Disclaimer: I own nothing

Warning: Very, very brief mention of homophobia but the jerk gets what's coming to him.


Beca awoke and was shocked to find that she was in her own bedroom. She tried to sit up but the pain that flared up in her shoulder and leg convinced her otherwise and she lay back down and waited for the nanites to do their thing. She remembered being attacked by some crazy person who had nanites just like she did, and then she remembered that he had known her name.

"Hey kiddo, how you feeling?" Dr. Conrad walked into her room holding a takeout bag from Taco Bell. Beca just shrugged, she wasn't feeling particularly great since the guy tore through her defenses like they were nothing. Plus someone had betrayed her.

"He knew my name doc. How the hell does he know my name?" Beca asked. She watched Abigail's face shift through about five different emotions ranging from guilt to anger. "What are you not telling me?

Dr. Conrad looked like she was about to flee but then Stacie walked through the door and glared at her mother. "Oh no, you're not going anywhere. We need answers and we're going to get them."

"We shouldn't be talking about this now because Beca needs her rest." The doctor made one more attempt to leave but Stacie blocked the door.

"To hell with rest I need to know what's going on!" Beca was barely containing her anger. If it wasn't for the fact that this woman gave her life back to her she would have been yelling her head off. "You told me I needed to have a plan when going into a dangerous situation. Well how the hell am I supposed to do that if I don't have all the information."

Dr. Conrad let out a defeated sigh and took a seat on the edge of the bed. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, running her hands through her brown locks. She lifted her head and looked at the two angry teenagers before her. She briefly wondered how she found herself in this role reversal before speaking.

"Ten years ago I was working with the military on a way to help injured soldiers and keep active combatants safe while in the field." She looked up to see the shocked looks on the girls faces but the can had already been opened so she might as well scoop out the worms. "I was selected because of my expertise in micro-robotics and bio-engineering. After the first week I realized that the research team wasn't really interested in helping injured vets." She let out a shaky breath, this conversation was bringing up a lot of bad memories but she knew she needed to come clean. "Once I figured that out I started digging. After hacking into the mainframe I discovered a secret initiative that our research was really supporting. Operation Maelstrom."

Dr. Conrad stood up and started pacing in front of the bed. "It was a super soldier program. When I found out I was furious and left the program, I wasn't there to create weapons, I just wanted to honor the heroes who fought for our country." Stacie moved forward and hugged her mother, no one deserved to be tricked like that. "A year later John came home from the hospital looking defeated. One of the kids he was working with had been diagnosed with brain cancer and John, being the man he was, took the diagnosis to heart."

Beca shot a confused look to Stacie and the taller girl explained. "Dad was a pediatrician, he specialized in childhood cancer."

Dr. Conrad smiled at the memory of her late husband. "It was one of the reasons I fell in love with him. He always treated his patients like they were his own kids and he fought with everything he had." She let out a shaky breath. "He told me the kid was an orphan, scared out of his mind and didn't really know what was going on. He also said that there was nothing left that he could do and the kid had maybe a month left to live." She sat back on the bed with Stacie and she pulled her daughter into a tight hug.

She continued, "He just looked so distraught when he talked about Mikey, the kids name, that I wanted to try and help. I remembered the Operation Maelstrom file I had lifted and thought that with a few tweaks I could make the nanobots target the cancerous cells and repair any damage the brain had endured. After a few tests I was shocked at how well it was working and brought my results to John. He then brought my findings to his colleague...Dr. Tennant." Beca's eyes widened when she heard the name. It was then that she remembered the conversation she had overheard while in the hospital.

"It didn't go well, did it?" Beca asked but Dr. Conrad shook her head.

"The thing is it did work. Once the implants were installed Mikey showed significant improvement and after three months the cancer was gone." Abigail paused and looked Beca in the eye. "But somehow word got out and one day military police showed up and just took Mikey, claiming he was government property." She reached up and whipped away a few stray tears. "Dr. Tennant was furious and demanded to go with Mikey but we never got any other information. About a month later an old buddy of mine from the program informed me that Mikey had died of a brain aneurysm caused by a malfunction in the programming of the control chip." Beca reached up and ran her fingers across the small scar that was hidden by her hair. "He was only nine years old." Dr. Conrad let out a sob and Stacie pulled her mother in for a tighter hug."

"I'm sorry that happened to Mikey but none of this explains how this mystery man knows who I am." Beca hated saying it since it made her sound conceited but there were still unanswered questions.

Abigail nodded but looked at Beca with the same confusion Beca felt. "But that's the thing you should be the only person on the planet with the nanite implant. After Mikey died I hacked into the mainframe and destroyed all the files and schematics on Operation Maelstrom there should be nothing left." She lowered her head and thought for a minute to gather her thoughts. "As for how he knows who you are, it's a public record of what happened to you and your parents. Obviously your medical files and anything that happened in the hospital is protected by doctor patient confidentiality. But the only way someone could connect you to the Avalon identity is if they knew about my work. It wouldn't take a genius to connect you moving in with us and the appearance of Avalon, especially if they knew who I am."

Beca nodded her head, the only way for someone to discover her secret is if they knew both sides of the puzzle. "Maybe the government restarted the program or everything wasn't deleted when you tried to destroy everything." Abigail nodded and Beca continued. "But that doesn't explain him trying to claim what was rightfully his."

"Maybe he needs your control chip." Stacie said. The other two looked at her and she continued. "Think about it, mom you said that Mikey died due to a malfunction in the code of his chip right?" Dr. Conrad nodded and Stace kept the ball rolling. "So if they are using the same software as Mikey then it's outdated. Beca meanwhile has the new stuff, the code in Beca's chip has my personal touch to it so it doesn't have the same problem."

"You designed my chip?" Stacie nodded and Beca gave her a grateful smile. "I guess that would explain why he kept grabbing my neck." The three sat in silence before Beca asked her next question. "Why me?"

"What?"

"Why after nearly a decade did you decide to help me of all people? I'm a nobody." Beca asked.

Stacie glared at her, "Beca you are not a nobody."

Beca rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant. You two didn't know me, you had no obligation to help so why did you?" The two teenagers watched as Dr. Conrad's face turned bright pink and turned her head away from them.

Stacie raised an eyebrow, "Mom?"

"Uh, Dave might have mentioned your case over coffee." She barely managed to mutter out.

Beca smirked while Stacie's eyebrows migrated to her hairline. "YOU'RE DATING AGAIN AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME!"

"It wasn't a date! It was just coffee to catch up." Abigail was looking more and more flustered.

"Mom, that's a date, you went on a date! How did I not know about this? Oh my gosh I'm so happy for you!" Stacie practically tackled her mother onto the bed with her hug.

"Wait, you're not made?"

"Mom, Dad died eight years ago," Stacie stated. "And while I miss him you deserve to be happy. Especially if it's with a cute doctor." The older Conrad's face went from pink to beat red.

"Um, while I'm happy for you doc we kind of got off topic," Beca interjected. "What are we supposed to do about this crazy Maelstrom guy?"

Dr. Conrad sighed as she went over their options in her head. "I don't think there's anything we can do. If he already knows who you are then he knows about us so we need to be extra careful," She said. "I hate to say it but I think you need to distance yourself from everyone except for us." Beca was about to object but Abigail cut her off. "It's to protect them. We don't want this psycho going after innocent civilians."

Stacie didn't look too happy about that idea but Beca could understand the reasoning behind it. Stacie went to protest but Beca spoke up before she could, "It makes sense, Stace, I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me."

"But what about a cappella tryouts? Amy talked to me during last period and said that she, CR and Denice were all going to sign up."

"I have to think about priorities, putting you guys in danger just so I can sing and dance would be incredibly selfish." Beca wasn't exactly thrilled since she had been looking forward to spending time with a certain redhead but there was no way Beca would put them in danger.

"What about Chloe?" Stacie asked.

"What about her? She clearly has her hands full with Tom. I doubt she even remembers me by the end of the week."


Avoiding her friends works relatively well. Amy was used to Beca being distant and really she was the only one even remotely close enough to recognize anything wrong. This actually works to Beca's benefit as she uses the time that she would usually use to hang out with Amy as training with Lilly. She won't admit it but Beca is rather ashamed that Maelstrom was able to overpower her so easily. So once manages to keep up with Lilly in hand to hand the quiet girl introduces Beca to a variety of weapons she can mimic with her nanites. Everyday after school Lilly puts Beca through a gauntlet of tests so that Beca can learn as much as she can is as short amount of time possible. After about three weeks Beca managed to learn the basics of fighting with a sword, spear and whips. She also learned to manipulate the nanites to a much higher degree, able to produce different sized shields and have them work as an extension of her body. She also continues her work as Avalon, keeping the city safe as best she can. When Stacie and her mom objected, Beca made the point that people still needed her help and that she wasn't about to let some masked psycho keep her from doing her job.

The only problem with trying to distance herself was that Chloe wasn't having any of it. After about a week of trying to avoid the redhead Chloe began to pester Beca about why she was avoiding her. Beca tried to come up with excuses but Chloe tore them all to shreds. What was worse was that Tom had started pestering Beca more and more when Chloe wasn't looking.

It used to be that Beca gave as good as she got but ever since she started hero work she felt obligated to take the high road and avoid her long time bully. This only worked to a certain point as Tom and his goons had a network of spies around the school, mostly other kids they harassed, and could find her anywhere she went. This continued without Chloe noticing until one day.

Beca was walking down the hall to her locker when someone rammed into her shoulder causing her to fall to the floor. "Watch where you're going, dyke!" Beca looked up to see Tom and two of his buddies standing over her with evil grins on their faces. Beca tried to ignore them and stand up but just as she got to her feet Tom knocked the book she was carrying out of her hand. Beca let out a low growl which didn't help since the jerks heard her and started mocking it.

"Oh what you gonna do about it Mitchell, there's nothing your scrawny ass could do to me." Tom sneered. Beca had to force herself to calm down as her mind automatically locked on to the sensitive pressure points and easily broken bones that Lilly had taught her to target first. When Tom shoved her again she was about to retaliate when she was stopped by a voice coming from down the hall.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Chloe was making her way towards them and Beca watched as the color drained from Tom's face. She couldn't blame him, Beca had faced muggers and gang members but none of them had been as terrifying as an angry ginger. "Tom, what are you doing to Beca?"

"Nothing babe she bumped into me."

"Bullshit I just saw you push her and don't you dare call me babe." Chloe was practically seething and Beca had to admit, it was kinda hot.

"So what, she's just some loser dyke, why do you care?" Tom realized his mistake too late as Chloe went from fuming to full on rage. She raised her hand and slapped Tom across the face. "She is my friend. Something you can no longer claim to be, asshole." Chloe moved past him to help Beca up from the floor.

When her back was turned Tom reached out and grabbed her wrist. "No one refuses me. It's about time you learned that Chloe." Tom raised his hand to slap her but before he could he felt a vice like grip on the arm that was still grabbing Chloe. He looked over to see Beca glaring at him, her eyes burning with a cold fury.

"Let her go or I will break your wrist." Beca spoke with such icy confidence that Tom's two goons backed off immediately. Tom just scoffed but when Beca's grip somehow grew tighter he let out a pained curse and let go of Chloe. "You will walk away, you will never touch Chloe again, and if I ever even see you look at her I will be back. Do you understand?" When she didn't get an answer right away she squeezed until she heard something pop. "I asked, do you understand?" Tom finally nodded and Beca released his arm. "Good now run along like the good little coward you are." Tom scurried off nursing his injured arm and pride. Beca turned to a very stunned Chloe who was looking between Beca and the retreating form of Tom.

"Are you okay?" Chloe barely registered the question as she faced the tiny brunette.

"Uh, ya I'm fine. Are you okay?" Beca just shrugged. Leave it to Chloe to be more concerned about others.

"I'll be alright, isn't the first time that's happened." Chloe's eyes widened at Beca's statement.

"What do you mean this isn't the first time? Beca why haven't you gone to the principal?"

Beca scoffed, "Principal Smith is a misogynistic asshole and an idiot. Plus Tom is the star quarterback he wouldn't get anything more than a slap on the wrist."

"What about Vice Principal McKadden? She doesn't seem like someone who would put up with this."

"McKadden's too busy doing Smith's job to deal with it." It was sad but true, most of the students were hoping Smith got fired and McKadden could take over. Beca just shrugged and tried to change the topic. "What are you even doing here Beale? Isn't your locker on the other side of the building?"

It didn't look like Chloe was going to drop the subject but Beca got lucky since Chloe was on a time crunch. "I came to get you for auditions, they start in like five minutes." She reached out and grabbed Beca's hand, intertwining their fingers.

"Uh ya about that, I don't really think that's a good idea." Beca scratched the back of her neck and tried to focus on anything other than how Chloe's hand seemed custom made to fit in hers.

"Beca Mitchell you promised that you would audition with me? And since I've barely seen you this month I think you owe me." Chloe turned and gave Beca her best puppy dog pout and Beca caved almost immediately.

'Damn those baby blues,' Beca thought as she groaned. "Fine."

Chloe immediately pulled Beca into a hug and gave her a peck on the cheek. Beca was fairly certain she could feel her heart pewter out for a second before it went into overdrive. Before she knew it Chloe had dragged her to the auditorium where she could see several people mulling around waiting for auditions to start.

"Shawshank! What are you doing here?" Amy suddenly appeared behind Beca causing the brunette to jump. Then Amy noticed that Chloe's hand had a firm grip on Beca's and she gave her friend a sly wink. Or she tried to but she ended up using the wrong eye and Chloe giggled. "Nevermind, no explanation needed."Amy moved past them before Beca could protest and Chloe just pulled Beca in for another hug.

"I'm glad you're here."

"Not like you gave me much choice." Beca tried to gather up some sort of resentment but one look in Chloe's eyes made it impossible.

"Mitchell. Didn't expect you to be here." Beca turned to see that Aubrey and Stacie had made their way over to the pair. Aubrey was looking rather confused and Stacie was giving Beca the smuggest grin that anyone had ever given.

"I talked her into it, You got to hear her sing Bree her voice is amazing," Chloe was practically jumping for joy. In fact she was actually bouncing on her toes meanwhile Beca was trying her best not to look too much like a tomato.

"Um, where's Mrs. Howard I thought this was her thing," Beca asked while looking around for the teacher.

"She had a meeting and asked me to fill in since I'm the captain." Aubrey said. Beca wasn't too sure how she felt about that. While she and Aubrey had never really been at odds the blonde always seemed to rub Beca the wrong way. However, if Stacie wrapping an arm around Aubrey's shoulders was anything to go by, the blonde had loosened up considerably. "You two might want to head towards the stage, we're about to start."

Beca and Chloe walked over and waited with the rest of the hopefuls. Beca noticed Chloe rubbing her throat with her hand and asked what was wrong.

"Oh nothing, my throat's just a little sore."

"Do you want me to get you some water?"

"Don't worry about it Beca I wouldn't want you to miss auditions." But Beca was already gone in search of a water bottle for Chloe. When she didn't find one she left the auditorium and made her way to a vending machine. By the time she returned most of the people had already gone and Beca realized she really wasn't prepared for this. She had never heard of the song that everyone was singing and before she knew it her name was being called.

"Um, I didn't know we had to prepare that song." She said rather nervously.

Stacie piped up before Aubrey could say anything, "That's okay Beca just sing whatever."

Beca reached for the cup sitting in front of Stacie and started with a beat using the cup as a drum.

~I got my ticket for the long way round~

~Two bottle O'whiskey for the way~

She looked into the crowd and saw Chloe beaming at her. Beca had sung this song for her before she was attacked and Beca could see Chloe singing along with her.

~And I sure would like some sweet company~

~And I'm leavin' tomorrow, what do you say~

Feeling a little bold, Beca sent Chloe a wink and was surprised when the redhead blushed a little and gave her a shy smile. Beca was pretty sure Chloe had never been shy a day before in her life.

When I'm gone~

~When I'm gone~

~You're gonna miss me when I'm gone~

~You're gonna miss me by my hair~

~You're gonna miss me everywhere,

~oh I know You're gonna miss me when I'm gone~

Beca stopped the song and looked up to see Stacie lean over and whisper something in Aubrey's ear. Based on Aubrey's red face she guessed it was something rather inappropriate but the blond just nodded and signaled for Beca to leave the stage. Beca made her way to the bleachers and was blind sided by a flurry of red.

"Beca that was sooooo good! See aren't you glad you decided to audition." Chloe's enthusiasm was threatening to boil over and Beca couldn't help but smile.

"Whatever you say Beale." Beca was stopped from any other sarcastic comments when Chloe planted another kiss on her cheek.

"You can act all grumpy if you want but I'm glad you're here." And gosh darn it if Beca didn't crumble under the complete honesty that came from Chloe.

"I'm glad you're here too Chlo."


So I didn't really follow the prompt very well. If you squint you could say that Chloe "broke up" with Tom and "made up" with Beca but in my mind Chloe and Tom were never really a thing.

Also I'm trying to put more Chloe in this story since this is infact a BeChloe story and I realized that there has been very little of our favorite redhead.

Also, also I don't know when FanFiction will have this up but at the time of me clicking the post button I still had time on the clock so technically I'm not late.

Also, also, also, thanks to RJRMovieFan for the supervillian name.