APPLICATIONPlayer Name: Roach
Plurk Handle: ![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
Skittering_Roach Player Status: New Player
Other characters: N/A
Character Name: Bartholomew "Bart" Henry Allen II / Impulse
Fandom: DC Comics
Character Journal: ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
outofresets OU, AU, or OC? Original Universe
If canon, canon point: Secants before having his knee shot by Slade/Jericho in Teen Titans.
PB: N/A
History: [
x]
Personality: Bart is the kind of person who has always been quick to fall into the role of quirky goofball among both friends and teammates. It's partly intentional, as he's just a naturally bouncy and energetic guy who likes making jokes, playing around and entertaining his friends (or the very least, himself). But it's just as much unintentional.
Between being a speedster from birth and being raised in a virtual reality, Bart has quite a few odd quirks that are often regarded as funny, childish or irritating. A major one is that his impatience is legendary. Unlike a lot of speedsters who gained their powers later in life and had to adjust to going fast, Bart has only ever known a life with his powers and has had to force himself to be patient for others and move at their pace. Which goes against every instinct he has. He's gotten better at this over the last two years as he's at least improved at listening to people, but it's definitely still a work in progress and will probably be something he has to learn to work around his entire life.
Another big one is that he's prone to dissociative issues because of growing up in a virtual reality. Again, this is something he's gotten better at dealing with, but the issues haven't been helped by the various people who have unexpectedly stuck him back in VR systems. Sometimes the world just doesn't feel real to him, and he can slip back into treating things like he's back in his game. Or he'll get caught up in his own thoughts and fantasies, get himself worked up over them as if they were real or lose touch with what's actually going on around him.
This can make concentrating or staying focused an even harder task when mixed with his impulsiveness and impatience. And while he has gained ground in reeling it in (particularly when it comes to letting his own fantasies get the better of him) it's an issue he's become particularly self-conscious about.
Because while he loves being seen as the lighthearted funny one in his various friend groups, he's been starting to feel more like the group screw up and has become increasingly aware that those around him do not take him seriously, or worse, they don't trust him. And between almost losing his best friend/girlfriend Carol, getting a part of himself killed, almost killing his mentor's murderer, then letting him get away, letting Omen die in the team up with the Titans, and letting Zoom knock him out and hurt a member of his family, he's starting to think they might be right to feel that way.
He's in a major transitional period right now, trying to prove to those around him and himself that he can and will be better, and is looking at himself more introspectively than he ever bothered to before. For instance, rather recently he realized that his lack of fear of dying or being hurt, may not be a healthy thing. He even expressed fear that it might mean he doesn't care about whether or not he lives or dies.
Unfortunately, he's largely kept this to himself, with most of the people he felt comfortable talking about these things with being gone, or harder to stay in contact with. So as far as most of Young Justice or the Flash Family are concerned, he's just as well off as he's ever been. Which frankly, seems to be how he wants to keep it.
While he's not great at keeping secrets and would probably come out with it if a friend caught on and prodded him about it, he would prefer to not bother them with it, simply hoping they catch on to whatever improvements he made instead. Being the one that tries to lighten the mood, cheer everyone else up or help them take their minds off their own problems, has become his wheelhouse. Putting his own problems on them, especially when they're already going through so many issues of their own, feels counter-intuitive.
He's fiercely loyal to his friends and teammates, most of them are like family or are genuinely the closest thing to family he has left, and he would probably do literally anything for them without a secants thought.
For better or worse he also tends to be easily trusting or at least willing to give the benefit of the doubt. It's generally not without warrant or some proof that the person can be trusted to an extent (he's seen enough villains turn over a new leaf to know that it's possible, and he'll encourage it if he thinks there's a chance of that happening), but it is something that has blown up in his face more than once. Leading to him being used, hurt or putting other people in danger.
Surprisingly enough though it's actually worked out for him for the most part, as he's liked or respected by at least a few villains/former villains that either find him endearing, amusing or tolerable, and some of them have even returned the favor in the cases where he's helped them out in some way. He's also managed to become friends with a few people and creatures that others were generally quick to call monsters. And while he's tried to be more cautious about who he decides to help out or let off the hook, he still tends to fall on the more easy-going side of the scale, even compared to someone like his cousin Wally West, who's best friends with a former villain.
Canon Powers: Super Speed - Due to a connection to a cosmic force called the speedforce, Bart is capable of moving, thinking, and reacting, at super-speed, and he can run at nearly the speed of light if he really pushes himself (though it’s not recommended; running faster than that would push him into the Speed Force itself), but generally stays somewhere under the speed of sound. He can pretty comfortably move at any speed range under Mach 6, but anything above that is going to be more of an effort.
Whenever he is moving at inhuman speeds the speedforce surrounds him with an invisible aura to protect him from most deadly aspects of simple physics, like friction, as well as debris that may fly at him. It can also prevent him from receiving as much damage as he should if he were to run into something or fall while running. While it won't protect him completely it does provide something of a cushion effect, so he may end up with bruising or broken bones, but he's less likely to die. His body has also been slightly altered to handle the rigors of moving so quickly.
Molecular Vibration - Due to his connection to the Speed Force, Bart is capable of controlling his body on a molecular level, allowing him to vibrate his molecules so he can pass through solid objects. He can also control the molecules of anything he touches, making them pass through things as long as he retains contact with it. The more dangerous aspects of this ability are that he can phase an object into something (or someone) and leave it melded inside of it. He can also make an object's molecules vibrate at opposing speeds and cause it to blow up. But if done wrong this particular ability is something that could easily end in disaster. And depending on how much energy he has already spent, it may not work at all. The larger the object he is trying to destroy, or the more surface area he's trying to demolish, and the harder the material it's made from, the more energy it will take for him to destroy it, and the more he needs to consecrate to accomplish the job. If he keeps in contact with the object he's trying to destroy, it will inevitably backlash against him (as in, exploding in his hand, hitting him with debris, or something along those lines). This more destructive extension of his vibration ability is something Bart generally tries to avoid (though he has threatened to use it before, or rather 'jokes' that he would use it).
Heightened Metabolism - His connection to the speedforce has also altered his metabolism so that he can heal quickly (though not always accurately). Severe injuries, such as broken bones, can take a week or two to heal as opposed to months, and cuts and bruises can heal within hours, or a day or two, depending on how bad it is. Most, but not all, poisons and illnesses will also get burned up in his system before they have much effect if any. Unfortunately, it also means he needs a large intake of calories and has to eat a lot, and often, to keep himself from starving, becoming fatigued, or passing out. Bart needs a lot of calories to function properly. While most people can survive up to a month without proper nourishment, for Bart (depending on just how often he’s using his abilities, and how much energy he’s burning up) being cut off from a proper food source for even a few days, can turn fatal. This also means, he can need quite a bit of sleep, especially when he doesn’t have a proper food source.
Speed Clones - Bart is capable of making copies of himself out of speedforce energy. They have all of his memories, at least a fraction of his personality and the ability to move through all of time and space to do whatever task he's set them to. Any time he's done with one it will be 'absorbed' back into him, and he'll gain all of the clones memories. Though he's become very reluctant to use them outside of extreme circumstances after more than one traumatic incident involving them either dying or being used by a supervillain.
Time Anomaly - Due to Bart being born in the 30th Century and travailing into the past, he is what is referred to as a time anomaly; meaning he's immune to any tampering done to the time stream. If something is altered in the past and changes the time he's in, he won't be physically affected by it (though depending on the circumstance his connection to the speedforce sometimes can be), and he'll still remember the way things were.
Freebie Powers: While he's lost his super speed, he's still faster than most humans; capable of easily keeping pace with the likes of elves (although he's not quite as light on his feet as they are).
Power Selection: Magic: Archivist
Game Powers: N/A
Non-Powered Abilities: Superhero Training and Experience - Having trained under three Flash Family members (though Wally's early attempts mostly failed) and spent time working with both Young Justice and the Titans, Bart's had plenty of training and experience in combat, emergency situations, and working closely with a group. While he's largely been trained in how to work with his powers, he's also been taught to fight unarmed, as well as with improvised weapons, and has general training in how to handle dealing with villains, monsters, and some natural disasters as well as having briefly served as a medic along with the rest of Young Justice during a war on Apocalypses. And apparently, even without his powers, he can throw a real mean punch, having been described as a lot stronger than he looks.
Adaptable/Quick Thinking - One of Bart's greatest assets, and just about the only thing that's kept him alive. Due to his own impulsive habits and general lack of forethought (especially in his early days as a hero), Bart is very good at coming up with plans on the spot and dealing with problems as they're thrown at him. He can also be a pretty quick learner (when he's interested in what he's supposed to be learning, is patent enough to pay attention and/or doesn't have a grudge against the person teaching him), even when it comes to adapting to new skills (or sometimes a lack of them), or picking up on a foes patterns in a fight (like when he fought against Blockbuster and tricked him in to destroying his own home).
Puzzle Solving - A love of video games (and over half a life spent stuck in one) has its occasional benefits. Bart is a very out of the box thinker, often coming at obstacles and problems from an angle most wouldn't think to (for instance, occasionally, attempting to apply game logic to reality has actually gotten him, or his teammates, out of a bind). And while not all his solutions are game based by any means, playing so many puzzle-based games, and dealing with the chaotic ever-shifting nature of the VR simulation he grew up in, has definitely helped hone this skill. He's even pretty good at more conventional physical puzzles, games like chess (purportedly Tim Drake is the only one who's been able to beat him at it so far), and building things.
Scouting - Even without his super speed Bart is still pretty fleet-footed and agile for a human, and he's done a lot of scout work during his time with Young Justice. He might not have the same advantage he had when he was a speedster but he still knows the routine.
Eidetic Memory - Has almost perfect memory recall, though he has to of paid attention to something in order to remember it.
Setting/Suitability: Bart is likely to be pretty excited about being pulled into the 'quest' once the confusion wears off, at least at first. It's new, and fun and he can throw himself into it, and for at least a little while, not have to think about everything that's been going sideways back home. He'll have to get used to not having superspeed anymore, and the switch over to magic, which will probably take some doing. While adapting to his new Archivist magic might be easy enough (given time to experiment with it), getting used to being in the slow lane with everyone else will be a much harder task, since he's hardly ever been without his powers. The closest he's really been to feeling like he had no superspeed for an extended time (more than just a few short hours or days) was his time spent in the virtual reality he was raised in.
Which brings us to the next issue he'll have to adjust to; the Wilderlands being so similar to his old VR world, is going to mess with his dissociative issues hard and he's likely to relapse to at least an extent. How badly it will affect him over time, or how easily he'll recover and learn to cope will depend on how things go. The more open he is about the problem and the more he seeks help with coping the easier it will probably be for him to deal with it. But in the case that things get worse, while he's not likely to have a complete backslide into his old game mode (since he's grown a lot since then, and will force himself to act like the situation is real, even if he's no longer sure it is), he may eventually get paranoid enough to be vocal about his fears that he's been trapped in another virtual reality prison.
But he's had plenty of experience with fighting, world-saving, and working closely with a group. Has a pretty decent knowledge of fantasy tropes (particularly those displayed in video games), and has some more mundane skills like knowing how to set up a camp and how to make and mend clothes, and has some experience with picking locks, which could all come in handy.
SAMPLESProse Sample: Test Drive Sample [
x]
As Bart wandered off through the markets, getting distracted and separated on the quest for supplies, the people of the town started to act more and more anxious around him the longer he stuck around. They weren't too fond of his costume (which he still wore under the bit's of more practical leather armor he'd managed to get his hands on), or the way he flits around the market district like a human hummingbird, and they especially didn't like all the odd little things he did or said.
The reactions were mild at first, a swirling of curiosity and confusion, but as murmurs about him being some kind of witch, fae or other unnatural thing spread, the situation quickly took a turn toward what was likely to be only the first of many incidents like this. While the group that attempts to corner him isn't exactly an angry mob, more a cautious collection of mostly low budget guards and a nervous looking priest, it's pretty obvious to Bart right off the bat that they aren't some kind of quest givers. The more decorated of the guards is the first to speak up.
"Boy, what manner of creature be you?" He asks with a calm tone that held just a hint of vexation, as if dealing with 'witchery' or asking what looked like an odd child whether or not they were a supernatural creature, was at the top of a short list of things he had not wanted to do today.
"...I be a human?" He replied after a moment of simply giving the group a confused look, unable to keep himself from imitating the guard's speech pattern in a way that probably came off as mocking. "Or really a metahuman. Or at least I was, I guess I'm not here. Not really sure what I am here yet, at least as far as class goes. I can cast spells and all, but I like to think I really don't main that. I guess I'm more of a rouge, or maybe a scout? Is scout a class? I know it is in some games, but in general?"
Now it was the guards turn to look confused, barely understanding even a third of what the teen had rambled out, the priest is quick enough to convene with him though, and whatever it is the two mutter to each other about, by the end of it the head guard is letting out an exasperated sigh. "You'll be coming with us, now."
"What for? I didn't steal anything, I'm not even going for a thief run." He argues, as if this was the most innocuous and rational rebuttal one could possibly give in this situation. The argument falls on deaf ears though as the guard is clearly not interested in hashing out the terms of Bart's imprisonment with him or stretching out this inconvenient task any longer than necessary, motioning for the others to move in and grab him.
It doesn't go well for the troupe as they quickly find out they gave the kid a little too much room to work with. Easily ducking and weaving around the initial attempt to snag him, he lets out a yelp of "Hey, I don't think so Rusty", and he positions himself between the clot of guards. As one of them makes the mistake of getting more aggressive, Bart once again ducks, letting her clock one of her own teammates, knocking him back into the priest. The group descends into desperate chaos after that, some of them more wildly fumbling for the kid, as others scrambled over themselves to try to help up their fallen comrade and the holy man.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Bart practically leapfrogs over one of the weedier guards that makes a grab for him, bolting from the break in their line as soon as his feet hit the ground. While a few make an attempt to pursue, he's quick to lose them with a borrowed illusion spell that sends them running after what was actually a rather shoddy duplicate.
Weaving his way back into the crowds of the marketplace, he takes a look back to see if any of them are still following, spotting the irritated head guard glaring at him from his spot next to the half of the group still apologizing to the priest, he gives the man a wave and cheeky smile before fully disappearing back in to the throngs of people.
Okay, sooo...I don't know what kind of
wisdom or life experience I'm supposed to impart on you.
[
Bart's sitting looking skeptical about this whole 'giving his younger-self advice' task, obviously not taking it all that seriously even with that younger, creepy, way too still and quiet version of himself staring back at him. He's already fidgeting in his seat and cartoonishly wiggles his fingers near his head when he says the word wisdom. ]
It's only been two years or something since I got out of the virtual reality, which I guess is half our life technically but still, it's not like I changed all
that much. And then there's the whole not giving too much information to your past-self thing, 'cuz you don't want to break the whole time continuum or whatever. If that's even what this really is, I'm kinda unsure on the details about that actually. Just...Whatever! I guess I could tell you some stuff that's gonna happen no matter what. Just like, try to act surprised, okay?
So obvious one first; hey, we get out of virtual reality! And the aging to death thing get's cure. Or at least we age like everyone else now. Which is awesome! No dying at age three or four or sooner. And we get to meet our family! Most of them anyway. Some of them are better than others [
He scowls slightly as Wally comes to mind], but you'll figure that out pretty quick.
Reality isn't as fun as VR, though. Not even close. At least, not
most of the time...It has its moments, just...prepare for a lot of boring stuff in between, cuz also, everything is WAY slower. If you take all those few times where you were unhooked from VR, and stretch that into infinity, you kinda get an idea of what it's going to be like in the real world full time. It can be really awful sometimes, especially at first 'cuz you have to learn to slow down for everyone else and it can be just
maddening.
[
Almost to emphasize his point, he unconsciously runs a hand through his bangs before tugging at his hair a little as he speaks.]
But...you get used to it...eventually [
The hint of uncertainty in his voice as he say's that is rewarded with a sharp jolt from whatever fairy is overseeing this encounter.] AHht! Okay! Just kinda sorta used to it. [
Another jolt, this time smaller but still enough to elicit a yep.]
Alright! It's still a work in progress, okay?! Happy?! I guess it never really does get easier exactly, but it does get less frustrating, which probably doesn't make any sense right now, but it will later. Just...know that there is some stuff worth slowing down for or being patient about, and sometimes it can even be kinda nice.
I won't actually say what that stuff is, just in case this is some kind of time travel thing going on. I think Max would have said that figuring that out for myself was part of the experience or lesson or something like that anyway. So just trust me on that one, for now, kay?
But, hey! I am going to tell you one other future spoilery thing just so you can try and cut down on the mistake I kinda made. [He adds, voice taking on a light authoritative edge as he points at his younger self through the mirror.] Be nice to your cousin Jenni, okay? I know you're going to be ticked over stuff with Max and after literally running into her when you meet, but she's the coolest person we know, and you're not going to have much time with her, so don't waste it on being a butt head! Got it?
And...well, that's it! I think that's all I really got for ya mini me. So adiós for now, I guess. Really kinda hoping we don't have to do this again.
Oh, and...don't tell Kon about Jenni being the coolest person we know...Being the cool one is kind'a his thing. Just let him have that.
Additional info: He has a Flash Ring, a simple golden band with a Flash symbol on it, that will open up when a button is pressed on the side of the insignia. He can use it to store his Impulse costume when he doesn't need it.
