A/N: Gosh my last Incredibles fic is getting so popular I had to hiatus some things and start this up! I really hope you enjoy this as much as the last one. This fic features a number of OCs as well as some old favorites. As always I love reviews. Bear with my minor spelling errors, I am desperate to publish and it has to be done by phone. I do my best to keep it right but we all make mistakes. Enough of my blathering- on with the Info!
Protection
Fandom: The Incredibles
Pairing: Violet Parr/Mirage, some cute Dash/OC
Rating: M
. . .
"Hey Violet, this came for you." I look up at my coworker, Stacy, who waves a hefty manila envelope in my direction. She sets it beside my workstation where I am trying to reset the binding of an old, somewhat tattered book. I look down at the envelope, noticing the distinct lack of identifying marks. I raise a dark eyebrow in question, knowing I look exactly like my mother.
"Are you sure? It doesn't say anything on it." I pick it up, noticing the weight of the contents; it is quite heavy.
"Yes. The woman who delivered it said it was specifically for you and only you." My fingers freeze on the opening flap, much to Stacy's chagrin. "You're not going to open it?" I move to resume my work restoring the book, shaking my head.
"Who delivered it?" I have a feeling, dare I say a hope as to who it was. Stacy shrugs, palms up.
"She didn't leave a name, though she was a hell of a looker. Silver hair, nice clothes and these shoes! Violet, her shoes!" I freeze at the mention of silver but manage to feign her enthusiasm for her footwear. "Secret admirer?" She nudges my shoulder, making me blush.
"I dunno, maybe?" I sound 15 again. I half expect my hair to fall in my eyes but it won't; I cut it a long time ago. I glance at the clock; I've been in overtime for an hour now. I take the excuse to leave, gathering my supplies amd putting them away in the cabinet, initialling the return sheet. I scoop up the envelope and fix Stacy with a stern look when she tries to follow me. She laughs and holds her hands up, staying put when I leave.
I keep the envelope close to my chest against the light rain that started nearly an hour ago. I always walk home from work, I haven't wanted to drive since the incident with the RV. I don't like traffic. I fumble with my keys at the door, entering ungracefully and ignoring the grumpy mewling of my cat.
It takes me a few minutes before I can open the envelope revealing a sleek metal tablet. I push my hands into my choppy black hair. I'd asked my father once, how Mirage had contacted him. It was just like this... The letters N.S.A. appear on the screen, bright in my dimly lit apartment, before her face blooms to life before my eyes: Mirage.
She is older now, lines beginning to form upon her tan face. I can feel my cheeks grow hot; I know she can't see me but I'm still embarrassed at how giddy I am to see my teenage crush. My chest tightens when she says my name.
"I hope you are taking notes Violet Parr. This information is classified and will not be repeated." I scramble to grab a pen, using the envelope to jot my scratchy shorthand.
"There is reason to believe a dangerous individual has emigrated to Metroville." The picture changes to a very attractive olive skinned man with dark curly hair and matching beard. I can't see why he is dangerous from his appearance. I squint at him, my upturned nose wrinkling slightly.
"His name is Lukas Mandross, designation: Screwtape. We believe he is responsible for the growing number of disappearances and thefts occurring in the area." The image switches back to Mirage, her fingers laced together in front of her nose. I think she looks tired. "You may have seen these occurrances in your local newspaper." I bite my lip, waiting for what this is really about. Somehow she looks right at me. I suppress the urge to become invisible.
"After the Municiberg incident," That's what they are calling the time Nebulon nearly collapsed the entire city with his portals. "The N.S.A. began to recognize a need for selective teams of supers for temporary assignments." She sighs, as if she'd rather not go on. Once again her eyes found mine, or mine find hers...I'm not sure.
"We are extending an offer to you, Miss Parr." The sudden formality slights me, but then again she doesn't know me. I haven't seen her in 7 years. I watch her tuck her silver hair behind an ear pierced with a black diamond teardrop.
"If you accept, arrive at the following location tomorrow morning at 0600 hours. Come alone and bring nothing." The screen details the address and I jot it down. The tablet begins to smoke at the edges. I throw my hand over it, encasing the explosion in a small circular forcefield. I can't afford to lose my security deposit.
I sit down to think, turning the address over in my hands. The cat settles her generous form on my lap, yawning. I stroke her ears, staring off into space. An hour later I am picking up the phone.
"Hello?" She answers on the second ring.
"Hi mom." I clear my throat quietly. I am nervous.
"Violet! How are you?" I haven't called in a while. I hold the phone away from my ear a little. She is deaf in one ear now and louder than she means to be; courtesy of Syndrome's jet explosion. The damage showed itself much later.
"Um...I'm fine, listen I need a favor."
"Sure honey what do you need?"
"I'm taking a trip and I need someone to watch Ms. Cat."
"Where are you going?" I can hear the suspicion in her voice. The dance begins; she is difficult to lie to.
"Upstate with some friends...maybe Oregon. It's a road trip thing." She is silent for a moment.
"Yes I'll watch your cat for you. How long will you be gone?"
"A couple of weeks maybe?" I hope I sound convincing.
"Be safe Violet. I'm glad you're branching out." I feel bad...I don't really have any friends. I don't mind. Girls only want to talk about boys and I don't exactly care for boys. I have my cat and my books.
"Thanks mom, I'll leave money for food."
"You're welcome honey. I love you...so much." I freeze. She knows something is up. I've heard this before.
"I love you too." I hang up abruptly. At least she will feed my cat. I will deal with her snooping later. I look at the clock. It is a quarter after midnight. I need to sleep. I ready myself for bed, brushing my teeth carefully. It is hard to keep my mind off Mirage. I didn't think I'd ever actually see her again. I wonder if she will like what she sees; I have changed a lot. I look at myself in the mirror: too tall, too thin and messy black bangs that hang just short of my eyebrows. I sigh and click off the light, crawling into bed.
. . .
My teeth chatter in the cold morning air, hands shoved into pockets to keep them warm. The sun has not come up yet. The alley where I wait is dim amd grey; I am the first one to arrive. Footsteps set my heart racing, my body flickers before becoming transparent. I duck behind a light pole trying to conceal my still visible clothes.
A young man strides into view, a cocky smirk plastered on his familiar face. I watch my brother turn a quick circle and dust his hands triumphantly. He did always like to be first. The street lamp hits him like a limelight. He certainly looks good: solid and blocky like our father.
"Sorry Dash...I was here first." I am not about to tell him why. He pouts at me, genuinely petulant that he had not arrived first. I am a little surprised to see him but then again his speed is legendary: fastest super on record. Unofficially of course. Last year he broke the sound barrier. I offer him a warm smile. He returns it and gives me a tight squeeze. I notice his hair has grown; blonde locks pulled into a small ponytail. I give it a flick with my index finger.
"That's new." I squint my eyes shut when he toussles my hair in response.
"So is this! How are you Violet?" He steps away from me, straightening his nice coat. I keep my hands shoved in my pockets of long faded jeans, feeling a bit underdressed in my hooded swestshirt compared to his sport coat and black tie.
"Trying to be normal, you know." It's been 7 years since our family saved Metroville from Syndromecs robot...7 years of continued hiding. They are still too scared. New supers are born every day. Syndrome was right; anyone can be super. I absently push phantom hair behind my ear, the gesture automatic. "You got an invite too?" Dash nods. Before we can talk more, we are joined by a short thin girl, who yawns and rubs her eyes as she approaches. I notice Dash stand up a bit straighter. I suppress a snicker; her thinks she's cute.
"I didn't know there'd be other people here..." The girl looks at us warily. I smile for her, hoping to ease her worries. She has impossibly large blue eyes. It's hard not to stare at them.
"Did you get a message from a silver haired woman?" The girl nods. "We did too. My name is Violet, this is my brother..."
"Daaaash." He interrupts, waggling an eyebrow at her. Smooth. She leans away from him, a look of reluvision on her face. I want to laugh, really I do but I won't embarrass him.
"Uh..Petra." I shake her hand gently.
"Nice to meet you."
"If you're finished with pleasantries, we really should prepare for transport." The husky voice I dream about interrupts our introductions. I turn my head to see her but she has turned to walk away. She is all business. The three of us share a look of confusion before Petra broke away to follow. Dash gives me a playful smirk, sprinting off to catch them easily. I sighed, pushing my hand through my hair again. The sound of my feet dragging echoes off the brick alley walls.
The car we ride in is quite luxurious - I have never actually been in a limosine, not even for prom. The seats are heated; Dash cannot contain himself. He flits from empty seat to empty seat, cooing his approval. I keep my eyes on the plush dark carpet, feeling self-conscious for the first time in years. My skin flickers with faint lavender sparks. I look up and catch Mirage watching me, a look of sudden terror edging into her face. She looks away quickly, not seeing that I noticed. I turn a little pink at her scrutiny. I grab Dash as he jets up beside me.
"Sit down Dash. It's just a car."
"It's a limosine, Vi. It's so cool." He looks at Mirage and Petra across from us, jabbing his thumb back at me. "Sisters." Petra giggles at him. He puffs out his chest, smiling. Mirage clears throat, drawing my attention again.
"You have all been made aware of the recent disappearances occuring in this area." I take the binder she hands me, noting the slight grip as if she doesn't want me to take it. I ignore it and flip the binder open. It is full of photographs - people of all ages and backgrounds, names and dates. "It is believed these missing people are supers or undocumented humans with super potential."
"You think this Screwface guy took them and you want us to get them back?" Dash interrupts. Its impossible for him not to. I roll my eyes, returning them to the dossiers of missing supers.
"At this time, it is unclear if Mr. Mandross is responsible for these disappearances. The N.S.A has attempted to keep his whereabouts known. He moved to this area a short time before the kidnappings began. His skill set suggests this could be his handiwork."
"What is his skill set?" I decide to join the conversation; shy and timid is not who I am anymore. She doesn't look at me, not directly anyway. Fine, I'll look at her. She is clearly tired: her slate grey suit is wrinkled and rumpled in some places. Her eyes are lined, her mouth drawn, her hair less glossy and a bit frizzy near the top. Any moment I expect a yawn will creep out of her narrow chest. I try to pay attention to what she is saying.
"...vocal suggestion. He also has training in hypnosis performed with gestures or body language."
"So you're saying he can make someone do anything just by telling them to?" Petra looks worried.
"Documentation suggests that he requires a specific phrasing but essentially yes." The thought is chilling.
"What can we do about that?" I don't know what Petra can do but I can't imagine any of us can do anything to stop this man. I notice Mirage pointely avoiding looking at me, her hazel eyes on the window behind. I can't help but feel offended. I'll figure it out later.
"For now you will be taken to a training facility where you will have license to improve your particular skills. Edna Mode has been retained to outfit the three of you. You will be briefed when the time is right for you to attempt bringing Mandross into custody."
"What will you be doing?" My voice is edgy. She looks at my hair. It's a start. She seems surprised by it.
"I will be there to monitor your progress and transfer any relevant intel to you." I'm starting to think she didn't want me here. The car slows to a stop. She opens the door without another word. Dash shrugs at me and we exit the car.
The sun has come up, shining brightly over the field that surrounds us. A large wire fence bordered the newly tilled corn field. In the center, a squat concrete building sat like a fat tick sucking on the land. Mirage waited for the limo to exit the razor gate before letting us in the heavy steel door. The room beyond was white, seemingly endless, lit brightly with unseen fixtures. The space was disorienting. Mirage clapped her hands twice. The room lurched suddenly downward. Petra squeals and stumbles into Dash, who catches her deftly. Mirage chuckles at our unease.
The room stops moving. I can hear the whine of gears slowing, the muffled thud as the elevator room settled in the floor. My stomach turns a little in vertigo but I blame the seamless white walls more than the motion of the elevator. Mirage snaps her fingers and the wall slides back. She stops us before we can see into the chamber beyond, the look on her face as excited as us. She spreads her hands wide, arms a barrier to us. She takes a few steps backwards leading us towards the bright light at the end of the hallway.
"This facility was constructed here a few years ago to offer a support base to any super teams dispatched to Metroville. I am proud to serve as the Matron of this facility and took the initiative one step further." Mirage steps aside to allow us access to the chamber.
I have to rub my eyes. The interior chamber rises at least a mile above us, an enormous yellow light shining somewhere beyond my vision like a sun. The chamber was some sort of pink orange sand stone, wind blasted smooth into tunnels, doors and rooms. In the center an enormous tree grew, its trunk jutting free of a large stone web-dome. It was stunning to see the amount of care and precision that went into its creation.
"I hope to one day make this place a school for super children. A place where they can be themselves and be around others like them." The sentiment touches me. I turn my eyes from the room to something equally beautiful. She is looking towards the artificial sun, her hair framing her face perfectly. She glances over, catching me looking. She surprises me with a distracted smile.
"Let me show you around."
. . .
The facility is enormous: equipped with a greenhouse, training rooms, dormatories and a library. It was clear how proud Mirage was of her position here. I dont blame her; its truly a wonderful place to see. We walk together behind her as she leads us to our rooms. Dash nudges me when catches me watching her walk. He's the only one who knows, I trust him. I give him a light punch and wait while Mirage deposits Petra in her room and gives her a tour.
"So what do you think?" I have always valued his advice. He is much smarter than he lets on.
"I think she's hot!" He giggles, covering his mouth with both hands.
"Not that!" A sudden panic she might overhear grips me, though he very well could be talking about Petra. "About this guy?" He stops teasing me and grows serious.
"I don't know. I think it's strange that the N.S.A. recruited the two of us...especially considering how Mom felt about going back. Even more if you remember how supers are still being relocated. But maybe its because they know us and what we can do. Sometimes they come and clock my speed, just to keep tabs."
"Yeah...I don't think they worry about me so much. All I can do is disappear so that's nothing to sneeze at." I try not to be a little jealous I'm not so impressive. He gives my shoulder a squeeze
"From what I hear, you're the only super documented who can acheive total invisibility...plus there's your force fields." He knows just how to make me feel better. Mirage has returned. We follow in silence until we reach Dash's room. He gives me a wink and a thumbs up, leaving me alone to wait for her. She is gone for less than a minute this time. Dammit, Dash.
"Follow me, please." I nod and follow a little bit behind her. The silence is deafening to me.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Her voice floats over to me. I scurry up to her, shoving my hands in my pockets and staring at the polished sandstone floor.
"It's so beautiful here. How long did it take to build?" My heart hammers...I'm actually talking to Mirage.
"Longer than I care to remember."
"And you're really going to turn it into a school?" I lift my eyes from the floor, tweaking my lips into a smile. She seems nervous when she nods.
"I want to. I have to make amends for the wrong I've done to supers." I'd never really thought about it before. I havent forgotten the last time I saw her in our kitchen, talking to my mother. It never occurred to me she was responsible for so many missing supers. It seems fitting that my assignment is somewhat similar. I don't know what to say. That was all before me. We stop in front of my room. I scuttle to the door, turning back to give her a smile in gratitude.
"Thank you, Mirage...for picking me." Her face grows dark and the easiness that had formed between us dissolves. She gives me a sharp nod.
"Report to the main training room tomorrow at noon. You are free to wander the facility until then." She leaves me at the door, her high heels clicking on the floor. I watch her go, fighting the urge to follow, concern nagging at my head. Something was going on with her and it had something to do with me.