Sorry for the wait, people! I've decided to cycle through the story's I have, but expect the next chapter will be out sooner... hopefully.
Hector is OP, that was the whole thought process behind him. An OP who isn't with either 'Hero's' or 'Villains', might have to change that later, but that's the basics of the plan. I mean, common, the ability to manipulate and read minds in a school that gets as close to mind powers as super-intelligence.
?Chaotic Neutral?
Probably not. But it is a possibility.
Everything about Coach Boomer is either what I/Hector sees or actually happened in film, until Eliza and Hector, of course.
Can anyone tell me what Eliza's power is, I kind of slipped it in somewhere... And forgot. Whoops.
Warning, may end up killing people. This is a precaution only, just in case. I'll tell you in advance if I decide to kill anyone.
"Normal" Speech.
"Telepathic" Speech.
I do not, in any way, own Sky High or any of the characters.
Apart from Hector, Hectorss mine! Mine, my precciousssss.
Something to blow your mind, hope you like it. :-)
If I eat myself, would I become twice as big? Or disappear completely?
Hector was quite pleased that he didn't collapse because of all the thoughts the students were giving out, thankfully he'd solved the problem of reading everything someone thought and instead had managed to train himself to only graze the surface thoughts of people. It saved on the shock of meeting a large group of people suddenly and unexpectedly.
It was still slightly disorienting, even though he was expecting it, but still, after the amount of time he'd stayed alone in his house it could only be expected.
If that wasn't any indication of getting numb to the world, and therefore wasting the potential he had, than his parents were virgins.
Which they weren't, as the brief flash of his parents having a go at making him were enough to convince him. They were going at a heck of a pace...
The cheerleader caught his attention, just before he could start getting uncomfortable with the image. They all had the exact same thought pattern with minimal divergence, normal cheerleaders had slightly different patterns that usually lead to the same thing, at least the successful teams do. They also looked the same, like identical twins times seven.
Someone thought about using their eye lasers on someones backside. His friend encouraged him with thought of amusement, not necessary the one the first was looking for though.
A brief flash of pain from the other person, Hector could barely make out that they were female before they reacted instinctively by freezing the offender.
The prankers friends started laughing at his expense. There was also a bit of awe and amusement from the group he was in, mostly from Will and Layla at the front. Figures, everyone stays behind the 'most powerful' super in the hopes of protection.
The cheerleader finishes the show, each 'hoping' into another until only one was left, her thought pattern seemed to blend the thoughts of all the cheerleaders together. Hector barely blinked, it wasn't that surprising actually.
As for the protection...
Well, the two at the top of the stairs were almost thinking the same thing. Angry and/or frustrated thoughts about the cheerleaders almost oozed out of them, before one got the idea of aiming for the 'freshmen' and ruining their perceived safety. The thought that went through his mind gave plenty of hints about what to expect.
Hector stepped away from the group, unnoticed, before the 'fun' began.
Sure enough, the other one sped down the steps and started spinning around the group, excluding Hector, herding them into a tight circle.
The one that had the idea mimicked a spring going down steps, extending his limbs to move down the steps.
"Hey, freshmen." Started 'Speeder', "Your attention, please." Before crossing his arms and leaning back slightly, his friend placed his feet next to him and returned to a normal, un-elasticized, person.
'Lash' twists, getting some clicks out of his bones, before continuing where Speed left off. "I'm Lash, um, this is Speed," Lash claps a hand onto his friend's shoulder, "And as representatives of the Sky High welcoming committee."
Speed continues while Lash extends his hand into someones face, "We'd be happy to collect that 15 dollar student fee." Hector grinned slightly in mild amusement, the new students were in a group and looked like anyone would expect when they first step onto the High School, it was to expected really.
The kid with the hand in his face was clearly more confused than the others in the group, as he spoke up first and his mind was spiraling slightly faster, "Erm, There was nothing about a new student fee in the handbook."
Someone approached the group with the prevalent thought of shooing the two away from the 'freshmen'.
"Ok guys, very funny. I'll take over from here."
Hector rose an eyebrow in intrigue, this new person, Gwen Grayson, 'felt' older than she looked, like, 'adult' older. She was definitely assessing the new students internally for something. Unfortunately, she didn't pick out anyone, so Hector couldn't quite tell what for.
"Your student body president, I know you'll will love it here at Sky High."
OK, Will's thoughts on Gwen were distracting enough that Hector didn't bother with going deeper. Especially when Layla noticed Will's distraction. This'll be fun, Hector gave another, eviler, grin.
"I know I have." Ohh, look. Will's mind is starting to produce romantic music, wonder who did that?
Yep, he's completely fallen head over heels for Miss Gwen 'Older Than She Looks' Grayson. Who was also looking back at him with a hint of recognition, bitterness and amusement.
Layla certainly noticed Will's absence of mind, a small thought slipped in and she was insulted, slightly heartbroken and jealous. Not necessarily in that order for severity. Hector slipped himself back into the group unnoticed while Gwen continued carefully listening to the rules . Gotta love a multi-tasker.
"If you can just follow these few simple rules, I promise you will not fall of the edge of the school." Gwen puffed a laugh out in fake timidness, good enough to fool most of the new high schoolers. Unless they had mind powers, of course. Interested, Hector labeled the act, and her, for future study and dissection.
"Now, if you could just follow me inside for your orientation."
Hector's smirk returned when Will became confused at the mention of the rules, and Layla's response was completely tame in comparison to her internal thoughts. But no less miffed, Hector had to admit.
A sharp pang went through him when he thought about his parents and what they would think about his behavior... He didn't know, probably OK with it if what his farther did when he was in school was anything to go by.
It hurt, not knowing what his parents thought on a subject, it'll most likely only get worse as he is introduced to new things that haven't been seen by 'normal' people, like his parents, before.
Focusing back on the high school as he walked through the doors, after walking up the steps, Hector trailed the group of new schoolers. Checking through the minds of the other, older, schoolers. And growing more disappointed with the class system and the differentiation of the students.
After a while, after Hector had finally searched Grayson's mind and been surprised, they were herded into the school's gym. The bell rang for the rest of the High Schoolers to start their day. As all the new schoolers neared the slightly elevated stage at the furthest wall, a tingling sound from behind all of them caught everyone's attention. Turning around, Hector squinted at the orb of light, it had a very business-like mindset that also found some amusement from the others slightly startled reactions. It was the Principle, if her thoughts were anything to go by,
The orb flew above the stage, before it settled down and started twisting while simultaneously changing into Principle Powers, who was also spinning slightly. Much to the other students awe.
"Good morning, I am Principle Powers," she smiled, "And, on behalf of the faculty and staff," the Principle opened her arms invitingly, "I welcome you to Sky High."
Zach shouts, "Yeah!" in excitement, bemusing the Principle enough to raise an eyebrow in exasperation. Zach quickly realizes the slip-up, as he tries shrugging it off embarrassedly.
The Principle ignores him, instead continuing where she had left off, "In a few moments, you will go through power placement and your own, heroic journey, will begin."
Hector wasn't, but at the same time was, expecting the myriad of emotions at the proclamation. A few, more powerful/useful abilities people mostly, were more proud and slightly more arrogant. To be expected, really. Most, however, didn't bother thinking about it too much. A few of the weaker students reacted slightly negatively, whether it was Will's incredulous, "Power Placement," Layla's blunt, "Sound's Fascist," the "Higher track, or the Loser track."
Which was closely followed by Will questioning, slightly fearfully, "Th-there's a loser track?"
Ethan leans over slightly to whisper to Will while the Principle continued, "I think the preferred term is... 'Hero Support'."
Hector grinned again, mind reading had the added benefit, or drawback, of knowing what people are saying. Even if they're not close enough to hear them.
"For now," continued the Principle, signifying that she was finishing her speech, "Good deeds, and good luck. And let the adventure... Begin." Oh, Hector knew there were going to be adventures this year. But who was he to talk?
The Principle stepped to the side, out from behind the podium, and declared loudly while opening her arms wide, "Comets, away!" Before reversing her entrance and shooting back through the doors, over the new students heads.
Speaking of mind reading people, a teacher entered through the floor behind them, as the students were turning around to watch the Principle leave. 'Coach Boomer' obviously thought he was sneaky and cool when he had opened the floor for him to ascend... Even if someone had stepped back and fell down the hole. Not that it mattered to Hector.
The machinery clanked, signifying the full extension, or at least the programmed extension, of the lift. Revealing Coach 'Boomer' in all his 'glory'.
Hector couldn't help but blink slightly, the coach was wearing knee high socks, shorts, a jacket, sunglasses and a baseball cap... He really didn't know what to think of the, well, odd clothing. Everyone else didn't seem particularly odded out, instead thinking the clothing to be normal coach clothing. Good God, what had he brought himself into? To be considering this to be professional? It looked somewhere between slightly ridiculous and being a complete eye sore. The 'Coaches' thoughts portrayed him as a self indulging 'Hero', believing himself above most of the new students purely because of his 'power'.
Yelling really loudly, yea, that sounds sooo benevolent and helpful.
"Alright, listen up."
God, even his dismissive tone stank of arrogance and self entitlement.
"My name is Coach Boomer."
The other students started to surround him as he mentally bathed in their attention. But Hector stayed back, and instead lifted his hood over his head to cover his face in shadows... and to break eyesight with the eye watering sight of the 'Coach'.
"Some of you may know me as Sonic Boom..." One or two of the students clicked, "You may not."
Ooooh, nooo. Someone who likes the sound of their voice, bloody terrific.
The coach stepped forwards while pointing towards the students, "Here's how Power Placement's going to work. You will step up here and show me your power." He gestured to his side, "Yes, you will do so in front of the entire class." He says, almost boredly. Eliciting various, though mostly negative, responses. "I will then determine where you will be assigned... Hero, or Side-Kick." Clear emphasis on 'Side-Kick' meaning 'You don't want that'. "Now," the coach swings his arms behind his back as he turns and walks to the side, "Every year there are a few students, or as I like to call them." He takes a semi-deep breath while turning and leaning towards the new students and says loudly, "Whiner Babies." He leans back a little, "Who seem fit to question, and complain about their placement. So let's get one thing straight," he takes a deep, calming breath, "My word is law, my judgement is final." He emphasizes the last word with his hands cutting sideways in front of him. "So there will be no, Whiner Babies. Are we clear?"
The group of students huddled in front of him murmur a varied, "Yes". Obviously not what the 'Coach' wanted, as he stepped forwards while taking a deeper breath than before.
"I said. Are... we... Clear?" His words bellow out from his mouth and force the students to lean backwards.
Almost immediately after the force dies down the 'Coach' is assaulted with a more vigorous, "Yes, Coach Boomer!" from almost everyone, whether they wanted to cower him with their voice or if they were just trying to appease the Coach, yell back at the same time. Everyone, but Hector, who was growing more annoyed with the so called 'Coach' and his mannerism towards minors. It was disgusting and arrogant to hold his supposed 'Power' over them.
The coach blew into his whistle, before announcing, "It's go time."
A section of the platform splits away, folding out to form a set of steps for the student to climb.
Coach Boomer scowls into the crowd in front of him, "You, what's your name?"
"L-Larry."
Coach Boomer makes a face, "Little Larry." He becomes 'serious' again, "Get up here."
Larry nervously makes his way towards, then up, the steps. When he reached the top, he turns back to the other students and pulls his glasses off. He takes a deep breath, before releasing it in an slowly building angry exhale. That's all Hector could think to describe it, really.
Larry starts rapidly turning into rock, the last to change being his head. Barely 2 seconds and Larry turns into a rock golem that's twice his original height and super strong, visually anyway.
Boomer steps forwards with a slight swagger before calling, "Car!" and looking at his stop-watch.
The car drops without any further warning, making Larry react instinctively by grabbing the car before it hits him.
Boomer smiles appreciatively, "Big Larry," he glances down and jots something onto the clipboard, "Hero."
Zach commented, just outside Hectors hearing range, "He's good... But I'm better." While clapping Will Stronghold on the shoulder. He took a deep breath before striding onto the platform.
"Did I say you were next?" Asked Boomer, while Hector tried to completely conceal his smirk that was forming. He managed, just. Zach seemed to believe his power, glowing in the dark, would impress the 'Coach'.
"Name's Zach," Zach tried to impress onto the 'Coach', "Try not to drop your clipboard."
Zach then, for lack of other words, waggled his arms in front of him before clapping his hands together.
Nothing happened, which the 'Coach' took full advantage of to humiliate him.
"Any day now, Super-Star."
Zach shook his head slightly, "I'm doing it."
"Doing what?" Asked Boomer.
"I'm glowing." Stated Zach, as if it were obvious.
The 'Coach' made a face that was the definition of 'Unimpressed', "I don't think so." He sneered as he walked around the back of Zach.
"Well, it's, easier to see in a dark room," Zach valiantly tried to rally, Hector could only shake his head slightly as the 'Coaches' mood worsened at Zachs response, "Maybe we could turn off these lights... and cup your hands around your eyes and look real clo..."
"Side-Kick," Boomer interrupted with an irritated expression, which Hector deducted was from being told what to do more than the 'worthless' power.
Zachs shoulders dropped, before he tried again, much to Hectors exasperation. It was like the kid didn't know when to drop it.
He sighed, or groaned, before asking, "Are you sure you don't wanna..." while bringing his hand towards the 'Coaches' shoulder.
Before he could either finish his sentence, or touch the 'Coach', Boomer interrupted him again, mostly for the attempt at contact between them.
"Side-Kick!" He 'Boomed', sending Zach off the side of the platform.
Boomer moved back into the center of the platform while choosing someone else.
"You." The kid he pointed at almost had a heart attack. "Front and center."
Ethan made his way onto the platform before he started blabbering, "Lemme start off with what an honor it is to..."
"Is that your power?" Boomer interrupted the kids blathering, who did stop in his confusion, "Butt-Kissery?"
Ethan laughed nervously, "Very funny, sir. You know, I've heard you have a very wicked sense of hu..."
"Shut up and power up." Boomer bluntly told the anxious kid.
"Right away, sir." Ethan responded immediately, trying a different approach to impressing the 'Coach' than what Zach had tried.
He immediately turned towards the crowd and melted. Boomer leaned over to look down at the puddle of Ethan.
"Say, that's pretty impressive." Boomer said with a fake impressed tone, before turning slightly angry. "For a popsicle," Boomer exclaimed, slightly furiously, while jabbing his thumb down, "Side-Kick."
The next kid, Joshua, managed to sprout 6 other arms, to which the 'Coach', surprisingly, said, "Hero."
He was followed be a girl, Kristine, who jumped into the air and turned herself into a beach ball. As she bounced on the platform, Boomer performed a side kick while saying, "Side-Kick." In his own form of amusement.
She was followed by a dark skinned boy, Rufus, who readied himself as Boomer looked over his shoulder, and spat at one of the pillars.
"Super-Spit?" Asked Boomer, incredulously, "Side-Kick." He sighed out.
Rufus tapped him on the shoulder to grab his attention before gesturing towards the slowly melting pillar.
"Acid-Spit, Hero!" Boomer exclaimed in interest.
The next one, Phil, stood to one side, with Boomer on the other, and glanced down. It was a 'blink and you miss it' moment, and suddenly there were two Boomers. Much to Hectors irritation.
The original Boomer smiled towards the crowd while saying, "Hero. And a handsome one at that." The copycat shrugged, as if to say 'what can you do', before the original slapped his backside, "Get outta here, knucklehead."
Boomer then turned his attention towards Eliza, "You," he pointed at her, "your turn."
She stepped to the side, before melting into another kids shadow. She reappeared moments later from Boomers shadow, stepping out to receive the judgement nervously.
Hector decided to give Boomer a small push, as he was still on the fence about her placement. This caused Boomer to shrug, before saying, "Hero." With a hint of interest.
Eliza moved back the way she came a little hurriedly, as if taking too long might make him change his mind.
Boomer turned his attention back to the group, "Purple kid, lets go."
Magenta stepped forwards while Ethan adjusted his glasses worriedly. Hector's attention was diverted towards the adjustment.
Nope, just friends, but Zach seems to have the fundamentals for feeling towards her, given time.
Magenta crossed her arms as she faced towards the 'Coach', after a few seconds Boomer finally asked.
"Ok, whats your sway?"
"I'm a Shape-Shifter." Was his cropped response.
"Ok, Shift it." Boomer demanded.
Magenta rolled her eyes in exasperation before crouching down and turning into a guinea pig.
Boomer also crouched down as well, the said irritatedly, "A guinea pig?"
"Yep." Came the high pitched response.
"Not even a swarm of guinea pig's?"
"Err, no."
Boomer pinched his fingers together and said, in a voice mimicking Magenta's, "Siiide-Kick. Shoo."
"Bite me."
Boomer stood once more as Magenta scurried away.
"You, flower child, let's go."
Layla calls out without moving towards the platform, "I-I believe in only using my powers when the situation demands it." Hector knew that wasn't the only reason, but he admitted it was the most important one in her mind.
Boomer turned back to Layla, "Well, your in luck, this is a situation, and I'm demanding it."
"But," Boomer tilted his head in annoyance, not that anyone noticed, "to participate in this test is to support a flawed system." Boomer twitched, his head flicking to the side, while also looking confused as Layla continued. "I think the whole Hero, Side-Kick iconomy only serves to..."
Boomer held a hand up, "Stop, let me get this straight, are you refusing to show me your powers?"
Layla flushed, "Well, I mean, it's a little more complicated than that..."
"Side-Kick!" Boomer 'Boomed', blowing a ton of air into the groups faces. Before he could go any further, the bell rang for lunch. "Alright, we'll pick it up right after lunch, starting with you." He pointed at Will Stronghold.
Ok, that went on longer than I expected... Looks like I'll have to place Hector's 'power' in next time.
But, for now... I'm going to wrap it up and come back to it later.
Sorry, for those of you that were expecting more, hope it's good enough anyway.
Adios.
