Longbow forces outflanked and overpowered within minutes. Eyewitness accounts suggest Rock Hammer directed the attack with precision—targeting key supply caches and communications nodes, effectively severing Longbow’s command link before they could call for reinforcement.” [Cut to an eyewitness, a local dock technician with soot on his face.] ‘I saw him slam the ground so hard the whole street cracked. Longbow didn’t stand a chance—then those other metas came pouring in behind him. They weren’t looting. They were organized. Someone planned this.’ [Cut back to Trish.] “While Rock Hammer has previously clashed with Arachnos and vigilante groups alike, tonight’s operation raises troubling questions. Multiple intelligence sources within the Isles suggest this may not have been an independent action—but a contract strike carried out on behalf of an unidentified, high-ranking Arachnos operative seeking to purge Longbow’s presence from Cap au Diable entirely.” [Cut to Captain Verax, Arachnos representative, standing before the press.] ‘Officially, Arachnos condemns all unauthorized military activity in the Isles. However… Longbow’s presence in Cap au Diable has long been a destabilizing factor. Whoever orchestrated this assault knew exactly where to hit—and exactly what message to send. We're receiving reports that Cpl. Lewis, the ranking NCO on the ground, was among the casualties, but his current status is unknown.’ [Back to Trish, expression grave, her tone carrying that unmistakable mid-’80s Marvel gravity.] “Tonight, the people of Cap au Diable are left with more questions than answers. Was this a rogue act of defiance—or a sanctioned strike masked as rebellion? And if Rock Hammer is now acting under Arachnos direction, what larger plan is unfolding across the Isles? For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. This is Your News at 11.”

[P.N.N. – YOUR NEWS AT 11, PORT OAKES] TRISH TAKANAWA (on-scene, serious, standing near a quarantined Arachnos checkpoint): “Good evening. I’m Trish Takanawa, Senior Meta-Human Affairs Correspondent. Tonight, Port Oakes finds itself at the epicenter of a crisis. The bizarre but increasingly dangerous criminal known as The Spamburglar has struck again—this time stealing a highly classified bioweapon codenamed ‘Outbreak.’ Sources confirm the theft occurred during a covert transfer, with Arachnos security already stretched thin. Spamburglar, reportedly under contract to an as-yet-unidentified benefactor, successfully extracted the virus sample despite the intervention of the Cryokinetic vigilante Snow Maiden and several Longbow operatives. [Cut to eyewitness testimony, a local dockworker clutching a cigarette with shaking hands.] ‘It was like a storm hit—ice and meat flying everywhere. Snow Maiden froze whole walls to keep him boxed in, but he just smashed through them. He didn’t even slow down. I swear I saw her fall under a hail of—of canned meat. The Longbow operators didn't know what hit them. It was fists, feet, cans and snow and ice everywhere. He just appeared out of nowhere, beat them down and faded away again. It was wild.’ [Cut back to Trish, voice steady.] “Reports indicate Snow Maiden fought valiantly but was ultimately overwhelmed. Her current condition remains unknown, though medical teams confirm she was taken from the scene unconscious but alive. Arachnos law enforcement has moved quickly to contain fallout. Captain Verax, speaking moments ago, gave this official statement.” [Cut to Captain Verax, face grim beneath his Arachnos insignia.] ‘The theft of a bioweapon is not a novelty crime—it is an act of war against stability. The Spamburglar may mask his actions in absurd theatrics, but he is a mercenary delivering devastation into unknown hands. Arachnos will hunt him down, and when we do, neither he nor his employer will find mercy.’ [Cut back to Trish, the scene behind her cordoned off with red quarantine barriers.] “Tonight, Port Oakes stands on edge. With Outbreak now in the hands of an unknown buyer, and with one of its most stalwart defenders, Snow Maiden, defeated, the question is not whether The Spamburglar is a threat—it is how far his strange brand of villainy is willing to go. For Paragon News Network, I’m Trish Takanawa. This is Your News at 11.”