Wizard Meets Cape 1.1
At the moment, no one has ever been able to figure out what kind of Phenomenon the Halloween storm was. Was it something created by a Tinker invention? Or the result of a Parahuman unleashing his or her power. Protectorate tinkers and thinkers are baffled as they tried to identify the scientific causes behind the events that happened during the storm. A mysterious fog shrouding each city, Ghosts rising form the grave and and trying to reach out their loved ones. Sea creatures out of legend sicking ships and causing massive amounts of destruction. Dead bodies found in alleys all across the the world with two distinct puncture marks on their necks and a mysterious drain of blood. The world is waiting in bated breath as experts desperately seek answers to these mysteries..- Stan Vickery, Brockton Bay News.
Dear god High School was boring, tedious and of course nostalgic. Nostalgic in the sense that back at my old earth when I was really sixteen years old, I was counting the hours until I returned home and actually learned something really useful: Casting magic.
From class to class I barely payed attention to the lessons or the furtive glances thrown my way every so often. Not surprising, considering I was probably one of the taller ones there. Or it could be the raggity clothes I was wearing or my scarred hand. I generally ignored the stares. Not like I could stare back directly into their eyes. I don't really want to understand or know what goes on behind an adolescent mind during a soul gaze. I just simply went to staring at the chalk board and pretending to pay attention in class to things I've already learned decades ago.
The only class I actually did pay attention in was History Class and that was mainly because It was interesting learning about how the history of my world and this world was different. I learned about the appearance of parahumans in the eighties as well as the formation of this Triumverate and the first super heroes to act. Got to say, of all the universes we could end up in, I never expected to enter a world of super heroes and villains. Although this isn't your typical Marvel or D.C comics universe. Villains outnumber the heroes and there are these Endbringers that the people constantly live in fear of. For good reason too, considering they were cause of countless deaths and catastrophes in the past. They actually remind me of the nastier outsiders that invaded my world during its apocalypse. The strongest of them wiped three different countries with in the first two hours of their arrival.
The talk of being a super hero did lead me to do a fair bit of day dreaming. I mean becoming a cape does hold a certain level of charm. I would be able to fulfill my childhood fantasies of being Batman or Spider-Man. I even have a couple of ideas where I can create my own little secret headquarters and even thought about some possible costumes.
After what seemed like ten minutes of fantasizing, I ended up having to quash those thoughts as I thought about Maggie and her insistence that I not make waves on the first day here. Much as I hate to admit it, It'd be more trouble then its worth. The Grey Council is still trying to gain some pull in this world and my masquerading as a vigilante independent of the Protectorate and Wards would increase the chances of their existence being revealed to the public eye. We could do with less complications as things are already complicated with the problems that followed us from the old earth.
After history class was finished, It was about time for lunchtime, and I had to make my way back to my locker. It'll be an interesting exercise in finding out how different things changed since I was in High School. Although, I wondered where I could possibly sit. Didn't really want to stick out like a sore thumb if I ended up sitting alone. Several students kind of ignored me like I had the plague ever since I arrived at the school. Was my scarred hand really that horrible? I could understand that my clothes wouldn't really win any popularity contests but I don't really remember kids being that superficial in my old school. As my mind drifted more and more into these thoughts, I ended up losing focus and wound up bumping into somebody.
"Oof" She yelped as she dropped her books.
"Oh god. I'm really sorry about that." I said quickly as I knelt over and helped her pick up her books.
"No. No. That's fine." She responded just as quickly. I quirked my eyebrow as I picked up a sense of dread and panic in the tone of her voice. Was she running from something?
The Answer came in the form of three girls coming from around the corner. A red head, a brunette, and a dark haired girl. All of them leering at the girl before me with a predatory gleam.
"Where you going Taylor?" The red head called out. The girl before me froze like a deer caught in the headlights. 'Taylor' made an effort to get away as quickly as possible. Taylor quickly power walked away from me turning a corner. The girls followed suit. Frowning, I quickly followed the group of girls as quietly and as quickly as I can. When I caught up with them, they had Taylor trapped in a corner with a several onlookers watching. From the looks they had, they were used to seeing the three girls and what I assume is their victim.
"Where you going Taylor?" The brown haired girl asked.
"Yeah Taylor I wanted to talk to you. Its been so long." The red head added. The tone in her voice implied that she wasn't sincere.
"Come on Taylor. There's something I'd like to discuss. Just between us girls." The third one said. I frowned. Between the girls mocking smiles and Taylors timid yet apprehensive expression. I already knew what was about to go down. I've seen it enough times during my time in High School.
It was curious though, there were a couple of teachers nearby watching the three girls. They seemed to have been waiting for something. Common sense says they'd come and intervene. So why weren't they intervening. In fact, I wondered why wasn't anyone else doing anything. It seemed like the bystanders were waiting from some kind of trainwreck. It actually made me seethe inside. Well, I wasn't going to let it happen if I could help it.
So, unlike the bystanders here that are watching the three girls getting ready to pounce, I wasn't going to stand around and let one girl be bullied. Not if I could help it.
"I'm sorry ladies." I said appearing out of the corner. All those eyes darted to me. "But Taylor promised to help show me around the school."
"I did?" She blurted out her eyes widening at me. I turned to her and winked and smiled.
"Don't you remember? You said you were going to show me to the library at lunch break during homeroom." I said. I chuckled quietly at her surprised yet awed expression. I could tell that she really wasn't used to getting any help at all. The trio also seemed to be just as taken aback as her as they stared at me like I was some alien creature from another world.
"Come on lets go." I said tugging her arm. She nodded quickly as I had her lead the way out of what could have been a very sticky situation. "Sorry again for interrupting" I added. "Actually... I'm not..."
"Harry Dresden." I said once we were out of earshot and finally at the library.
"Taylor Herbert." The nervous girl responded, Setting aside her bag and assuming a seat across me. The Library at this time, didn't have many people and was currently devoid of any life save for that one librarian in the corner. Every few minutes she'd shoot a look at our direction and glare at us. Couldn't blame her, it was her lunch break. She seemed all adamant about having the library to herself. Unfortunately for her, I had a certain way with words. By words, I mean walking in on her and another faculty member making out and essentially black mailing her into letting us have the library to ourselves.
"Thank you... for what you did back there."
"Ah don't sweat it." I responded lightly. "Couldn't look myself in the mirror if I turned my back on somebody in need."
"Oh..." Taylor responded silently. Then she smiled. "You like helping people?"
"Yeah. It feels good to do so. In fact, I'd like become a private eye when I'm older. Go out and help people solve problems."
"Why not become a police officer?"
I gave her a soft laugh. "I'm not the kind to follow all those rules and regulations. I prefer to help people on my own terms. Kind of like how those capes operate."
"But those heroes still have rules and regulations to go by."
"Seems like they play by their own set of rules though." I said. "Don't know. Maybe its different for them. Never really did pay much attention to what could goes on behind the scenes." My thoughts drifted to what the Grey Council was doing right now, gathering all intel for on how the protectorate operated. Compiling intelligence on capes and how they operated was one of the first things we did when we first formed the organization. Chances are, that the other factions to followed us here, have already gained some political pull or influence over the cape community. We were woefully behind in that regard. Catching up was going to be a pain in the ass.
Taylor simply nodded and pulled some books out of her bag. Most of them text books save for one: A biography of the Triumverate.
"Extra Credit for Mister Gladly?" I asked, gesturing to the book. Taylor looked down and blushed slightly.
"No. Just something I'm interested in. I'm normally not into biographies but..."
"Big fan capes I take it?" Her blush deepened.
"Is there anything wrong with that." She'd asked meekly.
"Nah capes are awesome. I'm a huge Spider-Man fan. The Greatest Super Hero ever.
"Err who? " She asked. By her expression she seemed unusually curious. "Is he a hero with control over spiders?"
"No! He he moves like a spider. Goes from roof to roof. He shoots webbing out of his wrists?"
She continued to look at me blankly.
"Oh come on." I groaned. "Wears a red costume with a web pattern. Is loved and hated by New York. You know his favorite saying "With great power comes great Responsibility..."
"I don't really keep up with the minor capes." Taylor responded honestly.
"Right... Your all into those mainstream capes. No one loves the underdog these days." I said with a wistful sigh. Silence greeted us. And for a moment I thought my sense of humour was off beat. The girl Taylor though gave me a teasing smile.
"And your more indie right? Fan of those obscure heroes nobody cares about."
"I'll have you know that Spider-Man legend." I responded. "An Icon. The unsung hero." I said a little too dramatically. Taylor however giggled and smiled.
"Still, never heard of him..." She replied.
"Meh Classics always die and fade into obscurity." I said. Probably should have realized that Spider-man and some of those classic heroes from my world would have faded by this point in time. I mean what's the point about having comics about super heroes when you have the real living thing walk around everyday. "So. You said you don't normal read biographies. What do you normally read?"
"Some good Sci-fi. You know Dune saga by Frank Herbert. Douglas Adams."
"Really?" I said, my body perking up in interest. "Just curious. Are you a Star Wars fan?"
"Original Trilogy only." She replied. My smile widened. A girl after my own heart. Although, if I were to be honest about myself. The prequels weren't so bad. There were parts of that trilogy that were somewhat watchable at least.
"I completely get what you mean... Some of the books were way better then what Lucas released.."
For the rest of the lunch period we both ended nerding out on different things. From Star Wars to Orson Scott Card to Philip . We mainly began talking about books we enjoyed reading. We even got on to the subject of poetry. Turns out we're both fans of Robert Frost. Funny enough, She's not a big fan of the Road Not Taken. Kind of surprising considering all kids her age loved that poem.
She's smart and super friendly. Its criminal that she'd be super lonely. Not a friend in the entire school save for me. Well, I suppose we're only acquaintances now at the moment but I'd like to change that.
"Say, do you know any good bookstores nearby." I asked.
"Yeah, There is a good one over at the boardwalk."
"Can you show me there then? Actually, I'd like to get to know the area better. Maybe you can show me around. Say, after class today?" I said with a grin. The girl with glasses froze. She was looking at me like she just met a new life form. Geez. Do I really seem that alien. She seemed uncomfortable. Maybe I was too forward. I decided to backtrack a bit.
"If you don't want to. It's okay." I spoke up.
"No. No!" She said a little too quickly. "Its just that I have something to do tonight. Help my dad with something at the house. How about Friday?
"Awesome. Here's my number." I ripped out a piece of paper from my notebook and scribbled it down. Taylor did the same. "Well, I'll see you around then."
"Later." She smiled.
For the most part, the rest of the day went by like a breeze. Well mostly a breeze. For the classes themselves, I mostly did another round of pretending to pay attention and write down whatever notes were on the board. Things however, got pretty interesting after sixth period. Where the Red head of the trio approached me and walked beside me. Evidently, we had biology class together. She must have peeked at my schedule while I wasn't looking. I had a feeling she'd approach me though. She seemed unusually upset that I interrupted her favorite pass time earlier during lunch.
If it weren't for how she treated Taylor or other like her I'd admit that attractive and like any normal hormone filled male, would definitely be drooling right.
"Hey. You're the new kid right?"
"Harry Dresden. And you are?"
"Emma Barnes." She said. She gave me the most sweetest of smiles. I wasn't fooled.
"Where you from Harry?"
"Chicago. Moved here last weekend."
"Very interesting. What's it like out in Chicago."
"Very cold winters. Really hot summers. The people can be bitchy. Well not as bitchy as you are. " I responded blandly. That definitely caught her attention. She stopped dead and stared at me. She gave another sweet smile.
"I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"Oh. Are you hard of hearing?" I replied. "I said you are a complete bitch. Not just a bitch but the Alpha bitch. No! The Queen of Alpha Bitches. " I said it in such bravado and a sing song tone that few passing by us turned their heads in our direction.
Emma's smile turned sour then she glared at me. Normally, I'm the perfect gentlemen. A soft smile there. A polite nod to any of the ladies gabbing and gossiping. However, throughout the day, I've been prodding other students and getting some info about Taylor's situation. What I've found out, made me furious. Not just the fact that she was basically outnumbered and didn't have a friend in the world but also how nobody, not even the teachers were actually doing anything about it. No one should be alone like that. I returned Emma's glare with a sweet smile.
"We both know why you're really here. So why don't you spit out."
"Straight to the point. Alright then Dresden. You're new here and there is a certain order that you have to follow in Winslow High. Certain rules that have to be obeyed."
I chuckled quietly at those words. Me and the word rules have never really gotten along.
"I'm trying help you Harry. You see I actually kind of like you. So I'm going give a good piece of advice. Anybody who associate themselves with trash like Herbert is going to find himself at the bottom end of the food chain. Believe me when I say you don't want that it to happen. It's a nasty place to be.
"Just like the locker you stuffed Tayor in right? Tell me. Does that make you feel good. Tormenting a girl like that and treating her like trash. Scaring the girl to the point of putting her into a hospital. What are you trying to prove? That you're better then her. That you're somehow superior. I'll tell you what you've proven. You've proven that you're weak." I said, careful to keep my anger under control. For a moment Emma was a taken back. She wasn't really used to being talked back to like that. Or maybe something in my words had stung her. She was silent for a good ten seconds before she regained her composure and spoke up again.
"You don't want me as your enemy Dresden. "
"And I don't want you as a friend." I replied. "Funny how that works out."
"Suit yourself. But you're going to regret those words." She said.
"We'll see." I replied calmly. We arrived a the biology room and I assumed a seat as a far away from the red head as could.
Emma's way of making of life miserable for me came in the form of four burly jocks waiting for me outside in the school parking lot. Their heads turned towards me as I stepped out door. They were whispering to each other and decided to walk in my direction. Out of the the corner of my eye, I saw Emma's trio in a certain distance, chatting avidly with each other and shooting me a couple of looks. Emma gave me a rather smug look. I look forward to wiping it off.
"You're Harry Dresden right?" One of the jocks said, approaching me.
"Yeah. Who wants to know?"
"I do. The names John Rivers. And I came to talk to you because I've heard some rumors about you and Emma Barnes over there. I've heard you've been stalking her."
At this, I let out a lighthearted laugh, which caused some of the jocks eyes to widen in surprise.
"Well, Emma's liar then. Because I just met her today. FYI. I find her atrocious. Wouldn't be could dead hitting on her."
"Listen," He said, ignoring my response. Before he could get a word in I just walked passed him.
"As much as I would love hearing you white knight an absolute bitch of a girl, I'm really not in the mood to hear it."
"Don't you turn your back on me!" John replied, grabbing my shoulders.
"Or what, you'll beat me, or bully me like Emma does to Taylor."
"She deserves what she gets from Emma. She's an slut." One of the other jocks said. I gave that other jock the most unpleasant of smiles, a sense of burning fury welling up within me. I'd normally, wait until my attackers made the first move but at this point I didn't care. Time seemed to have stopped as my fist smashed into that jocks face knocking him to the ground. There was exactly five seconds of stunned silence in the school yard. All the onlookers were staring at me like I was a dead man walking.
Pandemonium happened after the punch had been thrown. John Rivers tackled me to the ground. Well. Attempted to tackle me. A sweep of the foot and a grab of the shoulder, and I threw him on the ground. He landed on his face. The other jocks rushed me.
They were bulkier and stronger then I am. Luckily for me, my dearly departed wife took great pains into getting me trained into Akido and and Judo. I didn't have rely one brute force to win this fight. I just a needed to fight intelligently and calm. I just needed to keep my mind clear. It was easier then you'd think considering I spent majority of my life time fighting against beasts and monsters twice my weight class. Compared to those horrors, fighting burly football players was like fighting against stuffed animals.
I kneed one jock in the balls rendering him on the ground, grabbed another jock's throat and swept his left foot, forcing him on the ground. There were two jocks left at this point. One of them managed to tackle me to the ground. He was on top of me and ready to do a ground and pound. He managed to get a good two good punches in. Lucky for me I was able to do a quick reversal and kneed him in the balls. The last jock was tried to take a swing at me. I dodged that the punch, weaved in grabbed his hip and threw him on the ground, placing my knees on his stomach.
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!" My head turned and I saw Principle Blackwell rushing towards us. I dusted my self off and stood up. All the other jocks around me got up slowly and turned to the adult in the field.
"Mister Dresden. For some reason I'm not surprised. Explain yourself now."
Damn. I was so close to getting through the day too.
I was alone in the principles office bored and alone and nursing my black eye with an ice pack. Well not totally. There was a butterfly in the room sitting right at the windowsill.
The door opened and in walked Maggie shooting an irritated look at me.
"Really Dad? The first Eight hours in Brockton Bay and this happens. Hell Bells, you're unbelievable.."
"Well. To be fair. It is a Tuesday." I commented. She glared at me and I threw up my arms.
"Fine I messed up. I'm sorry."
"What did I say about making waves?"
"Couldn't help myself. They insulted a friend of mine."
"And you, in typical fashion decided to break two football players noses. One of them being the Star Quarterback."
"Really," I said my smile growing even wider. "Damn I'm good. Totally worth it."
"Lucky for you," Maggie said, ignoring my comment. "I've managed to talk Principle Blackwell into giving you only a week of suspension. He wanted to give you two weeks for starting the fight. I had to point out that the other football players were receiving only one week for even joining in "
"Again, totally worth it." I replied. Maggie simply sighed.
"Come on, Lets go home and lets do it quickly. I don't want anymore get any more headaches while I'm here. Uncle Tom's going to be at the apartment by the way. He wanted to see you before he left."
I smiled at that. Its been too long since I've seen him. Thomas Raith is my half brother. He is also a White Court Vampire or to put it more simply an Incubus. While his condition has made it hard living a normal life, he's managed to deal. He is a good man however and he's always stuck with me through thick and thin. Even helped me rescue Maggie when she was kidnapped years ago. It'll be nice to talk to him again.
"Oh before we go. Let me do one thing." I went to the windowsill where the butterfly had sat and I opened the window. "There you go little guy, now you're free." As if to respond to my words it flew away. I turned to Maggie and gave her a mischievous grin.
"So, Since Thomas is going to be there. Think we can swing by the liquor store and get some beer?"
Maggie gave me the most exasperated of looks.
"Did you really just ask that?"
Authors Note:
Welcome to my latest piece: What the Storm Brought. I've wanted to do a cross for Worm and Dresden for a while and it took me a while to figure out how I wanted cross it. I didn't just want another trapped in another world scenario. So; After some brainstorming sessions, this is what I came up with. An experimental concept for me to write about. I really want to make it work though.
I'm well aware that this chapter is short compared to what I normally put out in my other works. For this fic, I decided to go for shorter chapters this time around because a shorter chapter is easier to edit and I want to avoid overloading the reader with too much information or having them lost on what's happening in the plot. So what do you think? Did I succeed in this regard? Feel free to review. I could really use some opinions.
On another note, I'm well aware that not much has happened as of yet. For this chapter, I wanted to lay down the ground work for Dresden's and Taylor's relationship. How they interact and influence each other which will be a very big focus on this fic. At least I'm aiming to have that as a big focus.
Next Chapter should be more action filled as it will focus on Taylor and Harry tackling a huge problem together. I'm actually really excited about writing about it. I hope you are to.