Pick Your Poison
Enzyme 3.1
[Monday, November 8, 2010]
I should have expected this. Unfortunately, I had not considered that the PRT and Protectorate would risk skirting the Unwritten Rules so closely like this. When I came to school today, I was whole unprepared for the announcement in homeroom that there was going to be an assembly replacing third period, with absolutely no answers to questions what it was regarding. This wasn't all that uncommon, so I thought nothing of it in the face of the fact that Hess was apparently back from Shadow Stalker's hospital stay, likely courtesy of Panacea.
What should have tipped me off was how distant Hess stayed from Taylor and myself. The reasons all came together when I followed the procession of students into the gymnasium, where upon arrival, myself, Taylor, and every single Rat was quite obviously singled out into a separate section of the stowaway wooden bleachers along with several other students who had an obvious growth spurt the past several weeks.
The PRT Troopers standing around the edge of the raised platform in the center of the gym was also a dead giveaway. "What do you think this is about?" Taylor asked me as she sat down next to me on the right. She'd obviously taken to the Surge well, she seemed slightly taller and healthier than last week. Around us, the Rats were all antsy, and having likely realized what was going on tried to arrange themselves in a way that wasn't conspicuous towards myself or Taylor towards the top of the bleachers, but still loosely surrounding us. It wasn't much of a secret among the Rats who I was, since I acted as the 'liaison' between them and Dealer.
"More than likely, this is a PR move. You, I and everyone else who has had an obvious growth spurt the past few weeks have all been put in this section of seats, away from the others." I quietly but obviously chatted to Taylor, trying to act as if I was just talking to my friend. "I'm thinking they're going to have either a Ward, Protectorate hero, or high-ranking PRT official give a speech about gang violence. Reporting gang activity, etcetera."
"What? But if they single you all out, they're really risking angering the Merchants." Taylor replied with concern. "I mean, they're obviously dangerous, but they care about the city and people. I don't think they'd take singling out students really well." Taylor hedged, avoiding directly stating anyone around us was a gang member since some of the others around us really weren't Merchants and she caught on quickly. "Great. I finally get boobs and I'm singled out for it." Taylor huffed in annoyance as she crossed her arms over her new B-cup bosom which was hard to notice since she still wore baggy hoodies and sweatshirts.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Your attention please." Came the voice of Principal Blackwell, drawing our attention to the stage to see the unpleasant woman at the microphone. "Today's assembly is regarding your safety. We are going to cover several important topics regarding gang activity, substance abuse, as well as what you should do if you suspect a student of illegal activity." Called it. "Today we have with us Lieutenant Pratchett of the Parahuman Response Team, as well as the Wards; Gallant, and Aegis."
At Blackwell's words, a PRT officer followed by the two mentioned Wards entered the gym and stepped up onto the stage. The tall brown-haired officer was in his middle ages, looking fit and more used to active duty than driving a desk. "Hello, I am Lieutenant Pratchett. Today as your principal informed you, I'm going to cover several tips on identifying suspicious behavior, staying safe, and avoiding dangerous substances."
"It's just the Heroes and PRT waving the flag. They should try actually doing something instead of a fucking pissing contest." Quietly grumbled a Rat on my left.
"Quiet." I whispered, and it got him to clam up, getting Taylor to look at me curiously as Pratchett went on, nobody hopefully noticing anything over the general spiel the PRT officer was spewing. Mostly about the dangers of gangs, how to stay away and safe from illegal activity, etc.
"-It's no big secret that Winslow is unfortunately a recruiting ground and target for the gangs of the city." That definitely got my attention. They were blatantly calling out the gang members among us, not just the Merchants, but the Empire as well as any remnants of the ABB. "That said, we of the PRT are for the foreseeable future, placing a trooper presence on campus with the administration's agreement, as well as with approval from the local school board of education."
This got an audible cascade of chatter from the student body. Those of us in our section, clearly separated out for suspicion of being Merchants, immediately emulated the rest of the students to try and remain inconspicuous. This was bad. We couldn't maintain our campaign against Hess, Barnes, and Clements with a constant PRT presence on Hess's side. Hopefully it went both ways, or protecting Taylor just got much harder. However, that didn't add up. PRT were the Parahuman Response Team. While the biggest gangs were led by capes, they were still mostly normal humans. Until a parahuman was on site, it was the BBPD's jurisdiction.
Thankfully, a student in a different section than us raised their hand, which the Lieutenant pointed out to speak. "Sir, why PRT? Isn't this out of your people's, uh...area?"
"The word you're looking for son is 'jurisdiction'. But for the most part, yes, you are correct. If the average Merchant wasn't considered to be as dangerous as a parahuman lately." This got everyone in the gym to clam up. Many in shock. As for our group, I could tell some of the Rats had a slight smug presence to them. One just in front of Taylor was even smirking a little, so I kicked her in the butt, getting her to jolt slightly and straighten out. Taylor was now looking at me suspiciously.
"Which is where we come in to explain." Aegis took over the microphone as the lieutenant stepped aside. "The average Merchant has displayed incredible degrees of strength and resilience. If you notice anyone performing an incredible feat of strength, report them to the nearest PRT trooper. Which also brings us more to the substance abuse topic. The Merchants have a new drug that has given them these abilities, called Surge."
You philistines, it's a health supplement, stop lying to the masses for your own benefit and do your jobs. Oh, there's some anger. I guess my power doesn't like my work being derided or mocked. "It's not really a drug though, it's actually a ridiculously advanced health supplement. Panacea stressed this Aegis." Gallant reminded in a far too rehearsed manner for it to be anything but planned, but I was thankful at least Panacea hadn't outright stabbed us in the back after helping her. "She even said she could replicate it, so it's organic too."
What? She can? I must get in contact with her.
"True, thank you Gallant. But regardless, Surge causes intense and rapid muscle development, overall body growth, as well as causing what is easily described as 'super puberty' as Clockblocker put it." The Wards continued on, but I could see the damage was done. Everyone else in the school. All of them. Were looking suspiciously at us now. There's no way we can possibly get away with anything at Winslow anymore. All it would take is anyone getting offended and pointing fingers at us. Or as the shit-eating grins on Taylor's primary tormentors could attest to, turn the system against us entirely.
They've just segregated us. I wonder what any lawyer worth their salt would say to this? "No...no…." Taylor whimpered next to me, and unexpectedly hugged me tightly. "Things were getting better. Now everything's going to get even worse." Taylor hiccuped, and I calmly assured that despite all the staring her sudden action wasn't out of place as the majority of our section including non-Merchants started voicing complaints of discrimination.
"Taylor. Calm down. I'll take care of it." The method to dealing with this sudden attack on the Rats was simple, yet not so simple.
"How can you Andrew?" Taylor asked in concern, only for the assembly to end shortly and I guided my friend through the halls towards the cafeteria quickly to avoid Hess and her cadre, who were likely being slowed down as much as possible by the Rats forming casual moving walls socializing on the way. "I mean, you may be part of the gang, but even if you have a leadership role among the members here, what could you even do against the PRT? Or the Trio for that matter now that they've got even more power?"
I quickly dove into a utility closet with Taylor yelping at the sudden action, but was unnoticed thanks to a few Rats covering us with their bodies before they moved on. I locked the door and turned on the light. "I'll cut to the chase Taylor. I am Dealer." I started, getting Taylor to gawk at me. "Yes. I'm a parahuman. Yes, I'm a quote 'villain' unquote. But even if I wasn't labeled one instantly, I don't want to be a hero, I just want to do better."
"W-what? Wait. So I didn't just have a natural growth spurt?" Taylor asked in a mixture of what I assumed was betrayal and frustration.
"No. That muffin you had on monday last week was made with Surge for the chocolate flavor. I did it because I wanted you to be healthy, and it would make you more resilient should Hess have managed to rough you up again. I'm afraid I don't have time to explain, not in this closet. We won't be able to shield you today Taylor, be safe, I'll meet you at your house after school to explain everything." I rapidly stated, because we really did not have much time with the school on constant alert.
"W-wait, Andrew-!" I bolted out the door, closing it behind me. As predicted, the hallway was empty, so I hurried to the cafeteria. Shortly, I saw Taylor enter and give both the Trio and myself a wide berth, but she looked sad rather than upset when she looked at me, and I just nodded at her before we went about our day.
[Pick Your Poison]
Following school, I went home and made sure to leave a note for mom regarding the events at school, and got out dad's old bike from the garage. It was rusty and stiff from disuse, but a quick spray of grease fixed that. The old thing was a single speed steel monster from an old era, but it would get me to Taylor's house quickly enough. Before I left though, I made sure to text Pantera and Sherrel my current plans.
As I expected, the ride, though rough on the old steel bike, was barely ten minutes and I ditched the bike in the overgrown yard before going up to the front steps. And shattering the bottom step the moment I stepped on it, causing me to tumble onto the porch of the house. I didn't even grumble about it because there was no point, I got up and examined the step I broke. Rotted through. I hope the rest of Taylor's house wasn't suffering as much rot. Maybe there's a bacteria I can make that can revive-.
"Oh, sorry about that. Forgot that old thing." Taylor said as she opened the door, probably drawn to the sound of the broken step and my still fat body impacting her porch. Well, I'm not exactly fat anymore but I still have a belly. "Well, no point worrying about it, you okay?" Taylor had switched out from her grey hoodie into a more casual T-shirt. Now that I can see her hair better too, it's obviously even longer.
"If you couldn't guess Taylor, it'll take more than a spill on a wood porch to hurt me now. May I come in?" I requested, because I did not know if Taylor was even amenable to seeing me right now.
"Uh...sure? Dad's not home though…." Taylor blushed, and I tilted my head to display false confusion. I did not understand, but I couldn't feel bewilderment. "Um. You're a boy. I'm a girl. We'd be alone in my house."
"I do not comprehend why that matters. I am still only invested in our relationship platonically Taylor." I reminded my friend, who looked frustrated for a moment before sighing.
"Fine. Come in." Taylor held open her door and I stepped over the broken step and entered her home. It was much nicer than even my house actually. Her home even had a second story. "We don't have any snacks, but feel free to make yourself at home."
"That isn't necessary. Taylor, I've already spoken with your dad." I informed her, making her suddenly look intensely worried. "My mother outed me to him, and he came over yesterday to talk with me. Of course, he suspected correctly that your growth spurt was brought on by my Surge, so he confronted me. It ended with him agreeing to let me continue attempting to protect you, and even offer my full services to you."
"What? You...you're just outright asking me if I want to become a balloon chested amazon?" Taylor asked me with her face and ears so red I would momentarily liken her head to a tomato.
"If that is the end result of you using Surge, then yes. It varies honestly, some grow a little taller, some don't develop in the same way, etc. It all depends on what your body says is your full genetic potential. That isn't all however, I am also offering everything at my disposal if you are interested." I explained again, but Taylor still looked embarrassed.
"Andrew this...isn't the sort of thing you say to a girl you're not interested in." Taylor stressed, and I was beyond grasping her intention at this point, so I shrugged, getting her to groan and collapse onto her couch. "Andrew. You don't ask a girl to...change, herself, unless she is interested in you romantically, or you're interested in her romantically, and are already in a relationship where you're making sacrifices for each other."
"Where did you come across this information?" I asked, and Taylor looked sheepish.
"Uh...I've been reading some romance novels lately." Taylor nervously admitted, and I blinked. "Yeah. What am I thinking? Getting interested in a boy who can't even return affection?"
"Oh. I apologize Taylor. If it means anything to you, I will still continue to support you even if not in a romantic sense." Taylor groaned and rubbed her face, what did I say?
"You are just saying all the wrong things for that Andrew! God! Just...get on with it please? Before I kick you out for confusing my emotions even more." Taylor demanded with fluster, and I nodded.
"Sorry. But regardless, Surge is just one of my creations. I also have things like Stim which would give you a regeneration factor, Balcoat to reinforce clothes or even weapons for you, and, should you decide to leave normal society forever I have Primal, which is a mutagen that turns the consumer into a human-animal hybrid. That's just the tip of the iceberg even." I pitched, getting Taylor to gawk at me.
"All that? And it's just the start? Holy crap Andrew. Do I have to join the Merchants or something though?" Taylor's question was a reasonable one.
"Only if you want to. I'm extending these services to you as a friend. You don't have to do anything to benefit from our association." I gave Taylor time to gather her thoughts, I could see she was shocked and processing my offer. While she was in thought I moved to sit on the couch seat furthest from her.
"So...you're offering me the...Option. Of turning myself, into an amazon, with tinker-fab clothes, or even some animal-human, all with regeneration?" Taylor summed up, and I nodded. "Geez Andrew. Offer to make me into a parahuman why don't you."
"That one's impossible." I commented with my dry tone, and Taylor giggled. Wait, did I just crack a joke somehow? I wasn't intending to that time.
"I beg to differ Andrew. Dang, you guys are basically a whole gang of parahumans compared to everyone else." Taylor hummed and twirled her hair in her fingers as she bit her lip. "So...all I have to do is ask? None of it's habit forming is it?"
"Surge is, but only if you binge on it. If you do go overboard, I have Addictol, something I made to negate the physical effects of addiction. You might just get free access to it however." I alluded, and Taylor blinked, I took that as my cue. "If the PRT thinks to segregate us by the effects of Surge. Well, I think Winslow has been rather lackluster in their physical education."
"Andrew? What are you planning?" Taylor leered at me in suspicion, but I was going to tell her anyway, as a heads-up.
"I haven't informed my compatriots yet, but we're going to drug Winslow's water with Surge. By the time anyone realizes what's going on, they're going to have teenagers shooting up like weeds." Taylor gawked at me once more. She does that a lot. I think it's habitual though what with her large expressive mouth, even if Surge had thickened her lips a bit.
"That is crazy! And brilliant!" I wasn't expecting Taylor to praise me, but the wide mischievous grin on her face was rather impressive. "Those bitches, I want to see Madison go from being the petite little bitch into a towering beanpole like me! Well, hopefully. Also, could it make Emma or Sophia's boobs so big they can't put their hands together?" Taylor beamed and cackled at the rather ridiculous concept. If someone ever genetically had breasts that enormous, I'd have to question the potency of their bovine genes.
"I doubt it. Regardless, doing this would do many things. Foremost, it would remove the ability to distinguish Merchants out of the crowd at school so long as they don't break any more laws and take pictures of minors on a school campus without permission from the parents. It would also tell everyone that the Merchants, while no longer strictly a villain gang, are still not above doing what is necessary to protect ourselves. Aside from that, we'll watch the fallout from ground zero." I explained, and Taylor giggled like...well, a schoolgirl, which she technically was if in high school.
"I am so eager to see this. But first, about your offer. What about that awesome hair tonic my dad used?" Taylor played with her long voluminous hair, and I blinked. "I love my hair. Everyone knows that. I want to find out what it's like having hair down to my butt." Taylor laughed and shook her head. "I mean, I love this already, hair down my shoulders. But I want to at least see what that's like."
"Well, it was just a little thing, so it slipped my mind. Of course that's available to you, again, without membership needed." I reminded, and Taylor jumped to her feet and rushed to the stairs. "Taylor?"
"I'm coming with you! I'm going to get warm clothes, I want to see what you guys do even if I'm not joining. My curiosity's aching." Taylor called from the stairs before she went up to I presumed her room.
Well then. I better call Squealer and Pantera, let them know to mask up since I'm bringing a friend over to...hang out? Am I about to hang out with Taylor outside of school for the first time in years? I don't know how it came to this, but I better keep Taylor nearby while at the Fishery so she doesn't get hurt.