Sunny Sky 1.4

Taylor's immediate gut reaction was panic. If this random girl was approaching, asking for help, did she know Taylor was a parahuman? Nova's reaction didn't help. The short girl had let out a low, almost feral growl upon sighting the other blonde.

"Parahuman." Nova muttered quietly. "Thinker. I can smell it on her. And you can see it in her smug face."

Immediately the nervous face dropped and was instead replaced by a cunning smirk. "You know it's not exactly smart to out a cape like that."

"And it's not smart to approach me when I'm hungry," Nova snarked back. "So say your piece before I eat you alive."

Lisa's eyes widened. "Shit you aren't kidding are you?" Her gaze shot to Taylor. "Not going to reign in your friend? No, not a friend… Projection?!"

Nova growled in warning.

"A sentient projection, that's a dangerous power you got there. She actually considers you a friend. How does it feel knowing your only friend is being Mastered to feel that way?" Lisa asked with another smirk.

Taylor felt her stomach sink, the fear that had been haunting her rising to the surface. Was it true? Did the supers she summoned only support and like her because she was their Master?

A different voice reached through the fog of her power. Unfamiliar. Deep. Cultured. Malevolent.

Be rest assured Ms. Hebert, not all of us are going to be your friend. You've only met the best of us so far. I doubt Legacy has it in him to lie so blatantly, he's as genuine as they come. But here in your mind, there are monsters beyond your current comprehension lurking within.

For some reason, that actually did make her feel better. If her projections were being forced to like her, wouldn't they all universally do so? And Deadeye had seemed pretty aloof himself. Now there was a super who was actively threatening her. It shouldn't have been comforting, but strangely enough it was.

Lisa's eyes narrowed. "Are you… talking to one right now? Oh hell, you have multiple projections."

Taylor glared at the blonde girl that had ruined her morning. "How exactly are you-"

"I'm psychic."

"Bullshit," Nova coughed. "My best friend is actually psychic and trust me, you ain't one."

Lisa crossed her arms and glared at Nova. "And how would you know?"

Nova bared her teeth again. "Because when he first tried to read my mind all he heard was the beast. Woulda stopped you dead from going any further into my brain."

Lisa flinched. "Damn, you're telling the truth."

"Course I am. Now get to the bloody point before-"

"Pft wow, letting your projection do all the talking for you." She rolled her eyes at Taylor. "Can you dismiss the figment of your imagination so we can talk like real people for a moment."

Taylor's fingernails dug into the palm of her hand as she made a fist. Was this girl trying to get on her nerves? Nova actually began to take a step forward with an animalistic roar building in her throat. Panicking and not wanting to cause a scene, Taylor dismissed Nova with a thought.

Lisa's eyes darted around them for a moment. "That wasn't smart, using your powers in public like that."

"It was that or let Nova take a swing at you. She's a Changer and her other form apparently likes to eat parahumans." Taylor explained while crossing her arms and staring down Lisa. "Now, what do you want exactly?"

Lisa relaxed minutedly. "Like I said, coffee? No, not coffee, tea right?"

"Just get to the point."

"Well then follow me."

Lisa turned and began marching further down the boardwalk. Cursing internally, Taylor followed her to a small outdoor cafe. Lisa purchased a couple of drinks and then sat down across from Taylor. Taylor refused to touch the drink in front of her. Lisa hadn't exactly inspired a lot of trust or confidence.

"Look, sorry for being a bitch. It's hardwired into my power, just makes me love to go off on tangents and ferret out people's weaknesses and secrets. I'll try and rein it in." Lisa awkwardly apologized.

Taylor just kept her expression blank. A little too late for that. This girl was reminding her far too much of Emma and her manipulative bullcrap.

"Ok, I can see you're pissed. Here's the thing, I'm a Thinker, probably a six or seven on the PRT scale. I got recruited by," her expression soured and she seemed to be almost forcing the words out, "a better Thinker or at least a more experienced one. The job interview involved a gun and a shallow grave if I refused his offer."

"And what does this have to do with me?"

"Since yesterday, his power has been wonky. I'm still trying to figure out what it is, but it is definitely not working right. He ordered me to dig into Winslow's records. Imagine my surprise when I found numerous filed complaints by a single girl. Some more digging and a bit of computer hacking and I find a mountain of evidence that there's a pretty big bullying campaign going on. Then yesterday, a new Alexandria package arrived in town bringing a shivering wreck to the hospital. And today, Winslow is closed due to 'biological contamination' and 'repair work'. Little more digging and there's a locker filled with the worst mixture of hazardous materials I've ever seen, a hole in the roof coming from the inside, and evidence that someone was trapped in that locker. Instant recipe for a trigger event if I've ever seen one."

"And how did you know who I was?"

"Well I looked at the complaints filed and then found your picture in Winslow's student records. I heard about Winslow being closed today and figured you'd be out and about town somewhere to give me a chance to talk to you. See, the thing is, I know I'm breaking the rules doing this. But I need out. I can't deal with my boss anymore. My power keeps giving me weird info about him and I have the feeling that he's some type of precog that has literally murdered me before or at least he's planning on doing it soon. Your power seems to screw with him. I need your help."

"And you figured the best way to get my help was to come up to me in my civilian identity, be a massive bitch, then admit that what you're doing apparently isn't ok?" Taylor asked incredulously. "For a Thinker that doesn't seem very smart."

"I was going to try and be more subtle, but then your projection sniffed me out." Lisa admitted. "Like I mentioned too, my power can make me a bit harsh sometimes. It's not something I'm exactly proud of and I literally can't help it. Best I've ever been able to do is redirect it to another target. Plus I figured you're a fresh trigger, which means it would likely take a few weeks or even longer for you to actually start going out as a cape. I don't think I can afford to wait that long with how my boss has been recently."

Taylor let out a groan of frustration before rubbing her eyes vigorously for a moment. First Emma and now this… Today was turning into a crap day just like any other. "If your boss is as bad as you say he is, why not go to the PRT or the Protectorate? Wouldn't they be able to help you?"

"My boss may be a piece of work villain, but in his civilian I.D, he's a pretty well respected contractor and a PRT consultant. I'd be dead before I could spill any information." Lisa grimaced, then took a sip of coffee and rubbed her forehead in a similar way that Taylor did when her power was acting up.

"And what will you do when he's gone? You don't expect me to just let a villain out back into the wild. I mean, I assume you're a villain. I haven't heard of any heroes that look like you and have Thinker powers like yours."

"I work with a small team and do petty crimes. Smash and grab, breaking and entering. We're pretty mellow actually, we haven't killed anyone and we try to avoid hurting people too badly, our main thing is stealth and speed." Lisa explained. "We also go after the other gangs a lot."

Taylor blinked in surprise. "So you're Tattletale in costume then? PHO seems to love you 'Undersiders', at least a lot more than most of the other gangs in this city."

Lisa let out a smile at that. "Yeah, people like to root for the underdog and like I said, we try not to be too violent. We're small fish compared to Kaiser or Lung. But to answer your question, I'm not planning on staying a villain. I just want to sit back and enjoy a cozy life with the money I got saved, maybe do some day trading on the side. I don't want to be doing these kinds of shenanigans, I only do it because the boss with a gun to my head tells me to."

Taylor nodded slightly.

What do you think, Legacy?

That's not important kiddo. What's important is what you think.

I think… I don't think she's a good person, but I also don't think she's a bad one. Just dealt a crap hand. And if all parahumans go through something like I do in order to gain powers… She didn't have an easy life even before this mysterious boss came around and threatened her.

Mhmm. You're doing good, keep going.

I can't sit back. I want to be a hero. But am I ready?

None of us truly were Taylor. But if it makes you feel better, you can probably rely on us for this one. There's a super, he wasn't a hero or a villain, but he was the ultimate Thinker of our world. He can help. But at the moment you're going to need someone good at fighting.

What?

You probably didn't notice, but-

"Crap!" Lisa hissed, eyes beginning to dart around. "Damn it damn damn it, please tell me you've got more projections ready to go!"

Taylor glanced around too and felt a nervous chill sweep through her gut. The boardwalk was practically empty of civilians at this point and a trio of armed enforcers were walking decisively toward the two girls, hands on pistols and looking ready to draw.

"You two, stay right there. You're coming with us." The lead one called.

Taylor and Lisa both stood up quickly, but a red dot appeared on Taylor's chest and another one on Lisa's. From the other side of the boardwalk, three more enforcers approached.

"They're on his payroll." Lisa muttered to Taylor. "And there's two snipers, one in buildings on either side. We're fucked."

Taylor felt a connection form in her brain. The synthetically altered voice of Deadeye filled her mind. I got eyes on you Taylor.

Deadeye? I thought you were back at the house?

Nah, I've been following you this whole time. Figured Xander and Marion had everything covered there. You guys start moving as soon as you want, I got you covered.

They have snipers aimed at us!

Just trust me.

Taylor grimaced. Guess it was time for a leap of faith. "Lisa, follow me. We'll be safe at my house if we can reach it."

Lisa shot a panicked look to her. "The minute you summon a projection, we're dead."

"Trust me. Or at least trust the projection that's been watching us the entire time."

Before Lisa could reply, Taylor started sprinting towards the group of enforcers that blocked the way toward her home. Two gunshots rang out immediately. There was a loud clink followed by the sound of two objects hitting the ground. Lisa cursed and followed, the same thing happening again, two identical gunshots and two objects hitting the ground, but Taylor didn't have time to look at what they were. Instead, she continued her run towards the enforcers who all drew their handguns and leveled them at Taylor and Lisa, ordering them to stop. Another gunshot and each enforcer cursed as their weapons dropped or were flung away from their grips, all clutching their hands in pain. Popping gunfire began to come from behind the two girls as they ran, bullets ricocheting off of nearby objects and buildings. Two more rifle shots were heard as they continued running.

Snipers are down. I got the three following you.

Taylor kept running as more gunshots came from where she assumed Deadeye was and the gunfire from the enforcers cut off.

You aren't killing them are you?

I may use guns, but I'm still a hero. They'll recover, I've just been going for hands and legs.

Thank you.

Happy to be of service.

Taylor let another curse fly as a van suddenly pulled out of an alleyway and blocked her and Lisa's path forward. The doors opened and four heavily armed mercenaries jumped out, assault rifles raised. Her power flared instinctively and she felt pain beginning to creep into the back of her head as a young man appeared. He looked young, maybe seventeen or eighteen. His costume was tight fitting fabric that covered his entire body, black going up the sides and white in the center with a large infinity symbol on the center of his chest. Also on his chest, central to the infinity symbol, was a glowing device the color of soft sunlight. He had short dark hair, skin that was a bit on the pale side, but still tanner than the average Brockton native, but his eyes were hidden by a high tech visor that fit seamlessly to his face.

The instant he appeared he went into motion, the young hero throwing out a hand and a wave of energy that seemed to shriek. It was bad enough standing behind him, but the mercs in front of him all screamed and went to clamp their hands over their ears. As they did this he leapt forward, hands beginning to glow with heat. He grabbed each and every gun by the barrel, melting them instantly. Then he grabbed Taylor and Lisa, one in each arm and took off flying away from their assailants.

Lisa began to laugh hysterically. "Your powers are such bullshit!" she shouted over the wind.

Taylor glared at her. "I didn't pick them! And you're welcome for saving your damn life!"

"I wasn't complaining, just observing! I mean c'mon, you've already summoned an Alexandria package, a Brute-Changer, and a combat Thinker or Shaker that can literally knock bullets out of the air with his own bullets! And now whoever this guy is, that can apparently use multiple forms of energy and fly! You are absolutely ridiculous!"

Taylor felt her face flush a bit, but was saved from shouting more by the hero carrying them, setting down in a secluded alleyway far from the boardwalk. "So what's your name and how did you just appear like that?"

"Your powers react automatically to most dangers, at least ones that you can see coming." The new hero replied. "My name is ReNew." The air around him seemed to shimmer and then he was dressed in regular street clothing. Without the visor, Taylor could see that he had some asian heritage, but didn't want to be racist and try and guess which country. "But you can call me Zach. I'm a Blaster, I can use a ton of different energy types and fly." His eyes narrowed at Lisa. "You need to get out of here. Your presence is endangering Taylor."

"Now hold on-"

"Uh, Zach, it's ok, really. We can bring her back home, she's probably not safe at her place if Coil is willing to attack her in public like that." Taylor turned her attention on the blonde she'd just saved. "That is who you used to work for now, right? I mean, thats the only other faction in the Bay I can think of, unless he's a new player."

"Nah, you know your stuff girl. Coil's main M.O til now has been to keep everything organized and secretive, he uses mercenaries and refuses to show his power, which I'm getting more and more certain is some kind of precog that you are definitely screwing with." Lisa said casually while pulling out a phone and proceeding to stomp on it. "He probably had a tracker in my phone. Crazy how unsubtle he's being with all this." Her eyes widened in alarm. "Oh shit my teammates!"

"I'll send Deadeye, he's the sniper who saved us. He can check on them." Taylor reassured the panicking girl. Can you go do that Deadeye?

"Oh, uh yeah that'd be great. Thank you. I mean, they're all kind of dicks in their own ways, but they don't deserve to get shot just because Coil is acting like a psycho." Lisa muttered.

You got it T.

Oh not you too… You need an address or-?

Nah, I remotely hacked Tattletale's phone while you were talking, got the address based on mapping data and texts. My sister makes some sweet tech, you should have her make you some.

Another time. "I guess Deadeye hacked your phone already so he's on his way to check on your teammates."

"Awesome. So uh, how's this work, am I staying with you or getting a hotel while you leave one of your projections as my bodyguard?"

Zach cleared his throat and then spoke into Taylor's mind. You might not be able to keep me around much longer. You're acclimatizing more and more to your power, but- and I mean this in the most humble way- I'm a pretty strong super.

Taylor grimaced. He was right, she could feel her headache getting worse by the second. She didn't want to try and push it any further until she had a good idea of what it would do to her. On one hand, Taylor didn't want Lisa being gunned down by Coil's mercs. On the other… Taking Lisa back to her house sounded really unappealing.

Though I suppose it doesn't really matter, she already knows my name and face, she just needs a phonebook. "You can come back to my house, we have a spare bedroom. I'll tell my dad you're a new friend or something." Taylor decided. "But you break my trust and I will make you regret it."

Lisa rose her hands up in surrender. "I'll keep to the rules, I don't particularly feel like getting Caged or shot in the head by a scary sniper."

"Good. Nice meeting you ReNew, I'll uh, see ya around I guess." Taylor said awkwardly. Or talk to you at least.

The hero gave a reassuring smile. "You got it Taylor. You ever need flying artillery, I'm your guy." He shot one last suspicious look at Lisa, even making an 'I'm watching you' gesture, before dissolving into light.

"Its really fucking weird how sentient your projections are. Like, literally unheard of." Lisa said frankly, voice drier than the Sahara after Ash Beast had walked through.

"You get used to it. At least, I hope so." Taylor sighed. "Well let's get going."

The two made their way through surface streets, keeping a close eye out, but another attack failed to manifest. Either Coil couldn't find them or he was planning something else. After a while they got back to Taylor's house, the moment they stepped over the property line Taylor felt a slight buzzing sensation crawl across her skin.

Probably something Marion did…

The PRT van was still there, but based on the glazed and bored look in their eyes, Xander was still doing his job. Taylor walked up to the front door, noting that the broken step had been fixed, and then walked in the door… before promptly blinking in surprise, stepping out and resting her head against the door.

"You uh, you alright?" Lisa asked with some mild concern.

"Just… processing." Taylor muttered. She opened the door again, this time Marion halfway through the kitchen door holding a couple of plates with sandwiches on them. He froze like a mouse caught by the cat. "This had better be damn good Marion."

Assault and Battery, two of the Protectorate looked at her with thoroughly unimpressed faces.

"T, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this. Now gimme a minute to think of it."