Worms, Rings and the Choice of Violence Chapter 2, a Lord of the Rings + Worm Crossover fanfic

Worms, Rings and the Choice of Violence.

Disclaimer: I don't own Worm or Lord of the Rings..

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Chapter 2: Wrong Number

The Boardwalk.

1 day later, early morning,

The whizzing noise of one of Brockton Bay's resident speedsters was audible as she blitzed through the streets of the Downtown. Even though this was one of the safer regions of the city, Battery was out on patrol for some good PR as the PRT hadn't been seen doing much in recent weeks. Close to no Cape fights have occurred in that time, so one would expect people to be a bit appreciative.

But the PR department wants people to know that it's a constant effort by the PRT that led to this development, so she has to present. Not like it's actually true. Villains sometimes simply lay dormant…and usually when they do that, they might be planning something. It could be something big, but also something small.

About halfway through her patrol, she gets a call, prompting her to come to a stop on a nearby rooftop. She retrieves her Protectorate issued phone and accepts the call. "This is Battery"

The call is answered by a professional male voice, "Battery, this is Officer Evans, we got a tip from Watchdog on possible Tinker activity in your area. Are you able to investigate?"

As nothing notable had been happening in the last hour or two, she says, "I am, send me the details and I'll get right on it Officer."

"Understood, I'm logging it as your case. There's been a series of suspicious purchases throughout the docks; they flagged it up and found the only correlation between the items was the presence of rare metals and materials often utilised by Tinkers.

To summarise, a string of minor purchases have been made throughout the docks. There's been a series of suspicious purchases throughout the docks; they flagged it up and found the only correlation between the items was the presence of rare metals and materials often utilised by Tinkers. The presence of tools also might indicate it to be a fresh trigger. We've confirmed through camera recordings that they were all by the same person," He informs her and promptly sends her the last locational data.

After finishing the call, she follows an optimal route through the city and reaches the docks in under 5 minutes. The speedster rushes into an old hardware store surprising most of the customers and employees inside. She quickly makes her way to the cashier and says, "I'm looking for a young white haired man with a slim build and above average height…and a bit of an androgynous appearance apparently

"Ah…you just missed him Ma'm. He's wearing a hood at the moment, but he's got like 5 bags full of junk with him. Is this a villain or something?"

"No sir, I'm just following up on a lead." She states as she turns on her heels. And with that, she quickly leaves the store and rushes up the building across the street to gain a bird's eye view of the block.

After surveying the area, she finally catches sight of the young man in question. He was down the road with the bags in hand as described. His head was covered by his hood and his back was turned to her. While her direct command was to survey him for the time being, Tinkers are a different type of concern. They were highly sought after by the gangs these days.. The longer a new tinker remained independent, the longer they had time to be killed or snatched up by someone else.

And that's why Unwritten Rules be damned in this case. Not like the boy would know them anyway.

So, without wanting to scare him off immediately, she sped to an alleyway close to him before continuing with a slow walk. As she exits the alleyway, the boy, who by appearances couldn't be above 20, notices her in his path. His eyes widen for a moment before narrowing with a… Battery wasn't quite sure what the expression was, but he wasn't about to run away at the very least.

He had stopped in his tracks and was now looking her up and down with interest clear in his red eyes. Red eyes and white hair certainly was an odd combination, but not necessarily an indication of being a cape. Battery wasn't an expert, but she does believe there were cases of Albinos with those features.

He steadies the bags on his shoulders as he slowly moves towards her, the cape hero meets him halfway before stopping in an action ready position should he try something.

"Anything I can help you with Offic-…" He stops himself halfway through before asking, "Do Protectorate heroes have actual ranks or anything?"

He wasn't twitchy, or reaching for anything in his bags, which reassured Battery to some degree. New Tinkers are among the most unpredictable after all.

Remembering the question, she shakes her head and says, "Just referring to me as Battery is fine…Do you know why I was looking for you?"

His head tilts a bit with a cocky smirk, "Looking for some company?" he chuckles before taking up a somewhat more serious tone," I don't know, did I pick up something illegal? Accidentally unmask one of you?"

Battery wasn't new to the whole ignorance ploy, but she certainly wasn't fond of it. Besides, she gets enough of that from her husband. She lets out a breath of annoyance, "If you could follow me please. I'd like to take you to the PRT headquarters for questioning in a recent case…You are not under arrest, but it is advised for you to go." She directs him away from the public eye and towards a nearby alleyway.

He gives her a suspicious stare, but he gets the idea at least. Out of earshot she can speak what she wants to say. "I'm here because you are suspected of being a new Tinker Parahuman and would like you to come with me to the PRT Headquarters on Lord Street."

"Am I…legally supposed to? Because I need to get to work soon. How long would this even take?" He questions her in return.

"Well no, you are not forced to come along…But kid, Watchdog already knows about you, any villains worth their name will know about you by the end of the day. You can try doing your own thing, but odds are you are going to be recruited or killed by the end of the week. It's for your own good."

She tells the younger man and she notices the annoyed expression growing on his face.

"And if I'm not a Parahuman? Because I didn't exactly have anything really worthy of a trigger event. I mean, what evidence do you even have?" He questions.

Battery merely points to his bags and the numerous circuit boards and scrap metal poking out. He follows her eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh, "I'm working on a DIY project I looked up online and needed the materials. I'm not building a teleporter."

He seemed earnest in the statement. But that didn't really make him safer, "I'm sorry, but you really only have your word going for you… If you really aren't a Parahuman, then we can medically confirm this at the PRT. They have the equipment for it."

"How convenient…. Fine, lead the way then." he dismissively tells her as he reshuffles the bags on his shoulders. Battery wasn't quite sure of the whole situation and decided to simply lead on as they made their way towards the PRT building.

With any luck, this might result in a new ward for Brockton bay and if not, then she would just have to give out a little apology for bothering the boy. Even so, something still struck her as odd about him, buthe couldn't tell what.

PRT Headquarters, Downtown

Henry Drew

10 minutes later

So… I've learned a few things in the last 10 minutes, even if no words were exchanged. Firstly, I don't think I'm a normal Parahuman. I fundamentally think my powers come from another universe that's so different to ours, that magic is a thing there. Maybe Myrddin is the same, but I can't be sure. Besides, we can interact with other universes, who's to say that others can't do the same with us?

Back to my point. I'm thinking of that vision I had when I was shot. Those Giant things and that moon sized Rock above me, I think that has something to do with how powers work. Or how people get them.

Though it's all theory really. I was a lurker on PHO and spent a decent amount of time on the site. And on occasion I have stumbled across a rather interesting theory. A unifying aspect of every cape is the Trigger Event. A moment of high stress and trauma which leads to a development of powers. Doesn't that technically mean that there is one unified source of all powers then? Maybe some locked genetic combination in humans that gets activated in stressful situations?

At least that was the idea I was under. But I think what I got was something else entirely. It wasn't just…Power. It was a mind, a person, a soul… I'm not sure how to put it exactly.

But it's the reason I'm going along with this bluff. You see, if my powers are different to others, then there is a good chance that mine won't be detected by whatever the PRT uses. And that way I could clear my name…which would be awesome once they begin investigating my identity. It would definitely mess with their early findings….

Though, that is assuming that I'm careful enough about the whole matter…

What else have I figured out…Oh right. First, I have a thing for women in tight bodysuits. Didn't know that earlier, but staring at Battery's ass for the last 10 minutes made it pretty clear to me. It didn't help that capes were more attractive than the average person by a decent margin….or I'm just secretly biased… I have no clue really…but yeah, So while she was definitely athletic and slender, she had a great ass as well.

Chances of me tapping that are slim though, considering it's pretty much a known secret that she and Assault are an item of some sorts…. Though the taboo aspect of that is certainly intriguing.

But that's all wishful thinking. And technically, I might be able to track her down later. Because wraith sight is a Thinker power in its own. Seriously, it was insane. The main issue with it was that my eyes lit up with an orange hue similar to a flame. I checked for that when I held my hand in front of my face as a precaution.

But as Battery had her back turned towards me, she was none the wiser. And my hoodie helped with any bystanders who might be watching. On Another note, I should carry around sunglasses from now on and pretend I'm constantly hungover.

But yeah, apparently wraith sight did more than just allow me to see through walls. It allowed me to see people who apparently had any information I desired (Still haven't tested this) as well as the ability to single out people with enhanced abilities and their strengths. And in this case, that meant Parahumans.

While every other human appeared to me in a simple grey hue, Battery was in a strong yellow light. And when I focused on her, my eyes…saw more. I saw a brief listing of… I guess strengths? They were:

Outruns any warrior, beast or bolt of lighting,

Gathers strength akin to many men,

Strikes without touch, by wind or by mind.

The description was arguably a bit vague but they sorta made sense. They described her abilities of being a speedster, her ability to power up her physical strength and her control of Electromagnetic energy. So with a little bit of knowledge and research… I could technically spot capes in any place and any time and even identify who they might be….Hell yeah.

My thoughts are interrupted as Battery returns from the reception desk with two PRT officers following her. The officers step forward and start grabbing for my bags, "Hand those over please,"

Now, I could complain about my rights and all that, because I swear to god, if they take these from me, someone is going to die…But I also don't want to start shit before they don't. I hand them the bags but also tell them, "I've taken inventory of everything I bought here. I better get these back and if not, I want to be reimbursed."

Battery was standing behind them let out a sigh before saying, "It's just for the time being…If you really aren't a tinker, then you will get them back."

"And if I am a tinker? Taking my Property is a great way to alienate me. I mean, aren't tinkers really desired?" I question, as I follow the older cape.

The hero's mouth pulled back into a frown, " It's….Just wait for a moment if you please. The Doctors need to prepare the gear before we can verify you aren't a Parahuman. Stay here please" She stated before turning around and heading down a hallway.

While I got another peek at her spandex-clad ass, I can't help but be annoyed with the situation. I was really low on cash right now, and buying all that stuff was a mistake in hindsight. I was aiming for precious metals in the parts that I could use to create my first ring….And now I'm thinking that if I had just stolen copper wire, it would have been less of a hassle.

It isn't long before Battery finally returns with two PRT agents with her to lead me through the building. I wish I had actually brought some kind of face covering along, because wraith vision really would be great to use right now.

I'm escorted to a hospital room with a large white cylinder with a hole inside. A stretcher of sorts was attached to it…Wait, this is an MRI machine right? You could determine Parahumans with this then?...Now I wish I paid more attention to Parahuman studies. Because this is good to know.

Battery and the troopers leave and a nurse approaches me. I'm given some privacy to change into a hospital gown and am then instructed to remove any metal objects. After that the nurse approached me with a syringe. Before anything sketchy could happen, I asked her to properly explain exactly what she was doing…

And now that I thought of it, I also hadn't signed any papers on the matter yet. Isn't that required for this stuff?.. Unless I was a Parahuman and having my name and record open like that could lead to a security risk?...Damn, I'm really overthinking things.

Anyway, I allowed her to inject me. It's some kind of Contrast liquid needed for the MRI to work. I have to wait a few minutes before I'm asked to get in the machine. I lay still for a while as the machine wires to life and buzzes around me. It's a weird sensation but not too uncomfortable.

After a while, the machine powers down, and the nurse enters the room with a rather concerned expression. I'm directed back to the changing room before being ushered to a room next to the MRI chamber. A doctor was looking at a screen with a depiction of what I assume was my Brain.

He approaches to shake my hand, "Mr Drew, a pleasure to meet you. I'm doctor Jacobs, We-" he pauses for a moment as Battery also enters the room with an unreadable expression. "Your MRI results were rather concerning."

I raise an eyebrow in response before asking, "What happened?" I needed to know as fast as possible if my bluff got thrown out the window.

"Well, certain sections of the brain, the Corona Pollentia and by extension, the Corona Gemma are both closely connected to Parahuman abilities and their development. The Pollentia is a highly common occurrence in almost every human while the Gemma is an indication of a developed ability." He stops for a moment again.

"And?"I ask again, prompting him to continue.

"You see Mr Drew….It seems that you recently suffered from a stroke of some kind that has rendered your Pollentia completely inert. Braindead if you will…."

Battery herself also seemed to react with a bit of surprise at the result. I was trying not to show a very visible reaction because it sorta made sense in my mind. That vision I had was probably of the being or entity that gave other Parahumans their power…And when Sau-...I mean the remnant of that being entered by being, it probably made it impossible for the entity to ever connect to me again.

I crane my neck to the side and ask, "Well, while that certainly helps with me disproving myself of being a Parahuman, I'm currently concerned with the fact that I had a stroke. I'm 18, for Christ's sake!"

The doctor nods with concern on his face, "Yes, very true. Your young age certainly raises a question, but this could lead to everything from a bad diet, exercise or even a genetic abnormality Mr Drew. And yes, Stroke victims are prone to undergo more with time, so I would recommend you check yourself into Brockton General as soon as possible." He states as he writes some notes on the paper in front of him.

The Parahuman in the room slowly asked, "So,, just to confirm then, He's not a Parahuman, then?"

The doctor nods, "Most certainly not. Stroke Victims have suffered from behavioural changes and even amnesia in some cases. His behaviour makes sense with this new information. And while there have been cases of abnormalities when it comes to the Pollentia and Gemma, these are often limited to changers and Case 53 instances. These would not apply to a tinker as he was suspected to be…."

"Understood… I'll log it in the report." Battery Turns back to me," Mr Drew, if you would follow me please. We will return your things shortly"

An awkward silence falls afterwards as the hero leads me back to the lobby and directs me to a nearby seat. She looks at me with a now, very conflicted expression, "I… I need to log some paperwork and then we will return your items…and I'm sorry for this whole situation." Guilt was heavy on her face.

In return, I give her a light scoff and say, "Not like you could have known that I underwent one of the worst medical issues out there instead of having superpowers…Besides, it wasn't all bad. This way I don't have to pay for the MRI scan myself. Oh, and a Doctor's consultation as well. They charge way too much for those sometimes." As I hoped, I was able to lighten the mood with that and even elicited a small chuckle from her…She has a really nice smile.

"I wish I had your optimism….And I wish you the best." After that, she steps away to finish my file and what not. All in all, this went pretty well actually. This way, the PRT would have me logged as a confirmed Non-Parahuman and anyone who got their hands on it would think the same. I'm under no illusion that the PRT wasn't somehow corrupt. Villains always escape within a week after capture and it's pretty consistent. So I really didn't have a doubt in my mind that the gangs and villains had access to them.

With a light smirk growing on my face, I rise from my seat and move closer towards the reception desk. At least that was the plan until someone suddenly crashed into my back, which sent the both of us sprawling onto the floor. I see a stack of paper strewn about the floor and a briefcase next to them. Turning around, I see a tall black man in a formal suit currently on his hands and feet, gasping for breath. He was incredibly thin, but as I got up, I noticed he was extremely tall.

Tapping him on the shoulder, I ask, "Do you need help getting up, sir?"

His face whips around to look at mine with wide eyes. His pupils dart around with hyper focus as he suddenly stammers," This…This is the PRT building…How did I…" He stops his words as he focuses on me again. His hand travels to his face, as if he was expecting to find something there. A moment passes and his expression suddenly turns more stern as he gets up on his own while dusting off his suit.

I study his changing expression for another moment before asking, "You ok there sir?"

He looks around for a moment before gazing back at me, "Just….Exhaustion catching up to me. I'm sorry, were we talking or something?" he questions as he checks his watch. Another sliver of shock was clear in his eyes.

Now thoroughly confused, I say," No…You just walked into me from behind and we both fell down. You wanna sit down for a moment or something?"

"No no…. I'm" He pauses for a second, his expression changed back to a far more neutral one. It was almost robotic really. He looks around again for a bit but I'm then surprised when he holds out his hand for a moment and says, "I'm Thomas Calvert, a pleasure to meet you".

I hesitate for a moment to take his hand, but show the courtesy to reciprocate the attempt. The moment my hand grasps his, his eyes start flashing around again as he stares back at my face with both shock and..and then interest?...Is this guy High right now? In all honesty, that seems to be the case right now. I guess even PRT guys go tripping balls sometimes.

I consider myself lucky because this is the moment that Battery shows up with two clerks holding my bags. I give the Hero another goodbye and promptly head outside of the building. I have had enough stress for one day.

Now, I want to forge something.

Men's restroom, PRT Headquarters, Downtown

20 minutes later

Thomas Calvert.

He couldn't wrap his mind around it. Staring at himself in the bathroom mirror didn't help, but it did solidify the fact that he was here rather than where he thought he was…

It seemed so utterly inconceivable. Everything was going as it should. He had two split timelines as always. And towards the end of them, he discarded the one he didn't want….But instead of finding himself in his underground base, protected by the best mercenaries of the bay, he found himself on the Floor of the PRT lobby, feeling like he just had a god-damned seizure.

He was certainly shocked at first, thinking someone had teleported him here in an effort to unmask or arrest him. But then he realised he wasn't wearing his costume. He was wearing his suit. And when he checked his watch after gaining his bearings, he realised that it wasn't that simple.

It was 10 AM again…A time when he actually was in the PRT headquarters. His first theory was some form of time travel then. But who could be responsible? Time manipulation is rare and other than Grey Boy bubbles, he couldn't think of anything else that could have caused it…Maybe a Simurgh plot of sorts, but that was also incredibly unlikely.

So he fell into the old habit and did as he always did…and that's where he was the cause of the supposed issue. The teen who had tried helping him up suddenly vanished from view. No one but Coil seemed to notice it as well. And that's when another theory took root in his mind. The boy must be a stranger of sorts. But not to others then. A stranger to time manipulation then? A rather obscure power, but certainly useful against someone like Coil.

He wondered if the Teen was even aware of his power's nature. But if he was the only one that couldn't perceive the boy, then it would be odd to others if he ignored him again. So he held out his hand and introduced himself, waiting for it to be taken…. Instead, that never happened.

Either the boy had fled, in which case he would have to do his damnedest to hunt him down…or he was just rude. In any case, standing around the lobby held no benefit. So he left to finish his business before leaving again. His other timeline had him ordering his men to find the teen and capture him at all costs…

And that's where the next issue came around. No records of him existed. He wasn't on any of the camera footage, or in any documentation of that day. And Coil triple checked just to make sure of it. As the frustrations of the day built up, he eventually discarded the timeline where he had tried investigating the mysterious Stranger…. When it happened again.

Again, he found himself in the PRT building. Again, it was 10 AM. Pain shot through his skull like a bolt of lightning…and The boy was shaking his hand with an odd stare. Coil couldn't even properly understand what had happened until the boy left the building…