I kind of want to make a Worm crossover with Warframe where Taylor becomes the tenno to a bunch of semi-sapient umbra frames sent through the void and ended up in the bay. Thought that might be kinda neat. That and one using the bugs from Deep Rock Galactic.
Well, other than that shower thought I didn't have anything for this author's note so you can just get into the story now.
Edit 25/April/2022: Shoutout to Kitsune Obsessed Freak who alerted my attention that the linebreaks I put in the PHO section of this chapter don't work in FFnet. I've fixed it how I could so it should be better to read now. Thanks again KOF!
"Hey, Valka." Taylor began her question to the ancient Eternal as the latter had popped in to have lunch with the younger Hebert. "I've got a question."
"Shoot."
"When I went out on Monday, I raided this E88 storehouse…"
"Nice."
"Thanks. But not what I'm really talking about here. You see, after when the police were there along with Miss Militia one of the gang members escaped and tried to shoot an officer."
Valka winced. "That doesn't sound good."
"Well, no, but luckily I was able to take the bullet, and Miss M was able to disable the thug."
"Okay. I feel this isn't the point you're trying to make, however?" Valka Guessed.
"Yeah. My real question is if I died from bleeding out to gunshot wound, how come I can do this?" Taylor asked as a bulky rifle with a split barrel abruptly appeared in her hands.
"…" Valka blinked for a moment, observing the rifle. "…Is that my railgun?"
"Do you keep it on you?" Taylor asked back.
"Yes."
"Then yes," Taylor responded, the weapon disappearing just as quickly as it came. "Turns out I can teleport weapons both to me and back to where I got them from."
"That seems rather convenient," Valka remarked as she looked inside her parker for a moment. "I don't know why you'd want to look this gift horse in its mouth."
"Call it curiosity." Taylor shrugged.
"Well…" Valka stopped to think for a bit, taking a bite of her sandwich as she did so. "From what I could guess, your malaise perceived your death as a cause of you not having an adequate weapon in the scenario. It saw Militia not having to move to take down the enemy, and likely believed it could achieve the same effects if you were able to simply take the E88 member's weapon. Honestly, I'd call this a two-for-one."
"That seems… stupid." Taylor frowned.
"Is what it is with the malaise," Valka replied dismissively. "It follows no logic but its own, so best just to accept what it gives you and move on."
"Well, that's less than satisfying."
"Agreed."
"So anyway, I'm still on to start at Arcadia next week, right?" Taylor asked, shifting the subject.
"That's where I was able to slip you in. Please never ask me how."
"You used mind control, didn't you?"
"Yes," Valka admitted. "But you still need to go in on Monday to take some placement tests, and no level of mind control can change that."
Taylor gave Valka a dubious look.
"Okay fine. There is, but I'm not going to be doing it. You need to get through on some of your own merits, too. So, make sure to study, even if it's not until next Monday, that still shouldn't be any excuse for you to slack off."
"That's fair." Taylor nodded in agreement.
"You're a smart girl, Taylor. And I'm sure that you're going to do great things so long as you keep your head straight, with or without the ability to come back from the dead." Valka smiled warmly, which caused Taylor returned it with a pleasant feeling spreading through her. "Now, I'm gonna head off so make sure to keep studying and keep out of any trouble." Valka ruffled Taylor's hair, who affectionately pushed her away.
"You're kidding, right?" Taylor raised an eyebrow whilst straightening her hair.
"Of course!" Valka cackled.
Taylor grew a sly smile. "Yeah, I thought so..."
"Anyway, you have a nice afternoon, and if you feel like going out make sure to tell your father!" Valka called from the front doorway.
"I thought you said stay out of trouble?" Taylor smirked.
"Okay, listen here you little brat!" Valka called back in an equally playful tone. "I never said 'don't be irresponsible'! respect your father girly!"
"Okay fine, I will." Taylor called back.
"Good! I'll see you around!" Valka finished as the closing of a door followed her.
Now alone in her house, Taylor decided to go up to her room and spend some time on the laptop that Valka had gotten her. She hadn't yet seen what impact she had made the previous night and knowing the iconic PHO website it was bound to be crawling with news about her. Afterwards, she'd then do some studying like she told Valka. Opening the laptop and launching the web browser, Taylor soon had navigated to the PHO page.
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Topic: New Cape Slays the Dragon
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the know)
Posted on March 11th, 2011:
Well, everyone, to nobody's surprise a new parahuman has once again entered the BB cape scene. Fortunately, for once, we've got a new heroine in our dear city, or so I'm told. To be honest, it's a little hard to tell since HER HEAD IS A FLAMING SKULL. As you can see from the picture I just linked, this new cape's most definitive feature is their jawless skull surrounded by a distinct orange fire that didn't seem to affect her firefighter-esque costume. From first-hand reports, she seems to be calling herself 'Styx', like the river Styx from Greek mythology. Not much has been heard about her powers so far, but it's being speculated that she has a high-end brute rating.
She'd at least have to have one to, y'know, TAKE OUT LUNG ON HER FIRST NIGHT.
Read that again folks and I promise you that it's no mistake. The Dragon of Kyushu, the man who went toe-to-toe with both fucking Leviathan and the entire Brokton Bay Protectorate at once, the leader of one of the two biggest gangs in the city was defeated, no, destroyed by a greenie hero on their very first night out.
Now if that isn't the best achievement to have on your debut, then I don't know what is.
But it doesn't stop there people, we're only at the halfway mark.
Sometime later, our city's finest get a call from none other than Styx after she raided an Empire safehouse by herself. Not too long later they arrived with backup in the form of Miss Militia to find the new hero sitting casually at the steps with about 23 tied up and ready to be hauled off.
But wait! There's more!
As she was speaking to Miss Militia, one of the Empire thugs were able to break free and snatched an officer's pistol as they did so. So, what does Styx do when the guy's about to shoot an officer? Dive between them and take the bullet, that's what. Miss Militia quickly disarmed the man after, but not before Styx gets shot in the chest and, you probably didn't guess it, walked away from the encounter with a stride in her step.
That's all the information I have on this new hero so far, what's everyone's first impressions?
(Showing Page 1 of 28)
► Sopranoverthemoon
Replied on March 11th, 2011
Jesus! Who the hell is this person?!
► Userbignerd
Replied on March 11th, 2011
They look like Ghost Rider
► JanessaVR
Replied on March 11th, 2011
Userbignerd: Who?
► Userbignerd
Replied on March 11th, 2011
You know, that one comic book character from Aleph, has a flaming skull and drives a flaming motorcycle?
► Ninjaman6001
Replied on March 11th, 2011
If they start driving a flaming motorcycle I think Marvel is going to sue them for copyright.
► unimaginativeusername
Replied on March 11th, 2011
From another dimension?
► doinyamim
Replied on March 11th, 2011
Holy shit is that real. Whats with tha firefighter uniform though?
► Lord4all
Replied on March 11th, 2011
Fake.
► Ninjaman6001
Replied on March 11th, 2011
unimaginativeusername: I mean, Disney owns them so probably
► hollowballoo
Replied on March 11th, 2011
Jesus what are the stats on her?
End of page
1, 2, 3 ... 26, 27, 28
(Showing Page 7 of 28)
► SuspiciousCatt (Theory Crafter)
Replied on March 12th, 2011
Look, all I'm saying is what if they're not really a hero and are trying to take over the ABB. Take out Lung and raid E88? Sounds a little too convenient
► Lelgo
Replied on March 12th, 2011
You know what else that sounds like? A hero doing their job.
► Munchierocks
Replied on March 12th, 2011
Why didn't they join the Protectorate then? And why the flaming skull head?
► userbignerd
Replied on March 12th, 2011
I don't think they get a choice in the latter.
► Kid Win (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied on March 12th, 2011
Munchierocks From what Shaman and I heard when she was talking to Armsy they're still underage, so no protectorate. And also isn't apparently interested in the Wards either.
► hollowbaloo
Replied on March 12th, 2011
Finally! Someone with the PRT! What're Styx's stat?!
► Nakyak (Cape Geek)
Replied on March 12th, 2011
High level brute for sure. Maybe a breaker or changer depending on the head?
► Ne
Replied on March 12th, 2011
Wait, new here, I thought we weren't allowed to speculate powers
► Kid Win (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied on March 12th, 2011
I haven't heard anything official yet, but from what I saw? Definitely high-end brute. Crashed into the middle of the (thankfully empty) road whilst doing a piledriver on Lung, so if that isn't a brute I don't know what is. Also might be a mover since I saw them leap across the city when they left.
► Peter_Rodruiguse
Replied on March 12th, 2011
Ne: No that's only for identities.
On a related note she probably has a changer effect since it'd be pretty hard to walk around normally with a flaming skull head. Unless anyone knows someone of that description?
End of Page
1, 2, 3, ... 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, … 27, 28
(Showing Page 28 of 28)
► semtex94
Replied on March 13th, 2011
I've seen her myself, it was later in the night whilst I was taking a walk. Although they were going into a 24hour clothing store. No idea what for, but I did snap a pic here.
► Jash&Dash
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Wait why were you doing walking at that time of night?
► semtex94
Replied on March 13th, 2011
None of your business that's why.
► FizzydrinkPops (BBPD Officer)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Hey, sorry if it's a bit late to chip in, but when forensics got down to the scene in the warehouse, apparently one of the heavy-duty doors was cat through by something like thermite. Maybe some kind fire power?
► SuspiciousCatt (Theory Crafter)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
So now does everyone believe me?! Pyrokinesis is just another nail in the coffin people.
►Nakyak (Cape Geek)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
OMG, her head is literally on fire. How did it take us three days before we even guessed she had a fire power?!
Taylor had finished skimming over the posts when a devilish idea formed in her head. Her fingers began moving over the keys as she typed up a response.
►StyxAndStones
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Don't forget that mover power where I can teleport weapons to myself and back.
► semtex94
Replied on March 13th, 2011
HELLO?
► Yamchasmxytime
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Okay this can't be real
►StyxAndStones
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Why not?
► Yamchasmxytime
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Because anyone could say that they're a new hero who took down Lung. You aren't even verified.
► Vista (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Hi Styx! Nice to see a new teen girl hero in the bay. We've only got me, Shaman and Asura otherwise.
►StyxAndStones
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Yamchasmxytime: Well hopefully the mods will verify me when they see this.
►FaviFake
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Vista: Wait what about Shadow Stalker?
► Yamchasmxytime
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Oh god dammit.
► Vista (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
FaviFake: She doesn't count.
► Yamchasmxytime
Replied on March 13th, 2011
She's fucking real u guys.
► THE_ENTITY_MAN
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Can we all appreciate that Vista could have totally fallen for a fake account?
► Vista (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
ಠ_ಠ
►StyxAndStones (Verified Cape)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
There there, Vista. I'm actually real.
►StyxAndStones (Verified Cape)
Replied on March 13th, 2011
Oh, wow that was fast. Thanks Mods!
►Winged_One
Replied on March 13th, 2011
[Post Deleted]
►Winged_One
Replied on March 13th, 2011
[Post Deleted]
►Winged_One
Replied on March 13th, 2011
[Post Deleted]
[User temp banned – 24hrs]
*Ok, you're getting a ban for spamming whatever the hell that prophetic off-topic stuff was in all caps. If it was just one brief post I would have let it slide, but those were like 300 words each man. Take a day to cool off. Oh, also, you're welcome for the quick verify Styx -HayabusaModifier
- - - - - Lazarus - - - - -
Her power had always given numbers. That's all it had done since she had gotten it. Numbers, numbers and more numbers. Percentages specifically. Ask the probability of something, whether it had already happened or had yet to, and she could give an accurate percentage down to a decimal. Often involuntarily.
When people asked certain questions out loud, it was like she couldn't help herself but answer. People thought she was being funny, or sometimes cheeky, but it was always true. But she could only do it a few times or her head began to really hurt, the kind that medicine couldn't fix.
She didn't want to tell anyone about it yet. She'd probably tell her parents soon, but other than them she wasn't sure she'd tell anyone. Her parents would most likely want to sign her up with the wards, she checked, but she wasn't ready for that just yet. And she only had to go to the hospital once for passing out that one time.
No, what worried her wasn't her headaches, or abilities, or even its secrecy. No. What she worried about her power was that sometime, every now and then, for the past few months, it was giving her something other than numbers.
Here and there, when she used her powers in small ways to either help herself or test the limits of her abilities, she'd come up with something strange. Not a number, not a word, but a feeling.
A feeling that was as if she was in a cave of wolves who were all sleeping, or just hadn't noticed her yet. Like a forest of eyes that had yet to open. Overwhelming, overcoming, indescribable, those are what she felt in those rare moments.
But sometimes it was a word like something was speaking to her. There were only short, single words like 'burn, or 'live', but they were still there, and more like she was overhearing a hushed conversation.
But what really scared Dinah Alcott was when she got numbers. Because they weren't like her other numbers, numbers that were percentages and she knew what they meant. Don't get her wrong, Dinah knew what the numbers were, they were simple numeric digits that she saw in her everyday life. But that's what scared Dinah. It was like she had never heard of these numbers before like she didn't know their true meaning.
Because what did it mean when your power that could see the future, kept saying First and Fourteenth at you?
- - - - - Lazarus - - - - -
Lisa had some good news and some bad news, which both happened to be the same thing.
Good news: Indirectly looking at the new cape, Styx apparently, and information about them did not immediately shut down her power.
Bad news: It didn't actually give her any information about them either.
It was like any time she saw them in a picture or a video, they weren't there. Lisa could certainly see Styx in the video, but they were like an information black hole as far as her power was concerned. Lisa tried resorting to trying to figure out what they weren't, but all she was able to get out of that was that they weren't round.
Lisa's next attempt came in the form of observing what she could without her powers (which was jarring in and of itself) and then extrapolating on her notes with her powers. This had led to absolutely jack squat when her power only observed the paper and ink, not the information it was depicting.
Lisa would have been extremely frustrated if she wasn't so afraid of what this could mean. Sure, there had been parahumans before with anti-think stranger effects that hampered the abilities of thinkers to gather information on them, but not to the absolute 'fuck you' level that Styx was somehow doing.
Lisa shook her head, trying to not think about all this and just enjoy the cup of coffee she had just bought to specifically take her mind off things.
"'Scuse me." A man in his late forties and worked at the docks (supplied by Lisa's very helpful power) excused himself as he bumped into Lisa, knocking her wallet and phone from her hands. Lisa herself simply grumbled and bent down to pick her things up again, hoping her phone hadn't cracked.
[Not cracked. Case protected]
'Oh well, at least you're good for something.' Lisa thought at her power.
"Need a hand?" A voice asked as a pair of legs stopped before her.
"If you wouldn't mind," Lisa said as she began to look up to see wh-
[~Do-do do doooooo…~]
- - - - - Lazarus - - - - -
Rebecca stood, somewhat dumbfounded, in Cauldron's base and completely at a loss for words to describe what she was witnessing.
"How... long has she been like that?" Rebecca asked Doctor Mother once she finally found her bearings.
"A few days now." Doctor Mother answered. "She has been progressively getting... more."
"More what?" Rebecca asked.
"More... that." Mother replied, gesturing to Contessa as she scrambled about, grabbing seemingly random items and taking them somewhere before returning and repeating the process.
"Why didn't anyone notice anything about it before now?" Rebecca asked.
"Everyone thought that it was simply Contessa being Contessa. But something was definitely wrong when she was noticed... smiling. Genuinely."
Rebecca did a double-take, looking at Contessa who was, indeed, smiling. But this particular grin wasn't like her usual sly smiles or all-knowing smirks but a full, joyful grin.
"What's more she hasn't really told us what she's doing apart from 'preparing'." Doctor Mother finished.
Rebecca, agitated by her lack of knowledge of what was happening, walked up to the woman in question. "Contessa." She greeted.
"Alexandria." Contessa returned swiftly, not slowing down and sounding both excited and out of breath.
"What are you doing?"
"Wandering," Contessa replied, appearing as if she wasn't paying too much attention to the other woman.
Rebecca on the other hand internally recoiled at Contessa's answer. She had never heard Contessa use such a term before, nor had she ever known the woman to not be following one of her paths.
"Wandering?" Rebecca asked.
"Yes."
"And what does that mean?" Rebecca continued, apprehensive of the answer.
"It means..." Contessa shoved a bedside alarm clock into Rebecca's hands, "That the paths were a lie."
It felt as if someone had poured a bucket on top of everyone who had just heard what Contessa had said. But still, the woman continued.
"There was never a path. There is a winding forest of trees, each with its own stories and endings. There are streams and cliffs, trails and directions, but never something to truly follow. Only to experience. And as soon as I learned about it I've wanted to follow it!" Contessa shook Alexandria as best she could. "All I have to do is get there!"
"I'm... sorry?"
"Ah, don't worry, you're all in capable hands without me." Contessa waved her hand dismissively as she picked up a suitcase. "I have a date with infinity!"
"Who's hands?" Doctor Mother asked, having remained the most composed of all the present Cauldron members.
"Hm, I'll need a new hat..." Contessa mumbled as she tossed her iconic fedora to the ground and took out a black pan flute from her briefcase.
"Contessa! Whose hands?!"
"Oh!" Contessa blinked, before grinning like a maniac. "Why, who other than...