[X]Be curious and find out what exactly you can do! (Find out about all current powers that are unlocked.)
[X]Happy and excited! At least at first, I want to be here, but I am scared and really hope to make some friends. (Happy but trying and a bit fragile)

Curiosity killed the cat.


I managed to compose myself and catch up to Mili. With my hoodie on to help cover my features as we do not want to make a scene, I don't exactly look normal after all. Though I will need to get used to that in the future, after all I am pink and proud. I wont hide who I am anymore, nor will I let anyone bring me down again.

I still can not help the niggling little doubts though. What if this is all a set up? What if I am going to be jailed or worse? What if they do not think I really am Taylor like Not-dad?

Really though. Such silly doubts are nothing I need right now.

'Don't worry~. Be Happy~.' I start humming as I trotted along with Mili. Though that did cause her to look at me funny for a bit.

Don't know why though, I am not acting any different.

Anyway, me and Mili use are amazing stealth skills to reach a personal entrance near the back of the PRT tower.

There were a few gawkers, but my clever disguise hid my features. Muahaha.

By the way, the tower is huge you know? I guess it is supposed to inspire or something, but honestly. It makes me feel sorry for the people who have to clean the outside windows.

'Maybe they use tinker tech to do it?' I thought as I continued humming.

"Just wait a sec here, ok? I need to call us in." Mili stated, so I waited. I am a good girl you know.

Though I do ignore what she is saying on the mic, it is none of my business. I need to get used to filtering out the information my senses give me anyway.

There are just some things that I am not meant to know after all.

Anyway, Not dad is using the front entrance of the tower. Apparently, they use a random excuse generator that Armsmaster made in order to get appointments or something.

I read about it online. Apparently it makes up some of the most silly excuses ever.

I want to try it out sometime.

"Alright, follow me Taylor." Mili said and smiled at me. I gave her a smile as well.

She didn't flinch away this time, so my smile must be improving!

I squelch the urge to do a victory fist pump with extreme prejudice.

Judging by the small chuckle Mili had, she noticed anyway.

Ugg, so embarrassing~.

I cant help it though! I am really excited to be here.

'I am going to be a super hero~.' I start to chant with a smile.

Though I am wondering something. So I decide to ask Mili.

"Soo," I start causing her to look my way as we were walking down the hall. "What exactly is going to happen? I mean... I am really excited to be here but.." I tread off there.

I still have doubts after all. Even though Mili has been super nice, I had people betray me before. Just recently too.

I don't let the emotions that thought brought up get me down.

After all, don't worry right?

Though I did not need to complete the sentence anyway apparently. Mili might have caught onto what I was going to say judging by that sad look she gave me.

'Mili sure is perceptive.' I thought. That could be dangerous... I shake that errant thought away.

I wont let things get me down... I will be happy.

"Well, when we get to the meeting room," Mili begins, "Director Piggot will debrief you and your father about the wards, and the benefits." I listen to her as we walk, though she seems a bit hesitant now. Interesting. "Director Piggot might be a bit abrasive, but she means well." Mili pauses and stops walking. I stop as well. "Not many parahumans remember what they see when they trigger."

"Trigger?" I asked, kinda interrupting her as well. Sorry, Mili~.

"Triggering..." Mili takes a deep breath, "is what people refer to the moment when a parahuman gets super powers. Generally when that parahuman goes through the worse day of their lives." Mili's eye's turn sad and she shivers a bit.

Ooh, ooh! Is that why she was a bit jumpy with me today? That would make sense. Most parahuman are probably not as stable like me or got their powers from a nice little kitten and its magic disco ball.

Wait... Mili must be remembering her trigger event!

"Wha-," She squeaked as I spontaneously hugged her. Though I might be a bit taller than her since her face ended up in between my breast. Ah, well. Hugs make people feel better. Mili taught me that.

Apparently I really needed that hug after all.

"There, there. Everything will be ok." I repeat what she said to me. Rubbing her back gently.

After some time passes I release her from the embrace and step back a bit.

'I cant believe I did that!' I shout in my mind. I feel my face heat up epically. Mili didn't fare much better.

But I couldn't help it!

Mili looked sad, and I didn't want her to be sad.

Its better to be embarrassed then sad.

"Always making others happy and giving cheer to those who need it." I repeat what the note said to me.

"What?" Mili asked as she recovered from the hug.

"It's... it's nothing. Just something I heard recently, sorry about the hug." I say trying to change the topic.

"It's fine..." Mili takes a calming breath, "anyway, lets get back on topic." She straightens up proper, though the small blush on her face give away her earlier embarrassment.

"There are also another type of parahuman. Case 53s." Mili says, in business mode.

"Monster capes?" I read about them online. No one knows where they come from, but people speculate that their powers went wrong somehow, leading them to take an inhuman form or their powers become wildly out of control.

Though conspiracy theorist think that there is a shadowy organization behind them, bent on creating an army to kill someone named Zion. And that they keep the more dangerous monster capes in a secret dimensional lair, while releasing the weaker ones.

Though, the same conspiracy theorist also says that tin foil hats would prevent the Simurgh scream from working on people who wear them.

'Really, the Winged_One is silly sometimes. Everyone knows tinfoil hats protect against aliens and not the Simurgh .' I thought as I distracted myself with my thoughts.

"Taylor?" Mili asked, bringing my attention back to her.

"Yes?" I totally did not get distracted.

Though Mili still looks at me funny.

Damn, she knows. Perceptive~.

"Yes, "monster capes," Mili makes sure to use easy to understand quotes. Hey, I may have gotten distracted but that doesn't mean I wouldn't know a quotation when I hear one. "We..." she hesitates and then starts walking again. I follow her. Of course~.

"We think you might be one." she says quietly.

Hmm? But I don't feel out of control or unstable. But I can guess where they are coming from in thinking that.

Makes even more sense on why Mili was jumpy around me than me just having a regular trigger event though.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes... but you do not exhibit most of the signs of being one." she starts, "for one you do not seem to be suffering from memory loss. Though you might have selective memory loss," Mili mutters quietly, I probably was not supposed to hear so I ignore it. "We do not know if you have the tattoo, but your biology might have made it hard to even get the standard tattoo. The thing is, you remember someone changing your body into..."

"I am a bubble gum girl." I say.

"Yes... yes you are." She says with some mirth. "That is the thing. Normally case 53s have no memory, or any clue on how they appeared. But you do." she stops walking again and takes a deep breath.

I stop walking as well, waiting on what she is going to say... but I can guess.

"You are not obligated to answer any questions regarding the topic, especially if it makes you feel uncomfortable." she pauses, again. I can tell she doesn't like what she is saying. "But It might give us a lead finally on what is going on with the Case 53s, and get us one step closer to helping them." She looks at me right in the eyes."But I will stand with you if you do not want to talk about it and the Director gets pushy on the subject." I can see her resolve, to make sure I am treated right.

It..It honestly brings a tear to my eye.

"T-thank you." I quietly mutter, rubbing the tears from my eyes. I will not cry.

She gives me a one armed hug to reassure me, and we start walking again.

The rest of the way passed in conformable silence.

When we got to the room, not dad was already waiting inside. Along with a a stern looking women. She may look somewhat sickly, and then heavy set but... She, I am sorry for being crass but, holy shit she is intimidating. She practically radiates that she is not one to cross.

There is no shame to admit I start trying to hide behind Mili.

Though not dad looks sad now for some reason.

"Since you two are finally here, we may begin." She starts, scowling at she looks at me. "Hello Taylor Hebert, I am Director Emily Piggot. As you know I am in charge of the local branch of the PRT."

I give her a nod then walked to the chair that was open. Since Mili had walked to stand with another figure that I missed. Huh.

The figure was a man wearing some sort of power armor and his build suggest that he takes his training seriously. He also has a well trimmed beard.

'Its Armsmaster!' I thought as I finally realized who he was. 'I have underwear with his brand!' I blush and turn my head away from him. Bad mind, stop embarrassing me in-front of hero's!

"And I am the leader of the Protectorate, as you probably know." Armsmaster said, causing me to look at him.

"Yes, your Armsmaster!" I state excitedly. Causing Mili to chuckle softly.

"Correct. I am here in case you have any questions about the Wards." He stated, neither raising his voice or lowering it. His neutral expression honestly reminds me of robocop.

... Robomaster.

I stifle a giggle, "Okay." I acknowledged his presence.

"Now that the social pleasantries are quite done, lets start with the reason you both are here." Piggot starts with a frown. Though that could be her default expression, so I could be wrong~. "You have expressed interest in joining the Wards, am I correct Taylor?"

"Yes. I want to be a super hero!" I say excitedly. Practically vibrating with energy.

Can't help that I am made out of sugar after all.

Sugar, spice and everything nice!

"Then you are making a good decision by deciding to join the wards." Piggot stated, staring at me. " Independents do not last long. They either get conscripted by the gangs, or anger the wrong person and end up dead." She speaks as if she is stating an undeniable truth. "This is an even worse problem for you since you will not be able to have a secret identity. Your father can and will be used against you."

Really, it is like she is trying to scare me or something. It didn't work, but it might have worked on not dad since he was tightening his grip on his chair's armrest.

"You do not need to tell us the statistics, Director. I know how bad it is." Not dad says, with a bit of bite.

Oh, he wasn't scared just getting angry... and why am I edging farther away from him?

I stop and take a breath to calm down. I am not afraid, I really am not.

'I hope no one caught that.' I thought to myself.

Of course I didn't notice that Mili saw, then looked at not dad and frowned.

"I was merely stating the truth." the directer starts. "The fact that your daughter wants to join the Wards instead of just going out without any sort of backup speaks well of her. You should be proud." Not dad flinched.

'So he is not proud of me?' I thought darkly. A small frown marred my face before I quickly shook it off and smiled again. I wont let it get to me.

Though that pretty much set the tone for the following hour or so, I couldn't tell.

From where I would ask something I am curious about, and then it would be answered by either Armsmaster or Piggot. Armsmaster explained the benefits of joining the Wards, money wise but I did not really care for that.

Though if I am to be honest with myself, the main thing I want from joining the Wards is friends. It is also the main thing I am having doubts with.

After all, I do not have the best experience when it comes with my peer group.

Then not dad would ask questions, like would I get professional help.

Like I need that. At least I did not roll my eyes when that was asked.

Of course my dad finally asked about the dangers. Thats when I payed more attention to him.

I think I know what he is going to try. I wont like it.

"Patrols for the Wards are strictly voluntary. Even then, they are not to engage any super villain, and instead back off." Armsmaster said in a perfect monotone. He must say that a lot. "Also, the Wards are designed to be a safe environment where young parahumans can safely learn how to control their powers."

"Then why do we hear Wards engaging super villains all the time?' not Dad questioned. He was starting to get angry again. I could tell. "Not to mention you guys still send them at Endbringers!"

"Wards are not meant to engage villains, Mr. Hebert." Piggot starts"In fact they are given strict orders not too. Every time a Ward engaged a villain was in circumstances that we had no control over." She pauses and takes a breath. "As for the Endbringers, every Ward that has fought them volunteered. It is honestly a sad truth that we need to allow children to fight those monsters, but there is not much we can do about it." The director sighs. Looking weary for a little while before returning to her default expression. " As a parent, you will be able to sign a waver that would prevent Taylor from participating in Endbringer battles even if she volunteers. We will not allow her too. Same with patrols."

Not dad looked satisfied with that but I wasn't. I will not allow him to stop me from being a super hero. And Super hero are supposed to fight for what is right, even against monsters like the Endbringers.

Even though I have no clue that I would be able harm them anyway, I will at least join the search and rescue.

I will not be a coward. So it is time to remind not dad that things changed.

"Danny," I say not caring for his flinch. "I am no longer a fragile little girl anymore. Please keep that in mind."

"Yeah... I guess you arn't." Not dad says with a sad smile. "Taylor, I just do not want to loose you as well. Losing Annette was bad enough,having to bury my daughter would just be crushing." Not dad's face seemed to have aged years, but I know it was a trick of the light. "If this is really what you want though Taylor... I wont stop you. I haven't really been much of a father for you for years, so I will at least stay out of your way." He then looked straight into my eyes. His weariness all but evaporated. "But promise me you will stay safe Taylor."

...

I honestly do not know how to respond to that, so I simply stay silent and nod my head in agreement.

From there I did not really pay attention to the rest of the meeting, Not dad was at least handed papers for my incoming ward member ship to sign.

He was reading through them throughly.

"There is another concern, besides Taylor's joining the Wards that I will like to address now." Piggot state, causing me to pay attention again, and not dad to look at her again. "It concerns the orgin of Taylor's new found powers."

This is what Mili warned me would happen, wasn't it?

"Taylor, you may be able to give us new leads on where the case 53s are coming from. I would like to ask you on what you can remember." Piggot states rather calmly.

They already know what I told dad, but they do not know about the note that disappeared.

Only that a kitten smacked my head with a magic disco-ball... that sounds rather odd now that I think about it.

Probably wouldn't help any claims of sanity I could make either. Even though I honestly doubt the being that gave me my new body is behind the case 53s, I guess I could tell them.

But not everything.

"Well, I will say this right now." I compose myself. Getting the attention of everyone in the room. "I do not think that the person responsible for my change has anything to do with the case 53s. Especially since he wanted me to get the chance for a happy ending."

"Even if he is not behind them, any information on him may be valuable." Piggot pressed and I frown.

Mili was about to intervene on my behave until I spoke again. "He called himself the Supreme Kai of space and dimensions." Piggot seems to be satisfied that I am talking, Mili seems curious, and Armsmaster is as still as the statue he is pretending to be.

Not dad seems to be getting a bit angry again. No idea why.

"In my dream I was in a white void. But there was this screen that was going through memories of my life." I say as I recount the strange dream. "Then their was a voice that seemingly echoed from everywhere at once. It said that it rigged a cosmic lottery in order to give me a chance at a happy ending." Piggot frowned a bit more than she was. "At the end a cat appeared and hit me with a prismatic ball of energy. Though, thinking about it now that was probably not his true appearance. Then I woke up pink." I finished recalling my strange dream.

"Thank you for cooperating Taylor, there could be a chance that this "Supreme Kai" did in fact appear to all the other case 53s and made them forget everything they knew." Piggot states, frowning even more. "Your biology probably messed up what ever he uses to make case 53s forget and altered your memories to think it was a cat that did this too you. Going so far to make himself seem benevolent so you wouldn't think to much about it." The director leans back in her comfy chair. "Still, you may now be the last case 53 to appear. As this "Supreme Kai" might have found what he was looking for in you." She sighs at the end and looks like she is getting an headache. "But it at least answered some questions."

I don't know if she is right about that, deep down I feel that she is terribly wrong. But... could I have been made to think that?

I quickly shake my head to clear my paranoid thoughts. I already established to myself that I am Taylor. I do not need to start doubting my own thoughts again

"While you father is finishing up the paper work for you to join the Wards, Miss. Militia will take you to the power testing rooms." Piggot state, causing Mili to look at her.

But Mili did as she was told and so we were walking in the totally white hallways again. Probably made to confuse anyone that were not supposed to be there.

The way was honestly silent. It was not until we reached the elevator that Mili spoke.

"Taylor..." She hesitates. I tilt my head to the side and look at her curiously. "I do not really know how to put this delicately but... is your father abusing you?"

What? Where did that come from?

"No!" I shouted a bit. Surprising her. "He just... he just... was never there anymore." I say quietly. My head downcast.

Mili put a hand on my shoulder.

"After mother died, he just was never the same." I start to crack a bit. "I remember when he used to be so full of life,but now a days he is like a ghost." I ball my fists. "And when he did pay attention to me after all of these years, he yelled at me." My fist tighten. "Called me a monster... told me that I am not his daughter." My fist tightened to the point where it would draw blood on a normal human.

I could feel my power responding to my anger. I know Mili backed away from me at a point. Her power shifting around in her unease.

'Deep breaths Taylor. Deep breaths.' I chant in my mind with my eyes closed. It would be so easy to give into my anger, but I know deep down that was a bad idea.

Surprisingly I calmed down. In fact, I feel like I just woken up after a long time asleep.

'Whoa.' I thought.

I can sense life. That is the only way to describe it. I can feel my own energy and the energy of others. I can tell Mili is ill at ease with how her life force is fluctuating. I even sense where Not dad and Piggot are.

I can feel even the thousands of bugs skittering around.

But something is odd, Mili has two life forces. I find myself curious so I focus only on her.

'She defiantly has two life forces, but the second one seems distant. Like it is there and not at the same time. How interesting.' I muse. 'I wonder if all parahumans are like that.'

"Taylor?" I heard Mili question. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, yes I am." I open my eyes. " I feel like I just woken up after a long nap." I turn to her and smile.

"Ok..." Mili says somewhat nervously. I should fix that.

"I am sorry." I bow in forgiveness. " I was letting my anger get the better of me." I continue to smile. "I think I just figured out some of my powers."

"Really?" Mili questions, composing herself from her earlier unease.

"Yep!" I say excitedly. "I can sense life." I start bouncing up and down.

I cant help it, I feel so giddy!

"What do you mean?" Mili questioned.

"I mean, I can sense where every living thing is within my range!"

Mili's eyes widen a bit. "That... what is your range?"

"Hmm..." I stop bouncing and concentrate. "About three blocks or so. It is still a bit hard to focus on one at a time though. Some of the energy is weak." I focus again. This time on Director Piggot.

Her energy feels sickly.

"Is Director Piggot dieing?" I blurted out. Causing Mili to jump a bit form the suddenness.

"What do you mean? Milli asked in a worried tone.

"Her life energy feels sickly for some reason."

"Would her having failing kidneys have something to do with that?"

I blinked.

"Maybe. I might be able to heal that though." I state causing Mili to stare at me.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yep. But i think I still need practice though." I state with a shrug. "Why hasn't someone healed her yet, though? She is the director of the PRT in Brockton bay which has Panacea in it."

"The Director... had a bad experience with a parahuman and she does not really trust a parahuman to heal her." Mili stated, clearly uncomfortable about the topic.

Hmm~. Ill look into that later.

"Seems kinda silly to me." I say as I drop the matter for now.

Why would someone like her be a Director of the PRT? I wonder~.

"Do you have any idea what your powers are Taylor? Or do you only have your life sense and healing?" Mili questioned.

"No idea really." I state. "But I am curious what I can do!" I state excitedly and paused. "Though... it might be a bad idea to see what I can do here. I may be able to make things explode."

"You wont need to worry about that, Taylor. The PRT tower also has a blaster range that is completely isolated to the point where you will be able to cut loose." Mili informed me.

"Really?!" I stated, excited about the prospect though I have doubts.

After all I can apparently crack a planet in half if what that note is to be believed.

'Maybe I should tell them that.' I thought. 'Nah, they probably already know.'

Anyway, the elevator ride stopped finally and we started to walk in the bland hallways that really need color. Seriously. I swear I am going to paint these walls.

And they will worship me for it.

We finally made it to a room occupied by one person.

"This is the new ward here for testing, huh?" An older gentlemen like voice said. Causing me to look in his direction instead of just ignoring him. Because that would not be nice.

The older gentlemen does look well old... at least in his fifties or sixties judging by his graying hair, and general build. He also wears spectacles.

'He looks like he would break by the wind blowing on him.' I thought.

"Yes," Mili answers, "this is Taylor Hebert. Taylor, this is Doctor Wheatley Jones." she introduces us. Then she moves back where she wont get in the way and close enough to show that she is her to support me.

"Hi." I stick a hand-up in greeting. Got to play it cool after all. Don't want the guy to suddenly get an heart attack or something after all.

My appearance must be very shocking to people I first meet after all.

Turns out I was wrong. Wheatley merely raised one of his eyebrows.

"Well, at least your appearance would be easy for the PR guys to market, or not. I don't really care. I am Doctor Wheatley Jones, but you can call me Doctor Jones. I will be in charge of your power testing from here on out." Doctor Jones walks over and extends a frail hand.

"Um..." I look at the hand then look at mine. Then I remember the note. "Hi, I am Taylor Hebert." I introduce myself again and shake his hand gently.

"Judging by the hesitance and the restraint you are showing, you think you are a brute. Correct?" He stops shaking my hand and pulls out a pen and starts writing on his clipboard.

"I think so?" I half answer and half question.

"Ah, in case your wondering the power classifications are as follows: Mover, Shaker, Brute, Breaker, Master, Tinker, Blaster, Thinker, Striker, Changer, Trump and Stranger. What categories do you think you have?"

"Umm," I tried remember what all I think I can do, and where they would be placed in the categories. "Mover, Shaker, Brute, Breaker, blaster, thinker, striker, and changer." I state.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mili's eyebrows raise in surprise.

"Well, that generally makes it easier for me. Normally new capes do not know how much they are capable of. But I guess that would be because of your unique circumstances." The Doctor Muses.

And with that, we get to testing. Honestly, it was rather boring. Stand here and get hit by something, punch that, which I found out that holding back my punches would be extremely necessary... that poor machine. For the shaker test I used telekinesis to move a few small objects, which was not as impressive as punch-exploding a machine that was designed to take a lot of force. I also turned a few objects into things. Which made the old doctor rather excited for some reason and Mili looked, contemplative?

All I did was turn something into gold, it was not too hard. Weirdos.

Conjuring that cookie out of thin air was more impressive for me. And tasty too. Yum~.

As for the thinker test I explained my senses and what I sensed. And for the striker I healed a few animals. Not fully, since some of them were not well and I did not have enough practice healing. Which made me sad, I even started to cry a little.

Which caused Mili to pat me on the back and tell me it is ok, the animals will be taken care of. And that I would not need to worry I could not heal them fully.

I Conjured a lollipop to make me feel better. Mmm, cherry flavor~.

That incident caused the doctor to look at me for a long while and just shake his head muttering how I will be popular with the children.

Then we went to the blaster section. It really did seem isolated from the rest of the tower.

"Ok then, all you need to do is hit the targets over there with whatever you think is your blasting power." The doctor said on the intercom, behind an enclosed area with Mili.

"Kay," I agree, already getting bored of the testing.

I quickly charge up a ki ball in front of an outstretched hand and fired. Not even looking at the targets.

Needless to say the explosion destroyed all the targets, shook the entire tower and destroyed a highly reinforced wall.

I reeeaaaallly hope I do not have to pay for that.

I can see Mili frantically talking to someone but I can't hear what about. While the doctor just sat there, looking at the hole in the wall.

Huh, a blue jay just flew past.

"Next time, try a smaller blast if you can." Doctor Wheatley Jones simply states on the intercom as he doesn't afraid of anything.

Seriously, I do not think anything can phase him.

Mili finally got done with who ever she was talking to and opened the door to the now has a huge window blast room and motioned me to follow her.

I quickly caught up to her and muttered a good bye to Doctor Jones as I left. He simply waved once then went back to writing on his clipboard.

It wasn't until we got in the super slow elevator that Mili spoke to me.

"Well, Taylor. Are you ready to meet the Wards?" Mili questioned me and gave me a smile.

What...?

"S-sure!" I state nervously. Causing Mili to give me a questioning look.

"Um.. I just really do not have the best experience with people my age..."

"Oh?" Mili hummed, "Is there a reason why?"

Crap.

Well.. I can trust Mili right? After all she is Miss Militia! A super hero! Also, she has been really nice to me.

I take a deep breath to calm down.

"I.. didn't always have what you could call a happy personality. Well, I was a bit of a chatterbox before the bulling happened." I pause, taking another deep breath. Mili politely waits for me to continue.

"I never had many friends growing up but I did have one." I smile sadly. "We were like sisters really, we did everything together." I let out a small chuckle. "Until she betrayed me." I spat out with an amount of my fury.

"I honestly do not know what happened, but when she betrayed me she made it her lives goal to make mine a living hell. Spreading false rumors about me, berating my looks, every insult was said and flung at me, destroying my homework." My fists tighten. "That kind of stuff I could have dealt with, even with her new best friend being physical every now and then. But then she used everything I ever told her in confidence against me. Every time she did it felt like she was stabbing me with a knife with each thing she let out." I start to shake." and then she twisted the knives by stealing my mothers flute. One of the few possessions I have to remember her by, and when they finally gave it back... It was desecrated with all manner of and filth and broken."

"What were the teachers doing while this was going on?" Mili questioned, her brow furrowed.

"They looked away and ignored it." I let out a bitter chuckle. "Even when I took it to the principle it was either I lack sufficient evidence or I was treated as the problem." The chuckle turned into a sob near the end.

I felt Mili hug me again, whispering assurances.

"Can you tell me names? She asked after I calmed down some. "The PRT should be able to help you with this or at least get you transferred to a different school." she lets up the embrace.

"It doesn't matter. They cant hurt me anymore." I say, wiping my face.

"Taylor, what they been doing to is criminal." Mili looks at me sternly. "Not saying anything would only allow them to get away with it."

'Sorta like my mother would when...' I quickly kill that thought. Mili is nice, but she would never be my mother.

But I still caved in all the same.

"Emma Barn's, Sophia Hess," I noticed Mili's eyes narrow, huh. "Madison Clements are the main ones."

"I see." Mili's voice was cold even as fury light her eyes. "Have they targeted anyone else and how long has this been going on?" She asked in a calm tone.

Even though she was anything but calm. I gulped a little.

"Well, now that you mention it..."

I start explaining in exactly detail on what happened and what I witness but at the time was too depressed to really notice. I was not the only victim apparently, just the main one.

Mili grew a bit more angry with everything I listed. While her expression just became more eerily calm.

I honestly would not want to be anyone in her way today.

"And that is all I can remember." I honestly was surprised I remembered so much. "I also cataloged mainly everything in a note book, including on what the teachers saw and did nothing about." I finished.

"That notebook would probably be needed if an investigation takes place." Mili states. "And Taylor?"

"Yes?" She looks me right in the eyes.

"What ever choice you make I will support it." Mili states as the elevator doors open. Then she walks out.

'What?' I thought as I made to follow.

The way there was passed in silence. Honestly do not know what Mili meant by that though, but I do not think I should ask right now. Especially since I am about the meet the wards...will they be like everyone else? Would this just be highschool all over again?Just super power edition?

I really want some friends.

The door to the wards room opened, Mili walked in first while I started to take hesitant steps following her.

The lounge area itself had a nice looking couch and chairs with a big TV, but honestly I as just trying to distract myself a bit from the teenage super hero's that are currently staring at me.

"Wards meet Taylor Hebert, Taylor meet the wards." Mili introduced me with a smile. Though she still seems angry. "If everything goes well, she will be your new teammate. Now, Taylor I am sorry to be brief, but I need to go to speak to the Director about something important. I am sure I am leaving you in good hands though." Mili puts a hand on my shoulder real quick then leaves.

I start to get even more nervous.

'Why hasn't anyone said anything yet.' I thought.

"Hello Taylor," A teen wearing tinker tech power armor greeted. "I am Gallant," he walks up to me and stretches out an arm. "I hope we can be friends." I hesitantly shake his had.

"Y-yeah. I hope so too." I reply hesitantly.

And with that, it was like a damn broke.

"Did you really blow up the blaster wall?" a guy wearing a white clock themed costume questioned. I can see a slight blush on his face.

"Who cares about that we are finally getting another girl on the team!" A little blond girl wearing a green visor stated excitedly. She then did something strange to space and I felt like I was being hugged so I looked down and saw her looking up at me. "You are going to join right? Please... I hate being the only girl on the team." I'd imagine that she is using the puppy eye dog technique right now, even though I cant see her eyes.

"I-it seems that way." I state nervously.

"Yay!" She let go of me and smiled brightly at me.

"You know Shadow stalker is a girl too, right Vista?" A person that can only be described as beefcake questioned.

... I did not drool. Or stare... I mean it!

"She doesn't count!" Vista exclaimed. "She's a b-"

"Vista!" The beefcake chided.

"Well, she is." She crossed her arms and pouted. I twitch.

'Must resist. Must not pick her up and take her home.' I thought to myself.

Gallant looked at me strangely. The clock guy looks a bit put off that he was ignored.

"Hello Taylor, I am Aegis." The beefcake walks up to me and outstretches his arm. "The current leader of the Wards." He smiles.

"H-hello!" I state excitedly, and shake his hand. I did not stutter.

"Already making a move on the new girl Aegis?" Clock guy interrupts, causing me to let go of Aegis's hand and blush. While Aegis splutters denials.

I decided I am going to punch the clock guy at the first opportunity. Grrrrr.

"I am Clockblocker in case you didn't know." Clock guy points at himself with a oh so cheeky smile. "If you ever need a joke to brighten up your day, I am your guy."

"Sure, if your jokes were actually funny." Vista snarked.

"You wound me." Clockblock acts out getting stabbed in the heart. "You're just a little ball of sunshine arn't you? Ow!" Vista slaps Clockblocker on the back of the head so fast I barely see it.

"Don't call me little." Vista says with a touch of anger in her tone. Must be a swore spot

I make a note not to call her short.

Though it must be nice to have people you can joke around with.

But something got me curious~.

"Soo... I take it Shadow Stalker is not well liked?" I asked, changing the topic.

"Well.. she can be a bit abrasive." Gallant said with a slight hesitation.

"She is a bitch." Clockblacker stated.

"Clockblocker!" The Wards leader chided.

"Just saying the truth." Clockblock states with a shrug.

"She generally rude to everyone and is almost always angry." Vista says with a sigh.

"She isn't really that bad..." Aegis tries to defend the wayward teammate.

"Yeah... she is worse." Clockblocker

This... honestly does not sound to promising if someone like that is in the wards.

But... the Wards seem nice so far. Would I be able to get close to them like they seem to each other right now?

I start shifting nervously.

"So Taylor... are you a changer?" Gallant asks, trying to change the topic to a different one.

"Kinda!" I state excitedly. Glad for the topic change.

"So is that why you are all..." Clockblocker pauses and looks me over. "Pink?"

"Nope. I just woke up that way. But I can do something like this." I make a tiny, cute nose on my face and make my hair blob look more like hair.

I then punch, stretching my arm out until it touches the couch that was father away.

The Wards were rather surprised. Clockblocker let out a whistle.

"Though I think this is just a quirk of my new biology though." I state as I retract my arm.

"So... you are stuck like that?" Gallant asked, picking up on the tidbit I slipped.

"Yep!" I say cheerfully.

"You are ok with that?" Gallant looks contemplative.

"Yeah, I get some neat bonuses at the cost of never being normal Taylor again."

I conjure a candy bar out of thin air to make my point. Surprising everyone.

"Candy?" I offer.

"So, you are super stretchy and can have candy when ever you want?" Clockblocker asked somewhat giddy. "Are you single?"

My eye twitched.

But before I could respond Vista slapped Clockblocker on the head again.

"Down boy." Vista stated with a condescending tone. The others chuckled a bit.

"Actually, I think my powers are manipulating a form of energy that no one heard of in order to do things." I state, making the candy bar disappear since I wasn't in the mood for it.

Then I concentrate and make a tiny ball of pink ki in one hand.

"From making myself stronger, faster and more durable. To making things explode and healing." I explain.

Clockblocker got quiet at the last part.

"What can you heal?" He asked, sounding serious. Which surprised me enough I blinked and looked at him.

"Right now, only small stuff, like cuts and bruises." He seemed to deflate at that. "But with practice I could probably heal a lot more." I dissipate the ki ball. "Why?"

Clockblocker seems to hesitate. "It's nothing... right now." Gallant looks at him understandingly. "Just thought I should ask." He stated with a somewhat forced smile.

After that we just continued making some small talk and moved towards the living room. I asked how they enjoyed the Wards, and they responded rather positively, even going so far and say that they wouldn't trade it for the world. Even putting up with this Shadow Stalker they talked about.

Apparently Shadow Stalker is probationary Ward, and before that she was a violent vigilantly.

So she is kinda a unique case then.

Due to the friendly atmosphere I found myself opening up more to the Wards. Even going so far the making a few bad jokes. Though I suffered some good natured teasing for it.

Is this what it is like having friends again? I had to ask my self.

Though I was a little put out that they never unmasked themselves, but it is understandable since I am technically not a Ward yet.

"Taylor Hebert?" A female voice called out. Causing me to turn to her.

"Yes?" I ask the apparent PRT agent.

"Sorry to cut this short, but the Director would like to see you now." The female agent stated.

"Ok." I say, getting up from the couch.

I say good bye to the Wards and receive a hug from Vista again. Then follow the PRT agent silently.

I can't help but get a foreboding feeling.

"Here." The PRT agent opens the door where Piggot is and I enter.

I see not dad looking kinda lost, and Mili looking Stoic. I do not see Armsmaster anywhere, but I have a feeling he just left on patrol.

Director Emily Piggot looked even more unhappy.

"Taylor come in and have a seat, please."

"O-ok." I say hesitantly, picking up on the mood.

Mili gave me an encouraging smile as I went tot he empty chair.

"Before we begin, you will need to sign these NDA forms." Piggot calmly stated.

Mili grabbed them and handed them to me and not dad.

Now I am getting worried.

"Sure." I agree anyway.

Not dad also signs his and Mili collects them and gives them to the Director.

Piggot takes them and lets out a sigh.

"Miss Hebert, on the behalf of the PRT and Protectorate I would like to apologize." Piggot stated, folding her hands in front of her.

"What for?" I question, having a sinking feeling in my gut.

"For Shadow Stalkers actions on the three months she has been a part of the Wards."

'Shadow Stalker... An abrasive personality, a bitch and a bully. Someone that apparently knows me, someone that the PRT would have to apologize for... someone that most likely goes to my school. School, probably direct involvement in my bullying. Three months the bulling calmed down. Can rule out the hanger ons due to the fact they would not apologize if it was nothing major. One of the trio. Not Emma, not the right build, not Madison, same problem. Sophia Hess.' My hand tightens on the chair rest.

"Sophia Hess is Shadow Stalker." I state, eerily calm.

I surprise Piggot a bit but she quickly composed herself.

"Yes. That is correct."

"Why." I not so much asked but stated.

"Because her luck ran out and her actions came to light in a bad way." Piggot starts, getting my meaning. "She and her little band filled your locker with biological waste and were planning on pushing you in it. Unfortunately for her, the janitor caught them red handed and brought them to the principle's office. It seems that the principal there would allow a student to get bullied for a year and bury any evidence but would not tolerate defacing school property." Piggot states in disgust.

'They were planning on enclosing me in a bio-hazard?' I shivered.

They were not stopping, they were just waiting for me to let down my guard.

Wait.. how do they know all of that?

"How do you know all of that?" I question.

"The principle actually called since Sophia and her friends were suspended from school." Piggot leans back in her chair a bit. "And since Miss Militia brought up your bulling which puts her character witness in question, Sophia is currently in a holding cell while we investigate. So far I do not like what we found."

"What is going to happen now?"

Piggot sighs again. "I assume you mean what is going to happen to Shadow Stalker." I nod my head. "Shadow Stalker is more than likely going to be transfered somewhere far out of the way and Sophia Hess is going to end up in Juvy. As our investigation will bring up things that Winslow would rather stay buried, heads will roll there. But you should understand something Taylor." Piggot looks at me right in the eyes. "This must be handled quietly."

"So... I should just allow them to get away with it?" I twitch at the thought.

"No, they will not get away with it. Heads are going to roll at Winslow. But Shadow Stalkers involvement must be kept quiet. Something like this would set back the Wards program." Piggot States.

Not Dad looks like he is getting angry and is about to say something.

"I see." I simply state, stopping not dad from speaking.

"You will of course be compensated and will get a transfer to Arcadia. Even if you choose not to join the Wards."

I...


You had a surprising good time at the PRT, even gaining budding relationships that may turn into friendships. And now it was revealed to you who Shadow Stalker is.

What do you choose?

[]Accept. Join the Wards, they seem friendly and showed that they did not like Sophia at all. The trio is being punished and you won.

[]Ask for some time to think.

[]Write-in