Chapter 17
Sparks were heavy. I wouldn't be surprised if I suddenly smelled ozone from the amount of tension in the air. If I hadn't known these two masters couldn't affect each other, I would've thought this battle of the minds extended to the supernatural.
I was exaggerating a little bit, but I could tell Cherie wasn't too pleased to see her sibling.
"Damn… Surprised to see you here Cherie." Alec's voice came out dull and unenthusiastic. Despite this, a slight frown tugged at his lips. "And it's Alec now. Just letting you know ahead of time, since I'm polite like that."
Cherie rolled her eyes at the weak jab. "'Alec', huh? Not bad, I guess. Maybe I should try a rebranding as well. What do you think?"
Alec was about to make a snide comment, but Cherie turned her attention to me, cutting him off. An animated look of surprise took over Cherie's face and her voice leaked of sickly sweet patronization. "Oh, sorry! I forgot to introduce you. This is Morgan, a good friend of mine. Morgan, this is Jea-Alec, my little brother."
"Nice to meet you." I said plainly.
"Uh- same." Glancing between me and Cherie, Alec's brain started cranking twice the speed. "So, is this your newest boy toy, or something else…?"
The boy's eyes squinted as he likely checked my body over for any of her influence. Said eyes widened a fraction when he found nothing. Anticipating his next move, I walked right next to the parahuman and wrapped my arm around his shoulder.
The villain tensed under the sudden and abrupt contact, but wisely chose to not retaliate. "Remember this, because I'm giving you only one warning. Don't try to use your power on me. There's a reason why I'm not under Cherie's influence, so make the right choice."
"Whatever you say man-" Cutting off his words was a light click. Regent looked down at his wrist to find a seemingly innocuous watch. The time read 10:40.
I let go of the parahuman and patted his back. "Don't worry about the watch. It's just some extra insurance."
"Anyway, I'm hungry for lunch. How about we get some pizza?"
— — —
With two boxes in hand, we strode down the street. Cherie insisted that Alec carry the boxes, but I didn't trust him not to grab a slice the first chance he got.
"So… Where are we heading to? And two boxes is a lot for three people. Don't tell me-" Alec gave a sidelong glance to Cherie. The aforementioned girl huffed at the insinuation, but didn't bother responding.
Raising a brow, I gave the boy a pointed look. "Isn't it obvious? We're going to your secret base, Regent."
Had he been eating a pizza slice, he would've spit it all over me."Well, shit. I- uh, didn't expect that."
"Of course you didn't. But worry not, I only happen to know most of your secrets, rather than all of them." I smirked, shrugging my shoulders.
Regent's mouth suddenly creased into a frown. However, he didn't appear concerned over what I said, but… maybe how I said it?
"You sure we need to go to the home base? There's plenty of cool tourist locations to visit." He threw out the suggestion like it was an afterthought, but it was clear he was worried about something.
Cherie immediately picked up on the change and smiled devilishly. "What's wrong, brother dearest? Worried about what he'll find when we get there?"
Staying silent, Regent tilted his head away from my partner. Then he blinked, his eyes betraying revelation. "Wait… He hasn't told you anything, has he? You probably didn't even know I was in Brockton bay?!"
"So?" Cherie cut into Alec's tirade at the first opportunity. "He didn't tell me because I didn't ask. I know Morgan better than anyone else, after all."
Scrutinizing his sister, Regent was almost baffled by her attitude. Making up his mind, he brushed the (nonexistent) dust off his shoulders. "Then you're in for a real surprise. You've got me excited for how this'll turn out now. Let's hurry this up, I'm starving."
The parahuman picked up his pace, leading us toward the Undersider's headquarters.
Not how I thought this interaction would go, but I'm not complaining.
I didn't actually know where the Undersider's base was, and was mostly bluffing when I said we were heading there. I was just planning on leading us to a hidden area so I could use my power, but this was far more ideal.
My partner was taken aback by Regent's change of heart, but seeing how relaxed I was, put her worries aside.
That didn't stop her from whispering while Regent was still ahead. "Do you know what's going on?"
Since I was in a good mood, I decided to humor the question.
"Yeah. Alec's working with a team now. He's probably concerned about how their resident Thinker will react to me."
Letting out an "oh", Cherie furrowed her brows. "I thought you had some immunity to Thinkers. What's so great about this guy?"
"That's what I hope to find out." I responded with mirth.
Interlude 2
Information and articles filled up the moderately sized laptop screen. It was covered in information regarding current events in the north east USA. Surface level, there were obvious connections between the pages. Like how they all involved cape activity. Or how it was all focused around villains.
There were also a few articles on the Slaughterhouse, but aside from articles from late December/early January, it didn't stand out. There were sticky notes attached to the top of the laptop, detailing the specific movement patterns of the S9 during that time. The group traveled very sporadically, without clear pattern, outside of when a particularly outstanding cape came out of the woodworks. But right around the beginning of January, the S9 stayed in Ohio for a very long time. In hindsight, it was very obvious they'd come across something that held their attention, but nobody could've predicted just what that 'something' was.
Fast forward a couple weeks later and a city is quarantined for a potential S-class threat. The entire city's populace was forced to walk nonstop for a week straight. It wasn't until Saturday 14th that the PRT moved in to get a hold of the situation. A good portion of the citizens had died of either dehydration, or exhaustion. The culprit was thought to be a Master. A Master that was either extremely powerful, or simply very patient and methodical. At least, that's what the media told. Digging through the PRT's database revealed just about the same thing, but with one difference that wasn't mentioned. There was one person who came out of the event completely unaffected by the master effect. Unfortunately, the boy had 'committed suicide' shortly after the PRT intervened.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, the villain couldn't help but bemoan the trail, or lack thereof. One moment, there's an S-class parahuman single handedly destroying the lives of thousands of people. The next and he's but dust in the wind.
Ordinarily, she wouldn't have spent her morning and soon to be noon working on such a project. But Coil called in and said he needed as much information on the cape ASAP. He obviously knew something and it was eternally frustrating to know she wouldn't find out any time soon.
Lisa rested her chin on her palm and glanced over the recent news on the Teeth. They were in utter shambles. Most of their non-powered members were slaughtered at the beginning of the week; a good portion of the capes were in custody; and there was no information regarding the Butcher, aside from an altercation with another villain.
The Thinker had theorized that this was caused by the mysterious S9 member, but reports state that the Butcher was seen fighting Ravager. The one who's regularly humiliated by Mouse Protector. Didn't explain much, but it removed some unknown variables.
Stepping away from the laptop, Lisa stretched her arms back and let out a soft sigh. 'I should grab something to eat. Stewing over a lack of information won't do me any good. And it's not like it's that important, regardless of what Coil says.'
Exiting her room, the villain made her way to the kitchen to see if there was anything good left over. The cool breeze of the refrigerator washed over her. 'Huh. Maybe we need to restock sooner than expected. Might as well pester Alec to do it since he's probably still loitering around the boardwalk.'
Just as she was reaching for her cell, there were several knocks. Four to be exact. And it came from the door downstairs. 'Huh. That must be Alec, but why would he-'
Doesn't normally knock. Chose to knock specifically knowing you'd notice it. Intentionally getting your attention. Is trying to warn you. Is somehow compromised.
"Ah- fuck!" Racing towards the stairs, Lisa got as close to the exit to the loft as she could without exposing herself. She strained her ears, trying to pick out as much information as possible.
Several footsteps. Three people. Based on steps and stride, each person is approximately the same height. None are particularly uncomfortable or hurried.
That… she couldn't work with just that. Alec was too emotionally stunted to tell if he was in any immediate danger. And the two others (who couldn't have been either of the two other Undersiders) were unusually confident.
Her phone buzzed. Flinching in shock, Lisa checked the stairway before pulling out the device. It was a call from Coil. 'Damnit. Talk about bad timing!'
Actively stopping herself from using her power, Lisa reluctantly hung up the call—instead texting Brian to let him know of the situation.
ME: base is compromised. dont come in until i say. let bitch know.
As important as Coil's calls were, there was a more immediate threat at hand.
The footsteps were louder. The intruders were close enough that she could make out voices. Lisa's eyes widened as she pressed herself against the wall, as close as she could get without revealing herself.
"-ook a while to get out, but once I got the upper hand, I left those two in the dust." A woman's voice. She was young, probably in her 20s.
Relaxed. Telling a story about the past to make a point. Mildly irritated. Pushing her irritation aside.
Cutting her power, Lisa tried to refocus on something else.
Has a slight accent. French-Canadian. Likely from Quebec. Vocal tone and accent qualities share similarities with Alec. Related. Grew up together. Left on poor terms. Has a grudge against Alec.
"So why aren't they still after you? It isn't like dad to leave it at that. I would know." Alec spoke up, responding to who Lisa surmised to be his sister. Or maybe half-sister, knowing Alec's family. Lisa grimaced at the thought.
Alec childishly gripped onto bother railings, pushing himself up the stairs. "Let me guess. Your… friend discouraged them?"
Friend refers to the third individual. Isn't related to the Heartbroken. Is likely to be a parahuman.
Stomping down on her power, Lisa backed away from the staircase. 'I appreciate it, I really do. But I could've figured that out myself.'
For a moment, Lisa considered leaving the loft and ditching Alec. It was certainly the smartest thing to do in this situation. There was a potentially unstable master and an unknown variable ascending the stairs with a compromised teammate. Chances were that this wouldn't lead to a net positive gain.
The third window from the bedroom hallway was the easiest to unlock in short notice. Only problem was the drop. The backdoor exit was too far away and simply hiding wouldn't work out.
Taking one last glance around the room, Lisa decided to face this situation head on. 'Alright. Let's try to get out of this in one piece.'
Alec was the first to step into the room. His eyes instantly landed on hers. He wore an apologetic smile.
Gave up without much fight. Was discovered in civilian guise. Knew you would still be at the base. Hopes you can salvage the situation.
'Great. Thanks a lot, Alec.'
Reading her expression, the boy just shrugged his shoulders and made his way to the kitchen counter. This revealed the first intruder.
She was barely a hair taller than Alec and shared many of his facial features. Long dark brown hair and a couple faded red streaks. Obviously dyed. Her gaze traveled across the room in mild surprise.
"Wow, nice place you got here." Her gaze finally landed on Lisa. "Let me guess, you're the Thinker?"
Knows that Alec is on a team. Knows that the team has a Thinker. Guessed you were the Thinker. Doesn't know about the Undersiders. Didn't learn this information from Alec.
Lisa's eye twitched; she covered it up with a smile. "You could say that. What brings you to our humble abode? Family reunion perhaps?"
Alec's sister's own smile tensed. Her look intensified as she opened her mouth-
"No need to be so high strung. We're here for lunch, remember?" The mysterious second individual revealed himself. The man was completely unremarkable.
Is hungry. Purchased the two pizza boxes from a local mom & pop restaurant. Cheese and Pepperoni. Personally would've chosen different toppings, but decided otherwise.
Her power provided her with completely useless information. Just as she was waving away the thoughts, the man's attention landed on her.
"So, you're Lisa, huh? Nice to meet you. I'm Morgan and this is Cherie." He introduced himself nonchalantly, his lips barely quirked into a smile. It was like there was a joke only he knew.
Knows your identity. Knows your power. Knows your background. Knows about the Undersiders. Knows about Coil. Morgan is a fake name. Is curious about you. Wants to see your power.
There was a sudden influx of information and Lisa was able to read him like a book. The apprehension and wariness disappeared, replaced by complete and utter dread.
She could feel the blood leave her face and her stomach drop. He looked at her expectantly, waiting for a response.
"Uh- yeah! Nice to meet you as well." Lisa crossed her arms and for the first time did she wish she was wearing that stupid mask.
His near imperceivable smile grew into a noticeable smirk. "Glad to see you reciprocate. Let me set these down and we can have some lunch.
Satisfied with reaction. Considering bringing you onto his team. Has a team. Thinks your reactions are funny. Wants you around to react.
Lisa didn't know what to make of that. His actions were too abnormal. She couldn't get a good grasp on his purpose or power. But he had to be some kind of Thinker, right?
Morgan walked away and set the pizzas down. Opening the box, he realized that he didn't have anything to put the slices on. "Hey, Alec. Mind grabbing some plates?"
The boy—who had just settled on the couch—rolled his eyes and stood up. "Whatever."
As Alec went to the kitchen, he eyed Lisa. Looking at her face, then motioning at his wrist, he pointed out a black watch.
Catching his intention, Lisa subtly focused on the watch.
Watch was provided by Morgan. Stolen. Made in 2009. Minute hand is broken.
By all accounts, it was a normal watch. But it was important somehow. Can't be a message from Alec- it was given by the strange cape. Her power would've let her know if it was Tinker tech. Some kind of power based item? Trump ability?
Normal watch.
'No use.' The Thinker internally frowned. 'Just what is his angle?'
"Thank you." The stranger took the plates from Alec and distributed them to Cherie and then herself. After that he grabbed a slice of pepperoni and took a seat.
Cherie followed shortly after. Lisa turned her attention back on the Master.
Wonders what is going on. Doesn't know what Morgan wants to do. Waiting for the shoe to drop. Anticipating something interesting to happen. Looking forward to the fallout.
It was worse than she feared. This Morgan guy was some kind of wildcard. So much so that she could barely work with anything her power gave her. Lisa preferred to be more prepared when probing for information, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
"What brings you to this part of town, Morgan. I can't imagine this was purely coincidence." Lisa spared her pizza slice a wary glance whilst waiting for the parahuman to respond.
He was mid chew when the question was asked. He held up his palm. "Sorry, one second." He proceeded to take ten seconds to finish chewing and swallow.
"You're right, this isn't a coincidental visit. As much as I've been looking forward to this, I have more immediate concerns. Your boss, for instance."
Lisa could see Alec focus on her from her peripheral. Ignoring him, the Thinker gave the stranger a shrug. "Not sure how I could help you with that. You probably know most of what I could tell you."
Morgan nodded, taking another bite.
Knows about Coil. Knows his personality. Aware of his short term and long term plans. Knows his identity and power. Wants him dealt with. Sees your cooperation as the most profitable way of removing Coil.
'His attitude notwithstanding, this guy might not be so bad after all…' She was still apprehensive, of course. But it wasn't often that such an opportunity showed itself. If Lisa could figure out what his resources were. He has a team of sorts. A team of capes?
"So you want my help. How exactly would I be helping you and what's in it for me?" It was unfortunate, but Lisa wasn't finding anything to leverage over Morgan. He was just as easy to read as anyone else, but nothing exploitable came up. Maybe that was his power? An anti-Thinker ability?
"You'd be helping with the fallout. I can find and incapacitate Coil easily enough. But if I want to maintain any of his assets, I'd need someone with the abilities to do that. You and your team would naturally receive a portion of this." The strange parahuman answered her question—motioning with his hands as he explained.
Telling the truth. Already has a way into Coil's base. Has a plan to subvert Coil's power. Needs your assistance to deal with Coil's contingencies. Willing to part with resources. Interested in the base itself. Not concerned with money. Not concerned with Undersiders. Interested in you.
A small migraine began to make itself known to the Thinker. She cut off her power, knowing it would be wise to conserve it for later. She smirked, having caught something at the last second, masking her shiver. "What's the catch?"
Cherie suddenly started grinning when Lisa asked that question. She tried to ignore it, but warning bells started to sound at the Master's reaction.
"I'm working with a group known as the Travelers. They have a cape in need of medical assistance and I think your power would make the whole situation a lot more manageable." The stranger was looking straight into her eyes as he said that. The more she gazed back, the odder his eyes seemed.
'Right. I might've heard of the Travelers. I think the PRT archives had some notes on them. Had about five capes if I recall correctly.'
Has been working with the Travelers for a day. Sees their powers as useful. Helping them doesn't conflict with his plans.
Lisa paused for a moment. 'Plans? I guess that makes sense. He wouldn't want Coil's base just because. Is it the staging point for something far bigger?'
Gathering capes to help with his plans. Doesn't need the help, but thinks the extra work is interesting. Doesn't want to be too bored.
As riveting as that all was, it was probably best that she focused on the immediate future for the time being.
"That's… fine. Not sure how much my input would help with this medical procedure, but I can agree with that. Is that all? Because if so, I'd like to discuss this with the rest of the team." This was different to say the least. Coil was nearly impossible to read most of the time, yet she glimpsed a lot more than what he was likely comfortable with. This guy, on the other hand, didn't hide anything but still revealed so little.
Morgan nodded. "S'all good. Feel free to bring in the rest of the Undersiders."
Before pulling out her phone, Lisa decided to give one last glimpse at Morgan with her power. Something about his eyes was unsettling her, but she couldn't place her finger on what it was.
Has 20/20 vision. Right eye dominant. Left eye is slightly more hazel than the right. Nearly invisible scars around the eyes. Likely healed by power related means.
Blinking, Morgan tilted his head slightly to the left. "Something the matter?"
The strange parahuman seemed almost confused.
'This- this could be my chance! I just need to ask.'
"Nothing really. I was just wondering about your eyes. I don't think I've ever seen heterochromia quite like it." Lisa casually pointed at Morgan with her plate.
The man's eyebrows raised slightly, recognition playing across his features. "Oh, I'm surprised you noticed that; you're the first to mention it. Although, you're a bit mistaken. I don't have heterochromia..."
He stopped, a thought popping up in his mind. "You ever seen Castle in the Sky? Reenacting Mark Hamill's death at the end of the film was not pleasant, to say the least."
'Huh? What does that mean-'
Does not have the genetic disorder 'heterochromia'. Eyes are not natural. Scarring around eyes should have led to blindness. Scars indicate that he healed naturally. Scars were caused by glass cuts. Glass exploded into his eyes. Used to wear glasses. Eyes were not healed. Eyes were replaced. Not his eyes. Glass explosion unnatural. Caused by cape. Replacement of eyes unnatural. Caused by cape. Glass explosion deliberate. Cape controls glass. Eyes replaced methodically. Cape is Biotinker. Connected to powerful capes. Powerful capes related to Slaughterhouse. Harmed and healed by Shatterbird and Bonesaw respectively. Related to S9.
Stumbling back, Lisa hit her head against the floor as she tripped over a chair. The ceramic plate smashed into pieces. Her eyes never left the stranger. Morgan jumped in his seat at the occurrence.
Looking for Coil. Started looking for Coil this morning. Coil started looking for mysterious cape this morning. Coil is looking for Morgan. Morgan is a member of the S9.
"Lisa…?" Alec stood from his seat, exuding the barest amount of worry.
His sister had this unbearable smirk as she looked down on Lisa. Her face screamed of derision.
He stood there scratching the side of his head, mouth slightly hanging. "Oh man, that's uh- kind of embarrassing. I'll be honest, I thought you knew from the start. I guess I overestimated your ability, my bad."
Stepping forward, the parahuman towered over Lisa's prone form. "I should properly introduce myself. Nice to meet you Tattletale. I am Stranger than Fiction. Your new employer."
A/N: Wrote the previous chapter a while ago and forgot to post it.
